Audio Interface 


Guide 2019
The State of Audio Interfaces
3

The Basics 5
Versatility
6

Reliability
7

Quality 8
Interfaces
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
9

Audient iD4
10

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen

11

Table of
RME Babyface Pro
12

RME Fireface UFX II

13

contents RME ADI-2 Pro FS 14

The State of
Audio Interfaces
If we go with the definition that an audio interface is any device

that provides means of digital audio recording and playback,

then we all own at least two audio interfaces. Just about every

laptop, tablet and smartphone can receive and play audio. Can

you make do without an interface? Honestly, if you don’t record

and all of your work is done in a DAW, then why not. Just plug

your headphones in and you’re golden. Unless you need better

conversion, MIDI ports, that is…

So what’s new in 2019 in terms of audio interfaces? First of all,

even the really affordable stuff is good enough. It’s been this

way for a long time. Get the Audient iD4 or Scarlett 2i2 and you

might be set for life. Sound quality-wise you’ll be 70% “there”.

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Sure, the RME ADI-2 Pro FS will pour sonic magic into
your earholes, but you really have to ask yourself - how
will it improve your workflow? It’s perfectly okay to lust for
the best just because you want it, we’re all human after
all. Just be honest with yourself and get the gear that
inspires you and makes you grow.

Generally the times have never been better. It’s hard to

buy anything genuinely bad as long as you stick to well
known brands. In this guide we’ve included the gear we
have used or currently use ourselves. Are there other
interfaces which might end up being as good as the ones
we’re recommending? Maybe. We haven’t heard it all. No
one has! We’re just showing what worked for us. There’s
a good chance that it will work for you as well.
3
4
The Basics
When looking at audio interfaces there are

three main factors to look out for - versatility,

reliability and quality.

5
The Basics

Versatility
Versatility means - what can the

interface in question do.

Usually it’s determined by the interfaces IO (input and

output) capabilities, various configurability options and

the variety of use-cases the unit is good for. Versatility is

rather easy to eyeball by looking at the specs of an

interface and by inspecting the photos of the unit in

question.

6
The Basics

Reliability
Reliability describes how often the user will be
able to do what they want when using the
interface as meant by the manufacturer
Hardware reliability is dictated by build quality and in
some ways by ergonomics, as poor usability can make
the workflow more prone to user error. Then there’s
software reliability, which is something that has made
many tear their hair out. Are the drivers stable? Is the
accompanying software easy to use and stable? This is
something that’s more of a quality-of-life thing for
beginners, yet for professional applications reliability is
positively vital.
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The Basics

Quality
Quality refers to how well the interface can

perform its advertised duties.

Largely the quality of on-board electronics will determine

this because an audio interface is an electronic device.

Are the preamps noise-free? Is the on-board conversion

reasonably noise and distortion free? I’d put this as the

least important aspect when looking for an audio interface

because lately even the very affordable units are good

enough in this regard. Can you remember when you

listened to a mix and went all “eew, the conversion is so

garbage”? Me neither.

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Super entry level
Behringer
U-Phoria UMC22
So, you want to make music? This is a very
decent starting point. You will be able to use a
single mic and simultaneously record an
instrument as well. Pretty sure the sound quality
will be better than most onboard sound solutions,
but don’t expect miracles. It will be up to you to
perform them!

Pros Cons
It’s an interface! For 38EUR!
Only works at 16/48

Records 2 channels
Sound quality is only okay

Decent hardware controls

Works from bus power

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Entry level
Audient iD4
Now we’re talking! If the IO options suit your workflow, there’s a good
chance you might not need to upgrade ever. Audient claim that they’re
putting their console building know-how into all of their interface, so
even the iD4 gets the good stuff. And the sound quality reflects that!
The iD4 also uses the console form factor which is very desktop friendly
all of the control feel nice. The UV metering can also be useful, if one
knows how to use it and it looks nice. iD4 also comes bundled with
Audient ARC software bundle which is superbly useful for someone just
starting out.

Alternative: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

Pros Cons
Both the converters and analog circuits are Only 2 channels in and out

seriously good
DAW control via encoder is gimmicky

Direct control over most functions

No real expansion options

Works from bus power

10
IO Galore
Focusrite Scarlett
18i20 3rd Gen
So, you want to mic a whole band complete with a drum set? The 18i20 has
got you covered. If you have the skills, Focusrite will bring the IO to help you
materialize your vision. The sound quality is roughly on par with the Audient
iD4 or Focusrite 2i2, it’s just that you get tons of versatility.

Alternative: Audient iD44

Pros Cons
OMG, it’s full of IO!
Will you use all of the IO?

Direct hardware control over the important stuff

Form factor ill suited for desktop
Very decent audio quality

You can throw on extra channels for those

orchestral recordings
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Pro-on-the-go

RME Babyface Pro

If you need quality conversion and preamps on-the-go, then
RME Babyface Pro might be your best bet. RME’s drivers offer
stellar stability and TotalMIX software offers a genuine digital
mixing desk, if you’re up for learning how to use it. Some
criticise RME for its clinical preamps whilst other praise them for
leaving the “spicing up” for the engineer. The Babyface 

Pro is rather heavy for an on-the-go device, but it’s

build quality makes up for its weight excess.

Alternative - Apogee Duet

Pros Cons
Legendary driver stability
Heavy like a tank

Built like a tank

TotalMix isn’t trivial to learn

TotalMix gives you superb control

Preamps have no “mojo”

Very clean sound Weaker USB ports can struggle with current delivery

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The big gun

RME Fireface UFX II

If you’re reading this guide then there’s a good chance that you know whether you need this or not.

The RME Fireface UFX II is a true Swiss army knife of an interface. It can do just about anything

glazed in glorious sound quality. The rock solid drivers mean you’ll never be caught with your pants

down and miniscule latency makes life easier even with humongous projects (if your machine can

handle them). The only real downside of the UFX II is that control must be done digitally via the

computer, so a good command of the TotalMix software is mandatory.

Pros Cons

Packed with features

Not exactly cheap

Very clean analog circuitry

Limited direct hardware controls

Extremely dependable You better know TotalMix by heart

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The boutique
RME ADI-2 Pro FS
It can be hard to define what the RME ADI-2 Pro FS is - a converter, a monitor controller or an
interface? It lacks the TotalMix software found in other RME interfaces, yet with some tinkering in
settings it can be made into a centerpiece of a small to medium sized control room. With ADI-2 Pro
FS sound quality is what you’re paying for and it really does shine. Superb resolution meets lack of
harshness both for DAC and ADC stages. If you’ve walled yourself in outboard analog gear, then the
ADI-2 Pro FS will catch all of the goodness (and crud) it’s putting out.

Pros Cons
Audio performance reaches theoretical limits
Control is done by front panel knobs

Deceptively small size

Cabling on the external PSU could’ve been better

Superb built-in headphone amp

Can be feature-limited for some scenarios

Also comes in black!

Will it really help you work better?

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