ARTURIA AudioFuse 16Rig - USB Audio Interface Review

In this video I test the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig which is an interface aimed at producers who need lots of line inputs and like to use DC coupled outputs.
Sweetwater US | Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig: sweetwater.sjv.io/VmVnzM *
Thomann EU | Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig: www.thomann.de/de/arturia_aud... *
Support the channel on Patreon: / juliankrause **
Follow me on Twitter: / thejuliankrause
00:00 Intro
00:44 Hardware Overview
06:15 Internals
07:06 Mic Input Performance
07:46 Mic Preamp Performance
09:20 Line Input Performance
10:42 DC offset
11:39 Main Output Performance
13:22 HP Output Performance
15:39 Software Overview
19:38 Round Trip Latency
20:03 Verdict
* Affiliate links from which I receive a commission for sales. This doesn't generate any additional cost for you. As an Amazon and Thomann Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
** Patreon is a platform where you can choose to support the channel by purchasing a monthly subscription.

[@JulianKrause]

Forgot to put in the mic input dynamic range chart. The 16Rig comes in with 116.5 dB(A) on the mic inputs which puts it in the "excellent" category.

[@nsevv]

What about the Yamaha Ag03?

[@LeoMakes]

Thank you so much for this comprehensive video, Julian! The team and I worked really hard to get excellent performance out of this product and I'm delighted that you were able to see it in your own measurements. Brilliant video!

[@harrisbeatsfrankou6304]

You are all brilliant I love my K88 ! I call it my 11/10 out of all my good gear.

[@donk4304]

Just bought one and am absolutely loving it! Great job to you and the team!

[@Rehbet]

I like Arturia's decision for hardware only volume control. Not worth the risk of the off chance that software sets it to 100% volume out on startup

[@compucorder64]

To be fair. I once clicked and held the virtual volume knob for the master on Cue Mix for my Motu Ultralite mk.V. Expecting to be able to enter a value, or drag it by increments. Instead ... it jumped immediately to 100%. Cue mix of all my family rushing to check if I was ok, and if something had exploded. Lucky my monitors didn't. But, they're set a little low, which is something I'd recommend when connecting directly to an audio interfaces outputs that's only digitally controlled. Because once the noise/panic hits, it took a number of seconds for me to come to my wits and get it muted. I guess it's not such a risk of speakers exploding these days when active monitors have class D amps pretty closely matched to their respective drivers and with protection circuitry. In days gone by of small passive speakers, like PMCs, powered by big over-specced Bryston muscle amps, it could easily blow the tweeter.

[@MixMeMcGee]

Absolutely agree.

[@andesneko]

Yup. All volume control should be HW.

[@derrickdaugherty3445]

Thanks so much for the view under the hood, I was trying to find this exact info. I appreciate your effort!

[@arrik1337]

First of all, thank you for taking the time for doing these tests, Julian. They are really valuable to many. If you get the chance to go test the RME Fireface UCX II, that would be greatly appreciated.

[@alisakibin]

I second this

[@kipixt]

and a few more UA and the new Neumann too pls

[@xhubb]

Nice plaque in the background. Congrats on the 100K!

[@WingHouseCup]

Looks like it would sit right at home in my studio. Very good and detailed review.

[@joonasvahasalo6635]

Very professional and transparent video. Your approach is truly appreciated and trustbuilding

[@bykawali]

This gotta be the best review of something i’ve ever seen.

[@GadgetyMV]

Excellent review, as I've grown accustomed to from JK, thoroughly covers all the bases, in addition to evaluating the meaning of the performance in practice.

[@bastienmartin6246]

Hi Julian, thank you so much for your time and your work and your videos! You never tested the Arturia Audiofuse Studio, I would like to see one of your video on it. Thanks again for your work!

[@riloh58]

My first point of call whenever there is a new interface that I want to know about. Thank you Julian. This has peaked my interest.

[@eddysel10]

Excellent review 👍

[@ShaighJosephson]

This is checking all the boxes for me... Converters, mixer, electronic patch bay, audio interface, and control software... Sold !!!

[@ph0enixr]

Thanks for the great video! This interface seems like a synth nerd's dream.

[@kingadammusic]

Ive been all over the internet trying to decide. Considered Motu Ultralite mk5, 828, RME Babyface and Ucx II, Neve 88m, Heritage i73, Apollo, Audient etc. Completely overlooked the 16rig the first 5 times around, sounds like the one!

[@furiobisotti8150]

Excellent review (as usual) and an excellent device. Software stability should be Arturia main target now: I am using a Micrfuse4 while playing live, it's perfect for that job but once every month I see some software glitch.

[@WhatJeanWants]

Julian, you are the absolute best at what you do and share with us. Every audio manufacturer should create their JK1, JK2, & JK3 prototypes of their hardware and associated software for you to evaluate at each phase before they consider releasing it to the public. We would all benefit from that. Your videos, opinions, and data are so very appreciated & helpful. Thank you!!!

[@SteelBlueVision]

Who knows, there may soon be a "Recommended by Julian Krause" headline right on the front of the box, at least for those products that perform well, as few of them as there are.

[@maxwellvangulinja]

😂😂 4 Really 🙌🙌 he nails it!!

[@_Thumbnail_]

@Julian. Thanks for this labor intensive review. I wish you would get "paid by the number of channels" or at least get an equivalent number of likes and subs. One thought though regarding the hardware-only volume control of the main headphone out: I think that Arturia did make a fair decision. Shouldn't always safety come before comfort?

[@canal.audiospot]

I love Arturia! So far has the best customer service ever!

[@jeanbenoit6610]

great review - as always. has arturia got back to you about the DC offset topic?

[@NBproductionspresent]

My insight to the volume dial for the dedicated headphone output is that it's likely for mixing engineers. Many (myself included) will do a "monitor mix" and also a "headphone mix" also, having a physical dial would indicate that there is no option for bus/direct monitor mix, which means you would hear exactly what is being recorded versus what the artist/talent hears. I can't tell you how many times i've been recording someone and been frustrated that i'm hearing the same monitor mix as a singer and it has DSP effects or perhaps their listening level is higher than the backing track, making it difficult to reference the entire project. Personally, I love this feature, and if everything works properly the way it's supposed to throughout this units life, then having 2 digital headphone mixes for 2 artists/talent, while still having a master headphone knob for myself...It will be a game changer.

[@Gobhoblin126]

A note on preamp noise, it can be greatly affected by the output impedance of the mic. Some interfaces may be designed for different impedances and that would affect your test results.

[@thegeneral2049]

Great review as usual! Is there any plans of reviewing MT48?

[@jas_bataille]

I was sold within the first minute. Re-assignable output on the front that you can set up as re-amp ouput and additional headphones output?? No questions. I've been fumbling in my mind on how to do this with patchbays with everything accessible on the front. Basically for most home studios this remove the need fot a patchbay almost altogether. Brilliant stuff

[@skorpers]

I think a cool idea would be to have a chart for all of the latency performance benchmarks, similar to the ones you have for preamp performance and headphone performance compiled from your past reviews.

[@thierrystephany6451]

Merci Julian , top 👍

[@BigMTBrain]

WONDERFUL detailed examination. Thank you! Hmm... Here I was dreaming of the RME Fireface UCX II, or possibly up to the RME Fireface UFX II, as my future, final audio interface. Not sure exactly which yet. But what I am sure of tis hat our talented Dr. Krause will have much to say of these soon, with possibly a comparison and favored use cases for each. Is my JK crystal ball calibrated correctly?

[@timmarcusmoore]

This was a very useful review, thanks. Are the performance testing tables available on a website somewhere?

[@sightlok]

Great to see such a big interface from arturia! I'd love to see a comparison to the motu 828es or pre es. since they're kind of similar in features, it would be interesting to see how different the technical specs are.

[@cristianomoro_music]

Agree! I was looking for a motu 828es these days but I saw it's not available now. Only miss a Thunderbolt connection on this Arturia interface

[@sightlok]

@@cristianomoro_music I've called with motu, and they will be stocking them at some point when chipsupply catches up. I have an 828es myself and I'm really curious to how they'd compare!

[@Makebelieve123]

@sightlok @@cristianomoro_music i would love to see how it compares to the new 828 ( 2024 model ) !

[@johnyang799]

I mean the measurements of this unit look quite impressive.

[@pumodi]

You showed the Wima caps and I went 'Nice' and then you followed up in kind. I giggled

[@anonymus8760]

Great to see they’ve upped their game on both front and back end. I’ve got an Audiofuse Studio, which has an OK performance for real world music production but it measures a bit on the disappointing side given the hardware it uses. The headphone out uses a lower grade DAC and tops out with a dynamic range of just 70dB or so. So it’s good to see they’ve upped their game at least on the main in/out. ity

[@jas_bataille]

Yikes... that's a really really bad dynamic range. But hey, I never understood folks mixing on headphones at home or in the studio tbh

[@officialdiomer]

@@jas_bataillehelps to use headphones if you’re in a room that’s not acoustically treated.

[@Crazy-Society]

Hey Julian, may i ask you what’s your background? I mean you do fantastic things and you know for sure what you are saying, but out of curiosity?

[@richardpenrose1968]

Hi, I’m currently using a MOTU 828es interface which has been great so far but I’m wondering how Arturias 16-Rig compares regarding audio quality? Also, does the 16-Rig have any pre-converter sends?

[@MadelnMachines]

I’m curious how well the MIDI clock functionality works to sync external drum machines and sequencers. It could save buying an erm multiclock or similar devices?

[@jakekricket5740]

Just asking for a quick clarification. For an Atmos rig, you'd need 12 Output channels for a 7.1.4 setup. You had mentioned you could theoretically do set up a rig for that after you went over the built in analog outputs but before discussing the digital outputs. It is achievable to have a 7.1.4 Atmos setup with the digital IO, but I was curious if I am missing something or misunderstanding some of the IO, is it possible to get a 7.1.4 rig with all analog outputs? Potentially using the front TRS connections to add the additional 2 channels you need in combination with the 10 outputs on the back? I really appreciate the informations and time you provide in all of your videos. They're very insightful and objective.

[@yo3429]

Julian smiles :) So would I, not watched it yet, but i looks like a decent piece of hardware :)

[@netanio]

@JulianKrause Great review as always. Do you have any update on the DC offset issue ? I'm hesitating to buy because of this, I don't want to manually remove DC offest for each recording.

[@cl1xor]

Nice review! How do you guys think this compares with the Audient Evo16?

[@SPINNINGMYWHEELS777]

I wasn't looking for this product but I would buy it if I needed it.

[@eksund1900]

Excellent videos! I am considering a Yamaha AG06 as my audio interface. I would love to se you test that item. It is a bit unusual compared to the rest "of the gang", but it have what you expect and the price is decent. Not much on the tube to find. Give us a test of Yamaha AG06.

[@ketron2677]

Hi Julian, I need some advice on an audio interface I am a keyboard player and I do live piano bar evenings but they often ask me to also do karaoke evenings and therefore I would need an audio interface that has four easy-to-manage microphone inputs and midi connections. I have a ketron keyboard with integrated vocalizer and this allows me to harmonize the choirs present in channel 3 of the midi bases, so it's like having real choirs when I sing. The audio interface should allow me to take advantage of this function even if I only use the PC with karaoke file management software (in my case Winlive Pro Synt). So I should have both the connected microphones and the one I play from the PC come out of the audio interface at the same time through a DAW into which I can also load some VSTs for the voice (not only reverbs and choirs, but also effects to modify the voices) all in real time. The final configuration should be: PC - audio interface - real-time management DAW - karaoke software. I had thought of the Behringer umc404hd, Audient Evo 8 (but it doesn't have MIDI connections) and the M-Audio Air 192/14. I know the first two, I saw your reviews, but not the third. Can you tell me something more about the M-Audio Air 192/14? Which one do you recommend? Thank you

[@andyracksthecams]

3 days after I bought a 18i20 this appears and is exactly what I need.

[@attainableaudio4533]

Well at least it should be within the return policy.

[@cheveyo2403]

this is 2.5 x the price

[@andyracksthecams]

@@attainableaudio4533 might look at that.👍

[@attainableaudio4533]

@@cheveyo2403 well if he's got the money...

[@Alex_Martz]

Could you please review the iConnectivity interfaces?, I'm surprised those are still the only interfaces that can merge 2 devices, on these days where most people have an iPad and another desktop computer merging both to process audio between them is essential!

[@csbluechip]

Again!! Are you able to stop KZbin putting an advert in the (almost silent) noise demo section of the video ... My ears just exploded again! Lol

[@hubbyofmad5122]

Same very loud Nissan ad.

[@user-eh9vp6jr6n]

What I would love to see you do is an Avid MTRX Studio and or a UAD Apollo.

[@FatNorthernBigot]

That's so much I/O for a single unit rack module.😮

[@mrkeeny]

Would love to see Cranborne added to your comparisons

[@PieterJanVB]

Mr Julian Krause; I need to buy a DAC to mix to stereo at home. I’m used to mixing on high end lynx/antelope/dad interfaces at the studio, with Grimm clocking but I wonder what DAC and clocking I should go buy on a budget. Please give me some advice.

[@joonasvahasalo6635]

Any chance of getting a review of a lowcost alternative say : umc1820 ?

[@gr8musiclover]

Please review Neumann MT48 and which chip they are using as converters. I couldn't find any description of this anywhere on the web. From the outside, it is the exact same copy of merging Anibus, but no one knows about the chipset used....everyone is just guessing.

[@cristianomoro_music]

Arturia audiofuse 16 rig vs motu 828es. This would be a great comparison video.

[@Decenium]

the hell is this beast, cool stuff

[@TheDolbyNR]

A quick question... Is the big black selection knob made out of 'soft touch' plastic? They tend to get sticky after a while and begin deteriorating

[@gilfrancopoulo6675]

hi, what's a pity that you do not compare with Steinberg UR816C which is comparable regarding the number of entries and the possibility to group two modules.

[@dirk.4711]

I use currently the Scarlett 18i20 & dbx 286s for podcasts, KZbin videos and live streams. I love the ability to screw both under my desk. I do not need 16 connections :) Will the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig give me meaningful better audioquality if combined with the dbx 286s? Many people use the mixpre 3 Mk2. would that one be even better in sound quality vs. the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig?

[@maebeans]

i wonder how this compares with something designed for live use where latency is key, like the behringer xr18. you get decently powerful audio processing, plus 18 channels in and out.

[@muzik4machines]

pretty sure the headphone knob is a true analog potentiometer thus can only be controlled by itself. about ADAT: it's the protocol limits not the interface fault

[@_Thumbnail_]

Danke!

[@JulianKrause]

Thank you too!

[@Frantisek_Valena]

Dear Julian, are you planning to review the new TOPPING E4x4? Thank you in advance!

[@jaycdunn]

So you have to remove DC offset in your DAW for every file recorded through this interface?

[@metatron3942]

You said the outputs are DC coupled? the source of that DC control voltageor can they come from the host computer or from the inputs?

[@anaiytv2120]

This is looks like the antelope discret 4 synergy core interface but with more input and output and even midi this is great

[@GillamtheGreatest]

did you ever do the audiofuse studio? i dont see it when i search your videos

[@leobachacarneiro]

Julian, why dont you make reviews of the apollo line up... the new apollo X USB would be niceee

[@DJ-cyberdime]

I got a question I am between UA Apollo x8 and the AudioFuse 16 rig. Witch one what you choose in therms of rtl and quality?

[@armsby]

Hey Julian, would you like to test the Motu 896 Mk3 Hybrid? It's an oldie but goldie.

[@compucorder64]

One thing I don't understand, if a user is on Mac and can just use two 8 channel single ADAT I/O devices instead of one, wouldn't it be a lot cheaper to use two similarly well-performing interfaces, if just using line I/O. Like say using a MOTU Ultralite mk.V, along with an Audient EVO 16? I guess it's more faff, but you do save quite a few hundred. And you get some advantages of more headphone outs, more pre-amps, more outputs (10 outs on the MOTU + 8 on Evo 16 vs 16 on 16rig). As well as the two seperate devices being able to be used seperately, if you ever need a smaller Ultralite for mobile recording, or for iPad, another computer / device like an Akai MPC for example. Also, on hardware only headphone volume control, this has been one area of my secondary cheap audio interface (Behringer UMC1820), that has been unreliable over time.

[@unicornstable667]

Could you talk about using ARTURIA AudioFuse 16Rig for dolby atmos mixing

[@nehanichikahuak]

hi, ca you review the new Neumann MT 48 EU please...? :)

[@moddaudio]

I am a bit skeptical that the frequency response is flat up to Nyquist. Codecs are always a digital low pass filter. They have to be, otherwise the stuff above nyquist would alias (reflect) into the audio band. Also a latency of 48000/0.3 ms would be 18 samples. Both imply a measurement of a digital loopback bypassing the codec all together.

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, the frequency response measurements are made with 192 kHz sample rate, that's why you don't see much of the low pass. The 0.3 ms is simply the signal being converted AD, routed digitally internal and then converted DA again. That's how these times are possible.

[@v3zMedia]

Black Friday is right around the corner and some of us are looking to gift family and friends gear they care about and need. Can you drop a Top 5 Interface to buy in 2023 video for us? It would be greatly appreciated. We trust your judgement.

[@_Thumbnail_]

Does the MIDI Ctrl of the audio mixer work in standalone mode or only in the mix software on the computer? (And sorry! Yes, I did hear that Julian adviced to RTFM but maybe someone knows already...?)

[@valdir7426]

since it requires a direct midi connection (either usb host or din) I would assume it does work standalone.

[@kingadammusic]

Being USB2, SOS says you lose i/o at particular sample rates. What is the highest sample rate one could record at if using all of the input channels?

[@mrs3931]

It would be nice if you can answer my question at yours Topping e2*2 video. What about asio 2.0? Thanks

[@dragonstone6594]

Great review as always. Can you also please review the Creative SoundBlaster G6 and X5?

[@seedmole]

Onboard controls is a great measure of futureproofing. Point being that I have a firewire Mackie interface that I have no way to configure right now, so even though I have an interface that can properly receive an ADAT signal from it, the routing on the firewire interface is stuck as it is without any way to reset to defaults. Very annoying when support for that firewire device ceased with Windows 7. If it had onboard controls, sure it would have cost a bit more, but now it's a brick without getting a windows 7 pc up and running to adjust it.

[@soundmattersuk]

Which Mackie interface is it? I've personally managed to get a 400f working reliably on Windows 10

[@sq7507]

Can somebody explain the DC offset problem? Didn't quite understand it!

[@user-jy8hw2pn5z]

Julian when are you releasing the video on the Scarlett solo 4th gen?

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, in the coming weeks. But i can spoil it for you. It's essetially a 2i2 without the digitally controlable preamps and clips safe. :)

[@user-jy8hw2pn5z]

@@JulianKrause thank you so much. Is it the best sub $200 audio interface currently on the market, if you only needed one mic preamp?

[@user-mv8vc3zt1y]

​@@user-jy8hw2pn5znope, MOTU M2 is much better for that money

[@productamadeus8745]

I have an Antelope Audio Discreet 8 Synergy Core interface and I'm telling you right now....there is NO SUBSTITUTE for a FAST audio interface. This is the first audio interface I've ever owned that plays at hardware speeds when you are playing time sensitive instruments like piano and keys. Great review though!

[@TobiasVarini]

Presonus Quantum 2626 is faster ....

[@MadelnMachines]

@@TobiasVariniDo you own one? I’m curious about how reliable and stable and well supported it will be over the years.

[@TobiasVarini]

@@MadelnMachinesYes ... I have a quantum 2626 as my primary interface for almost two years now and a Focusrite Octopre Dynamic as Adat Expasion on my studio and it´s been very good at everything since than It´s not the perfect interface as it has some design flaws, but the sound is very good, has many outputs and 2 inputs for external preamp/compressor.... and the best thing, it´s faster than any other interface I have tested The other interfaces I have tested are Neumann MT48 that took place of SSL12/Apollo Solo

[@productamadeus8745]

@@TobiasVarini Yep it is faster. Its converters are not in the same category though. Plus the onboard DSP so I can track vocals through high end compressors and print. Not a bad interface. Toyota VS Lexus I’m afraid.

[@TobiasVarini]

@@productamadeus8745 You are right.. Antelope/Rme/Anubis are top notch .... The only thing presonus is real good is the speed that make possible to use daw plugins while tracking almost with no latency .. that´s crazy good, but it´s better to use onboard dsp like the antelope one´s ........ One more thing..... I used to track vocals with onboard DSP on Apollo to print, but I stop printing just to have more possibilities on mixing, and even if the converters are not really the best, in the end of mixing, it´s almost impossible to distinguish it from same record did on my Neumann MT48 .... For mastering ... well, it´s another story ... better are really better ....

[@SianaGearz]

I can't imagine they'd be making a lot of those. Inkjet silkscreen as opposed to photomask silkscreen.

[@jasonscoggins01]

Ty

[@rjb7569]

What is the price? If it was mentioned in the presentation, I missed it. Anybody?

[@KabukiStarship]

I would buy the AudioFuse if I can mix the outputs. For some reason this is one of the hardest features to find on any sound card. Apparently sound card manufacturers never thought that you would want to route apps from your computer to an audio mixer. It's the most basic thing but the only card I've found is the Behringer UMC204HD and UMC404HD, which have crap DAC output circuitry that sounds bad compared to MOTU. I'm using an old MOTU 828MK3 Hybrid with an ADAT Loop back and it's perfect, but sometimes I have to reset my PC due to popping.

[@mauchkimberly]

I got the impression, from a Loopop video, that you can route some software to the outputs. You can use the soft synths with the matrix and I believe that includes the outputs. Maybe watch his video if you haven't as could have misheard.

[@clawzsg4384]

Would great to know how this can can compete with an antelope orion 32

[@pirateradioFPV]

Marketing: This is great but how do we sell the v2? Engineer: Hold my DC offset

[@lolilollolilol7773]

Arturia just killed Focusrite with this one.

[@foreverud666]

Hi can you please review presonus quantum interfaces

[@MrThecarrott]

Why not comparing to high end interfaces ?

[@ripperthecrooks6428]

Is this better than UAD appollo interfaces??

[@moguizpatton7582]

What happened to Julian Krause??? Why is the not doing new Videos? I can’t wait for new video from him!!!

[@gurumajuindonesia]

Any auto gain feature?

[@seankosa]

Anyone know how to configure the mixer settings for direct input monitoring ?

[@Lishtenbird]

It's been a whole day, and I still keep reading it as "High density centipede"...

[@IrenESorius]

👍‍‍🌟👍‍‍

[@misstress1928]

Poor (comparatively) headphone amp performance was the reason why I've not chosen Arturia's Audiofuse 8pre back in the day. Otherwise, their audio interfaces are really good.

[@mikeazmos]

Great interface for the price. What i found, that there is no mono check button, and no EQ on outputs, that is very handy with headphones correction. One loopback chanel, but 4 cue channels, but seems like they can not switch into inputs for broadcasting. Still you can route outputs to inputs via cable like oldschool, so not a big problem

[@Jdinrbfidndifofkdndjoflfndjdk]

I have it and love it. Sucks that it's not thunderbolt so monitoring with Ableton Effects is very hard with all the latency. I guess I got to get a Motu thunderbolt

[@Glejsmusic]

Is the latency really that bad? I would definitely want to use software fx through Ableton on my hardware gear..

[@JuiceTubes]

Hey Julian, how do you get such good audio for your videos without a microphone close to you?

[@JulianKrause]

Hey, there is actually a mic close to me. It is boomed just out of frame about 30 cm / 1 ft from me 😉