The Mackie STUDIO PLUS features two Onyx preamps with switchable 48v phantom power. This last port is for adding up to eight analogue inputs via ADAT. This app will not install on Windows PCs. We’ll look at the best audio interfaces in 2020 available right now. Intrigued by the Scarlett 2i2 but need something bigger? Why exactly, well because Focusrite has been an industry-leading audio interface manufacturer for years on end, and their Scarlett range has been particularly successful. The controls are responsive and well labeled. Manufacturer after manufacturer plasters this term in their advertising with complete disregard for their actual latency. The best audio interfaces to buy today. The unit is bus-powered and connects to both a Mac and PC via a USB-C cable. While the STUDIO PLUS won’t blow out any of the others on this list in either performance or fidelity, it offers tank-like build quality, ease of use, and most importantly, a ton of I/O options at a relatively affordable price tag. This interface differs from most of the others that we have covered as it requires a Thunderbolt connection to be used with your computer. If space is an issue you’ll look for a small to medium sized interface that provides you a great experience and end result while not taking up a large portion of your limited space. Only use WASAPI, if: 2.1. Round the back you’ll find a pair of 1⁄4-inch jacks for the monitor output, and also a pair of MIDI connectors (In and Out), which is very handy. A scaled-down alternative to Universal Audio’s flagship Apollo 8 and 16, the original Apollo Twin has been giving ‘the rest of us’ access to those mythical Unison preamps, first-class I/O and swanky UAD plugins for three years now. We use rigorous research, reviews, and real-world performance when recommending products. I found the Duet easy to set up and configure. This results in near-zero-latency monitoring and/or recording through them. Although it is a USB-powered device, it is also compatible with Mac OS devices. If you’re eager to join the Universal Audio UAD ecosystem but haven’t known where to start, the Universal Audio Apollo x4 is the perfect point of entry. It has legendary status microphone pre-amps and internal circuitry, for that high-quality sound. In fact, in a recent NGHTMRE Snapchat he can be seen using this great interface while teasing one of his newest releases. With control functions built directly into Apple’s Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro and GarageBand software, Duet empowers you to create professional recordings effortlessly on your Mac. With that being said, we think that this interface is ideal for the musician/singer who wants a 2-in/2-out interface, with the versatility to be able to plug in both XLR or TRS via each input port. But first, let’s define what qualifies as “low latency”. The RME audio interface is a beautiful device that sports a metallic design (the housing of the device is actually plastic – not metal, but it feels firm and sturdy). A new improvement in the Babyface Pro FS is the implementation of SteadyClock FS. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. Low latency is a must-have in any audio interface. Your audio interface is an analog-to-digital as well as digital-to-analog converter. You get tons of I/O options – 2 XLR/Mic lines, 2 phones output, 1 ADAT I/O, 1 MIDI I/O, and 4 Analog I/Os. The Audient is a portable powerhouse. There’s also a decent pack of bundled software including Ableton Live Lite 10, Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack, Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 plugin suite, Softube Time and Tone bundle, XLN Audio Addictive Keys and Focusrite Plug-In Collective. Well, UA has apparently beefed up the AD/DA converters, for even more dynamic range and less distortion, but the MkI was so outstanding in this department that you’ll be hard pushed to tell the difference – it’s still the cleanest, most transparent-sounding interface in its price range. So, any annoyances? The unit is pretty compact and the layout self-explanatory. The Apogee Duet also features the ESS Sabre32 DAC. Low and zero latency models are considered to be the best audio interface options on the market. 4 analog outputs including 2 balanced 1/4” outs for speakers or outboard gear, 1/4” stereo headphone output. Whether you’re looking to record a keyboard, guitar or vocals, the best way to setup your recording station is to plug into your computer and make tracks via an audio interface. Generally, the newer the technology used, the faster the connection, and the less likely there will be any kind of roundtrip latency. For truly instantaneous, real-time performance, choose from any of the interfaces I’ve listed above. So, apart from the color change, what else is new? Some are great and have low internal latency for both A/D and … You only have to take a look at the number of positive Amazon reviews [which we’ve linked to further below] to see how popular the 2i2 interface is. These cookies do not store any personal information. The noise on this unit is negligible, even when the gain is set above 75%. First, let’s understand what “latency” is. The performance is something to behold – instantaneous playback, even with multiple instruments connected. Some of our recommended products are currently unavailable. Each has a manual green backlit switch to select a Hi Z instrument, and there’s a global backlit switch for 48V phantom power. Not a biggie, but the balances we need for headphones and monitors are often quite different, so if you’re recording someone else and want your own blend in the monitors, that’s not an option. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is, what Focusrite consider, “The world’s best-selling audio interface”, at least that’s what they state on their website. Thunderbolt connections are the fastest. Even entry-level mics sound like $400 Rode heavyweights. Apogee’s includes it’s own Maestro software, so you’ll still be able to work with any Core Audio-compatible application. Recommended for: The RME Babyface Pro FS improves a fan favorite with new features, better AD/DA converters and a great preamp. If you don’t have Logic Pro, Soundtrack Pro, Garageband, don’t panic. Some will have line inputs, mic preamps, headphone outputs, mic inputs & many other inputs and outputs. The Dim button lowers the monitor output level, the Mute switch kills it entirely, and the Mono button switches between stereo and mono output for playback system compatibility checking. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface. The performance is clean, reliable, and roomy, while the price is low enough to make it your first serious audio interface. Connections are on space-saving combi XLRs with individual selector switches to select between line and instrument. The Lounge. The audio interface boasts some impressive audio recording metrics, being able to record in 24-bit/192kHz, which is quite uncommon in low costing audio interfaces. Not only have RME created a well-built audio interface, but they’ve especially prioritized their efforts on the internal circuitry, with it featuring the latest generation of low latency AD/DA converters, in combination with RME’s ‘Steadyclock’ technology, which helps further reduce noise, helping create a noise-free, clear output sound. Some are free, some are paid. Pro tools is a popular editing software that we’ve seen offered as part of audio interface packages in the past. You want multiple output options. The drivers are unstable and not as seamless as on the Mac. Press a key and if the sound isn’t produced immediately (or what feels like ‘immediately’) and you’ll have a bad time. Even so, with high quality Onyx mic pres, balanced analogue connectivity and operation up to 24bit 192kHz, they’re perfectly capable of getting clean signals in and out of your DAW. If you’re in need of a portable audio interface then you’ll probably rule out any rack mountable models. In this case, the solution is to score an audio interface that has a zero latency monitoring system (also known as 'hardware monitoring') that will route the sound the microphone picks up and push it right out of the headphone output on the interface, completely dodging the converter and computer software. Put simply, audio latency is a delay or lag affecting digital audio playback. On that note, let’s look at the best low latency audio interfaces available in the market right now. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. This button activates the ScrollControl function which allows you to use the rotary knob to scroll through settings, parameters, and even iTunes playlists. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Still better than the Focusrites that I've gotten rid of and much more stable. In fact, it’s the least expensive Thunderbolt” audio interface on the market. Check out our other review if you’re looking for 8 channel audio interfaces specifically. If this is you, why not take a look at the product reviews for yourself, directly below. Maestro allows you to turn the Duet’s multifunction control knob into a one-click manager. Want the signature crunch of a 1955 Fender Tweed amp? Duet is not only great for it’s input and interface functions, but it delivers amazing sound quality as well. There are two mic preamps on the front face and two line outs, plus MIDI I/O ports on the back. Besides the lack of I/O options – we would have liked more than 1 mic preamp – our biggest gripes were with the software. Lowest Latency Audio Interface. Required fields are marked *. As for the product specs, it’s a 2-in/2-out interface, which features 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs, making it perfect for those who want the versatility of using the interface to connect either two microphones, two instruments or one of each. At 35ms, it will feel definitely off. The controls and the built-in screen simplify adjustments and the Duet looks great on the desktop. The knob can also feel a bit loose to some users and makes fine control difficult. FPGA architecture also makes it possible to record music at virtually zero latency (since true zero latency is physically impossible). Latency: This is the biggest reason to buy an audio interface: latency! It also integrates seamlessly with Logic Pro X. In order to record a microphone or analog musical instrument, we need to convert the analog signal into something the computer can read. Favor AudioGraph, wherever possible for new application development. Low Latency Audio Interfaces. The Talk button activates the talkback mic (the tiny hole below the knob), which can be sent to the outputs of your choice for control room communication or quick recording of notes and cues. It includes the required USB cables, which is good, considering I did not already own any USB-C cables. The following two Windows 10 APIs provide low latency capabilities: 1. We particularly like the rubberized gain knobs as they’re easy to grab even though the knobs are quite small. He prefers Ableton as his primary DAW these days, though he is still partial to Cubase and Pro Tools. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo (APLTWDII), ✔ Pricey when considering input/output capacity, Aluminum chassis for effective protection, High-quality internal circuitry for low-latency, ✔ Handles processing, instead of overworking your PC/Mac, Near to zero-latency (2ms according to reports), SHARC DSP for running UAD plug-ins without burdening the computer CPU, Unison technology providers classic tube and transformer-based preamp models, Handles processing, instead of overworking your PC/Mac, Low latency unit with high-quality XMAX mic preamps, USB Type C or USB-A connectivity (2 versions), 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the front), 6 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the back), ✔ Premium audio quality at 192 kHz and 24 bit, ✔ VU Meter for accurately adjusting levels, ✔ Two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass, ✔ Two balanced line inputs, suitable for connecting line-level sources, ✔ Air mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound, ✔ High-resolution 2 in x 2 Out 24-bit/192kHz recording, ✔ Bus-powered for easy mobile recording with no power adapter needed, ✔ Built-Like-A-Tank design to survive day-to-day abuse, ✔ Easy-to-use Mixer knob for low-latency direct input monitoring, ✔ USB-C compatible powered 2x2 audio interface, ✔ The most portable audio interface on the list, ✔ Beautifully engineered, with fantastic aesthetics, Mac & PC & iOS devices (including iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch, with the lightning and 30-pin cable), Apogee is the ‘Apple of the Audio Interface world’, Incredibly beautiful, minimalistic design, Impeccable sound quality with 2 fantastic mic preamps, Been utilized for many commercial projects, Beautifully engineered, with fantastic aesthetics, Need to purchase the 30-pin lightning cable separately, for connection to iOS devices, Has been on the market since around 2013, so the technology isn’t exactly new. The performance is clean, reliable, and roomy, while the price is low enough to make it your first serious audio interface. There is an audible hiss once you crank up the gain, however, making it unsuitable for recording particularly sharp instruments like snares. While we’ve talked about audio interfaces for Ableton and USB audio interfaces in the past, but in this guide, we’ll look only at the fastest and the best low latency audio interface across categories. Click here to jump straight to the reviews. On the software end, you might encounter some issues on very old Mac devices as well as the latest Mac OS Catalina release. Purchasing an audio interface that comes with a reputable editing software is a great way to justify paying more for your audio interface because you’re saving money elsewhere. Emulation is also resource intensive, so taking it outside your DAW can free up some CPU cores. Insight into the best hardware available on the market ranging from guitar effects pedals through to audio interfaces. Even though it packs in studio-quality preamps, it is barely larger than a large smartphone. FPGA is usually only found in ultra high-end audio interfaces, but the Zen Tour makes it available in this (relatively) affordable unit. You get 4 mic pres, 5 line/hi-z ins, 8 analog outs, and 2 headphone outs. It’s tough to describe it if you’ve only used cheap audio interfaces like Focusrite’s entry-level offerings. The result is a richer, warmer sound right out of the box. Typically there was an expectation in older software that a dedicated sound card or audio interface would be used. While you might not find one in a pro studio (mostly due to a lack of I/O options), any serious home producer will likely have a UA audio interface sitting on his/her desk. The Clarett is substantially roomier when compared to the Scarlett and has a class-leading 119dB of range. Perfect for the professional musician who wants high-quality recordings in the studio and on the road. The unit provides 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs, an optical input, as well as 4 line outputs, making it decent for musicians who only need a few inputs for simultaneous recording. If you have one, you might experience choppy sound. It retails at just under the $100 price point… A minor annoyance is the hard to press buttons. Depending on what you want to achieve, you’ll priorities different features when finding the best low latency audio interfaces for your situation. If you’re new to recording and music tech, you might well wonder what it is, and why it’s such a problem. While the original Clarett 2Prewas a Thunderbolt-only device. Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance Data Base. Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance Data Base. Digital audio latency explained – PreSonus.com. In fact, you can plug it in and start controling hardware parameters right from the Logic Pro mixer – even starting/stopping phantom power. The Apollo MKII Solo has all the hallmarks of UA’s high end audio interfaces, including: Think of this as a condensed version of the Apollo 8. Round the back you’ve got the USB B connector, a pair of balanced outputs on TRS 1⁄4-inch jacks and a Kensington Security slot. Overall, Focusrite is an extremely reputable audio interface provider, known for creating quality interfaces. It connects to your Mac or PC via Thunderbolt, but it has to be powered from the wall; and while the original Twin (still available) could be had in a USB 3 version, it’s not clear whether the MkII will follow suit. USB 3.0 audio interface can offer over a 100 channels of low latency I/O at a reasonable cost along with broad cross platform support. It’s sleek design is highly attractive, very durable and extremely portable. to source these products from elsewhere however sometimes we provide a 'similar product' Let’s start with what’s stayed the same. Apogee Quartet - USB Audio Interface - 4 Inputs with World-Class Apogee Mic … 2.2. But the Apogee Duet isn’t just the best portable audio interface around – it also packs in punchy performance. What Does Low Latency Audio Interfaces Mean? Your input/output (I/O) channels, i.e. And you want quick access to volume, gain, and basic EQ settings. The AudioBox USB 96 is the flagship budget audio interface from PreSonus. The Class-A mic pre is smooth and roomy. While still being considered a great low latency audio interface. I have an ERM multiclock which will handle MIDI and clocking but I’m looking to upgrade my audio interface. In fact, of all the audio interfaces we’ve tested, Focusrite’s range performs the best on Windows. Essentially, latency is a combination of three things: Because these conditions can change from computer to computer and time to time (you might have 21 different Chrome tabs open simultaneously while using Ableton), your latency can also vary. In essence an audio interface allows you to take audio signals and pump them in and out of your computer. Installing new plugins isn’t intuitive, nor is it easy to get the software itself to work seamlessly without understanding some basic technical details. TAFKAT. Several users report issues with one or more ports not working intermittently. The audio quality of Duet 2 is extremely good too, blowing most of the competition away not just among the array of cheaper interfaces available but also out-performing some of those retailing for higher prices. Low latency audio interfaces range from large ‘rack’ styled devices through to pocket sized incredibly compact and durable audio interfaces. It’s not a dealbreaker but it is something that isn’t you’d appreciate at this price range. If you’re looking for an industry leading interface for a professional sound, look no further than the Apollo Twin. The result is an analog-like warmth without the harsh peaks so common in lower-end digital recordings. Physically reconfiguring the preamp’s impedance and gain staging. Since this Console 2.0 software exists independently of your DAW, you can use it by itself – great if you’re using the Apollo Solo for a live performance. You can also capture vocals with two microphone inputs that have phantom power and 75dB of gain. There is little to no hiss even when the gain is pumped all the way up. You can load up a bunch of plugins into this software to emulate some of the world’s favorite compressors, preamps, and channel strips. Muddy audio sounds clearer. A new “Air” model allows the unit to emulate the transformer-based mic pre on Focusrite’s ISA ONE analog range. This isn’t even counting the digital I/O capabilities. But you at least get 48V phantom power. In fact, they sit at the very top end of the home studio interface market. Audient iD4. Far more than possibly the best audio interface ever made. This item Audient EVO 4 2x2 Ultra Low Latency USB Audio Interface Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools, First Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 2 x 2 Audio interfacce with USB 2.0 The APLTWSII is the cheapest of the lot and offers nearly the same performance as its most expensive counterparts. This is a solid refresh and both review models deliver a noticeable upgrade on predecessors. Additionally, the unit is compatible with most popular DAWs and even provides iPad/Android compatibility. Not all audio interfaces are created equally. If, however, you’ve been hankering for more DSP than your existing Twin affords you, your day has come – have at it. If there is one essential in any home studio, it’s a good low latency audio interface. Very nice. The performance on older Macs is also dodgy – on a test 2011 Macbook Air, the device couldn’t be connected via Thunderbolt at all. Just like a computer, there is a gap between the time we see or hear something and the time it takes for our brains to process it. Again, not unusual in this sort of device, but worth mentioning. A further positive is the monitor mix system which allows easy creation of low latency mixes for each output stream. Focusrite’s Scarlett USB interfaces have traditionally combined excellent sonics and audio flexibility at affordable price points, and the third generation units keep up the good work. If you are looking for an audio interface at a cheap price and want great performance, this is one of the best low latency audio interfaces around, especially considering the price. However, there are two other key factors to running any audio interface at lower latency settings: driver quality, and how well your computer has been set up for audio purposes. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface. The software routing also has a learning curve – if you’re new to recording music, you’ll have a hard time. It is a great option for project studios. However, there are no mentions of a customer warranty, as with other similarly priced products (Focusrite Scarlet 2i2) which come with a 2-year limited warranty. As an alternative to the regular algorithmic modeling of valves, transistors, amps, EQ. On the whole, we feel this is not only the best portable audio interface, but also the best audio interface for Mac OS. As we’ve come to expect from the Scarlett series, the sonics are neutral and the drivers reliable. We also wouldn’t recommend this for Windows users – the drivers are too wonky. Whilst it doesn’t feature the same in-built microphone that the Apogee One has. The back panel and front edge house two combi Mic/Line inputs. He lives in San Diego and freelances as a producer and part-time DJ. USB is the most popular and widely used mainly because it comes in many different forms ranging from USB Type-A, USB 2, & Micro USB through to the latest USB Type-C connections. The audio interface will convert your digital audio signals back to analog signals on the way out of your computer. Anyone who has ever tried producing a track on their computer’s built-in sound drivers knows how even the smallest of lags can make production impossible. It’s worth noting that this audio interface provides 48v phantom power, so you can connect and power your condenser microphones as well. Let’s see whether it truly holds the crown. If you’re looking for speed, the Thunderbolt protocol is currently the fastest option with data transfer rates up to 10 Gbps. Recommended for: The Apogee Duet is the best low latency audio interface for Mac users. its processing power, RAM, etc. Round the back you’ll find a pair of 1⁄4” jacks for the monitor output, and also a pair of MIDI connectors (In and Out), so the Producer 2.2 also doubles as a MIDI interface, which is handy. Focusrite Scarlett 4i4. Another nifty feature is the TotalMix FX digital mixer bundled with the hardware. Our other senses, especially sight and hearing, are much faster. 48V phantom power, meanwhile, is engaged globally via a single switch. The more accurate this correlation, the more “pristine” a digital audio clip sounds. There are several reasons why it’s introduced into a computer audio system: Audio interface latency, where during recording the audio is converted from analog to digital, and during playback it’s converted from digital back to analog so it can be played through studio monitors or headphones. The unit itself is USB bus powered, and there’s no option to use an external PSU, which keeps things simple. The interface is also fairly compact, making it ideal for those who may want to take this on the road for recording. There’s always some amount of latency present, but it can range from vanishingly small and virtually imperceptible to enough of a lag that musicians can feel like they’re hearing their part as a slight echo in the headphones. Like the Audient iD4, this device is quite portable while retaining important functions. It is also one of the most portable audio interfaces around. The measurement toolssection of this topic, shows specific measurements from a Has… The app also handles low-latency monitoring, so there’s no direct monitoring knob as per the 2i4, although it’s worth noting that the 3rd Gen 2i2 and Solo interfaces continue to use this system. We have developed a small app that allows Mac users to improve their Scarlett 2nd Gen, Scarlett 3rd Gen and Clarett USB round-trip latency by approximately 1m/s (system dependent). That is, most of us take 250ms to react to an action (such as a ball thrown at our face). There are cheaper audio interfaces than those provided by Apogee across their range but the first thing to note is that if you’re Mac-based, you’ll struggle to find a company whose approach is so tailored to Apple’s product-range, with rock-solid integration guaranteed. All units in the range have received physical and technical upgrades, with improved preamps (now up to 56dB gain), balanced connectivity throughout, and the inclusion of Focusrite’s ISA transformer preamp emulation option (Air). UA Apollo Twin MKII Solo. Great DI input, nifty ScrollControl feature, and a great Class-A preamp make it a top choice for serious beginners. whether you’re using USB 2.0 or Thunderbolt or MIDI input/output, etc. If you use Logic Pro or Garageband, or like recording on the go, this should be your first choice. If you’ve never fiddled around with any modeling or emulation, you might find this slightly tough to get started with. Buying the best low latency audio interface is crucial for getting the most out of your studio. Your email address will not be published. What we don’t like: The Console 2.0 application is hard to master, especially for novices. Nefi Audio Engine allows Android applications to have ultra low latency audio with ultra low development effort, while supporting all kinds of USB Audio Interfaces. This is no hobbyist audio interface – if you’re buying it, you are a serious producer looking for pro studio-grade performance at home. The Apollo Twin is an EDM industry favorite. The aformentioned RME Babyface is a top-tier audio interface, and retails for $749. Capable of elevating even the humblest of home and project studios to genuinely professional-quality heights. And, of course, newcomers to the world of Apollo and UAD now get even more for their money, which can only be a good thing. It takes any audio input, converts that into digital form and then on the output side – converts those numbers back to analog audio. The implementation of a combined cable here makes perfect sense, allowing the Duet 2 unit to fit snugly in a laptop bag. Overall, the Apogee Duet is a fantastic audio interface for those musicians who are fine with having only 2 inputs/4 outputs. We tend to think of computers as instantaneous, but they’re not. The Air option tilts the frequency response towards high frequencies, and this can be great for taming undesirable proximity or adding high frequency lift. The larger interface requires an external PSU which, though understandable, is moderately annoying given it’s pretty compact. Simply put, after several years of working at home with an original Mbox, opening my first session with the Duet 2 was akin to listening to the song with brand-new ears. replies: 90 views: 38365: gmontano 6th February 2013 : Apogee announces Element Series interfaces (Element 24, 46 and 88) The Press Desk. It’s easily one of the best low latency audio interfaces on the market right now. In Monitor mode, four of the Option buttons – which weren’t used at all by MkI – now come into play, necessitating the addition of a new row of icons to the LED strip, which has been made a bit deeper to accommodate them. While we didn’t experience any reliability issues, figuring out how everything works has a learning curve. With high-quality Onyx mic press, balanced analogue connectivity and operation up to 24-bit/192kHz, the bus-powered Onyx Producer is more than capable of getting clean signals in and out of your DAW. From what I'… Focusrite’s … Audio latency is caused by delays processing the audio data as it travels from the outside world (or from the triggered note on a keyboard), to the computer’s processor and back out again. The new Apollo Twin MkII is essentially more of the same, but with a few minor improvements, and an optional DSP upgrade. The fastest we can process visual or auditory information is 13ms. Rest assured the team stock check on a daily basis and will return Which is why we’ve placed it at the top of our list of the best low latency audio interfaces. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. It’s easily one of the best low latency audio interfaces on the market right now. If you’ve ever been around a pro studio – or even a serious home studio, you couldn’t have missed the ubiquitous “BIG KNOB”. A nifty feature is the iD button on the front of the device. Komplete audio 2 is a richer, warmer sound right out of some of these cookies is! To find the input meters, alongside a phones TRS output feel great, EQ... Important functions so large that you won ’ t only affect latency, but CPU... Works on both Mac and PC via a USB-C cable of “ Logic gates ” control! The Duet ’ s rectangular powerhouse is made of strong and sturdy materials that give it air. You monitor your levels for maximum effectiveness and/or recording through them feature the same time more detail soon the... Its brushed silver aluminum housing and glass panel, it ’ s easily of! Reach out to a combination of lowest latency audio interface budget and how you like work... More “ pristine ” a digital connection for iOS devices editing software that a dedicated talk back footswitch port,. 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