The Best Audio Interfaces for Live Playback in 2023 (And Why So Many People Screw This Up)

Common misconceptions + your guide to choosing the best interface for running tracks in 2023.
Find out exactly what you need in an audio interface for the stage and why it’s completely different than what you need for the studio.
Then get a breakdown of the best interfaces for playback in 2023. Plus specific recommendations if you’re using Dante or MADI.
The 2023 Gear Guide for Playback 👇
fromstudiotostage.com/gear
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0:00 Criteria and My Top Picks on Best Audio Interfaces for Running Tracks
0:23 The Interfaces I Use in My Studio is Different from What I Use on Stage
1:07 Things You Should Consider When Buying an Interface for Live Performances
1:33 Tip 1: Purchase At Least Four Outputs
1:55 Tip 2: Make Sure Your Outputs Are Balanced
2:19 Tip 3: Ensure That Your Outputs Are Phantom Power Protected
2:53 Bonus Tip: Use Process MIDI
3:58 Bonus Tip: Consider Purchasing a Behringer X32
5:07 My Top Picks for Audio Interfaces for Bands Using Backing Tracks on Stage
5:26 Pick 1: iConnectivity AUDIO4c
7:43 Pick 2: Track Rig from Loop Community
9:16 Pick 3: iConnectivity PlayAUDIO12
11:00 What to Do if You're Using Dante: Dante Virtual Soundcard
11:34 Bonus Tip: EXBOX.MD from DirectOut Technologies
12:44 What About MADI: MADIface USB and MADIface XT from RME
13:23 Download My Full Gear Guides at fromstudiotostage.com/gear
13:43 Thank You for Watching and Subscribe for More Tutorials
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[@user-jl1tf6zm8v]

My name is Will, I work at a studio/music academy with three other Will's. Now I'm certain every studio needs a Will.

[@JosephSoulMusic]

Always appreciated your videos and glad you've linked with Ekona! One of my oldest friends in music. Would love to chat with you about what I do with Ableton and playback sometime. I'm a solo singer / musician / loop artist in vegas and play 4-5 nights a week on the strip. Thanks for the great, consistent content!

[@andresgarib1945]

Thanks ypu for this!

[@runesig]

I wish RME would make a redundant playback system with digital output options like MADI. Now you have to have something like EXBOX and two interfaces for redundancy. I have never had one glitch with my RME interfaces until now so that is my go to company when I consider a new interface.

[@mattschinske6358]

Another great video, Will. Do you have thoughts on MOTU MK series?

[@surgemistyuk7813]

Never even heard of the Exbox. Great suggestion, thank you!

[@joeyvaughn2265]

Hey Will, I still have and use the iConnectivity Audio2+ for our playback device. I've been using the headphone out as channel out 5 and 6. Unfortunately I have to use a stereo split cable. I need to update to either the 12 or purchase the Track Rig. The both of those are an amazing option even on a realistic budget. With that said, I didn't know the Audio4 didn't have that option and seems I'm dodging a bullet with upgrading.

[@CarlosKTCosta]

I've been digging this rabbit hole for a while now and settled on the Presonus 1824c. We need to mix IEM but digital mixers like the Behringer XR line are way too expensive considering the number of outputs they have. For comparison, a Presonus 1824c has 10 analog outputs for less than 400 EUR while the similarly priced XR12 has only 4 outputs. The Presonus has an internal mixing matrix with up to 8 custom mixes that will, hopefully, work perfectly for having 5 mono IEM mixes + stereo backing tracks to FOH without relying on the DAW for the mixing, just like a digital mixer. Another decent option would be the Focusrite 18i20 but, as I understand it, it only allows for 6 custom mixes and is a bit more expensive.

[@sickonfriday]

We have have been using Dante for awhile now. We set it to 16 outs and it has been amazing. No more audio interface on stage.

[@anthonycallenjr]

Hi man, quick question..1st I lobe your videos!!. I got the Apollo twin|x it just have one thunderbolt plug. 😢 Will I still be able to run backing tracks and your my keys midi controller to play keys at the same time in a live setting. With everything coming out of a Macbook Pro M2?

[@GaryBradleymusic]

Excellent! Tx

[@fromstudiotostage]

You're welcome!

[@anthonyrubio1194]

Which audio interface do you recommend for home studio

[@Alex_Martz]

Hi, Is there any other interfaces that can have 2 hosts at the same time like the iConnectivity Audio4C?, I need to blend my laptop and iPad signals but the iConnectivity is not available where I live

[@veragerupschou1496]

play audio 12 is discontinued, too bad cause it seems to be exacrly what I needed. Just wanted to let u know since I’ve heard you recommend it so many times, and I’m really sad I didnt get one sooner :)

[@datjuanguyy]

Thoughts on the behringer u-phoria umc1820 usb audio interface?

[@savagdt9445]

Hi, I've just discovered your channel because I was looking for a "digital" solution for live ! I need a solution to sing and play guitar/bass via plugins. Can I do this with iConnectivity AUDIO 4C ? Maybe through Gig Performer. Thank you

[@sonidojamon]

Can't beat a Presonus 16R / 24R / 32R Ticks all the boxes!! For backing track playback, I'd go full computer-less with a Cymatic LP-16. What a shame the company doesn't exist anymore... Didn't know about iConnectivity! Amazing stuff!

[@AnnikaBellamy]

Can we use the two usb ports in the iConnectivity Audio2+ as a redundant playback the same way as with the PlayAudio12? Is there a setting in iconfig for this or something? Or maybe a manual switch? Thx!

[@wavecreative4150]

Hello! I have a question maybe someone can help me . I am using MainStage and my question is can I use audio4C for separate all the patch like if I using a sequence? excuse my ignorance

[@RoadsofUniverse]

Hi, can you explain for me, how you connect exmbox for redundant system (2 laptops with Mixer Desk in Dante system)? I have drive mc32 rack and won't make redundant with 2 laptops

[@prawimusik]

What do you think about SPL Creon?

[@Shane-zo4mg]

I ended up going with the aphex 8 channel output. I wish there were more options

[@user-nb4rl2yh1r]

im actually using my xr18 as playback and also as a IEM mixer, is it bad ?

[@deekod1967]

No mention of the zoom Livetrack digital mixer / audio interfaces?

[@jimmyrigs]

Am i hearing correctly that i could use the TRS balanced outs with a TRS-XLR cable instead of needing a DI?

[@oupahens9219]

Of course.

[@titov7823]

What's the best audio interface for Ableton plus controlling ProPresenter for lyrics and Lightkey for lights

[@fromstudiotostage]

PlayAudio12 because it has RTP MIDI

[@dkerwood1]

What are your thoughts on the Behringer XR18 as a live mixer/IEM mixer/audio interface? It seems to tick all the boxes of the X32 but in a smaller form factor and lower price point.

[@mirrorpartsband]

those are great! the onboard wifi is kind of weak but you can hook up a router and pretty much solve it! Your best option is the one most usable in your budget. The only downside is instead of a 2-3unit rack space of the x32 i believe the xr 18 is 3-4 units (but i could be wrong)

[@MrPacoArespacochaga]

I’m the drummer in the band, and I am also the person in charge of our playback rig. I actually use the XR18 with my PlayAudio12. This way, I have full control of my backing track levels, which I feed to the venues control desk via the XR18’s main outs. With the 6 aux outs, I assign aux 1 to my monitor box. Aux 2 is what I use to send the voice guide prompt track to the mixing desk. Aux 3 is what I use to send the click to the mixing desk. I hope this helps

[@TommyTrant]

Im trying to make this same setup, why not just usb into the xair from the laptop and skip the play audio?

[@MrPacoArespacochaga]

Redundancy. We have two laptops.

[@huntington.mp3]

I am using the iConnnect4+ annd trying to use the headphone out as a seperate mono out for my vocals but am having issues getting the routing right in iConfig. Any suggestions?

[@fromstudiotostage]

I’ve done that before in iConfig, so deff possible

[@JeraldMusic]

If I have two MADIface USB as playback and redundant rig, which switch box can I use that's similar to the Radial SW8, but with MADI instead?

[@fromstudiotostage]

DirectOut MC is what folks on the road are using. If in the end you're just going analog...save your self lots of $$$ and just go with a PA12

[@kubakowalski6711]

I have a Behringer UMC 1820. Do I have to run every output thru DIbox?

[@Sheldyck]

I have both a 404 (4 out) and an 1820 (8 out). I too was wondering if the outs were balanced. the manual is of no help.

[@1k1ta]

finally developers decided to make xlr output !

[@JoshNamba]

Is anyone selling a PlayAudio12? 😅 they’re out of stock everywhere and I need one for an upcoming tour in May

[@fromstudiotostage]

Stock is still in and out. Keep an eye out. I hope all the supply chain stuff is back to normal soon!

[@kabassa]

iConnectivity PlayAUDIO12 was discontinued

[@multivox_musik]

If I am just playing WAVS directly from my laptop do I need DAW?

[@hogs-laying-logs]

You should use a DAW so you can have click tracks as well. This video explains the set up well! kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5O0gaSEZdiEq6M

[@byronsanto]

Is anyone using AVB connectivity for backing tracks?

[@fromstudiotostage]

The folks I know that are using AVB are all in the Presonus ecosystem or using MOTU gear

[@byronsanto]

@@fromstudiotostage I’ve also seen RME interfaces with AVB and Meyer Sound is utilizing it in their new line of PA speakers.

[@CartoonDogg]

Still waiting for your video on “Best audio interface for solo artists”…. 👀

[@ganeshramnath3338]

What about Metric Halo interface?

[@fromstudiotostage]

Lots of interfaces I left out. If it works for you, please use it! These are my choices that I’ve used and recommend

[@rothermelyer6049]

- many outputs - balanced outputs - no phantom power out

[@DanielviljoenRonoldo]

its hart hoseing it

[@alainszyller615]

for me, for my mini/micro home studio; the best audio interface would be the one with as many inputs as possible I don't care about outputs, I only need two, if there are inserts for effects processors it would also help me. (no vocals, only synths and keyboards, eventually bass guitar when I'll learned how to play ;-) on my Hofner Macca bass ) I got a couple of Moukey's cheap mixers in order to bring 14 inputs to my Steinberg UR22 MKII since the other option would be far more expensive, ideally a Zoom L20 maybe getting two Behringer U-Phoria UMC 1820 might be a cheaper option ? Not sure if a RX1620 would be a real upgrade from my two Moukeys, I would still need my Steinberg interface ... Any advice, anyone ?

[@mediacousticsmultimedia7359]

Well, the best interface for stage AND/OR studio is just to have NO interface... How ? - Well, get yourself a Dante enabled Mixer and route your audio sources with Dante Virtual Soundcard or Dante Via over the Network, with 3-10 ms latency, fully digital and absolute noise free... On stage, we use Behringer X32 Rack with Dante Card inside, everything is going to the mixer completely digital via dante... Up to 64 inputs and 64 outputs can be routed from every single device connected, up to 1024 routes with only a single network cable...

[@fromstudiotostage]

that's right, Dante is a great solution for SOME people. As mentioned here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/h6e3f6hsn7OhgdE and once you have a computer crash and you're looking for a redundant Dante setup, check out the rest of the video to see how to do that.