I'm about to get a new audio interface for live performance, and for what I saw these are good options:

-Komplete audio 6
-SSl 2+
-Motu M4
-Audient ID14 MKII

For now it's to use with a mac (late 2011) I don't now if there are any limitations with any of these interfaces in specific due to drivers, but I want something that that can also work well with a windows laptop just to have more options when I upgrade the setup.
For now I'm leaning thowards the komplete audio 6 for the SPDIF out that would allow me to connect for ex
deck A ou 1&2 deck B 3&4 midi keyboard SPDIF, but that can be solved using only 4 outs, not beeing a dealbreaker.
I would love some insights from people that have actually tried any of these or maybe some new opinions on something else that is reliable for live performance

Thanks in advance, all help is welcome !

 

Last edited: May 2, 2022

1.) Audient - iD14 - System Requirements - Mac
- OSX: 10.7.5 (Lion) or later
- Intel CPU
- 1GB RAM Minimum
https://support.audient.com/hc/en-us/articles/202703139-iD14-System-Requirements

2.) SolidSatteLogic - SSl 2+ - Mac System requirements and Specs:
- Mac OS 10.11 and above | Class-Compliant, Plug-and-play
www.solidstatelogic.com/products/ssl2?tab=features


3.) Motu M4 - Tech Specs - Mac System Requirements
- Intel Core i3 Mac or faster (including the new Apple silicon Macs)
- 2 GB RAM; 4 GB or more recommended
- macOS version 10.11 or later
- (Optional driver requires 10.13 or later)
- Available USB port
- A large hard drive (at least 500 GB for recording)
https://motu.com/en-us/products/m-series/m4/specs/

 

So I'm safe with any of those, I have I7 16gb RAM and OS 10.13 ^^
Do you have any preference amoung these four ?

 

if you want rock solid drivers, rme.
if you want the best audio quality. lynx.

 

Thank you for the tips !
I actually own an RME on studio and I love it, but I need something a little bit more budget friendly for live performance, I'm not too confortable on taking a 900€ soundcard on the road plus, laptop, etc etc knowing how many things can go wrong :P

 

The Audient - iD14 MKII has the best latencies.

Audient iD14 MKII
- USB 3.0 audio interface
- Connection: USB C
www.thomann.de/de/audient_id14_mkii.htm

Motu M4
- 4-channel USB C audio interface
www.thomann.de/de/motu_m4.htm

SolidStateLogic - SSl 2+
- 2x4 USB-C audio interface
- 24-bit / 192 kHz AKM converter
www.thomann.de/de/ssl_2_481703.htm

SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL2+ VS AUDIENT ID14 MKII

Solid State Logic SSL 2 Audio Interface Review (Legacy 4K Mode explained)

Audient iD4 MKII and iD14 MKII - Audio Interface Review

 

Last edited: May 1, 2022

If I was going on the road with an Interface no matter what make, model or color I'd like to have it tied down, glued with velcro or screwed into a rack so that it wouldn't get knocked to the floor or abused in a way that would render it useless after the first show when someone killed it when the lights went down.

 

True :D
Although in the type of live shows I make it's more likely for it to be exposed to weather conditions, or liquid spillage or theft, that's why I don't take my RME on the road, I want something relatively cheap but relliable, I've read lots of info about each of the models, for instance ppl say that audient drivers on windows might be a litlle finicky, on the other hand although MOTU has better drivers it sounds worse, that's why I wanted to hear from someone who already had some experience with any of those to know and they do translate from the "on paper" specs to the real world.

 

You are not going to notice some "difference in sound" between any of them in a live application.

 

The MOTUs are actually pretty accurate, but I would not go for the M4. Spend a little more and go for the UltraLite-mk5, they a very solidly built, rack mountable and will take some abuse.

Plus the onboard matrix/patchbay, dependability, expandability and some limited DSP with solid low latency drivers make it hard to beat at the price point for live shows. That Sabre AD/DC might be sterile but it's very accurate.

 

Nothing that is going to happen to it that is not accidental/impact/spillage damage. So a warranty is meaningless.
I'd find something originally more expensive and used. Probably an 828ES since they seem to be most common anyway. Probably about 2 or 300 bucks on reverb or eBay. The real answer to your question is "None of Them".

 

I made a huge mistake buying a RME Babyface Pro FS, as I can no longer look at any other interfaces unless they are top of the range with class leading drivers and pristine sound.

 

Then you should have bought one.

 

I should have stuck with the Focuswrite and remained ignorant.

For live use I would try a Motu, as the drivers are the most important thing here, but I'd also take the BFP out on the road as it's small, bus powered and build like a tank with no knobs to break off.

 

Last edited: May 1, 2022

I use the Audient iD14 audio interface because of the sound.
The newer one is now called Audient iD14 MKII with ADC dynamic range: 121 dB and DAC dynamic range: 126 dB. It
has a Kensington lock, so you can secure that ! However, if a professional thief wants to steal it, he can do that too.

The case is very sturdy because it is made entirely of metal. But you should not expose it to moisture and please no beverage shower.
That the drivers do not run stable, I can not confirm - for me a very reliable device.

 

It's certainly a good example of a company damaging their brand name by releasing consumer grade products.

 

I missed that update.

 

If you can find 828ES AVB interfaces for $200-$300 at that price I'll take five.

 

Have you considered the IK Multimedia iRig series? I use the "iRig Pro Duo I/O" for live uses (mainly for VSTs over ableton as a host and routing my TE OP-1 to some FX with the line input) and it is super stable, I never had any issue with the driver.

Edit: Well, I am not using it in any professional context (small "university/church band") but in my opinion it is doing a great job and is also super portable.

 

Last edited: May 1, 2022

If you find one, it will be someone who needs the money. If you find five, its because they are stolen. no-one in used music gear ever sells five of anything, unless it is a church.