I have a M.F. coupon that expires today and need an interface for my iPad . . . I've narrowed down to these two in the u$250 range. Any thoughts? Any other options for that price that may have better converters?
Thanks!!

 

This one has very good converters. Invest your money here: Audient iD4mk2, you won't regret it.

 

I previously had a PCI sound card that unfortunately stopped working. I then switched to an Audient iD14 (backup PC). I then bought the ID14MKII for my new PC and am very satisfied. It features high-quality Burr-Brown AD converters! I do sound design, and the quality is very good.

Audient iD4 MKII and iD14 MKII - Audio Interface Review

 

Last edited: Apr 9, 2025

I agree with Radio, I own ID4mkII but ID12mkII is even better (adat...)

 

I have an Audient iD24, love it. The hardware inside the iD line is identical, so the only thing you get are more features. I'm also a huge fan of Yamaha mixers, they range from very fairly priced to big and expensive. I still have mine "just in case".

 

Everyone I've come across speak well of the Audient interfaces and I've not even even seen a budget Apogee used by anyone at any time.

 

Added MOTU to list . . .

 

Better then the Motu is: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Generation - 247 € & SSL 2+ MKII - 299 €

Spoiler: The MOTU M4 audio interface has several recurring issues reported by users:

The MOTU M4 audio interface has several recurring issues reported by users:

Hardware Issues
Sensitive USB-C port: Users report loose connections on the USB-C connector, which can lead to system crashes. Even slight movement of the cable can interrupt audio transmissions or affect the entire system, especially on Mac devices.

Driver and Software Issues
Driver Issues: Some users experience difficulties with microphone volume (e.g., the Behringer XM8500) and suspect driver issues. Although the interface displays high volume levels, the volume remains low under Windows.

Audio Output Dropouts: The device occasionally loses audio output on the PC, even though it is set as the default device. Restarting the interface is required to restore sound.

MIDI Latency: Compared to other interfaces such as the Behringer UMC204, users report significant latency when recording MIDI with the MOTU M4. Adjusting the buffer times in the driver does not improve the performance.

Audio Quality
Distorted Headphone Output: The headphone output can distort significantly at certain settings, especially with low bass. Additionally, the volume through headphones is often insufficient.

Routing Issues
Limited Bus Settings: Users complain about complicated audio output settings. For example, it's not possible to listen to both headphones and speakers simultaneously, which is easier to set up with other interfaces.

These issues could be partially resolved with firmware updates or alternative driver solutions, but many users report persistent difficulties despite using the latest software versions.

 

I'm removing the MOTU!! Adding the SSL . . .

 

Do they have a model with less ins/outs for less money that still has the quality? I couldn't find any info. Any thoughts on that vs. Audient?

 

The scarlett has worse hardware and has impedance problems in the headphones output. MOTU is fine, and it's actually one of the better ones in the market. Just behind SSL and Audient.

 

Minimum you gonna get on an SSL is 2 ins 2 outs in the SSL2. It's also not very portable. In terms of hardware, practically the same as Audient, it loses but for a negligible difference. No one can notice the difference in the real world.

 

Not single issue with Boom on Air, top notch stuff

 

Audient iD4 MKII - 143 EUR
--> www.thomann.de/de/audient_id4_mkii.htm
--> https://audient.com/products/audio-interfaces/id4/overview/

Spoiler: USB 3.0 Audio Interface

USB 3.0 Audio Interface

• Connection: USB-C
• 24 Bbit / 44.1 – 96 kHz
• ADC Dynamic Range: 121 dB
• DAC Dynamic Range: 126 dB
• Class A Audient Console Microphone Preamp
• Mic Gain 58 dB, <0.002% THD+N
• 48 Volt Phantom Power
• Discrete JFET Instrument Input on the Front Panel
• D.I. Gain: -5 to 45 dB (including +10 dB software boost)
• Main speaker output: 6.3 mm jack
• Speaker mute button
• Monitor mix and monitor panning function
• Combined mic/line input: XLR/jack combo jack
• Powerful headphone amplifier with independent DAC
• 2 headphone outputs: 1 x 6.3 mm jack, 1 x 3.5 mm jack
• iD Control knob with scroll control for DAW integration
• Powered via USB
• USB-C power consumption: 1.5A @ 5V
• USB 3.0 power consumption: 0.9A @ 5V
• Mac/PC/iOS compatible
• All-metal desktop housing
• Dimensions: 133 x 120 x 40.7 mm
• Weight: 0.74 kg
• Including USB-C-C cable (1 m) and Audient ARC download software package
• 30 days Money-back guarantee
• 3-year Thomann warranty

SSL 2 MKII - 219 EUR --> www.thomann.de/de/ssl_2_mkii.htm

Spoiler: 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface

2x2 USB-C Audio Interface

• 32-bit / 192 kHz ESS AD/DA Converter
• 2 microphone preamps in a 2-stage design - 64 dB gain, 130.5 dBu input, 116.5 dB dynamic range
• Neutrik jacks and Alps controls
• Legacy "4K" switch for sound coloration based on the SSL 4000 series
• +48 V phantom power
• 5-digit level display
• Switchable high-pass filter on the inputs
• 120 dB dynamic range on the outputs
• 119.5 dB dynamic range on the headphone outputs
• USB-powered
• Dedicated ASIO/WDM driver for Windows available online
• Plug & Play Mac
• Dimensions (W x H x D): 234 x 70 x 157 mm
• Weight: 0.88 kg
• Including SSL Production Pack with Ableton Live Lite, SSL Vocalstrip & Drumstrip AAS Session Bundle, Mixbus 10, BFD Player + Pop Essentials LE, AmpliTube 5 SE, Native Instruments: Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start, Celemony Melodyne Essential, Loopcloud Samples
• Connections:
• 2 Mic/Line/Instrument Inputs: Combo XLR / 6.3 mm Jack
• 2 Line Outputs: 6.3 mm Jack
• 2 Stereo Headphone Outputs: Balanced 6.3 mm Jack
• 30-Day Money-Back Guarantee

3-Year Thomann Warranty

 

Last edited: Apr 10, 2025

I had an iD22 for 5 years and loved it so much I bought an iD44, which are killer bang for the buck interfaces IMHO. FWIW my iD44 sits next to my Lynx Hilo so I can tell you the iD series from Audient holds up well against much better converters.

Buy Audient gear with confidence.

 

As someone having an Audient id14 mk2, I second that. I like it, especially, for driving my akg headphones with its full potential

 

every scarlett or just the 4i4 4th gen??