Edit:
Instead of starting a new thread, I figured I'd modify this one. Been researching since I first posted, and found a couple more interfaces with the features I mentioned below, in the sane price range. Is there much of a difference? Would any do the job? Does USB 3 or C vs USB 2.0 matter?
Units in question are the Presonus 68C, the Steinberg UR44 and the M-audio 8X4M.
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Anybody have any experience of these? Or anything in the same range? Focusrite seem to be the standard at this kinda price point, so how might they compare to them. Not many reviews of them though.
I'm looking to upgrade my recording capabilities which up to this point was audacity and a Blue Snowball. Just bought a 2 Notes Torpedo Reload and the Tech support said in response to a query that 4 balanced outputs would make life easier.
The M-audio seems to fit the bill, plus I'd like the 4 XLR/jack combi inputs.
Comments
Ten or more years ago I had several M-A 2496 cards and a Fast track pro USB interface. The products were solid performers and M-A were well respected for their drivers and generally good support. They seem to have "gone off the radar" a bit in recent years, cannot recall a recent review in SoS (only one I trust!) This is perhaps mainly the fault of M-Audio, or really the company that bought them, Avid?
Post the purchase Avid decimated and dispersed the product ranges, it became a bloody silly game to find information. WHY do incoming CEO's have to be SEEN to be "new brooms" and fuck everything about?!
Five mins ago I went to the M-A site and found the user manual for the M8 quite easily so maybe sanity has returned? The specification is impressive for an "eight way" interface well under £300. If I were in the need of such an interface I think I would give it a go. But then I AM UK (and EU pro tem!) and we do have the "Distance Trading Regulations" .
Do the usual quick checks: Install drivers(first) . Does the interface perk up quickly and run? Turn off, re boot. All still solidly recognized? Check for latency with a guitar and a plug in. These days you should not get a delay sufficient to bugger your playing which means a delay around 10mS or less but peeps are variable in their sensitivity to such things.
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!
Remember, it's easier to criticise than create!