Arturia MiniFuse 2 Interface Review / Explained (vs. 2i2, ID14)

Today I walkthrough, explain, test and review the Arturia MiniFuse 2 and discuss when you might want the MiniFuse 1 over the MiniFuse 2. I also compare it to the Audient ID14 and Focusrite 2i2 3rd gen. This thing offers a 56dB gain range, an EIN of -129dBa, sufficiently powered headphone amp, direct monitoring, midi I/O, and a USB hub which is a pretty useful addition.
HQ Audio Of Review: podcastage.com/rev/minifuse2
Buy the MiniFuse 2 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: geni.us/minifuse2
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/mfuse2
Buy the MiniFuse 1 (Affiliate Links)
Amazon: geni.us/minifuse1
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/mfuse1
Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Affiliate Link)
Amazon: geni.us/rodent1
Sweetwater: imp.i114863.net/495rn
Thomann: www.thomann.de/intl/rode_nt1_...
00:00 - Intro / Pricing / Disclosure
00:33 - Signal Chain for Testing
00:55 - What’s in the Box
01:28 - Build Quality
01:57 - Walkthrough of Features
03:32 - Specifications
04:36 - Shure SM7b Mic Test (No Cloudlifter or Fethead)
05:22 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
06:23 - Latency Test
07:17 - Arturia Minifuse vs. Audient ID14 vs Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
09:36 - Instrument Input Test
11:33 - Turning On All Plugins at Once!!!
12:17 - Software Walkthrough
13:26 - Pros & Cons
15:17 - Recommendation
16:52 - Minifuse 1 or Minifuse 2
17:52 - Outro
#Arturia #AudioInterface #InterfaceReview
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[@Podcastage]

I am dislike button.

[@MrTeathyme]

Wait are you being serious about this comment being a dislike button alternative? Thats actually very commendable, it takes a lot to actually value and pay attention to your dislike counts, it takes even more to go out of your way to make it available to people.

[@Podcastage]

It’s a bit of a meme, and I know people will click it because it’s funny, but even though I don’t use dislike buttons to inform my viewing habits, I’ve heard from enough people that it does, so having a comment like this will have to be a bridge to fill that need for those who want that information.

[@MrTeathyme]

Right on man

[@EvilNeonETC]

Heh, here's your interactivity boost comment from me. 😁

[@nephrium]

Am ANOTHER like button.

[@AboutThings_byTarif]

That countdown before you start speaking again is amazing. You sir are a gentleman and a scholar. Good day.

[@omgicanflybro]

I strongly agree sir

[@kinggimped]

My old M-Audio M-Track Plus is on the way out and I'm looking for a replacement from this decade. Your channel is a lifesaver for weighing up my options. Thank you for these fantastic reviews, love how much fun you're having testing this stuff.

[@altseason_musik]

This is the best-made review I saw in a long time regarding not only audio interfaces, but any kind of products in general

[@nickbnash]

I appreciated the new test. I’m also glad that you could only do three. I agree that three provide enough context. I especially appreciated your point at the end about how to choose an audio interface given the current market. Thank you for the great video!

[@liiewa2593]

I've been waiting on this, thanks Bandrew. Great review. Definitely gonna cop!

[@campybear]

The new noise floor test was good. Would love to see you hit all the other interfaces with it!

[@ShinilPayamal]

Thanks for the excellent review. Have watched a couple of review of this interface on Indian KZbin channels and they have highlighted the software bundle a lot. Definitely going to be a big factor in a price sensitive market like India.😊

[@StarshipGhost]

what if software is irrelevant... what should I get?

[@maxborosiuk3570]

Hey Podcastage, thank you for the awesome review, and new comparison between preamps on different competitive cards is gorgeous, thanks a lot for your efforts!

[@Podcastage]

Thank you very much for the kind words.

[@kanguruster]

Masterful testing and demonstration. Damn fine job.

[@mdemoraga]

i've been using the Yamaha AG06 for a couple of months and i'm very happy with it.

[@ReikoTennosaar]

Thanks for making these videos!

[@Nadroj97]

Another great review (: I like the new test too, especially since I'm getting set up for voice over work 😁

[@omphalus]

I really would have liked to see a comparison of guitar inputs too, both clean and hi-gain without a noise gate (to see how noisy it is compared to others).

[@cisneroscomedy]

Thank you for the review, Bandrew! I was close to buy the Arturia MiniFuse 2 but decided for the MOTU M2 instead. Always entertaining and relevant content.

[@arash5550]

can i ask why cause im thinking about mini fuse , seems like a better choice >?

[@seanedwards94]

@@arash5550 motu has some of the best drivers on windows allowing for some of the lowest latencies in the price range. Negligible difference between preamps. But like Bandrew said, "at this price range, all audio interfaces are good enough for most people"

[@RookieMistakeYT]

Solid choice. Cant go wrong with Motu. I will say it looks like the Minifuse is breaking into the top 3 (alongside Audient’s interfaces) for me! 1. Motu 2. Audient 3. Tie - Arturia & Focusrite

[@sikwitit773]

​@@RookieMistakeYTMotu parts are from China now all I see is horrible reviews for the 2021 revision versions

[@camegratte5176]

@@RookieMistakeYT SSL 2 is really great for nearly the same price ;)

[@activematrix0666]

Great Video! Very informative! I love your videos

[@johnnybigpotato2404]

I think this was a great evaluation video. I was NOT boring for once.. and exhaustive! Thanks! :)

[@accentontheoff]

When you turned on all the plug-ins at once, it reminded me of how my principal in school used to sound on the school speaker. Good one.

[@Podcastage]

That's because I AM your principal! Please report to the office, you are assigned detention.

[@accentontheoff]

@@Podcastage 😅

[@KUM0]

I'm loving the new test

[@NeZversSounds]

One thing I haven't seen interface demos haven't done is - how big real-time plugin load drivers can take without starting to crackles & pop. I've experienced a wide difference in that with interfaces, but it's also dependent on background CPU load too. By the real-time, I mean tracking session situation (64 sample buffer as max).

[@onlymyopiniontech]

I’ll need to get to a pair of headphones to hear the difference. Thanks for the review.

[@CHAukodaMaN15]

Bro honestly, I love your voice. It’s so soothing. Can you do an audio book voiceover?

[@jade31761]

You sealed it for the Auturia Mini Fuse. There were minor differences between the interface models and I have a keyboard by Auturia anyway. Thanks!

[@SXMIX666]

Great review! Will pick this up as an upgrade from my behringer umc22^-^

[@MakiPavlidis]

Great summary! Esp guidance for selection b/w models. Thanks.

[@squee116]

I liked the new test!

[@joanyadhatan]

very nice video with lot of work, thank you and I hope you make some audio interface review, especially with named/specified DAC and A/D converters.. :) 11:33 funny :)

[@techstrapp]

Great review!😌

[@HomesickMac]

A year late to this video, but since I already own the ”Big Daddy” Arturia AudioFuse Studio and love, it was natural to see what you think of the Fuse Mini. I'm shopping for a simple 2 channel that I can use with my iPad and a midi controller, a touring friendly combo. Just discovered the Loopy Pro app and I'm now almost convinced this interface is going to be great. But, I'll still check your take on the ID4 first, that's a bit sturdier for travelling, I dunno… Thanks for the great video, nice guitar playing!

[@iamJesseSebastian]

Thank you very informative ! Does the minifuse 2 only have the loopback function or does the minifuse 1 have it also ?

[@sirnigelcogs]

I liked the new test and the comparison. I think there might be a minute difference in sibilance between the audio interfaces with the Arturia being on the less sibilant side, but it's very, very slight.

[@laranjiinha77]

Ive found the same, but to my ears it sounded more muscal than the more sibilance focusrite, chich personally i dont apreciate.

[@Lunolux]

great video, nice comparaison

[@ZachariahConnor]

Thanks for the shootout of the interfaces, I thought the Audient was slightly brighter than the other two, but maybe it's just me. Looks like a great entry level interface, might pick one up for a portable solution

[@kellenholt6655]

With the minifuse 1, is the internal loopback recording stereo (i.e 2 channels)? I have a need where I would like to record internal audio from my computer in stereo and also bring in a single microphone.

[@Liowen]

Something I have often wanted to ask is when you go silent to test the noise floor are you still using the gate (if you are using one at all)? If so wouldn't that taint the sample of the noise floor?

[@joseup_z]

Hey Bandrew I got a quick question. Do you think that the DT 900 Pro X and Earthworks Ethos would run perfectly fine on this interface?

[@MrRalphie1000]

Is that a Microtech Gefell UMT 70 S in the background? Will you review it, or have you reviewed it? Thanks!

[@PurpleMusicProductions]

Nice video. From what I could tell the Scarlett sounded less pristine and clear than the Audient and Arturia on vocal.

[@timmypena241]

The guitar mix you did was fucking awesome! You should come out with some music bro honestly I would listen! Love your videos bro thanks for the info!

[@somewhatfrog]

10:05 love your reviews man.

[@ChrisMrozewski]

Any idea why Rode switched out their shock mount on the NT1 Kit? Seeing that nice Rycote style shock mount made me wonder.

[@danmagoo]

The Focusrite also lets you output to one channel, which the Motu does not, at least in Windows. (Don't know about the others.) It's a very small point, but there are softwares that don't let you record as 1-channel when the input is 2-channel, which might mean you have to mix it down to one channel as a later step. (Apart from that, the Motu is great for me.)

[@sandeshkc8602]

Finally the review of minifuse from you. Thanks Bandrew

[@youtubecomentator3852]

U from nepal?

[@sandeshkc8602]

@@youtubecomentator3852 yes I'm from Nepal

[@youtubecomentator3852]

@@sandeshkc8602 kun interface use gariranuvaxa bro le?

[@sandeshkc8602]

@@youtubecomentator3852 ma aaile focusrite 2i4 use garchu, but tyo Mero afno haina. Untreated room bhako hunale ma sm57 use garne sochirachu as my main microphone. Tesaile Malai ekdam quiet preamp bhako audio interface chahirathyo. Arturia minifuse nai linuparla. Software package ni babbal raicha

[@youtubecomentator3852]

@@sandeshkc8602 ea ea good price ni sasto xa minifuse ko 😊 ma chai audient id14mkii line bichar gariraxu

[@chwilla]

Is it possible to use the usb hub in the back with an Native Instruments S61 that's additionally powered and that's already connected via usb-c to my mac?

[@StateofDecayScience]

Hi Bandrew, will you review the Clarett+ Interfaces?

[@JustinThiel]

Could a ModMic Wireless be connected to the USB port on the back for mic input with zero latency mic monitoring?

[@jamaicaboxingclub7673]

It was very HELPFUL

[@seanwebb605]

Bandrew can you explain microphone splitters for me? I'm embarrassed to say that I don't understand the subject very well.

[@galaxyclique]

How die you use the effect?? I cant find an answer and did all the User Guide Told me, the Plug ins are activated but i cant find any Button or anything to Turn the effects on

[@linsdudu]

Are the 4 channels (including loopback) sent on separate tracks to the DAW, or are they sent mixed?

[@schkert]

Will there be a review for the Universal Audio Volt series?

[@robinsarchitecture]

Hi, Please help I have the exact same Microphone (SF-920 Condenser Microphone) I use an aux splitter for my microphone but the sound doesn't sound too great should I just use a USB Sound Card instead or should the aux splitter do the same thing?

[@eleftherioskarakostas7191]

So connecting a dynamic and a consender mic at the same time is not possible?

[@finnianfaitz]

I have an SSL 2+ which has been nice so far, but with the Minifuse 4 coming; the USB hub for USB Midi controllers and the extra two rear inputs for my patch bay inputs freeing up the front inputs for mics and lines... gonna have to move to the Minifuse I think.

[@hiqbugzmoney7727]

This was great! I was curious about how this audio interface performed with your headphones. How was the latency when using the monitor feature while recording? And how was the listening experience during editing, recording, playback (does the audio interface have enough power for high impedance headphones)? And that mini guitar layering thing you did had me in my feels haha.

[@Podcastage]

I had no issue monitoring guitar. Monitoring voice with any latency is always weird. More than enough power for my HD650’s while playing back. When mixing between playback and zero latency you do need to increase headphone volume pretty high.

[@ElizabethaKaur]

It works great with the DT 770 Pro 250 ohm too. Not all audio interfaces in this price range can drive high impendence headphones.

[@AncientGranules]

@@ElizabethaKaur Just what I was looking for. Although I got the MiniFuse 2 for home use, not travel, I was looking at getting the DT 770 Pro, still not sure if 80 (a bit more versatile) ohm or 250 ohm - I am not a Pro, just a music making hobbyist ! What are your thoughts? ... if you do not mind.

[@7171jay]

Hey Bandrew, just wondering about your new test using the mic splitter and how you are doing that? Most 1x3 splitters offer two transformer isolated outputs and a single straight through output, this means the the outputs are not the same and this can affect the sound quality differently between outputs that go through a transformer and the straight pass through which doesn't. The Arturia and the Audient sounded pretty much the same but the Scarlett seemed a tiny bit clearer. Any chance that is due to your splitter rather than differences in the interfaces???

[@Podcastage]

It’s the JS-3 mic splitter. I was concerned that the direct input might skew the results. The Direct 1 thru is 600-ohm. Isolated 1 and Isolated 2 are both 600-ohms as well. My understanding was the direct-1 provided the same output but you used this to power your mics. Also figured this would still be a more accurate representation and comparison than 3 separate takes. If this skews the results so badly that the comparison is worthless, then I guess I can only compare two devices at a time. That’s a fucking bummer and a half. And no that wouldn’t be caused by the splitter. If you’re stating that the direct 600-ohm thru put is different from the isolated outputs then you would have needed to notice the difference from the Arturia and the other two interfaces, then perhaps. But if you noticed it from the Focusrite to the Audient because those were both on the Isolated output 1 and isolated input 2, so that would make zero sense if that was created by the mic splitter.

[@7171jay]

One signal going straight through and the others passing through a transformer might not be a huge difference but it is a difference. You should probably do some testing of the through vs the transformer outputs going into two channels of the same interface. Another possible overall issue is that the mic is seeing a different load with all three micpreamps on it compared to the mic just being plugged into one input. This probably wouldn't affect condenser mics much, especially transformerless ones but some dynamic mics like the SM57 are more susceptible to loading. Good luck figuring out all the details of your new testing method. I know you are very detail oriented and will sort it out. You do a really awesome job at what you do!!!

[@kyron42]

How about reviewing the MXL V67N. It seems to be an incredibly pleasant microphone for acoustic guitar at least.

[@justadropable]

Would you (or anyone reading this) recommend this interface Mini Fuse 1 over the Rode Ai-1 for voiceover work?

[@HEiriksson]

Finally someone puts a USB hub/A port on a device! One port is an infinite improvement. The rule should though be 2 ports minimum for each one used.

[@mantolini]

Can anyone tell me why I can still hear audio from the main out and headphone out when the volume is all the way down? I shouldn't be able to hear anything. Just bought the Minifuse 1. Not a great start.

[@Castal08]

When you did the comparison between interfaces I couldn't really tell a difference on your voice. Can you try that test with distorted electric guitar, maybe sustained power chords. I think that will make the difference more obvious.

[@lopezkeys]

I love my Arturia MiniFuse 2

[@M0RR1S9]

this is completely unrelated, but i wanted to ask if you would consider doing a how to video about dialing in filter settings on obs. (Noise gate, compression, eq, etc) I stream on Twitch and the tutorial videos ive seen about using reaper plugins have not been very helpful. Your explanation of setting gain was the best ive seen and I think a video on OBS filters would be very useful for streamers. Thank you!

[@kennethbailey7105]

Interesting 🧐. (Anxiously waits for the Lewitt LCT 840 review👀)

[@lemmykilmister1239]

What about driver stability, especially for windows?

[@Hablmet]

I need all of those plugins now.

[@Hablmet]

Also you might have messed up the timestamps, the conclusion starts at about 13:28, I think.

[@reggiep75]

Some hard panned left ear/right ear comparisons would be interesting to hear.

[@michaelfarrow4648]

Hmmm...that looks like a Microtech-Gefell UM-70 in the background. Have you reviewed that mic? How about the M-930 which is one of my favorites?

[@Podcastage]

I haven't reviewed it yet. I"m still int he process of testing it.

[@SumwunzKid]

Would like to hear your thoughts on the UA Volt 276

[@markdouglas8073]

Just got mine set up to replace a Scarlett 2i2 that had no MIDI ports. I also got the Hotone Ampero MIDI control (plus dual foot switch) for my pedalboard, and have moved a MeloAudio TS Mega to the desktop. I am a beginner at MIDI only playing guitar with BIAS FX and a Katana Artist amp, but I might add a keyboard next-the synth tools are really tempting. The thing I really like was the option to get white. Nearly all guitar equipment is black-my least favorite color!

[@nia898]

do i need a studio monitor for output? or just a PC?

[@potatopirate_]

awesome thanks for the review! the only thing holding me back here is the meter being a single led on the dial, and instead the output has a multi led level meter. still trying to decide on this vs the evo 4, Komplete Audio 1, AI-1, and others like it. like you said they are all good just little things on each one making the differences.

[@purpleheart69420]

evo is probably the best except for build quality cuz its plastic but eh, its good enough

[@Craimbow]

If you're looking for good physical meters might I suggest the motu m2?

[@vuri3798]

I bought the Minifuse two weeks ago and no complaint so far and it does have a 5 years warranty, but if you worry too much about level meters, I'd suggest the Motu M2 too. If build quality matters to you, just run away from the Evo 4 (and from the Komplete Audio aswell but it's still better)... Plastic isn't always an issue, but when it is that bad... Buttons are the worst kind too. If it was 75 bucks sure I'd understand but that's just not the case. Which sucks because it's preamps seem to perform a bit better.

[@thedome765]

Would you be able to test out the TLM 107?? :3

[@GEARE]

Is it plug & play like the focusrite?

[@mixanyar2742]

hey bandrew... i need to know about a microphone but i can't find anything good & useful about it in the internet... if it isn't impossible for you, make a review for it, the mic is the "SONTRONICS STC 3X"

[@ChaiBaherGarh]

Hello sir, I would like to ask that how much does it cost in India

[@ulloriannguaqlange150]

are you going to try uad volt series

[@wayak]

I was waiting for this review since the minifuse was announced, thank you! with the phantom power on, can I use a condenser on one side and an instrument line on the other?

[@Podcastage]

Yes you can.

[@wayak]

Great! Thank you for the quick answer and all the great info!

[@mixanyar2742]

hey bandrew i need to know about a microphone but i can't find anything good & useful about it in the internet... if it isn't impossible for you, make a review for it, the mic is the "SONTRONICS STC 3X"...

[@JoeCastellon]

I feel like all the added features give it a good edge over the Focusrite and ID4. Loved the instrument mix, and I feel your pain regarding the waveforms issue in Final Cut Pro 🤦🏻‍♂️ somehow it was fixed for me in the latest update, and I’m thankful because I’m using a 2015 MacBook to edit 😆

[@johnnychipello919]

I love my Goxlr. I wish i had just got that before getting any of theses other interfaces. You get everything you need built right in. 500 bucks but its money well spent. All the eq you would ever need built right in and also i use it for the background music while speaking.

[@SinSchism]

I prefer individual phantom power because one of my modeling amps is like "DO NOT use phantom power on the XLR out. It may cause damage to the unit."

[@REYVN]

can you please review the warm audio WA 8000?

[@ph33lix]

The front on the MiniFuse 2 reminds me of MAudio's FW 410.

[@donvittoriosierra]

The only bad thing I am not liking on the minifuse 1 I have is that zoom on ipad only plays the sound of the other meeting participants at the left side.

[@dryelene]

Have you found a solution?

[@BillAnciaux]

The form factor/design is also a big differentiator for me. I went with the SSL2 because I wanted all of my cables to come out the back. That facial hair is coming along. ;-)

[@ribizly]

Same here. SS2 + SM57 rocks.

[@annekedebruyn7797]

Yeah different designs for different needs. Musicians will most likely prefer it at the front due to easy port access. I bought the iD14 for my broadcast/guitar setup. So those will never have to be plugged and it makes the desk look cleaner. But now I am looking at one with two front ports for the more creative stuff.

[@antisolovey828]

couldn't find at Amazon:(

[@chrispiano5121]

Is this Headphones Output loud enough for 250 Ohm Studio Headphones like the Beyer Dynamics DT-990 / DT-880 pro ? I really like loud hearing ^^

[@baymax001]

Yes

[@LetsGoHelio]

The song you played was so dope!

[@seanwebb605]

I love stickers.

[@LetsGoHelio]

@@seanwebb605 lol!!! What’s up Sean!!

[@seanwebb605]

@@LetsGoHelio Procrastinating. I should be reading and preparing for some recordings.

[@Podcastage]

Thanks man!

[@Mint-xu7wq]

What on earth is the giant spoon mic in your background?

[@Kakiem8489]

MiniFuse 2 vs VOLT 2 please The same converter

[@tonyyong]

Great video, now I am changing my mind for Focusrite Solo and looking to get Arturia Minifuse , The additional test using a 150ohn resistor was unique.

[@edclevel402]

my key takeaway from this: that U87... 😍

[@shridharjage3939]

Minifuse 2 vs id14?

[@StarWarsJay]

I could definitely hear a difference with the Focusrite. Sounded a touch richer.

[@BlueBoySkt]

So do you recommend it??

[@hiblendmedia]

I've been having cell phone signal interference noises/clicks/pops coming through the headphone out on my MiniFuse 2. The noise doesn't appear in the recordings, just the headphone out. Has this been happening to you?

[@johnsuggs3952]

That's strange. All electronic devices are exposed to cell signal. Unless the device has some component that is taking that cell signal and processing it where you can hear it, that shouldn't happen.

[@-simple4190]

Already happened during recording on Motu M2.. do you fix? I hope knowing the proplem

[@hiblendmedia]

Still haven't found a fix for the issue. Arturia support was no help at all and would not warranty my interface. Now I have an expensive paperweight. Never buying Arturia again. Sticking to Focusrite.

[@yamilvazquezpr]

Can u use USB mic on the usb-A input on mini fuse?

[@johnsuggs3952]

It's a hub input. That usually means it's a usb input for like a hard drive or even probably a usb mic. Because it's running through the interface into the computer there may be some noticable latency. I doubt it. Most of the modern interfaces come equiped with latency compensators that automatically eliminate any issues like that

[@burnedglade]

Im gonna get this over focusrite 2i2/Solo specifically because of the HP dac being decent and would serve as a good stopgap between my current cheap dac/amp and the one I plan to buy in the future (which I may not if the one in MiniFuse 2 is decent) which is the topping dx3 pro+. Another plus point is that a seller from Lazada (SEA amazon basically lol) is selling Minifuse 1 and 2 at basically the same price and way cheaper than equivalent 2i2 format audio interfaces thanks for the review

[@Podcastage]

Happy recording. Hope the interface treats you well.

[@NikoSatiaNuryanto]

can it connect to iphone?