THE BEST audio interface for MASTERING? (Prism Lyra 2 review)

My thoughts on the Prism Sound Lyra 2 audio interface with all of its pros and cons :)

[@psyderdj]

I just went from RME to Prism also, nothing beats TotalMix and RME's drivers. RME has never let me down but I could not deny the sound of the Prism!

[@portwill]

Absolutely true!

[@JackloveYoutube]

I am Confuse b/w RME and LYRA , So You have Experience on RME as i see ur comment , how u feel the Converters of LYRA than RME ? specially Low End , did u felt upgrade ! Its alot money to invest so want to make sure i get the best product :)

[@portwill]

@@JackloveKZbin It is an upgrade but I have just made a video to discuss RME vs PRISM in more detail, check it out: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paradImjicaYZtE

[@ourmindzdj]

I’m going from an RME Fireface 400 which I’ve owned from new for 12 years to a Prism Titan USB in the morning 😅 it has been a long time coming and my RME is still working flawlessly but a 12 year old interface recording lots of outboard analog gear for mixing & mastering purposes had to be upgraded! I can’t wait to hear a 12 year and £2.8k difference comparatively 🙌🏻

[@portwill]

That’s awesome!! Let me know your thoughts after the switch!

[@lauris.marcenoks]

what are your thoughts now? comparing to rme

[@ourmindzdj]

@@lauris.marcenoks yeah I found the difference night & day. It’s audible even with standard audio playback through the Prism from my computer. It delivers a richer sound and much fuller low-end in both recording and playback. I don’t have any latency issues with recording so far that others mentioned. It’s worth noting that you will need a midi interface if you run any 3 pin synths however as the Titan doesn’t have MIDI. I would say that the difference I’m achieving would only be heard in maybe 5% of playback scenarios in the real world. Whether you should rush out to replace your RME/upgrade depends on whether you are a mix/mastering engineer by trade or a music writer/producer to be honest. If you’re a producer/self-recording artist but aren’t using a lot of hardware or doing much outboard processing & live recording you definitely don’t need one! And if you are, I still wouldn’t call it a necessity. It won’t take your ideas any further then your creativity will! I’m happy with it and I have a lot of outboard that the pre-amps are complimenting but it wasn’t cheap and my RME earned me publishing contracts and record plaques :) if you’re running stems through outboard chains and consoles everyday then that changes the value and the benefit for one for sure. It’s also popular to use for clipping! Worth noting again though I went from a Fireface 400 which was 12+ years old! Newer RMEs will have better pre-amps.

[@lauris.marcenoks]

@@ourmindzdj thank you sir

[@elijahmant2855]

Hi. I recently purchased the RME ADI-2 Pro fsr. Upgrading from my 13-ish years old Motu interface. Which I have always been happy with it's sound quality. My upgrading is modernising reasons. Technical advancement. Curious if I can get better sound quality from an up to date product. But I tell you what. I was expecting a night an day difference. Absolutely NOT. The RME sounds a BIT Newer and Nicer. That's about it So far. It is still new to me, so time will tell.

[@thedarksoul2104]

I have the RME ADI-2 DAC FS and I am thinking about upgrading to the lyra 2. Do you know if it would be a good upgrade? Also is the headphone amp good on the lyra?

[@portwill]

I've just made a video mostly focusing on your question: kzbin.info/www/bejne/paradImjicaYZtE

[@Fatsmug]

What did you go with? Have an ADI-2 DAC latest edition with the latest chips. I need a AD and I'm stumped. Been looking at a lot. What did you go with?

[@elijahmant2855]

Hey, PortWill Music. Thanks for taking the time to present us with this detailed and interesting video. The CONS of the unit you mentioned were no big deals! Glad you shared your genuine feelings regarding the Lyra 2. It was kinda on my list. But not so much now. Some Cons are big deals. We are paying big monies to these companies for their products. We should receive the best we can. Saying that though. You are happy with the SOUND. Which is the most importance. Best wishes ,Man.

[@portwill]

🙏 I appreciate your words.

[@konieong9637]

Hi .....Just wondering what do you mean by turn on /off the unit? You mean by switching on/off from the POWER SUPPLY or do you mean the STANDBY MODE??? The unit don't have a on/off switch. So when do you get the POPSOUND? when you hit the standby switch on/off?

[@portwill]

So I have a Furman power conditioner that I have all my audio gear connected to, including the prism in the rack and that is what I use to turn everything on. However, the Lyra 2 has its own power button on the front of the unit that I could use and in both scenarios you will hear a pop if the speakers are on. This would be normal but many companies nowdays use a timed relay which waits for the initial power surge to "dissipate" and then activate the audio path. Furman makes a power conditioner that can be programmed to cycle through the outlets one by one and I could also use a monitoring controller which solves this problem (as most controllers turn on muted by default). Hope this makes sense. My solution will be a monitoring controller that I can use in conjunction with the Prism.

[@publicmelodymusic]

What are your top 3!? You mentioned in the video this is in there. Thank you for the review

[@portwill]

Late reply, missed this, apologies! My top3 is Prism, Lynx Aurora, Burl Bomber :)

[@FractalWavesAudio]

So here is my situation. I'm running an RME UCX coupled with a mastering grade Dangerous Music Convert-2 for monitoring. My Dangerous DAC was $3k by itself without interface. Wouldn't it be a step back or at least an unecessary step to sell that just to buy a prism?

[@portwill]

Sounds like an amazing setup. I would not call it an up- or downgrade. At this point it’s a matter of taste, what you prefer. Only you can decide on this. If you are not using room correction I would consider the change but only after listening to it.

[@FractalWavesAudio]

@@portwill I produced mixed and mastered this with it. kzbin.info/aero/OLAK5uy_lg7P81glBtmqCqQax3Tcqlh3ASnixIqoo&si=hujDwq8oztms0BRz

[@FractalWavesAudio]

I think I’m just super attracted to the all in one unit part of it. I’m thinking at the end of the day, the fact that my conversion by itself is $3k and very good I’m probably on the same ground. I’d like to see someone compare the Prism with the Dangerous Convert 2. And it has to be that unit. All the other Dangerous equipment is reference grade conversion. The Convert-2 is Mastering grade hence the price tag for a unit that does just one trick, conversion.

[@portwill]

@@FractalWavesAudio tbh I think overall you have a better setup. Yes, conversion might be the top priority but still, at this level it’s not like one is better than the other, it’s really a flavor question. I haven’t had a chance to listen to that converter so I can’t give you any info on how they differ but I still wouldn’t trust anyones opinion blindly, every ear is different :) If I were you I would probably keep the setup as you have amazing drivers and conversion too.

[@FractalWavesAudio]

@@portwill gotta love them RME drivers!

[@LosFicosMusic]

THANKS FOR THIS BRO! This is a Device that shrouded in Mystery.. thanks for explaining

[@justme-eb6lz]

thank you for the review ..do you find the control pannel software complicated\confusing like some people say? im very intrested in the titan but im hasitate a little because of that..can it be a deal braker ???

[@portwill]

I'm not gonna lie, some aspects were confusing in the beginning but it is definitely NOT a dealbreaker. With some playing around you get to know it better relatively quickly. I think I will make a video about it, it might help some people out. The titan is amazing with the ins and outs it provides, the preamps are one of the biggest selling points here (and the AD/DA).

[@justme-eb6lz]

@@portwill thats a very helpfull information to me..titan it is then...thanks

[@justme-eb6lz]

@@portwill and it would be graet if you will do a tutorial video about the software..

[@portwill]

No problem I will try to make a quick one this week

[@portwill]

@@justme-eb6lz Control Panel walkthrough is up on my channel ;)

[@Adrian_Franco]

I love everything about the Prism but yeah the volume knob already broke on me.

[@waves7300]

If you’re using Mac do you still have to worry about drivers?

[@portwill]

Well yes but much less problematic. I switched to Mac btw and its definitely better, smoother experience

[@waves7300]

How’s this thing compared to the mt48?

[@portwill]

@@waves7300 I never had a chance to use a Merging interface but they are exceptional with modern features. I wouldn’t be suprised if the MT was just as good. I would love to hear it one day.

[@waves7300]

I have a clarett+ and for me it was a significant jump up in quality compared to the Scarlett line. Has me wondering if it’s even worth the upgrade to an mt48 or a prism.

[@portwill]

@@waves7300 my rule is: if you question if it’s worth buying at all, don’t buy it. I knew I wanted it and was very sure about it. I have buyers remorse everytime I’m unsure.

[@LosFicosMusic]

The ETHERNET PORT… doesn’t do anything? Thats sucks. I might just get one and use it as a A to D via Optical back in..

[@portwill]

Tell me about it, waste of opportunity!!

[@compoundaudio]

Prism emailed me back saying its for future reference??? 😂

[@bigdap100]

I owned the Lyra and the Atlas...so good, but Neumann may be the new boutique bang for buck now, edging out Prism, Apogee, and RME.

[@portwill]

Merging Technologies are an amazing company, I believe they make the interfaces for Neumann. Merging has I believe the only viable option for DSD recording (along with Tascam) and I know they are pushing the boundaries. I would love to test it - unfortunately I never had a chance to listen to one. Did you make a switch to the new Neumann interface?

[@bigdap100]

@@portwill no I didn’t but I called yesterday and got a quote so I’m getting close, lol. I still use my RME UFX and my Antelope, I sold all the Prism Gear, it’s phenomenal but limited... The GAS is strong right now...I kinda want an SSL 12 and a Portacapture now just to screw around with 32-Bit recording. But then again, the SSL Big Six is the best bang for buck on the Market 🤦‍♂️...every year I get like this! 😂

[@portwill]

@@bigdap100 oh yeah! I love Prism but only for the Ad/Da :) I would love to try DXD recording in 32bit and see if it makes a difference in reality

[@DontFightTheUpgrade]

The neuman did sound ridiculously good

[@jeffreyvsco]

I own a motu m2. How much of a difference would this make (recording, sound, inputs etc) ?

[@portwill]

I also own a Motu m4 which I really like. The most obvious difference is in the DA and output stage. The MOTU is very detailed but lacks some dynamics and one of the biggest flaws compared to a converter like Prism is in the bass department (anything below 300Hz). The details in the bass are really obvious when you compare the two but micro-dynamics and improved instrument separation is also noticable on a good monitoring system. In terms of inputs and AD, I would say the MOTU is extremely good and if you are not using Prism overkiller circuit there isn't a mind blowingly huge difference. MOTU interfaces are probably the best bang for your buck today and you should only consider purchasing higher-end if you plan to mix/master yourself on a farily decent monitoring setup (including room treatment) or if you really want the best of the best. I use the m4 when I travel or want to measure room acoustics somewhere else and it works perfectly, but I would not use it for critical listening or mastering. Overall, if you want the best sound and would want to invest in your setup, I would encourage you to try it. For "only" production purposes, I would totally rely on the MOTU for years to come.

[@jeffreyvsco]

@@portwill detailed response! Much appreciated 🙏

[@Decenium]

zero

[@thorstenweimar1190]

Thanks for your review! I just bought the Lyra 2, I was considering RME or Apogee also. But I am very glad I purchased the Lyra. The sound is absolutely fantastic! Regarding the volume knob, I use a monitor controller, so I leave the Lyra at full scale and can control the music in the analog domain. But I agree about the build quality of the knob. I really love going analog out and connecting to the line input, that really improves the sound of audio material in a lot of cases. Gives it a nice analog vibe. I would love to test the analog clipper, but first I have to mix to decent RMS. Another review about the software would be amazing, I just used the basics so far. By the way, there is the ultimate collection edition of Lyra for $300 more that comes with a lot of software tools, including plugins, software synths, a DAW and a mastering suite. But they are only available by the end of the year in the US. Cheers

[@portwill]

Thank you for the comment, it's nice to hear that others have the same experience :) I didn't have a chance to get the ultimate collection, I have made an inquiry to Prism and will wait for their answer. I am also thinking about getting a monitor controller but so far I could not find one I really love. I'm currently looking at the Satori bundle but time will tell which one I'll get.

[@thorstenweimar1190]

@@portwill Regarding a monitor controller I just went with the SPL 2control, that’s a nice analog unit, build like a tank, you have 2 speaker options, two headphone outs (also they have their crossfeed technology implemented, so you have a more realistic stereo field with your headphones). It’s very convenient, first switch off the speaker, then turn off the Lyra. It’s not the smallest unit, but for me it’s perfect. SPL offers also the monitor one, a nice compact controller with a smaller form factor. It m originally from Germany, so I love their products, they are build to last. I also love the preamps of the Lyra, they are impressive also. Such a nice tone, with creamy heights and nice bottom end. Very round and high quality tone. Cheers!

[@portwill]

@@thorstenweimar1190 SPL makes amazing hardware for mastering too, I love them. They have just put out a monitor controller recently similar to the 2control and I'm eyeing with it for sure. With regards the preamps, these are hands down the best I've heard, maybe Burl could be a comparable but at this level it's a matter of taste and Prism is definitely a lovely, musical sound :)

[@peyoti3482]

Totally agree. It should has that 'sheen' of quality!

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

Is it possible to bypass the prism preamps if for example I decide to use a Neve 1073

[@portwill]

you do have a line level input that bypasses the mic preamp circuit (obviously). Hope this helps

[@RainnyBooBi]

​@@portwillHi, im curious that is the line (trs) sound the same quality as xlr port?

[@portwill]

@@RainnyBooBi They all go to the same AD converter but serve a different purpose. The TRS is for Line level, the XLR is for mic level input so it's not a direct comparison. If you record line source, you do that through TRS (with an adapter if you use XLR cable). If you're interested in the mic preamp stage, it is a very very clear and dynamic sound, can't complain about it.

[@tedbahas]

I would add all of the input paths are completely separate. Separate path for line, mic, and instrument inputs. They use relay switching between all the paths. This is more expensive but truly transparent since it is a hard switch.@@portwill

[@DnBLand81]

actually i never experienced any pop sound from speakers when i turn on and off the lyra

[@portwill]

Turning on/off with a power strip or you ment standby with the button on the device?

[@DnBLand81]

@portwill in both case never got any pops.....the only sound from lyra that I got is when I switch the sample rate

[@DnBLand81]

But something relate to inside switch on the box

[@peyoti3482]

best interface on the market! Prism is the best for a reason

[@samueloluyinkaojomu6548]

Have you ever tried the Audient ID series interface

[@portwill]

My good friend had an id22 (I think that was the name of it), it was a lot of trouble, QC issues and driver issues, so he sent that back. Their preamps are nice! I have heard their new interfaces are more stable but tbh I never owned or tried one myself.

[@Sicolirics]

@@portwill

[@rapfactor1]

i have owned 2 audient id22 and they are super average. ok i guess. but after i got the prism sound it blows audient and rme out of the water. by several times over. facts.

[@cuttingedge1987]

I have an Audient 22 and I’m very happy with it. But thinking about getting prism sound! Thank you I have my answer ! ;)

[@rapfactor1]

@@cuttingedge1987 i have had 2 audient id22 in the past. originally unhappy with it even with good mic. sold it, year later though id try again, didnt like it again,. went straight to the prisom sound... blew audient out of the water. conversion on prism sound is bonkers good,. unbeatable.

[@moonm7279]

I can't believe it is that I got a brand new lyra2 with 4300rmb from hk last year

[@veronatragedy7016]

Can you connect a Chandler Curve Bender EQ and a Bricasti rack Reverb to this as outboard? Like how would you connect that?

[@portwill]

You can connect any outboard gear sending on 3/4 and record on 1/2 line input. I have a separate video about the Prism control panel/control app that might be useful to watch as well.

[@progrocker84]

Just use Remote Desktop for remote control. That's what I docto remotely control my Prism Sound Titan.

[@Heavy_Distortion]

Advice do not use volume knob and only use software app. My Lyra2 volume knob is now skipping values after several years. Common problem with encoders especially ratcheted. Software app is confusing and bloated. But Lyra2 is reliable with no driver issues on OSX/macOS. The AD inputs sound distorted, dull, and smeared with ballooning low end. But DA outs sound detailed and crisp. Lyra has not been upgraded since 2013 (2017 rebadging does not count).

[@zackburnam7032]

I use my prism for recording the mic press sound good

[@MadACeTeeMack]

Play some music through it

[@rapfactor1]

hey dude are a a bubba ray dudley fan

[@portwill]

LoL never heard of him until now 😂

[@rapfactor1]

@@portwill google bubba ray duddley

[@portwill]

@@rapfactor1 yeah yeah I checked :) Come on, we don't look THAT similar tho

[@rapfactor1]

@@portwill nevertheless this lyra is premo

[@moonm7279]

However, he needs 15000rmb now

[@NoahJonesNews]

Lost me at lead indicators. It’s “L E D”

[@portwill]

I will cry myself to sleep

[@TheLevitatingChin]

Nope