I'm looking to upgrade my audio interface, I'm currently using an Avid Mbox 3, any suggestions?...what do you use and how do you like it? I'm looking to stay in the $200-$400 range

 

ill sell you my Apogee Ensemble Firewire interface for 300

 

find any used MOTU interface, the ultralite mk3 usb/firewire hybrid has tons of ins/out, dsp, phone app control, etc. can snag one on offerup for under 200 and you'd be hard pressed to find a better value. Upgraded to the UAD apollo X and wasn't a groundbreaking difference.

 

Honestly, audio interface is one of the most important things in the setup, maybe wait a bit, gather some more cash and buy something like RME. Their interfaces and drivers are praised among people.

 

How does everyone feel about Audient? I was thinking about the ID 14

 

These are within your budget. The USB-C items also work with USB 2.0 (USB A connector). Most come with an additional USB-C to A cable.

Presonus ioStation 24c

Solid State Logic SSL2+ USB Audio Interface

Steinberg UR-RT2 USB Audio Interface with 2 Rupert Neve Transformers

TASCAM US-4x4HR USB Audio Interface

 

Motu M4. Best in class DAC. Ultra low noise pre-amps. USB-C. Costs 260 euros.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/motu-m4-m2

 

I would avoid Steinberg / Yamaha . I had a very bad experience with and I88x. They did not update the drivers for win 7 so I was SOL on using it further. I went Focusrite pro 40. Is it the best maybe not, have they supported win 7 and now win 10 with drivers yes.
It has not done anything but work for me. No issues at all. average latency 5 ms firewire. 48 192 buffer.

 

MOTU drivers S*CKS !
See how many ppl get troubles with them, only few years after release.
MOTU never update their drivers.

RME or Focusrite for affordable audio cards that don't s*ck few years after release

 

That was my first interface, best value for money in this price range esp. the amps and headphone output. But no Midi and too few inputs so I had to upgrade. My advice: save money and move to UAD as soon as you can, it's another league.

 

Last edited: Dec 12, 2020

Joe, I think FrequencyModulation has given the best advice so far. Based on the interface you have now, if you purchase an interface in the 200-400 range 90+% of that money spent will be attributed to a compatibility upgrade rather than a quality upgrade. It's worth toughing it out a little longer so you can at least shop in the next tier up (600-800). RME Babyface, Apollo Twin, Quantum 2626, etc. are in that range. Just because alot of bedroom producers praise those interfaces doesn't mean they suck. And look out for Apogee to release something in place of the Element interfaces that were in that range as well.

 

I second the MOTU M4. Great SNR, LCD display. I can't attest to the driver quality after a few years though as I haven't been using it for that long. I'd like to eventually get an Apollo interface but they're super expensive.

 

What a great phrasing for this conclusion, but I agree.

 

Sorry, we have to cross out either the 'D' of LCD or 'display' completely because the 'D' already stands for Display.

 

I’m using Audient id14 now, never had a problem: solid drivers and really great preamps (it has a D.I. input also).
Cons: id14 is somewhat limited in features, just 2 in/out (3/4 outs are the headphones), no smartphone app drivers, no DSP.

For same price range now there is EVO from Audient, seems interesting, never tried.
If you need good preamp AND advanced features I’m afraid you have to double the budget ($800 and up)

 

Last edited by a moderator: Dec 12, 2020