USB Audio interface recommendation

Hi,
I have been using the Roland Quad-Capture for a few years now.
Overall, I'm very satisfied, my biggest gripe is that there is no separate physical level control for the headphone.
 
Because I'm using an old but very powerful Yamaha subwoofer (rca only) with my Adam Audio A7 monitors (unfortunately no budget for a new Adam Audio sub), I have the main output copied to the digital coax output 3/4. It goes to a DA converter, then to the subwoofer.
 
The problem is that the output 3/4 jacks cannot be used when using the 192 KHz sampling rate.
 
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 second generation seems to fit the bill as a replacement, since TRS output 1 & 2 signals are automatically replicated to RCA Output 1 & 2, according to the user guide.
So I should be able to use my subwoofer directly, without external DA converter.
 
- Can you confirm it should work ?
- Is the Scarlett 2i4 second generation a good audio interface ?
- Any other audio interface recommendation ?
 
Thanks,
Cedric
 
 

Thanks for the answer!
 
While it's true that I don't need 192 KHz, I might as well use it since my whole digital chain works well with it (Windows 10, Sonar, processor, storage, ...) and who knows, may be in the future new software may be able to better use the sampling resolution, and I'm sure speakers and headphones will progress tremendously.
 
It's like in photography, I don't regret for a moment to have always shot in 16 bit RAW with my digital back on MF camera. Since then, algorithms improved, and printer and screen color rendering hugely improved. So I'm getting now, with photos shot years ago, what was next to impossible to get 5 years ago for 10x the price, and technology improves all the time (HDR screens).
 
Also, I will change audio interface anyway for one which has separate volume knobs for monitors and headphones, as long as the price is reasonable.
 
I agree with you, I prefer an audio interface having its own power supply, I'll look the Tascam 4x4 & the Scarlett 6x6.

Though not a lower cost solution, I'd point you toward RME or MOTU USB audio interfaces.

• Low round-trip latency
• Rock-solid drivers
• Good sound

i can highly recommend the new RME Babyface Pro.
 
i got mine for only $600 with a musicians' friend discount
 
i didn't even break out the manual, and had it up and running with an older win XP setup.
 
very neutral preamps, which is what i wanted.
 
internal FX can be added, for either tracking and/or printing.

Nice blurb indeed, Johnny V !

Lots of apples vs oranges in this thread...
 
Heed the advice of "...make a list of features you want..."
Some things that many don't think about:
- Rack mount vs. desktop
- Back connectors vs front
- How many preamps do you want?
- Dedicated headphone outputs? how many? 
- Physical controls that are easy to access (preamp gain, monitoring volume, Line/Mic switches, Metering, ...)
 
Once you get to the level discussed here, the preamps are good, but they do have 'personality'. You can always collect outboard preamps over time and run them into the A/D at line level. 
 
Lots of options if you're starting with a clean slate. I'm lucky as I like the sound of the Focusrite preamps, and I have a few discrete tube preamps for special stuff. 
 
Read about which brands keep up with good drivers. I had a lot of trouble with M-Audio drivers, for example, although they may be better now. This is important...no matter how nice it sounds, if it is erratic, you won't be as productive.

Didn't see if you're Windoze or fruit. If so, Apogee has a new Element range, supposedly up to regular Apogee standards, which are the highest in the business. Check the other thread.