Discover the Best Audio Interface for podcasting

High Quality Interface

UPDATED REVIEW 2-5-2021 As an owner of a Fireface 400, I wanted more remote control of mic & line gains by MIDI control. The Babyface and FF-UCX offer that. I tried the Babyface for a month and discovered an anomaly related mic gain settings. I sent a report to RME and they issued a firmware update within a week. (The v.129 update is not generally visible on the web site yet.) The Babyface Pro Fs (BFP) has some features the UCX does not - contiguous mic gain adjustment from 0 to 65 dB in 1 dB steps. The UCX has 0 and 10-65 dB range. The BFP has an 11 dB PAD selectable on MIC inputs - n/a on the UCX. The BFP has a nice knob and I-O meters, but with my automation I rarely used those. The BFP has unbal INST inputs (TRS). All I-O on the UCX are servo-balanced (less HP). The UCX has a plethora of "I"s and "O"s obviously. The balanced output impedance of UCX is lower (75 ohms vs. 300 ohms), except on the Phones which are a little lower impedance on the BFPro. The real world noise floor and dynamic range of the BFP and the UCX are nearly out of my range to distinguish at the moment. The UCX has "Dynamics" and "AutoSet" (auto gain for limiting) not available on the BFP - this is the big discriminator due to their price points. The UCX additionally has word clock I-O and RCA digital I-O. Using the BFP with the OSC control (iOS app), I also verified the MIC gain problem (now resolved in a firmware patch "fut_mac_usb_129.zip"). Mic Gain Issue: Both variable gains (0--65 dB) should be set to the SAME VALUE or non-displayed gain errors will occur on both channels. Measured A/D gain differences of +/- 1 dB to -2/+5 dB can occur, subject to some algorithm controlling the gains from any input (TotalMix, OSC or MIDI). Keep both gains the same until you get the update. After the update, I confirmed that the AN-1/2 gains operated as expected. (There appears to be no indication of this issue on the RME FORUM). I suggest you look into the Babyface Pro Fs if your needs for I-O are far less than the UC or UCX. I hope this review prompts people to log on the RME forum and address the mic gain issue and have RME update the firmware for the public. I cannot believe I'm the only one on the planet who has observed this, though it is subtle. RME has a highly professional staff and is focused on high end hardware. Their documentation is near excellent, though some manuals could use some updates. Their instructional videos on the TotalMix FX is highly recommended for those new to these products. (2/5/2021) ... More

Beautiful sound, bulletproof connectivity, quiet and cool

I've been running this in my pro VO studio for several weeks now and I'm super impressed. This is now replacing the UA Apollo Twin Solo I used for the last 6 years. I loved the UA in many ways but I ended up never using the UAD plugins for my work. It also suffered from fairly frequent connectivity issues that required restarts upon waking the computer from sleep at least every day or two. It also runs hot and would heat up my little booth. Over the last four years, the UA increasingly produced an audible click from its processors that ruined takes since it lived in the VO booth with me. Lastly, the UA's somewhat bulky size and the need for an external power supply meant that it wasn't ideal to use when I'm on the road. I was anticipating that the Thunderbolt connectivity would start to be a bit of a hassle if I upgraded to a USB-C laptop (don't love dongles). Enough about the UA, though, NONE of those are issues with the Babyface Pro! The sound is pristine, clear and tone is almost identical to the UA preamps (but for some reason with less gain value needed to power my 416 and achieve the same output volume). I have had ZERO issues with connectivity. I leave my computer idle for hours or put it to sleep and the RME is ready to rock instantly upon waking. The Babyface Pro is warmish to the touch but never gets hot, even though it's been on constantly for weeks now. It's going to be amazing for recording on the road. It's bus-powered, so I would only need a power supply if I want to use it with an iPad. Slim and svelte, it will easily fit safely into my laptop bag with the 416, whereas the UA always ended up in my luggage. Even when I upgrade to a USB-C MacBook Pro, all I'll need is the USB-b to C cable and I'm good to go. Highly recommended! ... More

Great service, great product!

Since this purchase was my first foray into digital recording, I spent time researching comparable products and the accompanying software packages. I decided on the Steinberg UR242 because of the reviews of their preamps, four separate inputs, and the price. B&H had the product in stock when other vendors did not, and they offered free next day shipping. I received the UR242 from B&H as promised. Installation of drivers and software went flawlessly, and the UR242 works as I expected. The only drawback is the learning curve to use the Cubase DAW software, but I believe that would be the same with almost any DAW. ... More

Well built - no disappointments

I am new to DAW, and chose this unit to connect a vocal mic and my Yamaha MODX to my Windows laptop. The B&H staff helped me choose the right model for my needs, and it arrived in two days. Im no expert, but the thing is super rugged, weighs a ton, and works as advertised.

Higher recording resolution than listed.

I have owned this little gem for 5yrs and counting. What most of the sites that list this product do not know is with a free firmware upgrade this unit will support 32bit float up to 192Khz recording (yes, completely outragoeus, but if you have terabytes avail, go for it.... LOL) I have recorded 12 tracks @ 192K via onboard inputs and 4 ADAT in's (two 824's linked) at a 512 buffer size with NO pops or clicks or artefacts of any sort. Kind of mind blowing for the price. :) ... More

Very solid all round interface

The ability to get the BLA mod would make the preamps even better, but the AD's and DA' are all very good for the price. My only gripe is that the software drivers are a bit convoluted, but the perforce is quality with 10ms of latency at 256 samples.

Next level peice of gear

Pros : • you can control Two tracks at the same time even though there is only one motorized fader. • also compatible with other DAWs (Pro Tools, Logic, etc) Con: It seems delicate compared to the other audio interfaces Presonus offers like the AudioBox 96 and The studio C series. Not a dealbreaker but it's worth noting.

Absolutely Incredible

I can't say enough good things about this interface, it is crystal clear and is helping me produce high-quality music from my home studio. Understand that the 4k feature has nothing to do with a higher quality sound, it is actually a feature that models a vintage Solid State preamp. This plus a MXL 990/ Shure SM57 and you can record an album.

Great sounding interface!

I have owned lots of great interfaces over the years - if you only need a two input interface that is usb powered this has the sound of much more expensive gear. The 4K button adds the zing you’ll recognize in the tracks of hit records mixed on SSL boards. I use two SSL channel mic pres with black knob eqs as the front ends into the SSL 2 and always have the 4K buttons on. However, if on location recording with a laptop running protools the mic pres in the SSL2 are remarkably close to the channel strips in sound quality. Have owned this for several years now and the build quality has held up very well. Great SSL sound at a price point that is this affordable and highly portable too? Thank you SSL. ... More

Top tier Interface!

Upgraded from a Motu M2 to this. The AD/DA has been a great upgrade to me. I can clearly hear the difference between the lows/mids and the sound stage. The preamps are full and clean. I was also looking at the BLA revolution 2x2 but I'm glad I went with this instead. With the FX available you cannot go wrong. The latency has been good tracking out of the DAW to FX. The only drawback I have at the moment seems to be some bugs in the software which I hope are ironed out in time. Also, AFX2DAW for the Zen GO on Windows/USB not available yet. Hopefully, they make it available. ... More

Well thought out interface

The Zen go boasted some brilliant concepts that really appealed to me: DSP on the interface , zero latency effects monitoring, classic hardware emulation, etc… But what struck me when I first started using it was the improved sound quality, and how well the whole system is structured. The setup can be quite confusing, but when you get it up and running it feels well thought out, at the heart of it all is the mixer with some powerful routing capabilities. The software alone is worth the admission price, I like the way they haven’t simplified their controls— to me this would have had the reverse effect in the long run, your basically using the emulations how they were original used. Having the ability to bring the on board DSP effects in to my DAW is priceless, had I owned one of these before I think I would not have bought so many cpu hungry vst plug-ins. Antelope have made a device that is flexible, solid, mobile and pro-sumer, these are all the qualities I look for when I buy my gear, I think it is the most of all those given adjectives on my audio gear side. To say that I am now an Antelope fan is understatement, I have now purchased a modeling microphone from them as well. ... More

Gorgeous

The sound is gorgeous. The DI is gorgeous, and the pre's are gorgeous and do the gorgeous analog overload thing when pushed (roll back gain if you don't want it it). The I/O (alt monitors, stereo send/return while bypassing the pre's, optical), the full compliment of pad, invert, rolloff, discrete phantom power per channel, dim/cut. The software can be set and forgotten. The function keys made me wonder how I ever did without them. What else could you even ask for? This device heralds some kind of Golden Age of digital audio. And it's got soul. Worth far more than it's being sold for, but I am so very thankful for the pricing. ... More

Fantastic Device

The iD22 has amazing A/D and D/A abilities, the preamps are super clean, it's very quiet, and feels rock solid. The rotary wheel is also a pleasure to use. I was intending to buy a Focusrite Scarlett audio interface, but I upped my budget a little to get this used and it was the right choice. I got te iD22 for freelance voiceover work, although I hope to also use it for recording music demos and small live sessions. I considered Apollo models but the higher prices didn't seem justified for my needs. My Aston Origin sounds lifelike through it, but I have to drive the preamps pretty hard for acceptable levels. I'm not entirely sure my power supply is meeting the needs of the iD22 so this may not be the device's fault. The comnination is still perfectly usable and has proven itself by excelling in every test I've thrown at it so far. With ADAT allowing expandability in the future, I expect this to be the center of my setup moving forward - instead of an acceptable interface that would need to be entirely replaced (or use some exotic and expensive workaround) in the future. Highly recommended. ... More

Excellent for home studio recording...

Although a long time semi-professional singer/actor/musician, I am fairly new to recording in my home. However, I am pleased with the response I am receiving from colleagues and fans about the recordings I have made using this mic. I run the SM-57 to my laptop (running Windows 7). The sound is quite pure. Despite the limited resources I have available for creating a home studio, the reproduction of vocals using this microphone sound great on every system from which they have been played. Shure has won me as a loyal customer. As a recommendation to others who are also new to purchasing their own recording equipment, be careful when purchasing accessories recommended on this site. They are not always appropriate for use with the products for which they are being recommended. For example, the Nady SSPF-4 Pop Filter was recommended for use with this microphone but is not appropriate for the SM-57. ... More

Industry Standard.

I can't say enough good things about this mic. I have compared it with high quality dynamic mics and the Sure 57 still sounds warmer then all of them. I would suggest getting a Mogami cable to insure no cable noise. You are good to go...

Works as Advertised

I got this as low-cost way to learn about how analog-to-digital xlr-to-usb interfaces work before deciding what I need for a student-produced podcast. Happy to say that it works great when connecting a Rode Procaster dynamic microphone to my iMac. Also worked great with a boundary condenser mike I have on hand. No noise. Super easy to use. I have not encountered build-quality issues; it arrived in brand-new condition and just dangles off the microphone's cable all day, so no opportunities yet to beat it up. I will experiment with it over the summer, but it won't get tons of use or abuse until (if) school starts. I don't regret this purchase yet. ... More

Ideal, small, flexible phantom power-USB XLR interface

I needed a simple solution use my AKG P120 mic when on ZOOM and to record my part for a virtual choir piece. This tiny device is built like a bullet and is a great little interface. I particularly like that its head glows blue when active and red if your turn off the phantom power. Only awkward part is that phantom power switch. When the USB is connected, my large fingers take a few attempts to depress it. Good value for the money. ... More

Perfect

Pres sound great, no noise at all, not even when cranked - not even when recording quiet sources and boosting in post. I will be surprised if I ever find the noise floor on this thing during real-world use. In some recording scenarios with the 10db pad engaged you can slam the Pres to add some subtle color to the source material, but it takes practice to get it right. The DI's are exceptional and sound three-dimensional. The headphone amps are the best I have ever used - better than standalone amps I have experienced even. The conversion is pristine and exposes previously unheard details in playback and recording (I can finally consistently and accurately set reverb levels!!!!). ... More

Amazing

This thing does everything. Packs so much I/O into such a small space and the stepped monitor controller feels great.