M-Audio M-Track Solo Audio Interface Review / Explained

[@aienp]

For 2 years now, been watching and learning from this dude about microphones and audio interfaces! If I make it as a rapper one day, be sure it'll be due to the fact I watched a channel that helped me setup everything easily haha! Love your videos man, so detailed and well made. Just thanks a lot, appreciate it.

[@formulejedna7370]

I am not into rap, but ur music in your channel is pretty good. Keep it up

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I too watch this channel eagarly.

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I too watching this channel for more than 2 years.

[@CristinaMarshal]

I appreciate the countdowns so much... Especially my ears X

[@vincentperom2845]

I was heavily using this for a year, it still works perfectly after a bit of abuse.

[@Jaxonyogi]

😂 abuse

[@vincentperom2845]

@@Jaxonyogi it was plugged to the pc 24/7 without me using it LOL and being lightweight i always knock it off the desk.

[@pin1771]

does it still work?

[@vincentperom2845]

@@pin1771 yes it does xD, motherfucker is kinda hard to kill or I'm just good at keeping things, but ya can't do hi-res audio with it tho, but it's good enough just consider everything that this channel has said about it too.

[@pin1771]

​@@vincentperom2845do you have issue with noise while monitoring guitar sounds?

[@nutellaontoast4281]

Focusrite needs to make a $50 interface

[@lambda7652]

They do, but its sold under a different brand and named UMC202HD. But its uses the same ADC/DAC and is internally very suspiciously similar to the scarlet.

[@nutellaontoast4281]

@@lambda7652 it's bhringer. Prob just a rip of the 2i2. I bet they could sell the solo for around 50 and still make a profit. Its strange cuz focusrite is a well known budget brand name so you'd think they would want to show that

[@Phicxtion]

At one point Focusrite’s most popular interface was $50 lol

[@eldest3171]

Feeling a little METAL today where we, always love the songs you make for the vids! Keep it up Bandrew, great job!

[@ronaldmalcolm5609]

I have the M-Track Duo and I don't have the gain problem at the very end--it's a consistent increase. I also like how quiet the preamps are relative to many others. However, due to the sample rate, I am going to upgrade at some point. I really enjoy your in-depth reviews and humor. Thanks for doing this video.

[@utrumal]

sample rate is claimed to be 24-bit, right? But it's actually 16-bit, im right?

[@AlteredMindz84]

Awesome review. I just purchased one and your video had everything I needed to get started. Thank you. You now have a new subscriber.

[@Podcastage]

I'm glad the video provided the information you needed. Thanks for watching and thanks for sharing that. Hope you get some great recordings.

[@tashagodspell]

at 7:42, I forgot that this was a video on an audio interface

[@JoeCastellon]

6:38 😲 .... 7:21 😱 that was AMAZING!!

[@wojciechszymczak5616]

whats name of that

[@Braulioxc94]

​@@wojciechszymczak5616 guitar

[@garethm9523]

I bought the m-audio air during the UK first lockdown. Loved it for what I have needed it for.

[@lordisaac2870]

Would you say it’s better than this one

[@garethm9523]

@@lordisaac2870 I have never used the solo, as it was released as after. If it's similar to my m-audio air I'd recommend it

[@TangleWireTube]

Tossing the box was good content. Why haven’t other reviewers thought to do that. Gold star ⭐️

[@liveshotsvideoproductions]

I bought one (used) today for £23, so got the December 2023 drivers; the input settings in Windows are now offering 16/24/32-bit, all at 48Khz. The input gain dial is giving me a massive leap between 9-10, so I doubt I'd turn up that far with no clip protection. I wish they'd put a simple limiter in the firmware, my Tascam DR70 field recorder has a limiter on all 4 channels.

[@derpingdino1899]

I found your channel by looking for a a review on the Audio Technica at2020 a couple of days ago, and that convinced me to buy it. Then I found out I needed a audio interface for it (I was too eager and bought it without realizing I needed a xlr cable and a interface). So here I am looking at some interfaces on amazon being bewildered by the prices on these, and imagine my face when I saw you put out a review today of the same cheap interface I was looking at. Both your review on the at 2020 and the M-track were superb, and really made me feel confident and comfortable with what I was looking to purchase. So just want to say thanks for these great reviews! PS Really enjoyed the Instrument input test lol

[@tawandamanika530]

Hope your recording has been going well so far m8

[@faizdz5472]

Haha same struggle here, I bought a dynamic mic without realizing it needs an audio interface

[@ODiS33]

yeah same thing happened to my brother. bought a mic kit (unbranded, and provided a little usb pre-amp, really bad idea in hindsight). at the time none of us knew it was gonna SUCK! i know a lot more now thanks to bandrew and i aint makin the same mistake lol

[@HarvinderSingh-yy8th]

I too.

[@AirEyez]

earliest ive been to one of your videos, keep up the great work!

[@Yevgen4000]

Same

[@mwkoskamp1]

Thanks for this review. Looking to buy something like this for my daughter so she can play around with her acoustic-electric guitar and add a mic to sing some songs. Appreciate the effort you put into this.

[@Digital_Dusk]

Thanks for the audio countdown timer since I turned it all the way up to hear the preamp.

[@00solman]

Solid honest review!

[@gh5665]

the throw lol

[@BrendanEvan]

Gets me every time

[@gregelgie]

I thought he was going to hit the camera and tripod.

[@-Pedry]

yyYYYYYEEEet

[@kender6143]

Watch the microphone when he throws it lol

[@nathanlee572]

how he fixes his glasses

[@isaacclarke6638]

Thank you for the review especially for the Latency test !

[@lenvdb64]

Today I went looking for a USB audio interface. I had the option to get the Behringer. But got the M-track solo instead. Watching your review I am glad that I did. Thank you ❤

[@jdkarchivos]

Honestly, if it can power the sm7b like that, I think it's fine. I could barely hear it using my apple "dirty buds", and I think that's gonna be how a lot of people will listen All I would need is post processing, but if I can't hear the noise with my dirty buds, I don't think people will hear the noise with some stream background music.

[@certifiedbruhmoment85]

bro after dankpods we just casually say dirtybuds 😭 OH NO MY PKCELL-

[@agambhasin]

I think it will surely give a hard time to the UM2, again a great review brother, love ya!

[@xHadesStamps]

I'm no longer recommending either of the el-cheapo Behringers (UM2 & UMC22). I have found a new budget king.

[@KiLLJOY1056]

I really like this interface. I just got mine yesterday after watching this video. The latency is really really good And everything works nice and proper. Very solid output for my main speakers, it all seems really great. I had another $50 interface fifine amazon, it was even properly specced for Line In Guitar, it was buzzy, didnt have any software and had 17ms of latency at a 0 Block Size. Same price and the M Audio is a HUGE step up, highly recommend.

[@Redman147]

I still enjoy all your content. One day I'll be able to convince my friend to stream and I'll probably get him a setup based on your recommendations.

[@rangersmith4652]

I'm just beginning to dabble in voice over and similar audio work, and I've decided not to purchase any interface right now since I remembered that my Zoom H4n is perfectly serviceable as an interface. But if I were in need of a "get-by" interface, I would go with this A-Audio unit based on this review and the overall quality and integrity of Podcastage reviews in general.

[@zoltanvamos4757]

Always a good day when Bandrew uploads! This was definitely the definition of budget audio interfaces, loud pres, not very well built, a weird gain dynamic, I'll stick to my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 second gen

[@Podcastage]

You definitely have the all around better interface there.

[@zoltanvamos4757]

@@Podcastage I agree, I want to upgrade from the 2i2, as you know I'm running a power hungry condenser (the wa87r2), what should I go with??

[@bigfloppa3835]

You get what you pay for 🤷‍♂️

[@DivoLakota]

@@bigfloppa3835 No, not necessarily. There are many objects sold at a very high price on the market that are surely well-packaged, heavily marketed but in fact poorly built, fragile and unreliable. It goes from perfume, to clothes, to even cars. Sellers just make HUGE margins on these.

[@americanexpress888]

best review ever. just purchased one from amazon

[@SaltyNotSweat]

Loved this part 7:22 I have the umc22 for two years because of your review! I have a friend that is getting the same one soon because I recommended it but should he buy this instead of the UMC22? The UMC22 is a few euros cheaper but thats it. He is just using it for a single mic.

[@vampula12]

Imo UMC-22 is better built wise

[@SaltyNotSweat]

@@vampula12 ya I know but I wanted to know like other features it might have over the UMC22

[@asapgamer8513]

When I tell you I SMILED at 7:31 I mean I had an ear-to-ear expression of: "Holy sh*t that sounds good!" :)

[@Boysoundtechniques]

That's my main decision for buying it

[@jaam1667]

I had behringer for two years, never again. My gain on my dynamic mic granted connected via XLR was having distortions even on no gain. M-Audio is the one I will give it a try :)

[@some-random-guy-l4r]

I have that interface for my 50$ mic, it works really well

[@MorcicRS]

Could you please tell me if there’s any required software/driver downloads to get the M trac to work?

[@some-random-guy-l4r]

@@MorcicRS I dont know because I already had ASIO4ALL installed but it shows up as a 'USB Audio Codec'

[@efemji]

@@MorcicRS there's m-audio asio driver, you can download, im not sure you can plug and play iirc

[@VideoJamesShow]

He chucked that box back to the manufacturer

[@josephwirth3892]

very informative, thank you for making this video. i just bought my first audio interface, i dont even have a clue how to record music.

[@Podcastage]

You're very welcome. Happy the video helped. Best of luck on recording your music. Have some fun!

[@realandrisbiedrins]

Picked one up because of this video and it's a really solid first audio interface so far. Thanks for the review!

[@realandrisbiedrins]

@@Unizuka ended ip returning it and going a different route. It worked fine for me. A friend of mine had issues with his though.

[@vincentperom2845]

@@Unizuka I got this interface since last year February, it still works perfectly. Though, i kinda treated it like shit, it fell a few times and I was jacking the shit out the knobs and many more, but overall i'm very impressed with this shit for its price.

[@smokeclouds6048]

@@realandrisbiedrins what did you get instead?

[@realandrisbiedrins]

@@smokeclouds6048 Got the Audient Evo 4 after, but sold that and have been using the Elgato Wave XLR since it came out. Only interface I'll personally need. Highly reccommend

[@thechisensei]

thanks for recommending this. i am purchasing one this will be my first audio interface and my budget is relative to being a beginner. so this shpuld be perfect. keep it up. best review so far. thanks!!!

[@SailorToBoat]

Decent throw. Neibough probably questions why he now has a box but good throw never the less.

[@joonatanlass]

Definitely gonna buy this. Just have to wait until it gets back in stock haha

[@benas_st]

wow, imagine being able to hold up your Interface without it disconnecting and reconnecting 15000 times. Amazing!

[@rafiexperimental]

eh i love your videos just as much as julian. he makes ultra detailed and you make it easy to choose for us with more than enough detail for us dummies

[@m1chaelsc]

got the m-track duo the other day. Its my first audio interface! stoked.

[@HelloImMatt]

I´m thinking of buying it since the interface I have also plays the DI sound even though I am using plugins with my guitar. So I get the distorted sound and the clean sound as well. Do you know if this is also the case with the M track duo? Enjoy your interface man!

[@vinidugeevaratne6008]

one month later how do you feel, any limitations? I'm thinking of buying one

[@elchavo7284]

Can you make songs with like studio quality sound

[@totem168]

On thomann website it said 24 bit 48 khz, I thought it will an upgrade from um2 since UM2 is only 16 bit.

[@jonjoygaba]

I was literally looking between the Behringer and this last night to get my entry for my electric guitar. Thanks so much and I will definitely use the affiliate when I buy this. Thanks!

[@Mcgiver699]

Do yourself a favour a spend like $10 more and get the Behringer UMC22 it blows the UMC2 and both M-Audio out of the water

[@jonjoygaba]

What’s your experience with plugging an electric guitar directly into the umc22? His review said it made a clicking sound.

[@Mcgiver699]

@@jonjoygaba it might be a faulty one he got because mine works perfectly fine. They won't be of the same quality of a more expensive unit but they are clean and work well. A friend of mine who is a professional guitar player borrowed it to record some parts for a client and didn't find any issues. He uses a focusrite but his died hence borrowing mine.

[@jonjoygaba]

Awesome and thanks! It turns out the umc22 is $49 at Sweetwater!

[@Mcgiver699]

@@jonjoygaba Nice one, believe me it is better you won't regret it.

[@Moni-ValMar]

I need to learn so much about this hobby. A friend got me this for my birthday since i play guitar. I have 0 clue of most stuff

[@BudikahYT]

I don't particularly expect you to update anything on your end, but I've used this device now for about a year and while it worked well initially, over time I've noticed a bunch of crashes and driver issues that my PC has had, including a few bluescreens due to driver issues pointing directly at this. While the device itself may be solid, they do not update or upkeep their drivers which is causing these issues.

[@Minooaziz]

M - audio solo with audio technica AT 2020 ?!

[@axxentgaming8435]

What's the better choice between this and the UMC-22?

[@Cristiano_ronaldo_urr]

xtuga is better 35 €

[@rashencroos2793]

Behringer umc22 vs m-track solo? Which one is better?

[@impatrickt]

The M in M-Audio stands for MARGARETTI. Fun fact.

[@VijitChandna]

Wait that's Patrick haha

[@impatrickt]

@@VijitChandna hi

[@VijitChandna]

@@impatrickt hello how are yoi

[@jaimesk1688]

I have the Scarlett (24 bit) on the booth PC. This will make a good AUX recorder in the den. I'll hopefully avoid the gain-bump. If not, I have a low-noise preamp to dodge the jumpiness. I finally gave up hoping for a low-noise xlr-usb cable..this is the ticket. Thanks for the details. The ultra-low-noise info comes from Julian. Together you guys give the whole picture.

[@walkingthewaypodcast]

Love the test with the SM7B but if I’m buying this it’s not for the SM7B, it’s probably for my neewer NW700. Great review as always!

[@Freez_Izzy]

Do you mean XM8500?!

[@walkingthewaypodcast]

@@Freez_Izzy One of the first podcastage videos I watched was Bandrew reviewing the $30 neewer nw700 condenser.

[@costak7679]

6:40 Bandrew would absolutely ANNIHILATE a guitar solo of "Zombie"

[@jeremiahlyleseditor437]

This was a great Video. I had questions about the interface and this answers them.

[@CapnFlags]

Hey, friend 😊 Do you know if it needs a driver to function? Want to use it on the PS4 like the behringer

[@PPLRRN]

I've downloaded the firmware update and it now records up to 32-bit 48KHz, and playback at 32-bit 44Khz.

[@andreylitvinenko783]

There is a 16-bit sound chip inside, the firmware cannot update the hardware.

[@extraaccount2344]

M Track Duo or Behringer UMC22?

[@JJ37_]

4:36 when I do that my mic starts heavy distorting, is that normal??

[@danielmarin5291]

I’m debating between M-Audio Track Solo or UMC22. Which one do you think is better? And what do you use to record the drums dude, they sound amazing!!!

[@ramanmono]

Save up for the 90 dollar Beringer UMC202HD. Much better. Actual true 24bit 192kHz recording with good signal to noise ratio.

[@thebreakfastmenu]

This might be a silly question, but what's a decent affordable interface that has at least 2 XLR inputs and is compatible with Windows XP? I've recorded using XP, Vista, 7, and 10 and XP is still what I prefer after all these years but I can't find anything that has drivers that work. Anyone have any suggestions?

[@thebreakfastmenu]

@@SeanSullivan-wv7dn It's not only what I grew up with, but it's a familiar UI and it's simple and basically is bug-free. No pesky updates that break your drivers like with 10, not weird in-between "major" versions of Windows issues like plagued Vista and occasionally 7. 8 and 9 were all but forgotten as soon as they came out. XP had support for a long, long time. I've moved onto 10 full time now, which is a shite OS unless you have a beefy computer, in my opinion.

[@katerinaplockova6092]

appriciate the "loud audio countdown" warning :D

[@Podcastage]

I didn't want to hurt someone's ears. Glad it's appreciated. Thank you for watching, I hope you have a great day.

[@winnieletsgo]

I just received this. I'm using it with the Samson Q2U. When I monitor the interface with my IEMs I hear a lot of white noise even with the microphone unplugged. When I plug my IEMs directly into my macbook m1 air there is no noise. This white noise happened when my Q2U was connected to my macbook also. Any help would be greatly appreciated on how to figure out how to get rid of this white noise!

[@goforbrokefilmstudios]

What did you have the input gain set to during your guitar audio tests? I heard that some people are getting a whine/squeal noise (ground loop hum?) when the input gain is above 50% with an instrument plugged in. Also, you say it's fine for home recording. But how would it do for something like recording music (hard rock guitar for instance) for a web/tv show soundtrack?

[@Remielsekai]

can you please do a review on zoom u 22 audio interface

[@ChemyNoSurfea]

Does anyone recommend an Audiotechnica at2020 + M-track solo/duo over a Blue Yeti? I currently own the Yeti but I want to improve my sound a little bit. Also, this is mostly for singing.

[@taffsta999]

That was a really good review, thank you

[@musicdigital4729]

Question sir, pls. help.. i want to record guitar to my computer(with daw) i have a multieffects with usb output is this enough to transfer my sounds without sound degradation? or i need to buy a separate audio interface? whats the difference between usb output of multieffects v.s audio interface? thank you.

[@argotheinformant]

5:16 Mine sounds like 10 all of the time and I don't know how to fix it, (it gets WAY worse at 10)

[@tr1f4ek]

This is amazingly thorough

[@Cosmstack]

Very exciting to finally have another brand entering the price-range

[@ProVoiceBH]

The best emoji you will ever find in your life is on 4:07 😂 I’m having a stomachache because of how much I laughed 🤣

[@CHFaddit]

You have the best reviews

[@user-pdogiP78V]

man you re so like... professional, thanks

[@Podcastage]

That's very kind of you to say. Thank you for watching and commenting, I really appreciate it.

[@jaimesk1688]

I got the M-Track solo,,,,and the gain-jump was horrific. I had a DBX 286s that wasn't doing anything, so that cures the gain-jump, and this is a good A/D and USB thing. I go straight to the Focusrite in the main booth and post-process in Audacity.

[@jdstarek]

I've owned a few and tested about 6. Scarlet, Audient, Motu, etc. I currently have the M-Audio Air 192 (cost about $120) and it's great. I sent the rest back.

[@harryturnbull963]

Wait... You sent back the motu m2? Too pricey? It should be superior, no?

[@Heyim18bro]

@@harryturnbull963 yikes he may have realized he made a mistake :x

[@vhars3779]

umc22 or m track solo ? i have trouble chosing please help

[@RealMakerOfStuff]

Hi all, I'm from the future (seeing how this is a 3 year old video) and I went to use my M-Audio Solo today and wound up getting the red lights of death. Two of the small leds on the top turn a bright red and stay like that. Apparently there is a SGM3204 power inverter that burns out when you turn on the phantom power. This happened to me. I'm going to try to order a replacement SGM3204 power inverter soon. Has to come from China unfortunately. It's a 6 pin chip that hopefully isn't too small to solder. I've read some comments where people have actually fixed this.

[@FranciscaRigaud]

I am not very technical but so far so good, because it does what I need without making my life very difficult. In my house there are much more expensive and very complex interfaces, but I will stick with this one. I just don't understand what the first knob on the left is for. The one on the far right I suppose is to connect to a speaker? What I find difficult is to keep an eye on weather the sound is clipping when I sing (I do sing quite loud when I sing very high notes).

[@Filthed]

What do you suggest for occasional guitar recording for Instagram upload (at home)? The price gap between UM2 and M-track Solo is a lot in my country. So if they aren't that different, would you recommend UM2? Since both are 16bit/48Khz.

[@RZ_9]

um2 don't have proprietary driver, the latency is bad on things that using asio4all. get m-track.

[@nenobeats]

Si if I combine the m audio solo with a amplifier, can I run the H650?

[@SukhwinderSingh-rw9ye]

I have seen many of your videos. You tell the truth about all the products. If it is good then you say good and if it is bad then you say bad. I have a lot of faith in you. Sir, I want to record my poetry professionally. Please tell me a good microphone and audio interface which will give me professional recording quality. My total budget is within 350 dollars. I will wait for your reply 🙏🏿

[@silentgd]

just bought one...Input 1 works fine (with either mic or electric guitar) but when I plug either electric guitar or bass 9both have passive pickups) into Input 2 I get no output to my computer (I can hear it fine through headphones plugged into the M-Track Solo).....so am I limited to only using Input 1, or am I doing something wrong, or is the device not functioning properly?

[@crissto8591]

how does it compare to the UMC22 tho?

[@ASIFHUSSAINMUZIK]

How much difference between48 khz and 192 khz. Does it matter Or not please reply.

[@Someone-hf3hl]

Hi I have a problem with m track solo. The signal keeps showing in Red light instead of green Can you please help me?

[@WakizashiSabre]

Hey man, I am using old M AUdio fast track and I witness some random screetches / noises when playing the content, music, on the web. I have feeling it started with W10 (got it for more than ten years I guess?) I wonder if this new would be ok. Using unshield Tannoy Reveals with phones output from the card 3,5 jack of 5m long cable. Problem does ot occur if put in PC sound outputs. Thanks all for advices.

[@arturreshetov2513]

Always helpful. Thanks

[@yogigumi]

My gain signal keep showing red light since the first time i plugged to the usb. And the result input is distorted. The gain control doesnt help it always on red light. Anyone can help?

[@adensalazar3937]

I’m definitely saving up for this. After making a BIG mistake getting a Behringer xenyx q802 usb.

[@danmagoo]

Points for putting numbers around the gain and output dials. Not even the Motu M2 has that.

[@mcmattt1]

Can you cover things like the digital interference you're talking about. I'm having an issue with my scarlet solo right now and my gut said its interference. but I'm not smart enough to know if its digital interference, electrical or just a noisy mic. any extra knowledge helps. keep the vids coming.

[@fluphybunny930]

£50 vs £40 (UM2 always on cheap somewhere) Seems okay, but a bit lack lustre given how long the UM2 has been out.

[@Channel-nr4yo]

what does the phantom power do on the M-Track Solo and what does it change when you switch the switch on and off?

[@ReeChannel24]

It gives power to ur condenser mic

[@RafaconGafas]

te amo, siempre que voy a adquirir algo vengo a tu canal

[@SparkY0]

I bought the M-Track Solo to use with a microphone for streaming, but I can't get it set up properly in windows 10. I installed Driver 1.0.3 (64-bit) In the Windows Sound control panel the interface is named "Line 1/2", the sample rate options are: 2 channel 16 bit, 44100 Hz 2 channel 24 bit, 44100 Hz 2 channel 32 bit, 44100 Hz In the Control utility that the driver installed on my PC there are exactly 2 options "Preferred Buffer Size" which is a slider ranging from 16 - 2048. No info about latency or anything else "Streaming sample rate" Which is a greyed-out drop down box that is permanently set to 44100. There's no way to set the device to 48000 Hz, and I doubt the 24/32 bit options are actually working. I also can't find a way for the microphone to actually work as single channel or mono, it will only output on the left channel. I can't find any driver/windows way to fix that problem and equalizing the sound in editing after I record it is not an option, because I'm not making a recording. There is something broken with these drivers. Absolutely do not buy this if you use windows. Edit: this interface's driver randomly and very often resets its setting to "32-bit", which produces unusable audio. Sometimes it happens in between takes. I've lost too much work. This thing is a project killer.

[@jayvieacasilamusic7192]

Thank you so much to the honest review ❤

[@Empire24453]

UMC22 vs that and what do I get as an answer? anyone what to response?

[@maximeheberttalbot4505]

does it work on iOS devices without any other power source? like the zoom u22 or the focusrite itrack one pre? (not the itrack solo it requires power)

[@Gina-zy9rm]

How do you turn of sound in the monitors while recording..I try switching the direct/USB switch but doesn't work

[@ernietech-101]

I have an M-Track Solo and can't find any real gripes. For $50 you know it isn't going to be a Focusrite Scarlett Solo. But for the average podcaster or single-instrument player looking to get sound into their DAW (mine's Reaper), it's a good deal. The 1/8" headphone jack and USB-B screams PC, and the two RCA jacks in the back just beg to be hooked up to your vintage 90's Technics tuner-amp with a set of fat JBL speakers...but that's one of the reasons I bought it. It's plasticky and the knobs are a little wobbly, but it does the trick for cheap

[@mazibedo]

I have m audio bx4 monitors and 2496 interface. When i listen to music or mixing, i dont hear any differance between 2496 and onboard interface. I had steinberg ur12, it aint big deal too. Which one you prefer to me, audient id4, native komplete 1 or m audio maybe. I wanna feel it. Worth it to pay :)