Testing preamps: Voiceover sample with the SSL 2:07 Voiceover sample with the Audient 4:00 SLL without 4K 6:09 SSL with 4K 6:16 Testing converters: Original file 10:44 50x roundtrip through SSL 10:57 150x-500x roundtrip through SSL 11:08 50x-500x roundtrip through Audient 11:25 50x rountrip SSL vs Audient 11:44 500x roundtrip SSL vs Audient 12:00
Awesome video, hilarious! I chose the SSL 2+ because it has two headphone jacks so I can listen and record another person who can also have phones. And I like the 4K sound a lot on vocals.
This channel is just killing it with these reviews. My co-worker and I found your videos a couple of weeks ago and we're so surprised that this isn't a much bigger channel. Great production quality, in-depth reviews, and some of the best, most concise A-B comparisons you can find. Keep up the great work, you guys rock!
Thanks Dave! We’re still a fairly new channel, so have some growing to do, and comments like yours really help, so thank you! And we promise to not try and sell you a book at any point 😎 Thanks again for the support!
Still happy with my ID14. Thx for the great test! I was thinking I want the SSL2 when it came out in a stupid way of a consumer mindset, but quickly went back to earth. Both units are great for homerecording.
Genius indeed! Cleary shows wich one is the best. This test should be mandatory to all audio interfaces. It is easy to bla bla bla about specs, I want to heart it 500x in a loop!!
Thanks Robert! I must admit, I’ve heard a lot of people slagging off the converters on the SSL. That’s why I wanted to do this test. So.... the verdict on the haters is... they’re deaf haha! To maintain that level of audio integrity with what is effectively 1000 trips through D/A and A/D is incredible. Hats off to the technology in these budget options these days! Thanks for watching 😎
Thanks Guys for the time dedicated. I've got iD14 and i confess I came here for some doubts about the preamps SSL2 with 4k. At the end of the video I've decided to keep with my reliable iD14. Audient Preamps quality. Anyway, I won't lost the it's featurest, above all Adat in
I had the id14 for a year and a half, and after that it started buzzing and hissing like crazy on the preamps no matter what i did, then the speaker outputs started hissing randomly for no reason, even after i purchased high quality power outlets and isolated the whole chain, not to mention the fact that the output was too low in volume and too bright for my taste, almost hi-fi . Also the preamps sounded good at first but then i noticed they where a bit V shaped and not really clean, weird. (Apparently, many people online reported even id22 for crapping out after the warranty expired ) So, i had to take it back to the shop and replaced it with an SSL2. At first i was a bit worried because of how high audient was praised . Got home and the sound quality in the converters is way higher, i heard imbalances in volume and compression that i didn`t hear on the audient , the overall sound is cold and linear, i think it`s better for good mixing decisions. The preamps are more midrange oriented and focused, really clean and sober, actually ,i can`t even turn up the knob more than half, great gain range, the noise is inexistent (the audient was a bit hissy and needed more gain even when it was new). I`m really impressed and i`m happy with the ease of use and quality of this thing , i think that 2 or 3 db of dynamic range on the specs means nothing unless you really hear how the device sounds, don`t be fooled by marketing bullshit. I wrote this for people that are looking to buy a new interface, my advice is , use your ears and don`t listen to whatever the internet says you should buy . Great video by the way, i subscribed !
Absolutely, always use your ears! This is what we are ALWAYS saying. Don’t read the tech spec numbers and ignore the physical sound of the unit, see how it sounds and base judgements from that. Always the best way! Thanks for your comment. And thanks for subscribing!
Elie Youssef it doesn’t matter, write and record a damn good song and nobody will give a damn what interface you used 😎 you can’t base a purchasing decision on a video like this, only your own ears, but at the end of the day - it doesn’t matter WHAT the audio sounds like after 50, 250 or 500 round trips... you’re never going to be doing that! Pick the one who’s features suit you the best and concentrate on the song 👍
By far, the best SSL vs Audient I've seen! This is the first time I see such an in-depth and "for real" comparison between the interfaces conversion differences. The amount of effort you put in this comparison is incredible, thank you for that. Please, keep on the amazing job.
I got my SSL2 today...Had to upgrade because of my broken Focusrite Scarlett Solo....I like the amount of Gain I can get for SM57 and also with a cheaper condenser mic (I used EIKON C14...which is btw very good sounding for the money) the sound is amazing. I chose over Audient since I already have a good DI box (hence the Audient JFET input will not be of much use I guess) and I wanted a good input Gain which Audient lacked for the Dynamic mics....I also liked the 4K button as it makes my vocals stand out and also the guitar soloing with this button ON is very good. Only thing which all REVIEWERS did not mention was the 3 buttons in the SSL 2 (the phantom power, instrument and hi z) did not show whether it is turned ON or OFF...But I could find that there is a depression in the button once you turn ON....Over all I liked the sound...I hope this could be helpful for someone.
This is hands down the best, most entertaining, insightful, objective and in-depth comparison I've ever seen of audio gear in my entire life. I've subscribed! Thank you guys!
@teashea1 any onions on the differences between the two? I’m considering both as upgrades to my home studio, and am especially curious about the noise from the SSL (I already own the id14)
Easily the best review of any interface I've ever seen, funkin' hilarious. A bit disappointed that nobody plugged an electric guitar into the D.I. jack of the Audient as you can get quite a natural sounding crunch effect out of it if you crank the gain up. The quality available to the home recordist for a couple of hundred quid is astounding. If I coulda got the same quality back in the day when bouncing tracks on my Tascam 424, I'd be a zillionaire by now............
Interesting test, especially the 500x converter test. It's probably used daily... if you're crazy enough for that! Seriously, thanks for this (re)view on things.
Superb format for a review, I love how revealing the process is and yet how it comes back to the conclusion that they both sound great! I once put 10 Panasonic and 10 Nichicon caps in series on a breadboard in the hope of being able to hear a difference...think I should’ve stacked up the full 500. Would love to hear how some of the UA and RME interfaces fare in a test like this...you should keep the format going;, just keep getting interfaces with the same piece of music and process and put out occasional comparison videos. Sorry, I’ll stop yapping now. Love you guys, you make me smile
The Audient pres seem way more sibilant, but also feel a lot more natural and less compressed? Anyone else hear the same? (I'm asking to see if I'm in the ballpark here with my ears, haven't compared mic pres at all before, hardly know what to look out for). There seems to be a different character though.
this is the best review I've ever seen, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate the clear lineup, focus on the products and straight-to-the-point stuff. This is the first comparison I've seen of the converters, and I'm glad to know this much about two interfaces I'm waffling between. I currently use a Behringer XR18 but don't need that much i/o anymore, and also want something that's a step up in sound quality (though the Behringer isn't bad considering their history).
Here On Mars Thank you for the kind words! Glad the video was useful for you. I’m sure you’ll find either a good step up from the Behringer, in build quality and general pleasure of ownership if nothing else! Thanks for watching 😎
This is probably the best interface test I've seen so far! Not that there isn't some great information out there, but the approach is just great. Thank you both, although I'm not going for a change.
Great review! Funny and enjoyabe to watch but not missing the important stuff!!!! As many others mentioned it would be great if you could do a comparison these two interfaces with the Motu M2/4 ... Also what about these vs the Focusrite Clarett range? Obviously the 2pre USB... Thank you!!!
They stand up very well in my opinion, the fact that we could run audio in and out hundreds of times with barely any loss in signal (until we got up to the higher numbers, and particularly with the SSL) is testament to that
@@PresentDayProduction They are both amazing, I chose the SSL for the 4K boost, you can chew on the crispy highend, that combined with the warmth from the AT4047 warmth... soo nice!
@@PresentDayProduction LOL are they cheap?? I blew my savings on a desk! xD I have not long subbed and this was recommended. I wanted to see what you guys had to say! And I'm glad I did now as I think I'm finally getting therapy!!!
Honestly, they’re both as good as each other in terms of preamp and converter quality. The iD14 has a little more functionality though, so probably that one if you want the added control of the encoder. We only kept one of these after the video though, and it was the SSL.
I have some questions. First, they have carried out the test with Audient's MKII. Second, this problem exists with the ID44, I understand that it uses two converters, one input and one output. Excellent channel, by the way. 🎉
I would love you guys to review this way de Arturia Audio Fuse Studio/8pre vs some RME, I can't seem to find ANYTHING about the converters on that unit. Great review, many thanks.
@@yessitsme6884 No the DI inputs dont run the preamps of the interface...Only when you connect thro an XLR of the interface, now your using the preamps Designed manly to drive the microphones..
I LOVED this review... I am amazed how i said it out loud the Audient is sharper and the SSL is just warm and naturale. After the 500x ... OMG!!!! Guys i would LOVE if your could do the same with an Focusrite Scarlett vs the SSL... Since i own the Scarlett 18i20 atm... Best Regards Thomas
if those toggle switches on the Audient are from C&K they are like a $20 switch. Verry reliable switch - I have a few around that are still operational from 1975.
Brilliant idea to run the audio through 500 times! Considering that the SSL didn't discernibly degrade the signal even after 300 generations, as a virtual novice I'm left wondering how much higher definition the top level converters/preamps could be? Given the right mics and room treatment could a home recording done on one of these interfaces match the sonic definition of a modern commercially released track?
in the 80s, a good engineer told me you loose almot three db of dynamic per round trip, thats why Clearmountain said you never heard back from tape what was going to it, and that is outside of bandwith limitation
Slightly off topic, but do check out William Basinski "Disintegration Loops" - not round trips, but just tape loops playing over and over again, detoriating beautifully.
The Audient routes the line inputs through the mic pre. It could be that the degredation is due more to coloration from the preamp than the quality of the converters. The ID22 allows you to bypass the mic pre by using the Return, but this one doesn't have that feature. I can't find a definitive answer on whether the SSL line inputs bypass the pre.
Thanks for sharing good to know. I still use the M-Audio Delta 1010, 44 and 66. They still work good and you can find them for next to nothing today. I got three 1010, two 44 and one 66
Nice and entertaining review. The conclusion surprised me. Seemed like a bit of a reverse. The preamp talk also surprised me, as it was my understanding that, while both are great, the SSL2 is better (both low noise and gain). Granted, this is based on what others have said and specifications (unless my memory missed or switched something). You didn't mention the loopback feature on the SSL2, although perhaps that was released after the review. Something else not mentioned (unless I missed it) is that the SSL2 is 192 kHz, while the Audient is 96 kHz. As an aside, would the SSL2+ (or the ID4) have been a better comparison? I imagine it's all close, no matter what. I'm learning, so forgive any simple mistakes. All the best!
Thanks for watching! Both are great interfaces and incredible value for money. James prefers the SSL, I prefer the Audient! The SSL2+ just adds MIDI and another headphone socket. And 192khz? I’m very much a 24bit/48khz kinda guy! Check out our sample rate video to find out why! Thanks for watching! ❤️
@@PresentDayProduction - Thanks for responding! As fate and coincidence would have it, I happen to have both now. It just worked out that way. Ha. All the best.
All specs aside. I bought the id44. And the ssl2 and the Apollo twin usb. To my ears. Ssl2 smokes the depth, headroom and warmth of the id44. The id44 seems about equal to my tascam 1641. The Apollo twin usb had too many tech problems with my pc to make it useful. Although the sound was as good if not better than the ssl2. I tried 44.1 48.2. All the way up to each max. They all sound great in 44.1 and 48.2. I ordered the id44 last and the ssl2 I’m thinking on sending back the id44 to get the ssl2 back :). As it seemed to have way more headroom in the headphone amp and the monitor output. The ssl seems better and more alive in the outputs? Do you feel the same having tried them. ?
@@MrlegendOr I’m sure your probably right. But the output channels are so much more deeper and hit richest as I turned it up. on the ssl2 like a console. From my ears. And I tried 3 different speakers and 2 headphones. I felt the the 1d44 sounded very “left and right” about 2 foot deep in the speakers and more had that digital feel I don’t like. The Apollo twin and the ssl2 instantly in an ab the sounds leaped off the speaker. And in headphones it sounded like I was in a room with space. Sound was farther then I could reach if that makes since. Honestly I haven’t experienced that in digital ever. I think it’s cause it’s not emulating. That’s their real pre and post amps in there. And input and output amps. So I kept the ssl2. My mackie 32 has that kind of Depth in its sound. Of course this was just my ears and my opinion. And I was curious if they heard similar
Testing preamps:
Voiceover sample with the SSL 2:07
Voiceover sample with the Audient 4:00
SLL without 4K 6:09
SSL with 4K 6:16
Testing converters:
Original file 10:44
50x roundtrip through SSL 10:57
150x-500x roundtrip through SSL 11:08
50x-500x roundtrip through Audient 11:25
50x rountrip SSL vs Audient 11:44
500x roundtrip SSL vs Audient 12:00
I wish you've done a comparison between SSL 2+ and ID 14 MKII now :)
The intro was priceless 😂 please keep that amazing sense of humor in your work!!
Awesome video, hilarious! I chose the SSL 2+ because it has two headphone jacks so I can listen and record another person who can also have phones. And I like the 4K sound a lot on vocals.
OMG - How to turn a normally mundane review into 'Comedy Central' - love it. No wonder I couldn't help subbing...
This channel is just killing it with these reviews. My co-worker and I found your videos a couple of weeks ago and we're so surprised that this isn't a much bigger channel. Great production quality, in-depth reviews, and some of the best, most concise A-B comparisons you can find. Keep up the great work, you guys rock!
Thanks Dave! We’re still a fairly new channel, so have some growing to do, and comments like yours really help, so thank you! And we promise to not try and sell you a book at any point 😎 Thanks again for the support!
Great video guys. Love the 500x converter test 👌
Best interface test so far, I mean it, this channel would be huge. Subscribed
Thank you Juap!
Every gear review or shootout EVER needs to take a serious look at this brilliant video
Still happy with my ID14. Thx for the great test! I was thinking I want the SSL2 when it came out in a stupid way of a consumer mindset, but quickly went back to earth. Both units are great for homerecording.
Hahaha Genius! Great review Mark!
Thank you, Warren! That means a lot coming from you! ❤️❤️
@@PresentDayProduction you're doing an amazing job here! Can you email me? My email is warren@producelikeapro.com haha of course it is!
Produce Like A Pro Produce Like A Pro I hope you’re doing marvelously well! 😄
@@Producelikeapro You are amazing at a SNIZZLE amount of likeability Warren! 🤪♥️
@@MannyXO I am thanks ever so much
This channel deserves more subscriptions. Top-notch content! I had some good laugh.
Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it ❤️
Genius indeed! Cleary shows wich one is the best. This test should be mandatory to all audio interfaces. It is easy to bla bla bla about specs, I want to heart it 500x in a loop!!
Yep. Best interface test I've seen so far and with a surprising outcome
Thanks Robert! I must admit, I’ve heard a lot of people slagging off the converters on the SSL. That’s why I wanted to do this test. So.... the verdict on the haters is... they’re deaf haha! To maintain that level of audio integrity with what is effectively 1000 trips through D/A and A/D is incredible. Hats off to the technology in these budget options these days! Thanks for watching 😎
The best review ever in audio interfaces... well done... never though that genius ideia of re-recording 500 times...
Thanks Paulo! I’m glad you enjoyed our video!
Thanks Guys for the time dedicated. I've got iD14 and i confess I came here for some doubts about the preamps SSL2 with 4k. At the end of the video I've decided to keep with my reliable iD14. Audient Preamps quality. Anyway, I won't lost the it's featurest, above all Adat in
Mr. Alex... do you recommend ID14 for cloud lifter + dynamic mic set up and no white or static noise ?
I had the id14 for a year and a half, and after that it started buzzing and hissing like crazy on the preamps no matter what i did, then the speaker outputs started hissing randomly for no reason, even after i purchased high quality power outlets and isolated the whole chain, not to mention the fact that the output was too low in volume and too bright for my taste, almost hi-fi .
Also the preamps sounded good at first but then i noticed they where a bit V shaped and not really clean, weird. (Apparently, many people online reported even id22 for crapping out after the warranty expired )
So, i had to take it back to the shop and replaced it with an SSL2. At first i was a bit worried because of how high audient was praised .
Got home and the sound quality in the converters is way higher, i heard imbalances in volume and compression that i didn`t hear on the audient , the overall sound is cold and linear, i think it`s better for good mixing decisions.
The preamps are more midrange oriented and focused, really clean and sober, actually ,i can`t even turn up the knob more than half, great gain range, the noise is inexistent (the audient was a bit hissy and needed more gain even when it was new).
I`m really impressed and i`m happy with the ease of use and quality of this thing , i think that 2 or 3 db of dynamic range on the specs means nothing unless you really hear how the device sounds, don`t be fooled by marketing bullshit.
I wrote this for people that are looking to buy a new interface, my advice is , use your ears and don`t listen to whatever the internet says you should buy .
Great video by the way, i subscribed !
Absolutely, always use your ears! This is what we are ALWAYS saying. Don’t read the tech spec numbers and ignore the physical sound of the unit, see how it sounds and base judgements from that. Always the best way! Thanks for your comment. And thanks for subscribing!
do u recommend the audient id14 for me for best quality output or the ssl 2+
@@elieee88 well, this video says it all, just go with the ssl
ZilaMike but the audient better in 50x round trip, and for u what is the best in terms of first listening ?
Elie Youssef it doesn’t matter, write and record a damn good song and nobody will give a damn what interface you used 😎 you can’t base a purchasing decision on a video like this, only your own ears, but at the end of the day - it doesn’t matter WHAT the audio sounds like after 50, 250 or 500 round trips... you’re never going to be doing that! Pick the one who’s features suit you the best and concentrate on the song 👍
Fantastic intro and outro!!!! Brilliant!!!
By far, the best SSL vs Audient I've seen!
This is the first time I see such an in-depth and "for real" comparison between the interfaces conversion differences.
The amount of effort you put in this comparison is incredible, thank you for that.
Please, keep on the amazing job.
Thanks! It’s great to see that people like this format of comparison. We’ll do another soon!
Could you run the same 500x round trip test between the Audient ID14 and ID44? I’d be really interested to hear the differences...!
the most most most interesting and, creative, insane review. love it. I do have a iD14, and I am really satisfied with it.
I got my SSL2 today...Had to upgrade because of my broken Focusrite Scarlett Solo....I like the amount of Gain I can get for SM57 and also with a cheaper condenser mic (I used EIKON C14...which is btw very good sounding for the money) the sound is amazing. I chose over Audient since I already have a good DI box (hence the Audient JFET input will not be of much use I guess) and I wanted a good input Gain which Audient lacked for the Dynamic mics....I also liked the 4K button as it makes my vocals stand out and also the guitar soloing with this button ON is very good. Only thing which all REVIEWERS did not mention was the 3 buttons in the SSL 2 (the phantom power, instrument and hi z) did not show whether it is turned ON or OFF...But I could find that there is a depression in the button once you turn ON....Over all I liked the sound...I hope this could be helpful for someone.
Very funny review, but also with many important details. I will check the ID series again now.
Loved the intro, great channel!
Thanks Niklas!
This is why you're my guys. I appreciate you lifting the veil on Audient's converter quality.
Thanks for your comment Matt!
This is hands down the best, most entertaining, insightful, objective and in-depth comparison I've ever seen of audio gear in my entire life.
I've subscribed! Thank you guys!
Brilliant test! Haha. I would have never thought to do that. Great and entertaining review
good video - very nice production values also ----- I have a SSL 12 and an Audient iD44 Mk II. They are both quite excellent.
@teashea1 any onions on the differences between the two? I’m considering both as upgrades to my home studio, and am especially curious about the noise from the SSL (I already own the id14)
@@muzikjay Because of the inserts I would suggest the iD44 mk II
@@teashea1thank you!
This reviews are f* amazing!! Congrats to you both, wow
best review on youtube hands down EVER!
This is a cool way to test converters, I'd love to see this with more units!
Easily the best review of any interface I've ever seen, funkin' hilarious. A bit disappointed that nobody plugged an electric guitar into the D.I. jack of the Audient as you can get quite a natural sounding crunch effect out of it if you crank the gain up. The quality available to the home recordist for a couple of hundred quid is astounding. If I coulda got the same quality back in the day when bouncing tracks on my Tascam 424, I'd be a zillionaire by now............
Interesting test, especially the 500x converter test. It's probably used daily... if you're crazy enough for that!
Seriously, thanks for this (re)view on things.
Most fun I’ve had watching a demo in a long time hahaha, great demo!!
Excellent video guys.
Great review. Would love a 2021 update with the mk2 versions!
Superb format for a review, I love how revealing the process is and yet how it comes back to the conclusion that they both sound great! I once put 10 Panasonic and 10 Nichicon caps in series on a breadboard in the hope of being able to hear a difference...think I should’ve stacked up the full 500. Would love to hear how some of the UA and RME interfaces fare in a test like this...you should keep the format going;, just keep getting interfaces with the same piece of music and process and put out occasional comparison videos. Sorry, I’ll stop yapping now. Love you guys, you make me smile
wow, just gained a loyal follower, more of the comedy sketches please
Thanks for subscribing! :)
I have the ID14 and smashed the Like button 500x
The Audient pres seem way more sibilant, but also feel a lot more natural and less compressed? Anyone else hear the same? (I'm asking to see if I'm in the ballpark here with my ears, haven't compared mic pres at all before, hardly know what to look out for). There seems to be a different character though.
this is the best review I've ever seen, and I can't tell you how much I appreciate the clear lineup, focus on the products and straight-to-the-point stuff. This is the first comparison I've seen of the converters, and I'm glad to know this much about two interfaces I'm waffling between. I currently use a Behringer XR18 but don't need that much i/o anymore, and also want something that's a step up in sound quality (though the Behringer isn't bad considering their history).
Here On Mars Thank you for the kind words! Glad the video was useful for you. I’m sure you’ll find either a good step up from the Behringer, in build quality and general pleasure of ownership if nothing else! Thanks for watching 😎
You guys should do that with higher priced interfaces aswell!
Would be very fun to hear the differences in conversion! :)
This is such an epic video. Ah good information, keep them coming!
This is probably the best interface test I've seen so far! Not that there isn't some great information out there, but the approach is just great.
Thank you both, although I'm not going for a change.
Thanks Peter! Keep making your great music!!
@@PresentDayProduction I really wish you really remember the track :). Anyway I will ask you to master more tracks for sure.
Peter Brandt Nails On A Chalkboard 😎
@@PresentDayProduction Speechless and baffled :)
Guys please do more audio interfaces reviews, this one's great
Amazing content! Brilliant! Thank you, I'll go with the SSL :D
Excellent review. Appreciated!
taking the time to do 500 convertions to prove quality?... im in, suscribed
Thanks for subscribing, Nahuel!
This was awesome & informative. Great review gentlemen!
This is the perfect review, thanks guys!
Another plus for the SSL2 is all the cable connections are in the back.
Great to keep a tidy desk
Really depends on what you do.
If you switch connections a lot, it is worse.
@@andesneko Sure. For me it's perfect.
There are many audio devices with front plugs
Great Review, love the converter test
Great review! Funny and enjoyabe to watch but not missing the important stuff!!!!
As many others mentioned it would be great if you could do a comparison these two interfaces with the Motu M2/4 ...
Also what about these vs the Focusrite Clarett range? Obviously the 2pre USB...
Thank you!!!
Upgraded from a UR22 mkII to an SSL2 and the difference is night and day. Don’t ask me why I’m still watching these videos...
Great review. I may have to subscribe!
How do the converters of these interfaces compare to those of the pricier UAD apollo/arrow?
They stand up very well in my opinion, the fact that we could run audio in and out hundreds of times with barely any loss in signal (until we got up to the higher numbers, and particularly with the SSL) is testament to that
You killed me with the outro hahahaha Perfect as usual
I'm sad I didn't get to see this before I brought my SSL!
after watching this vid I'm very very happy I did :) thanks!
The SSL is an awesome interface! And the Audient too of course
@@PresentDayProduction They are both amazing, I chose the SSL for the 4K boost, you can chew on the crispy highend, that combined with the warmth from the AT4047 warmth... soo nice!
Yes! I’m a bit concerned you watched the video after buying one though 🤪 I’ll give you the number for my confirmation bias therapist 😎
@@PresentDayProduction LOL
are they cheap?? I blew my savings on a desk!
xD I have not long subbed and this was recommended. I wanted to see what you guys had to say!
And I'm glad I did now as I think I'm finally getting therapy!!!
Best interface comparison till date
Thanks! 😎 we’re glad you enjoyed it, more coming soon!
I have the ID22 but I also wanted to get e SSL for the 4K option !
The 4K option sounds great on certain sources, but it’s not for everything. You could probably get the same mojo driving a SSL channel strip plugin
@@PresentDayProduction Ok Thank you for the advice
@@PresentDayProduction Hi! What would you choose for recording vocals? ID44 or SSL 2+ ? Cool video!
Honestly, they’re both as good as each other in terms of preamp and converter quality. The iD14 has a little more functionality though, so probably that one if you want the added control of the encoder. We only kept one of these after the video though, and it was the SSL.
Love the 500 trip effort!!!! Would love to see other converters like UAD Apollo and Apogee symphony with this same comparison!
@Musique Développement this would be very nice , SSl vs UAD i belive SSL plays on the same class
ID24 vs SSL2+, or SSL12?
Would love to see a shootout of the new ssl 12 and new audient id24
im looking to buy my first interface so i cant say which sound better, but damn the ssl-2 looks sooo goood!
They’re both awesome!
Great review! I have the Audient since its lauching some time ago. I bought a second one for home.
Great job guys... subscribed.
How’s this not a million views ?
I have some questions. First, they have carried out the test with Audient's MKII. Second, this problem exists with the ID44, I understand that it uses two converters, one input and one output. Excellent channel, by the way. 🎉
I really like this great job you guys you made it fun to watch and I like how you both gave your take. I just subscribed keep it up.
Thank you for subscribing!
Great channel guys, extremely entertaining and very honest reviews 👍!
Great Work!!!! Think im gonna watch it again....
I would love you guys to review this way de Arturia Audio Fuse Studio/8pre vs some RME, I can't seem to find ANYTHING about the converters on that unit. Great review, many thanks.
Juan Pablo Calvo Thank you Juan - if we can get hold of them we will, but it’s getting hold of them that’s the problem! Thanks for the suggestion!
@@PresentDayProduction Thanks mates, subscribed and keeping eyes open!
Would love this type of test with all interfaces, next one I would love to hear is the MOTU M4
Thank you for doing a Converters quality test..As a guitarist i dont use the mic pres so i need the best converters in a budget audio interface..
If you use the DI input, then you do use the preamps.
On the Audient it’s a dedicated input specifically tailored for guitar 👍
@@yessitsme6884 No the DI inputs dont run the preamps of the interface...Only when you connect thro an XLR of the interface, now your using the preamps Designed manly to drive the microphones..
this was so fun to watch :) and informative
great humour( british? )
Thanks for the review and thanks for the intro - genius!
Hank Johnson Thank you for watching and for your kind words, Hank!
I LOVED this review...
I am amazed how i said it out loud the Audient is sharper and the SSL is just warm and naturale.
After the 500x ... OMG!!!!
Guys i would LOVE if your could do the same with an Focusrite Scarlett vs the SSL...
Since i own the Scarlett 18i20 atm...
Best Regards Thomas
Thomas Pedersen Thank you, Thomas! We’ll try and get hold of one. Thanks for watching and taking the time to comment 😎
Hi, nice comparison, is there a rematch in the making with the Audient iD14 MK2 ? Cheers.
Great review and hilarious voice overs! made my day!
if those toggle switches on the Audient are from C&K they are like a $20 switch. Verry reliable switch - I have a few around that are still operational from 1975.
Brilliant idea to run the audio through 500 times! Considering that the SSL didn't discernibly degrade the signal even after 300 generations, as a virtual novice I'm left wondering how much higher definition the top level converters/preamps could be? Given the right mics and room treatment could a home recording done on one of these interfaces match the sonic definition of a modern commercially released track?
that was great info, straight to the point, and freaking funny lol.
all that was missing was to throw your mastering converters in there to show off.
This should be the test to use for all interfaces; industry standard.
That intro was hilarious!!!!!
Could you imagine what a reel-to-reel would sound like after 500 trips?
in the 80s, a good engineer told me you loose almot three db of dynamic per round trip, thats why Clearmountain said you never heard back from tape what was going to it, and that is outside of bandwith limitation
Slightly off topic, but do check out William Basinski "Disintegration Loops" - not round trips, but just tape loops playing over and over again, detoriating beautifully.
Amazing review! Thank you!
Thank you for this, its actually really helpful for me
The Audient routes the line inputs through the mic pre. It could be that the degredation is due more to coloration from the preamp than the quality of the converters. The ID22 allows you to bypass the mic pre by using the Return, but this one doesn't have that feature. I can't find a definitive answer on whether the SSL line inputs bypass the pre.
Please do this with some UA stuff
best converter demo I've seen!
Thanks, James! We’re glad you enjoyed it!
Best test I've ever seen, thanks a lot
Great video lads!
Thanks for sharing good to know. I still use the M-Audio Delta 1010, 44 and 66. They still work good and you can find them for next to nothing today. I got three 1010, two 44 and one 66
Great test, you deserve far more subs.
Thanks! We appreciate your kind comment, we're working some more great content for the new year!
Want Antelope and RME test. PLS!
the guy who has written the ventriloquist speech is a genius ....it is the most hilarious review i've seen in a decades 🤣🤣🤣
Nice and entertaining review. The conclusion surprised me. Seemed like a bit of a reverse.
The preamp talk also surprised me, as it was my understanding that, while both are great, the SSL2 is better (both low noise and gain). Granted, this is based on what others have said and specifications (unless my memory missed or switched something).
You didn't mention the loopback feature on the SSL2, although perhaps that was released after the review. Something else not mentioned (unless I missed it) is that the SSL2 is 192 kHz, while the Audient is 96 kHz.
As an aside, would the SSL2+ (or the ID4) have been a better comparison? I imagine it's all close, no matter what. I'm learning, so forgive any simple mistakes.
All the best!
Thanks for watching! Both are great interfaces and incredible value for money. James prefers the SSL, I prefer the Audient! The SSL2+ just adds MIDI and another headphone socket. And 192khz? I’m very much a 24bit/48khz kinda guy! Check out our sample rate video to find out why! Thanks for watching! ❤️
@@PresentDayProduction - Thanks for responding! As fate and coincidence would have it, I happen to have both now. It just worked out that way. Ha. All the best.
Hahahah WTF - crazy test. The Audient 500 test i could clearly hear some compression or something happen to the track. SSL was tight.
Would have loved to know about the quality of the headphone out. These would be of interest to general audiophiles as a headphone amp/dac
All specs aside. I bought the id44. And the ssl2 and the Apollo twin usb.
To my ears. Ssl2 smokes the depth, headroom and warmth of the id44. The id44 seems about equal to my tascam 1641. The Apollo twin usb had too many tech problems with my pc to make it useful. Although the sound was as good if not better than the ssl2. I tried 44.1 48.2. All the way up to each max. They all sound great in 44.1 and 48.2.
I ordered the id44 last and the ssl2
I’m thinking on sending back the id44 to get the ssl2 back :). As it seemed to have way more headroom in the headphone amp and the monitor output. The ssl seems better and more alive in the outputs? Do you feel the same having tried them. ?
id44 have better AD/DA conversion than the SSL2 (Cirrus 43198 + AKM 5578EN same like Antelope Amari ref Converter)
@@MrlegendOr I’m sure your probably right. But the output channels are so much more deeper and hit richest as I turned it up. on the ssl2 like a console. From my ears.
And I tried 3 different speakers and 2 headphones.
I felt the the 1d44 sounded very “left and right” about 2 foot deep in the speakers and more had that digital feel I don’t like. The Apollo twin and the ssl2 instantly in an ab the sounds leaped off the speaker. And in headphones it sounded like I was in a room with space. Sound was farther then I could reach if that makes since. Honestly I haven’t experienced that in digital ever. I think it’s cause it’s not emulating. That’s their real pre and post amps in there. And input and output amps. So I kept the ssl2. My mackie 32 has that kind of Depth in its sound.
Of course this was just my ears and my opinion. And I was curious if they heard similar
SSL2+ vs Audient ID14 MKII?
which better?
Audient
I would chose ssl 12 ;)