M-Audio M-Track 2x2 C-Series Interface Review / Explained

[@m.a.watersmusic6785]

bought the 2x2m as my second ever interface (only been recording less than a year) and find it to be very good build wise, but i do have some issues with the preamps they just seem really noisy and the gain knobs are not very sensitive, i can have a mic plugged in and find im not getting much if any signal at all until im about 3/4 the way turned up and then it suddenly jumps from quite to really loud and the noise floor is awful, i mean the noise could be my mics, the leads or maybe just something else in my set up but i own a lot of mics from cheap to about mid range and its a problem with all of them and i know a few other people have had a similar problem with this interface, just thought id drop this on here as it could be a helpful insight from someone whos had this interface for about 6 months but like i said i dont really know or understand much about recording so i assume its something wrong on my end and not the interface. great video and keep up the good work i love watching your reviews and base a lot of my purchases off of them!

[@RadioFreeCedarCity]

@@renat_CIA 2x2M has MIDI I/O...that's the only difference

[@m.a.watersmusic6785]

@@renat_CIA yes aside from the extra xlr input its exactly the same

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

Almost sounds like you got a dud with non-functional phantom power or something. What sort of mics do you have? You do plug them into one of the Mic/Line inputs using ordinary known-good XLR cables and turn on phantom power when needed, right? (I mean, it's not rocket science, but still.) A very nonlinear gain control isn't anything overly unusual, my Behringer mixer does the same.

[@m.a.watersmusic6785]

@@PileOfEmptyTapes the phantom power is fine plus i have an external unit as my last interface had phantom power problems so i know its not that and yes i only use phantom power when needed, im using quite cheap leads at the minute but am switching out for some decent ones ive just ordered so hopefully that sorts it, if not ive been told it could just be the pres themselves or some sort of ground loop but i know nothing about that sorta thing to even start trying to solve it effectively, also the mics i have and record with regularly are an sm58, a AKG P120 and C1000, behringer C4s, and i use a rode nt2A from time to time as well as various cheap mics that i dont really use anymore, and thats good to hear about the gain that its normal, it was one of the main issues with a lot of reviews of this particular interface so always thought it was a bad thing.

[@Seathasky]

you can remedy this here m-audio.com/kb/article/2224

[@LianExfeind]

You're doing really great and entertaining tests! Also: Very cool that you credit other guys, when you learned something useful from them. Nice!

[@GanRPG]

I recently got my own nt1 microphone and was considering getting this interface. You've convinced me man.

[@thexugmedia]

He’s using the microphone that I really want for Christmas, the nt1 and the ai1 kit

[@GUTTAH954]

Subscribed! I know this video is a year old but it’s still relevant.. I’ve been piecing my home studio together and as I been using the iRig Keys IO 25 and wanted more control of my interface. So I watched videos after videos and after watching yours I had to have this joint. Picked one up on offer up and I’m so happy I did. I appreciate your approach and gained a new viewer.

[@minimumviablepizza]

Just wanted to drop a comment that I bought a 2x2m when it came out and it's still kicking on just fine today on Windows 11 with my AT2020. Had zero issues. Have run it on Ableton, Reason, and Pro Tools. The big knob is still totally fire. Are there better units today? Maybe. But if it ain't broke don't fix it and in 10 years from now musos will probably think it's vintage. 😅

[@beatsbylio]

For recordings, do you use 100% USB signal and 0% direct?

[@minimumviablepizza]

@beatsbylio yep 100% USB.

[@musicbymicelf8169]

when is it best to have the direct / usb balanced as opposed to just having the USB? For mixing do I want to have the monitors being mixed in?

[@hassanx146]

What the name of the song ? 6:00

[@ChaoticEnigma92]

I was waiting for this one. Glad it lived up to expectations.

[@renloris460]

Don't know why I felt the need to help sort out the English subtitles for a video reviewing audio interface, something you need to hear to understand the content, but hopefully it'll be helpful in some way. Great video man, and you're 100% right about how gosh darn cool it looks.

[@hubhub27]

I just bought a Pyle PMX44T (sending it back) and I just ordered this one, and from your review this should've been my first choice.

[@Danielsworlds]

Man for $100 this blows a lot of the other cheeper interfaces out of the water. Added to wishlist

[@madProgenitorDeity]

I got one of these and, when being used as a laptop playback device, the right channel records but does not output. But both signals come out of the headphones jack (combined output). pretty annoying

[@FilmDat]

Have had one for a year now. It’s great for voice recordings and such, but when producing music in let’s say Ableton I think it has some flaws. For some reason the headphone volume is either way too low or get’s these weird “crackling” sounds, no way how to improve this. Have never had this with NI or Focusrite cards.

[@diptamoikakati1806]

hello when i record guitar with mono there is no sound and when i record through stereo sounds comes out of only the right side. So the only thimg i can do is record in stereo and then copy, pate that to a mono track to get the sound coming out of both left and righr side of my headphones. Watching something on my pc is completely fine through the mtrack 2x2 and even listening to my guitar in realtime is fine. The problem arises while i replay the recorded track in any daw. Even in bias fx 2 when its in single channel, only the rightsie of my headphones produces the guitar sound. i have to always keep it dual channel for the sound to be produced from both sides of my headphones. PLEASE HELP!!

[@AnarghaBose]

I bought M audio air 192 | 4, When I put gain to 90% or the voice can be heard. Else it so low

[@panagiotiszavantis]

I have an XLR cable but does not apply is there another XLR out there ? Because i do not want to use a jack for my microphone.

[@JeitiMusic256]

I recently bought this thing but I haven't gotten anything of importance........its not stable with the Mic recordings too much hiss sounds,and the output is not stable it's even low so I really dont know what I got into .....need your help please

[@umnyirapumnyirap]

I have such a question purchased 2x2, I did not pay attention to the plug-ins, the Air Mini Grand piano, the Air Strike and Air Xpandi2 drum arranger are included, I needed these plug-ins, I registered on the m audio website, they could not give me links to these plug-ins and replaced them with the mpc program, it is inconvenient for me, for me are these plugins free now?

[@UltraShadowLive]

i am having some trouble with M-track interface, i don't know specifically with my interface, mic or computer settings. the trouble is that my mic is working for only single side channel, when i plug mic for recording in input-1(MIC\Line) then recording sound comes from left channel, and when i plug mic in Input-2(instrument) then recording sound come from right side channel. this things happening only when i am recording my voice or any sound in my windows 10 recording app, or audacity and other software also even in my live streaming with streamlab OBS on youtube. can you please help me out with this?? i am using XLR- male female cable for mic. my mic model name is "MICROPHONE BETA-58SL" . please help me with this trouble. thank you so much

[@briantejares]

M-Audio M-Track 2X2M or Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 (2nd Gen)?

[@chromax1619]

Scarlett has no midi port, m audio has lower latency, m audio has higher sound quality with either headphones and speakers, as far as i know

[@Starw90]

Cyka Blyad scarlet solo & 2i2 doesn’t but 4i4 & above models has.

[@apeksh3063]

@Ace King choose an interface with more no. Of inputs.. 192 8 or 192 14

[@pennyp22]

My m audio 2x2 works & powers on and when I connect headphones I can hear everything but I can't find it in devices on my mac. It doesn't show up for some reason, could you help please?

[@lowlandsstudios6575]

You are doing a really good job Bro!

[@michaelrcm7461]

actually, the interface supports 192kHz/32Bits. since i updated the software there was the setting for that.

[@Podcastage]

That's nuts. I don't even know if logic supports 32-bits. I think that ProTools does though.

[@michaelrcm7461]

@@Podcastage well, after i did the firmware update i was able to record in full resolution in Adobe Audition without any problems. even the clipping problem when the monitoring dial turned all the way to USB is gone. Pretty impressed about that tbh

[@a-dawgkitsandtutorials7322]

Might just be me but here are the issues I've had with it in the 2-3 years I've had it: - since it's slanted upwards at the back, the USB C cable would disconnect with a little movement - i always get a ton of latency when I try to record guitar or vocals - switching the audio output in my daw from the interface to my laptop soundcard and back will cause the daw to crash

[@t0nicss867]

The usb C thing will eventually give out because of the angle, if you are really witty you just buy a standard USB C female port and switch it out. But you get what you pay for friend.

[@Laiqul]

Hi, i have a USB mixer alctron mx4 , which don't have the nob to choose between direct monitorin and computer monitoring/playback, the case is, i wanna monitor FL studio which i've applied effect to it, but i just hearing the direct one, Can i do something to monitor that FL studio out ?

[@Podcastage]

I’ve never used FL studio but I imagine they have a monitor feature on each track. There will be some latency but t should fulfill your need.

[@AntanyKnows]

Scarlett solo studio bundle or the m-audio 2x2 studio bundle?

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Scarlet. But both are good.

[@FAUSTOGUILLERMO]

how do i connect rhe mic to mi camara canon t 7i??

[@Skuggan91]

I got this interface for FL studio. Keeps cutting out when you add a plug-in on the mixer. Very annoying. Also clips and distorts sometime but that could be my VSTs.. hmm. Not sure if I should sell or keep. Great plug ins come with it though. Make sure to not have the USB knob all the way down it makes the audio clip, keep it at 9 o’clock or higher

[@shubhambobhate4941]

I'm kinda new to this. Could someone explain to me what zero latency monitoring and computer playback is? If not even pointing me to some resource would be a great help.

[@Maxime_L91]

If some one could help that'd be great. The volume knoes doest do anything and the mix knob either. I hear my signal with some latency but thats all i can do with it.

[@slaycg2536]

Seems like a good choice honestly. I mean I'm not looking for anything pricey and assuming hardware is all roughly equivalent at the price point then I think the design sets it apart; this can sit on a desk for example and the dials are facing upwards for appraisal rather than requiring you to tilt the device or lean away from your mic.

[@chordkeys]

If you are looking to get M track 2x2 in 2019, go for it. I think m audio may have fixed little problems people are complaining about. I bought a scarlet 2i2 2nd gen and it was rubbish. I bought the m track 2x2 because I was using an m track mkii. the m track mkii used to crash my windows, hence the reason for shopping around for a new one. I risked getting another m audio product becuase the m track mkii did excellently well except for giving my PC BSOD. I just got the 2x2 and trust me, it is a great interface expecially for windows PCs that have low specs, you are better off with m audio than the scarlett with its more weird problems. The scarlett is probably more suited to apple machines

[@BlackandGinger]

I'll disagree wit you bro. Mtrack 2x2 is a disaster. I bought mine 4 months ago and it stopped working after 2 months. Customer service is poor. I checked online forums and people are having similar problems for over 3 years now, yet no new updates have been released, nor any solutions given. all they say is send it back for review and they'll just give you a new one. its worthless i swear lol

[@mmoussa1234]

saw this in a bundle on amazon. Definitely will buy that bundle now

[@BrutishSail0r]

I was surprised. My favorite interface of all time was the M-audio soundcards released back in the day. But the drivers had issues that made them dissapear off my desktop/input ports suddenly not work. But for streaming, at that time, they were unmatched.

[@BrutishSail0r]

All things aside, after some of the fubars that M audio did (spudnik highlights this list, because of price range) it's good that affordable quality audio is back, because that should have always been M-audios bag. Honestly, if they could have stuck with these guns during the golden ago of shoutcast/icecast, they could have owned a good chunk of the market.

[@Blessedphotography]

hey bro I just bought the mtrack how do I set it up on my macbook for recording

[@jazzbolt20]

is it possible to connect a linear TRS jack source to this device? for example, from a synthesizer or a drum machine?

[@metalinyourhead3604]

I bought the m-audio over the steinberg, big mistake. Plugged my guitar into the interface and half the time it never worked or had a weak signal.

[@vikaskamblesinger3829]

Sir this interface not support to windows 7 .... Driver not worrk in windows 7 ..... Plz help me any option widdows 7 support driver for this card plz sir

[@MichaelReyk]

what are C series differences with the normal 2x2 m ?? i dont understand what is C series, explain me pls

[@michaltanay2315]

Do you have for sale microphone ?

[@rocksta4u]

Im using mac big sur 11.4 and m audio m track 2x2m doesnt work on it ? Whats the solution?

[@FluMusic2020]

Could you solve the problem?

[@القراًنالكريمالصوتالشجن]

@podcastage Do you think that the Scarlett solo better than this interface?

[@RadioFreeCedarCity]

Let me guess...I'd have to use 1/4 cables between the 2nd Input and the Main Output in order to have the mic waveforms show up on both channels of Audacity or Wavepad? I have to do this with the Behringer UM2 and the PreSonus AudioBox, if not, the right channel shows nothing.

[@Podcastage]

Or you make a mono track instead of a stereo track and select channel 1 as the input.

[@IliaKurochkin]

I have this one + AKG P120. Should i by preamp? Thx

[@CRIMINALSFAMILYGroup]

I am a vocalist and i have scarlet 2i2 2nd gin do you think I should replace it with these one ?

[@PileOfEmptyTapes]

Probably not, unless you are fighting with dynamic mic noise levels. Otherwise it's a sidegrade at best.

[@HalfBakedAnimations]

anyone know if a 2000 watt pa speaker would run off this thing or is it due to my power supply

[@StaySideWays]

my pc keeps crashing after using it and installing the driver

[@prodby-shibu9559]

Just Curious to know Will this audio interface can drive 250ohms Headphone easily ?

[@ailyas3556]

does anyone know what are the difference between this one and the AIR one? Can't find anything of use on Google.

[@andrianhendry1979]

same here

[@Pennygame]

For what ist 48v ? I have this on is this good , sorry im noob

[@andym7333]

on what daw can i get 3 ms latencyyy i can only get it down to 6 with the 192/4

[@Mr.Lorenzo_Rhino]

Can you plz do a review of the M-Audio 192|8 with rode NT1 with SMR, I have the feeling that i need to turn up the gain very high! ;-(, I also get some noise in my audio but i dont think its the cables or my audio monitors because i'm using ADAM AUDIO A7X and everything I hook up is with Mogami 2534 Quad Professional Studio Cable with Neutrik Gold Connectors.

[@ChazSeamus28]

its been pretty decent for me.. going on a few months now (m-track 2x2m) went with the m because it wasnt much more expensive with midi in/out

[@Hakimruffin6]

Can you help me? When I installed the driver it’s not popping up on my pc. Windows 10

[@ChazSeamus28]

@@Hakimruffin6 make sure the 2x2 is selected in ur default in ur pc sound settings

[@Hakimruffin6]

ChazSeamus28 it’s not even showing up there

[@tonyrapa-tonyrapa]

Thanks dude.... really good review. I will buy one :-)

[@jefebeatz184]

Thanks man 🤟🏽 my old interface got damaged and this helped

[@Podcastage]

Absolutely. Best of luck. Sorry to hear the old one died on ya.

[@amnakadim1452]

j'arrive pas a installer les pilotes de m-track sur mon Ordinateur

[@Evadahliaball]

Okay I’m new to recording/producing music. I’m a total beginner so can anyone please explain to me what a track 2 interface has anything to do with music production? I’m not getting it loll

[@GnaReffotsirk]

Please help me. Which package is better between this and the Focusrite 2i2 2nd Gen?

[@apogeedesign4348]

Awesome..... you know I only bought it because I HATED accessing the Volume KNOB in my MOTU 828ES, I DO Love my MOTU by its sound clarity and ease of use, but after being in Japan so many times and realizing that like the Japanesse people, I DO have a thing for KNOBS and NIPLES... SO now my Volume knob seats beautifully next to my Music Desk. totally worth having it

[@CarloLeonKolega]

This or Steinberg UR12? I have a question. If I get to plug my gaming headphones with the adapter 6.5 to 3.5 jack, there whound be no way of using the microphone on the headset, right?

[@wh0istim]

Is this similar to the AIR 192|4 here in Europe? Not sure if the m-track is available here...

[@calipinoypride823]

Same specs but m track 2x2m launch price was cheaper and better build quality and it wasn't profitable. They rebranded it into the air with a marked up price and cheaper quality so its profitable and to get more hype. The 2x2m is a very good deal if you can find one it has better quality but internally the same thing.

[@nanggesworld6465]

I have downloaded the driver of this interface but when i open it it shows (hardware not connected) Can you help me to fix it?

[@Podcastage]

I don't know what would be causing that. I would try multiple different usb ports to ensure it's not the port. I would also check the lights on the interface to ensure it's getting power. If you've done both of those things, you may need to contact M-Audio support as they'll have more experience determining why it is not recognized by your comptuer.

[@yigiterol8527]

@@Podcastage I have same problem. no one knows why its happenned even m audios supporting team. I mailed them several times.

[@cosmicguy8107]

Do you need drivers for this device or is it class compliant? I'm thinking of using it with the new m1 Mac mini as it does not support my audio interface at the moment.

[@donvittoriosierra]

Are keyboard outputs okay to be connected to these high z inputs?

[@jljovano]

Nice review, thank you. Just two "PC" important questions : how are the ASIO drivers and do they permit full duplex under windows ? (DAW and Windows audio at the same time) ?

[@kennycybertron1]

Thanks, just bought it. Can't wait to try it out.

[@aronhallam6449]

why dont you need a d.i box ? is it built into the card ?

[@buschovski1]

I was doin some vox with it last night sounds good. But I wish it had a mute button for the speakers. Doesn’t seem to. You have to do a little messin around Before you can get your music just in your headphones for vocal recording. Unless GarageBand has a mute speaker function. Not.....

[@Podcastage]

That's a good critique of the interface.

[@electricity_siji7406]

I have the M-TRACK 2X2M. Do I still need a Cloudlifter in order to use the Shure SM7B or is it good enough without the cloudlifter? Thanks so much!!!!

[@alexshdvideo]

I like the layout. That or the Native Instruments one. I hear great things about the Audient for 3X the money. I will be picking up a Roland VT-4 in a month for live effects... any first hand knowledge of how the clean channel is to use just as a clean interface? I bet it’s on part with typical $100 interfaces.. though maybe not.. who knows. Any first hand experience with the Audient $299? I hear they have great preamps. I’ll roll through your other videos this morning. Thank you for posting!

[@bmc9563]

Is this compatible with propellerhead reason audio?

[@LG-nh4bs]

Is it compatible with pro tools and pro tools ultimate?

[@NocturnosRockShow]

Great vid as always!!! quick question, how can I use this same soundcard with only 1 self powered monitor...? I'm using the behringer B215D and only have one but those don't have a stereo in in the back just xlr or 1/4"... thanks!

[@mrrymezakageorgestunna8093]

I AGREE WITH U I HAVE IT N IT DOES THE JOB WELL N IT DOES LOOK COOLER THANKS FOR THE INFO BUT I HAVE A ISSUE WITH THE MONITOR KNOB IT KEEPS CRACKLING WEN AM TURNING IT UP OR DOWN

[@ProxyWasTaken]

Is there RCA output audio interface? I don't feel like using USB instead of 3.5mm. Thanks!

[@Podcastage]

02:40

[@merakiinspiration1809]

Thank you for this review. Will this device to be able to record the actual sound of my yamaha keyboard on the computer? 1. How do you connect with your keyboard / synth? 2. Which cables is needed and 3. What is the settings in Logic Pro.

[@briantejares]

Would this be better than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2nd Gen?

[@harryparnwell1421]

What’s the Mic he is using in 6:55?

[@VocasoGK]

I'm a bit late, but yea. It's Shure SM7B

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

Bandrew Sir, how did you didly did this review.

[@AlonsoDOK]

Can it help me with the lag at playing a midi controller?

[@MegaMon23]

Will this work fine with a Rode NT-USB mic?

[@matteogambini2769]

Can someone help me out? I can't really understand this: this interface, unlike most of others, has a usb-c hole to connect it to the PC instead of the normal usb port. If I use a usb to usb-c cable (or maybe even usb-c to usb-c, since my motherboard has usb-c) will I get a higher speed than usb 2.0 (other interfaces) or not?

[@Podcastage]

To my knowledge, no.

[@matteogambini2769]

@@Podcastage Thank you so much for the quick response. I think I'll go with a yamaha interface then. Thanks!

[@marcobeltran7726]

Do you guys know how to connect a mixer with this Interface? Because i have this interface for about a month and im thinking to buy a mixer and connect this interface to it but im not really sure if it will work or not can somebody explain shit to me

[@AnirbanBanerjeeTheSarodGharana]

can you plz exlain what is I/O buffer size and these roundtrip and output stuff.

[@qudsiatanveer9763]

Sir Bandrew, AT 2020 and behringer c1 sets up in my budget, which should I buy for quality singing?

[@kidcrash3052]

Can you please recommend a very inexpensive interface for a small set up ? MacBook Pro with jbl monitors used for editing video . Thanks !

[@adieliyahu2086]

When you used he dbx 286s with your interface, you used a TRS CABLE to Male XLR. Can you give me a link to buy the same cable?

[@BrutishSail0r]

A bunch of company's make these. If you got the cash, mogami is great for signal with this setup. But honestly? If your going to your comp, I would skip the interface, and just go 286 to computer input via a 1/4 stereo to 3.5 mm jack. $20 at your local DJ hardware store.

[@tikemyson4685]

I'm debating between this and the behringer 202hd. I've gotten some crisp sounds out of the cheaper behringer um22 which is only 16 bit 48khz. Not to mention it doesn't even have midas preamp like the umc22,202,and 204. I also have a few buddies who use this m audio 2x2 and get professional sound from it. Guess I'll try em both eventually.

[@bigmo9649]

Dose this have phantom power?

[@SeeDvideos]

What do you think about M- audio AIR 192/6 interface?

[@karl9411]

don't anywhere near M-Audio or Tascam .They don't support afterwards and don't update software leaving fairly new hardware obsolete

[@calipinoypride823]

Same specs but m track 2x2m launch price was cheaper and better build quality and it wasn't profitable. They rebranded it into the air with a marked up price and cheaper quality so its profitable and to get more hype. The 2x2m is a very good deal if you can find one it has better quality but internally the same thing.

[@StevenHenrymusic]

more info for noise floor for voice over please. just kinda skipped over that detail

[@transforminggravity15626]

That is awesome thank you for your advice 💪

[@TechnoMusicFreaks]

hi if i connect my pioneer plx1000 to this and then my PC can I record my vinyls? (rip it to digital)

[@karensartori3456]

I'm trying to do the same thing, but the input 1 (with 1/4 TRS) is not getting the stereo signal (2 channels). I believe it gets only mono (1ch per input).

[@danielforto]

M-Audio M-Track 2x2 Vocal Studio Pro or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio Bundle? I'm planning on making some acoustic covers or some sort.

[@luisarturoaguilargonzalez]

can you talk more about the 150 ohm resistor on the conector please what really do and with what mics work more on keep the noise quite thanks

[@henrytuton9403]

If u dont mind would u do the new m audio 192/4 interface thanks.

[@talkingbuffalo]

Long time fan of your videos especially your mic reviews and comparisons. Is there any chance you can do a review of the Electro-Voice ND76?!? Even better possibly a comparison to the Shure SM-58? I've heard great things about the Electro-Voice ND76 and am considering getting 2-3 of them to use as my hand held mics for when I do a podcast remotely.. Thanks!

[@dwolivas]

Will this device supply my active speakers with power once they are plugged into the Main L R outs with quarter inches or TRS?

[@sebastiancapeans]

yes

[@TwoThreadsAhead]

@M.A.Waters music Would really love a response if you get the time please because i don't know my ass from my elbow when it comes to interfaces Between this and the Focusrite 2i2, which would you chose ? I have a small home studio and while cost isn't really a factor ideally speaking the most reliable and highest sound quality option would be preferable