How To Choose The PERFECT Interface!

[@craigjoe8691]

I've said it once and I'll say it again. Adelle recorded parts of her album on a behringer um2 during the lock down and won awards.

[@Durkhead]

I have a um2 it sux as an interface but it makes a great dac, excellent headphone amp

[@TECH3_]

You know why ? No one literally no one cares after a certain threshold, if you are using a basic XLR mic and an interface you are already 80% there

[@BuddyGorey]

K but that’s Adele. Can’t imagine the mics, preamps, compressors being used in tandem with the um2 I’m down with a simple interface, but bare minimum gear obviously isn’t for every use case, and when the bare minimum is used professionally, it’s usually being compensated for elsewhere.

[@Durkhead]

@BuddyGorey i think the other guy was right and its just a rumor

[@BuddyGorey]

@@Durkhead can’t imagine who the other guy is

[@tomvice]

I had a focusrite gen3, when I switched to an audient id22 the sound of the preamps and the output was noticeably clearer. Very apparent difference

[@JoeDoig]

Stability. Stability. Stability. Unless the drivers are rock solid, fun times will turn to frustration, and creativity will dwindle. RME.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Totally agree...however I have noticed even the cheaper models are way more stable than they used to be...and even that has completely changed. I cant remember the last time I have had a unit with unstable drivers. I think it was an old first gen scarlett.....

[@dpixvid]

True but you $$$ for it. Huge jump in $$$ > out of my budget

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

The cheapest RME interface costs 600 USD. Good luck getting someone to commit to that when 600 bucks is their entire budget.

[@PigTownSports]

LOL.. This video timing was so perfect... as ive just tried 3 different interfaces and was still looking at a couple more ... Thank you for making me realize im dumb and just use what i have

[@DarkCornerStudios]

What are you rocking right now?

[@PigTownSports]

@@DarkCornerStudios I have the rodecaster Duo still . Was getting some very odd noise from my Ethos. after about a year with each . So tried a couple other ones that have better EQs.. the Wave XLR and Beacn Studio. but couldnt really get it perfect... so maybe its the mic? i really dont know

[@tmanxult003]

​@PigTownSports as someone who doesn't own *any* interface & just looks at videos on this, my best guess is either you're not spending enough time adjusting the Rode Duo to fit both your voice and the mic, or you're rather pedantic when it comes to liking the sound, hearing minor discrepancies that your audience will practically never pick up on But like this video emphasised to us, unless u spend an unnecessarily high amount of money, no real interface within or near the Rode Duo's price range will give any practical difference in quality. I'd just be happy that I've got one of the most versatile mixers in content creation, & audio in general

[@StreamGearTalk]

Assuh dude

[@PigTownSports]

@@tmanxult003 oh its 100% me.. im very nit picky .. i hear how others sound and im like I WANT THAT.. or atleast my voice but as crispy as it is.. but im starting to realize they have thousands put into that.. LOL so yes.. this video was well timed for me and everything else is getting sent back

[@johnnymiller3684]

I might get crap for this, but the most reliable interface I've ever owned is a Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820. Lol ... I bought it because my Audient ID22 wouldn't link up with my new laptop at the time (neither would my two PreSonus interfaces for some reason), and I needed something to record a friend's podcast. The Behringer worked perfectly, though. The 8 preamps were definitely overkill, but I liked the fact that it is rack-mountable. It also has two headphone outputs, which worked great for that application... Besides recording my friend's podcast twice a month, I've since used the Behringer to record small musical ensembles and events at my mother's church. And, I've had no issues whatsoever.

[@johnlance3860]

I am just like you. Got it for a specific use and found out how much I love it and have ended up using it all the time

[@NateNakao]

For my home podcasting studio desktop setup, I'm using a RØDECaster Pro 2, and I'm extremely happy with it. For when I'm on the road, I have a Zoom Podtrak P4, which is great because it doubles as both a recorder and interface. My big issue with it is just how plasticky and cheap it feels. If there were something that had all of the functionality of the Podtrak P4 but with better materials and construction, I'd love to check it out.

[@koolpep]

That’s a very good combo, using the same.

[@KingHarkinianZC]

Recently switched from an Audient Evo 4 to a MOTU M2, was having annoying driver issues with the Evo and the MOTU kinda just works set it and forget it for my desktop setup

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

Conversely, I have run my EVO 4 for 5 years every day for DAW and screencast work with no actual issues (past Win 11 changing "sound enhance" settings which sound waaay worse). not diminishing your situation, but sometimes there is something else going on. :-)

[@dylanbyrne9591]

An on and off switch, it's crazy that so many cheap ones don't have this.

[@dannylightning-audio-reviews]

Good video my friend, I've been wanting to make a video like this but there's just so much like you said everybody needs something different depending on what they do so it's kind of a hard video to make but I think you did a pretty good job here

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@dannylightning-audio-reviews thanks!!

[@And-c7n]

Good video to give to people who ask me that question

[@MrJoeGooch]

Strictly for voiceover, which would you say is the better option between the Rodecaster Duo, Tascam Mixcast 4 or Mackie dlz creator xs? Cheers.

[@thebleaki]

How does mAudio compare in the low end? They're the only brand I know that I'm seeing in low price ranges in my area

[@DarkCornerStudios]

They are good solid starters...as long as you arent talking about the Mtrack Solo or Duo The 192/4 is a very good starter...and if it is showing up at a sale price...it might be because they are due for a refresh. The Solo and Duo only have a bit depth of 16bit...which is not good...and way below standard these days

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

I would probably not myself but I have had M-Audio in the deep past but over time they showed their cheapness. As I noted elsewhere my EVO4 is five years old now and still going strong. I think the longest any interface has stayed on-deck - and I use em all day, every day. :-)

[@MichaelW.1980]

I agree with the base argument of yours. The interface of whatever class of audio interfaces will most likely not matter. I can get a signal entirely free of any relevant self- or system-noise out of my MOTU M2 any day, and that is a Entry Level audio interface, based on what you've been saying. We're talking about -89DBFS RMS, using a Shure Beta 58A. and still quite acceptable -83dBFS RMS on a RØDE Procaster. And with room noise being way louder than both, coming in at around -77dBFS RMS on the Shure Beta 58 A and -70dBFS RMS on the Procaster, which only works, because I have my mycrophones really close, it barely even matters. Paying more for additional features down the line, when you know what you're doing and you know what would be a reasonable upgrade, might be in order, but paying a stupid amount of money starting out is pretty much a guaranteed regret soon enough. To me, my MOTU M2 is easily enough for anything. I can do the mixing in software, with a Midi Controller, easily enough. *HOWEVER:* Your differenciating on price alone turns a blind eye on something important. Its not about the price range and thats it. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 for example is sold for $499. But that doesn't mean anything, if the Focusrite Scarlett Solo belongs the same series of audio interfaces, and is being sold for $139. The solo has a single microphone input, the 18i6 has four. Thats essentially the only difference. On the other hand, there is the Focusrite Clarret+ 2Pre, which has 2 inputs but is being sold for $499, the same as the Scarlett 18i6. None of the Interfaces mentioned here does give you anything, aside of the base functionality of an audio interface. Alright, almost. The more expensive ones might give you better routing capabilities, but that doesn't matter most of the time. If you buy an audio interface like the RME BabyFace Pro FS based on the microphone inputs and headphone outs, you will waste a lot of money, especially, if you don't know yet, what you're doing.

[@kadiummusic]

SSL 12, superb! 😎

[@jigsomyoca5377]

Was looking at audio interface during black friday and was contemplating on getting the topping e2x2 or the arturia, this video made me decide to stick to my m-audio duo... Til i can at least afford a rodecaster duo which should be in the next 5 years 😂

[@MastaGOfficial]

I will still choose SSL 2.

[@switch4960]

Yep same

[@DJPLAYNICE]

More useful info, thanks! 🤘🏼😎🤘🏼

[@TimeTravelReads]

Thanks. I went into this video having no idea what an interface is. Basically, I am thinking about getting my first microphone for a very small KZbin channel. I have been filming on my phone in a kitchen great room. My initial plan was to get a dynamic usb mic to plug into my phone. From your videos, it sounds like usb mics don't work? Does that mean I need to get an interface and software and maybe other stuff, and figure out how to merge (is that the right term?) audio and video files? That sounds complicated.

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

USB mics are always a bad plan as once you paid that money you would be far better off buying a Behringer XM8500 mic and an EVO 4 interface. They pair nicely and if you can't make that mi sound nice, you need to hire a professional to show you. Yes, initially it is a bit complicated, esp if you make the rookie error of thinking that your first (100) episodes need to sound like they came from a fancy TV station. Work with what you have and your passions alone. Learn your chops and tools (in that order) as you grow. Past the two things above I would suggest OBS and DaVinci Resolve. You might even just use Resolve alone depending on your setup and abilities as that one is a bit scary on the way in. THis is me showing a friend how to do his own cast: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z3y7fqiorJqljLcsi=k-HTqVz5J9QDlqBj

[@toddbilleci8563]

Thank you

[@yungskitzo661]

Everybody thinks the Volt 1 is the best interface for under 200$ but it may not fit the requirements for everybody but anyway what would be the best vocal chain on a budget of $2,000 minus the microphone because I already have a tlm 103

[@daveatjude3]

Aiden, I deeply appreciate your real-world common-sense advice. Thank you.

[@EzyoMusic]

I wanted to switch from my Steinberg UR44 to an Audient iD44 but it’s not idiot-proof so I had to return it because of electrical issues in my setup.

[@raffaelerispo71]

I need to buy a new interface for my new Mac silicon. Need 2 inputs for recording vocal and acoustic guitar by condenser mic. Wish easy use and very good quality. Undecided between SSL2 mk2 (I like plug and play plus physical controls)and the more expensive Apogee duet 3 (I am still using my old duet FireWire with my old Mac with great satisfaction). Please give me your suggestions

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

I'd get the SSL of the two but I do have my wonders about SSl overall as they are peddling pretty questionable software these days and I worry it says things that are not good. However we got my partner a UAD Volt and it has been good (so far - but it does little work compared to the EVO 4 in my studio which is never off)

[@guitarcafeguy]

What i dont get about recording is if you avoid the threshold its way too quite, but if you get to where its even audible you get clipping.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Most audio engineers avoid recording anything over -18 and gain up in post. The headroom is necessary for post production

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

Correct. Then you Mix it. Post production is a whole artform so it is wise to work with someone with real experience so you gain good habits in the recording and in finishing the program. Most 10 Tips n Trix vids will tell you really stupid things (despite how popular they are). :-)

[@TheColdHarshTruth]

HiZ? Headphone outs? 48v? Weight? Stability? Material quality? Vocals? Synths? Guitars? Electronic? In the box? Where are the IOs? Flat top? Encoders on top? Pots on the front? Check compatibility with OS? You missed loads of important decision making factors.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@TheColdHarshTruth I alluded to them Literally made the case for….use case All of which I assumed people would think could fall under than heading

[@itscoldcoldwinter]

i got dt 990 pro with scarlett solo and they were so quiet so i moved to hyper x and i love it dt 990 pro and scarlett solo waste of money or idk better

[@koolpep]

The DT990 Pro comes in various versions. If you have the 600Ohm version, you need a very capable and strong amp inside your interface, even for the 250 Ohm version it’s probably underpowered. The 80 Ohm version might work. Better yet, get the 900X or a 32 Ohm version of the dt990.

[@itscoldcoldwinter]

@@koolpep i have 250 ohm version

[@itscoldcoldwinter]

@ thanks for teaching me

[@koolpep]

@@itscoldcoldwinter It's a shame that some interfaces have low powered headphone amps. Some have though - Julian Krause has a list where all the headphone amps of interfaces are tested in regards to output power and distortion....

[@itscoldcoldwinter]

@@koolpep thanks i will watch it

[@sanglofile]

Hello, thank you for this great video (Again) :) I have a shure SM7db for podcasting and I'm looking for an audio interface that will allow me to get the the best out of this mic (character, deep & rich voice, specially for lower tones). I do not care much about the look/features of the interface, I just want the best cost/benefit ratio for my goal (rich deep tones of voice). Would please be so kind as to suggest a recommendation ? :) Thanks again for all the great content you produce !

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

TBH that is a difficult mic, built for a few specific situations. Sure great for Radio Jock "four balls" vibe but it only works in a quiet room as it needs vast amounts of boost (research Cloud Lifter) AND a trained voice. Ok so the db version has the lifter built in but it is still down to a confident voice and then it is about preparing (mixing) that voice way more than the interface once you have something clean like the trust EVO 4. 🙂

[@narrator-timothymckean]

Is there a good $200 interface that has a hardware HPF integrated?

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

That should not be needed as that is a decision you make in Post (mixing). If your mic sound seems too full, tubby, muddy... it is likely the Proximity Effect so back off the mic. About 6 inches will sound nice and natural.

[@theoutsiderjess1869]

I go with what I need and what it looks like. I have the minifuse 1 I love it so much and I also have a fifine sc3 I use that on my ps5 and ps4 it plug and plays and is a tank at its budget I can use my podmic usb on the fifine sc3

[@aarongl2605]

I have a doubt, I have a Scarlett 2i2 4th gen, and I want to sell it and buy a SSL MKII+ is it worth the change? I’ve seen SSL interface it’s better

[@DarkCornerStudios]

But better how? Do you need 32 bit float?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

Again...unless you specifically NEED a feature on another unit...YOU WONT NOTICE A DIFFERENCE

[@mirkomarkovic3438]

It has better converters and better preamps.

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@mirkomarkovic3438 you missed the basis of what I was asking. What are you using it for? Better preamps and converters sure...but i can tell you that 99.9% of the world wouldn't be able to pick them out in a lineup. Better by how much? It isn't as night and day as you might think. One thing going for the SSL is...I believe the EIN. But even then...

[@mirkomarkovic3438]

@@DarkCornerStudios the da converters on the audient id44 are so vastly superior to the scarlett-the mixes get instantly better...the preamps on the audient series are also superior so whatever you're recording gets better, so it's a difference that's noticeable and worth having irregardless of what you do.

[@MuahMan]

How do you have ZERO reflection in your lens glass?

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@MuahMan angle of the lights They are a few feet above at 45 degrees to my face

[@BrunodeSouzaLino]

I originally wanted a Yamaha DM3-D. Can't afford it. What? That's not an audio interface but a digital live mixer?

[@vadimmartynyuk]

Today any interface is good and will work on any computer , except focusrite scarletts, those are hit and miss

[@TECH3_]

As much as love my Audient evo... It has issues with interference for sure

[@DarkCornerStudios]

@@TECH3_ interesting. I haven't heard that

[@TECH3_]

@@DarkCornerStudios yup kinda has a hiss if listen closely when I mistakenly place my phone close to it but not always ,doesn't really appear on the recordings though

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

I have run one for mixing and screencasts for about 5 years and honestly no interference or oddities in that time. What I would wonder is if you have a cable somewhere that is past its use by date (got a hole or something). I picked up AM Radio once on a poorly built guitar cable. :-)

[@TECH3_]

@ might be , i gotta look closely , its not my guitar cable for sure but maybe the xlr i am using

[@oupahens9219]

If a pre-amp can be modelled, one does not need hardware preamps anymore. A microphone can just be put into a line input and recorded with or without digitally modelled printed pre-amp. This opens up the possibility of later using different pre-amp models. For monitoring your vocals in headphones while recording a system with very low latency is required.

[@BuddyGorey]

Boooooo

[@BenedictRoffMarsh]

I think we still need pre amps as otherwise the signal being fed to the computer (we run modellers on) would be too low to be useful ;-)