Hi folks, We've been busy researching Audio Interfaces to help you figure out what you
need to make your best audio and video content and stay on budget.
Links to all the products in the review are in the description box below, where you'll
find current pricing for your region wherever possible.
Now before I move on, we'd love to hear what Audio Interface you're using right now and
what you think of it.
Let us know in the comments!
Okay, let's get into it!
Here are the top five best Audio Interfaces.
The fifth product on our list is the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2.
The Komplete Audio 2 is a USB 2 powered interface from Native Instruments.
It has a simple but compact design packed with great features and comes bundled with
Native Instruments production software.
The Audio 2 features two mic or line-in combo inputs which allow you to input XLR, a quarter-inch
TRS or TS.
The line-in or instrument capability lets you plug in two instruments or line inputs.
It provides 48-volt phantom power with an LED indicator at the top of the interface.
One of our favourite features of the Komplete Audio 2 is the multi-segment LED for the input
signal levels with a peak indicator.
It comes with a headphone out with power output and volume control.
For the affordable price that the Native Instrument Komplete Audio 2 comes at there is little
to be desired.
All the basic features are there with a bit more and the software comes packed with everything
you need to get started on your productions.
This is a great first buy for beginners who are looking to up their recording game.
The fourth product on our list is the SSL2+.
The Solid State Logic's SSL2+ is a great interface for home studios.
It has two headphone outputs with dedicated volume knobs.
Next to the Phones B volume knob is a 3 and 4 button which allows you to change what is
being output to a second pair of headphones.
There are 2 independent channels with their own 48 volt phantom power switches and a gain
dial.
The SSL2+ features legacy 4K buttons for both channels.
This feature adds a cool high frequency EQ boost of 16 kilohertz with some tuned distortion.
The build of this audio interface is durable.
The sides are plastic and the front panel is metal.
The wires are all kept in the back for a more organized workflow.
It is a breeze to record vocals or instruments on the SSL2+ using the quality preamps.
Overall, Solid State Logic's SSL2+ is the complete package.
It has all the versatile features a beginner or seasoned pro would need.
The SSL production pack software is also bundled in with this interface which is a huge plus.
The third product on our list is the Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition.
The Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Thunderbolt 3 is a compact interface.
It features straightforward controls with one knob on the front panel.
There is a digital meter on the front that shows your current input levels.
The Hi-Z input and headphone jack are on the front, giving you easier access.
The back has two universal inputs that are compatible with XLR or quarter-inch TRS.
The Thunderbolt 3 port is also on the back for computer connection.
This interface is built around a single SHARC processor which allows the Apollo Solo to
emulate analog hardware using a plug-in architecture.
The Apollo Solo is loaded with high quality plugins that run on the interface itself.
This frees up your computer while you're mixing.
The Apollo Solo comes with a bundle of vintage emulations.
Complete with everything you need to make great recordings.
The second product on our list is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd generation is a solid advancement to its predecessor.
It has an upgraded preamp design and a new air mode that enhances high-end detail.
It is compatible with a combo XLR or quarter-inch input jacks with a line level or instrument
switch each.
This audio interface also comes with a bundle of software including Avid Pro Tools First,
Ableton Live Lite, and more.
Setting the 2i2 up with your computer recording system is a breeze.
Focusrite's quick start tool prompts and guides users through installation.
The specs that come with the Scarlett 2i2 are top notch and the sound quality is great.
Capturing the details of vocals and instruments is a fun experience with the Air feature.
This lets you record the ambience with a sense of space.
The affordable price of Focusrite's Scarlett 2i2 makes it a great entry level investment.
The first product on our list is the Audient iD4 MKII.
The Audient iD4 MKII is a small but powerful audio interface.
The setup is straightforward with two inputs and outputs.
The mic preamp comes with phantom power for condenser microphones, while the instrument
level DI is for plugging in your guitar.
There's also a main output for speakers and a dual headphone output for two listeners.
The iD4 MKII's design is thorough.
It is compact to help optimize your desk space and the mic preamp has the same design as
the higher priced options.
The body is all metal which makes it perfect for on-location gigs or daily use in the studio.
The iD4 lets you track your current input levels with LED indicators.
It's hard to believe that the Audient iD4 MKII is a low cost audio interface with all
its features.
This makes it an easy purchase if you're looking for value and usability.
As a bonus, it comes with a software bundle too, making you ready to record and mix your
first track on the iD4 MKII.
And there you have it folks, the five Audio Interfaces that got us excited this year.
If this video helped you in any way, let us know by giving it a Like and, if you’re
new here, hitting the Subscribe button.
If you would like to see some more reviews from our team here at Gear Music Tech, here
are a couple that we think you’ll enjoy.
We look forward to seeing you back here on Gear Music Tech soon.
Bye for now.