• Hardware
  • Any Recommendations For A New Audio Interface?
2016/01/03 20:55:52
AdamGrossmanLG
Hello Everyone,
 
My Scarlett 2i2 interface died and need a new interface.  The Scarlett 2i2 was buggy as hell even though Amazon reviews generally tend to be positive for the most part.  The interface kept having to be unplugged in and replugged in, slight pops, noise, etc....
 
I don't need much in the way of inputs/outputs, but I do need something of quality!
 
Any help would be much appreciated.
 
Thank You,
Adam
2016/01/03 21:19:46
gswitz
RME rocks.
2016/01/04 10:00:20
AT
Burl, but I don't imagine you want to spend that much.  So how much do you have to spend - that is always the question.  And how many ins/outs?
 
Personally, I like the high-end, 2 channel units various companies are putting out.  I just bought a second TASCAM UH-7000 stereo unit that I will plug via Spdif into my other one.  Audient and Crimson also have such units out.  I've also been testing the new TASCAM 20x20 unit, which is the big brother in the n X n series.  It sounds very good (not as smooth in the high freqs as the UH) and is a professionally equipped unit (8 mics plus a stereo input, ADAT and Word Clock).  Like most of the TASCAM units latency isn't a strong suite, but TASCAM's new driver team even went back and updated the outside drivers for the 7000.  I expect the latency aspect will get better as they continue to work on the drivers, but as always, never buy for vaporware and promises.  Both TASCAM units go for $400-500, while the less endowed n X n units cost less but are good deals, too.  And you can expect that TASCAM units are used w/ SONAR for all of Gibson, which can be helpful.
 
As above, the RME units are well-respected for their hardware and outstanding software.  If you are worried about latency it is a great unit and the sound is considered "better" than most of the cheaper units.  RME starts above $500.
 
If you want to go cheaper and stereo, there are all kinds of choices, and any of them should float your boat.  When you get down to $100 a channel there isn't much qualitive difference - there are only so many ways to skin a $5-10 preamp, or converter chip, etc.  There is a difference in drivers, tho, so your best bet is to spend a few dollars more and buy from a local shop so you can easily return an X brand for a Y brand if X has a conflict w/ your system (and yet works fine on your bandmates system).
2016/01/04 10:09:32
ChrisX
 Do you have an MSI motherboard based system?
 I have the same situation when my interface sometimes won't power up at boot and I have to replug it. But after that it works fine.
  Until you find another interface you can try to disable sleep mode which will make 2i2 go crazy and follow these general recommendations:
http://us.focusrite.com/answerbase/optimising-your-pc-for-audio-on-windows-10 .
 
 
 
2016/01/04 14:02:43
TheMaartian
You don't mention what types of inputs you use. Most 2-input interfaces are buss-powered, and can have issues if you're using phantom power for a condenser mic or active DI.
 
Were you running with buss power, or a powered USB hub?
2016/01/04 14:06:51
bapu
gswitz
RME rocks.

+yesssir
 
I've had my RME UFX in XP 32bit, Win7 64bit and Win10 64bit. Solid as a rock.
2016/01/04 21:55:25
Cactus Music
The interface kept having to be unplugged in and replugged in, slight pops, noise, etc....
 
And you think a new interface will help--- this is more to do with your computer than the interface. 
The 2i2 is buss powered which I don't recommend but pops and noise are generally because of your system. 
http://www.cactusmusic.ca/Articles/Johns%20Audio%20Interface%20blurb.rtf
 
2016/01/04 22:05:41
Vastman
me, Larry, and Zo all have the Forte... I just love it... after many "good" interfaces, the pristine sound of the pre's and dacs just keep me in hog heaven...
2016/01/05 21:02:48
lawajava
Cactus Music
The interface kept having to be unplugged in and replugged in, slight pops, noise, etc....
 
And you think a new interface will help--- this is more to do with your computer than the interface. 
The 2i2 is buss powered which I don't recommend but pops and noise are generally because of your system. 
http://www.cactusmusic.ca/Articles/Johns%20Audio%20Interface%20blurb.rtf
 


Based on the OP's initial needs described I would recommend the Scarlett 2i2 as the audio interface. Especially since he already has it. Just need to tweak the PC and some settings to get rid of the pops and clicks I would think.
2016/01/05 21:56:14
Leadfoot
I got the Audient iD22 a few months back. Pristine converters and beautiful sounding preamps. Plus it's also a great sounding monitor controller.
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