Unlike our other picks, the Komplete Audio 6 includes latching XLR input jacks, which require you to push a small tab on the jack to release the mic cable. After our session, I exported the recordings from each interface as WAV files and sent them to a group of Wirecutter AV staffers to evaluate their overall sound quality. If you have MIDI-compatible controllers and dont want to use proprietary studio applications, then the open-source community can provide you with plenty of options. We also couldn’t get the interface to work with GarageBand on our test iPad—the tabet would recognize the interface but couldn’t tell when audio was coming through. Unlike every other interface we tested, the Komplete Audio 6 separates the lights from all their related knobs. We did not test any interfaces that connect via Thunderbolt or USB-C ports. Traditional serial and joystick jacks were used before the advent of USB technology, so external cards are needed to support this standard because many of these types of jacks were getting phased out at the time. Wirecutter is reader-supported. The 2i2 features an intuitive design in a lightweight package that can connect to any computer or iPad. The interface specification provides 16 individual channels that can each be routed to an individual component if the composer wants. This design might make sense when used with the recorders that Zoom makes, but we found it a little frustrating. We also don’t love that Windows users will need to install separate drivers to actually use the interface with their setup. You’ll also be able to record instruments that use ¼-inch inputs, like electric guitars, by plugging them directly into the interface—rather than placing a USB microphone in front of an amp. Each measured flat, corroborating our assertion that there were no obvious sonic differences between the different interfaces. Traditional standard input jacks can also transmit a recording without needing a separate CPU. USB audio driver in USB Audio Player/Recorder PRO and Audio Evolution Mobile. If you’re a musician who’s starting to get serious about recording your work yourself, you need a USB audio interface that lets you connect any microphone to a computer or iPad and record multiple tracks at once. Studio 192 and Studio 192 Mobile Owner's Manual 11.8 MB PDF . Computer scientists devised a method for transporting MIDI information over USB lines in 1998. Take your sound system to the next level. On several occasions I found myself adjusting the wrong knob. Due to its logically arranged inputs and adjustment knobs, the 2i2 is easy to set up and use to record vocals and acoustic or electric instruments to any digital audio workstation. Introduction. We plan to test the Komplete Audio 2 soon. If you have a lot of instruments that plug-in via five-pin MIDI connections and don’t already have a MIDI-to-USB interface, this is a necessary feature. Other than the layout, the main difference between the iTwo and the 2i2 is the iTwo’s MIDI interface. In Europe's biggest music store you'll find a huge range of instruments as well as studio-, light-and sound technology.We have the most popular brands, low-priced alternatives, and many free extras for musicians. A sound card (also known as an audio card) is an internal expansion card that provides input and output of audio signals to and from a computer under control of computer programs.The term sound card is also applied to external audio interfaces used for professional audio applications.. Sound functionality can also be … Each input is directly next to its corresponding gain knob, which means you’ll never make the mistake of turning up the signal on the wrong input and ruining a take. These are all licensed under GNU GPL documents: Player pianos used to use actual paper scrolls riddled with holes to reproduce music automatically. All the interfaces we tested have a standard USB Type-B connection, and the package includes a cable with Type-B on one end and the common computer-style Type-A on the other. To switch between recording a line instrument and a microphone on each input, you just push the button labeled with an electric guitar. Sequences can now handle clock signals to set and synchronize the tempo between multiple controllers, provide vibrato effects, and even produce theatrical … Priced lower than $50, the Behringer U-Phoria UM2 seemed an almost-too-good-to-be-true budget option, providing both mic and instrument inputs. It also has a unique design that places all of its monitor lights on top, making it a little easier to see all the information you need to adjust the interface than it is with other interfaces. At almost two pounds, the entire console weighs a little bit more than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or the PreSonus Audio Box iTwo. This is the gear we’ve found that makes working from home easy and productive. If you’ve just started recording or producing music, you might not need an audio interface. A USB audio interface gives you the flexibility to record multiple tracks at once using practically any microphone available. It has the same iPad functionality and portability as the 2i2, but its smaller clipping lights and less-intuitive front-panel design make it a little harder to use. Not only are you restricted to using USB microphones (which tend to have trouble recording instruments and vocals clearly), but you’re limited to capturing one track at a time. If the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is unavailable, or if you need something with a built-in MIDI interface, the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is a great alternative. MIDI interface technology is a perfect way to produce any kind of music, from baroque to techno. 418 … The 2i2 lacks a built-in MIDI interface, but unless you have a lot of older MIDI instruments lying around, this shouldn’t be a big issue. If you have a large collection of older MIDI instruments, consider the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo. However, since it weighs almost two and a half pounds and comes in a box that couldn’t easily fit in a backpack or suitcase, it’s harder to travel with than the Focusrite 2i2 or PreSonus AudioBox iTwo. This offers you a lot of flexibility in how you want to use the interface with an iPad, as long as you have the right adapters. The interface works with iOS, macOS, and Windows devices and comes with versions of popular recording software. The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 has all the features we like on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, including clear clipping lights, macOS, Windows, iOS support, and powerful microphone preamps, but it adds a built-in MIDI interface and two extra balanced line inputs and outputs. Musical instrument digital interface (MIDI) is an established technical standard that describes a specific communications protocol for musical equipment. You can either use this adapter with a powered USB hub or this one with any USB power adapter you have around. Daniel Varghese is a Wirecutter associate staff writer who covers the AV and smart-home categories. Audiophile 24-Bit/192 kHz resolution for professional audio quality ... Presonus Audiobox 22VSL Alesis i02 Express Mackie Onyx Blackjack Behringer Uphoria um2 ... other options in the sub-$400 range – beyond that I’d step up to a bigger 8-preamp unit. Apollo x6 allows music producers and post-production studios to track, overdub, and mix with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion, HEXA Core UAD plug-in processing, Dual-Crystal clocking, and 5.1 surround sound monitoring — all in a sleek rackmount Thunderbolt 3 audio interface for Mac or Windows. These extra features also make it heavier than we’d like, but if you plan to mostly use it in your home studio and could use the extra inputs, it’s a great upgrade. This was one of the best implementations of the vital clip light of all the interfaces we tested, where in other devices the light was small or hard to see. Since its box is pretty small and easy to pack, you probably won’t need to get a separate carrying case. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 In 2 Out USB Audio Interface 3rd Generation, Home Recording Scarlett 2i2 3G MIDI USB Studio Bundle Package w Software, Akai, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen 2x2 USB Audio Interface Bundle, Home Recording Scarlett Solo MIDI USB Studio Bundle Package w Software, Akai MPK, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen 2-In, 2-Out USB Audio Interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen 2x2 Interface with Headphones and 2 XLR Cables, JBL 306P MkII 6.5" Powered Studio Monitor Speakers Pair w Scarlett 2i2 3G Inter, Focusrite SCARLETT-SOLO-3G Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Pro Audio Interface, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen. USB Audio Interface, Rode Rodecaster Pro Podcast Production Studio, M-Audio M-track Solo USB Audio Interface for Recording Streaming and Podcast, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Generation USB Recording Pack, Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface and Recording Bundle, Rode RODECaster Pro Integrated Podcast Production Studio, M-Audio AIR Hub USB Monitoring Interface with Built-In 3-Port Hub, Home Podcast Live Stream Vocal Recording Pack Mackie Speakers & Mic Desk Stand, Mackie Studio Bundle CR3-X Monitors Microphones Audio Recording Interface w Sta, Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB 10-In/4-Out Studio Recording Audio Interface, Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB 18-In/8-Out Studio Recording Audio Interface, Steinberg UR12 2x2 USB Audio Interface Home Recording Bundle w Monitors & Mic, Native Instruments KOMPLETE AUDIO 1 USB Audio Interface, PreSonus AUDIOBOX USB 96 2 Channel Audio Interface, Behringer UMC1820 U-PHORIA 8 Channel Audio/MIDI Interface, Audient ID14 USB Audio Interface - Silver, Ableton Push 2 87565 Controller Instrument, BEHRINGER X-Touch Mini Ultra-Compact Universal USB Controller - Black, Mackie Big Knob Passive 2x2 Studio Monitor Controller, Costume, Occasion & Specialized Clothing, Shoes & Accessories, Virtual Reality Headsets, Parts & Accessories, Sports Memorabilia, Fan Shop & Sports Cards, Slide {current_page} of {total_pages} - You May Also Like, Avid Artist Control Audio/MIDI Interfaces, Native Instruments Maschine MK2 Audio/MIDI Interfaces, Pro Tools Hd Accel PCIe Audio/MIDI Interfaces, Rack Mount Recorder In Audio/Midi Interfaces. Its unique design, which places all of its monitor lights on the top panel, makes it a little easier to set up and use than the other interfaces we tested. It’s fantastic for small studio setups and for a mobile rig. Studio and Recording Equipment at Europe's largest retailer of musical instruments - fast delivery, 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee and 3-year Thomann warranty Served with love! That said, at least it’s located toward the top and all the way to one side—several interfaces we tested required you to feel around the back for a small slider somewhere in the middle. If you don’t already have a digital audio workstation that you like, the Scarlett 2i2 comes with slightly downgraded versions of two very powerful DAWs: Ableton Live Lite (which limits you to recording only up to eight tracks) and ProTools First (which only lets you record up to 16 tracks). I also made sure that each interface would function with an older iPad, provided you purchase the correct adapters. However, its build quality is poor. The built-in microphone preamps provide power for condenser mics, and the software interface is compatible with macOS, Windows, and iOS. We tested nine audio interfaces and found that they all record clear audio, but the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 offers the best combination of features, portability, and ease of use. These interfaces are ideal for the beginner: They are small and easily portable, and they don’t require power beyond what’s provided by the USB connection on your computer. It has the same iOS, macOS, and Windows functionality and portability as the 2i2, and its preamps have enough power to support condenser mics. While JavaScript libraries and portable converter boxes have replaced paper scrolls, the technique used to write them is the same. MIDI interface equipment allows different electronic musical instruments and computer peripherals to communicate with one another. There was no consistent agreement among our panelists as to which interface recording sounded the best, and our pink-noise tests corroborated the lack of difference between interfaces. The group included senior writers Lauren Dragan and Chris Heinonen, editors Adrienne Maxwell and Geoff Morrison, and contributor Brent Butterworth. If you wanted to record yourself singing and playing the guitar at the same time, which might result in a more natural-sounding recording, you’d be unable to edit each source independently. The only thing it doesn’t do is keep you from heading to the kitchen. And we appreciated how, like the Focusrite 2i2, the AudioBox iTwo places its phantom power button prominently on the front of the interface. The arrangement of inputs and knobs on the Scarlett 2i2 is simple and intuitive.