Best audio interface reviews by far. I'm not interested in unqualified opinions - I much prefer seeing the data. And where you do offer your opinions, it's usually to do with the hardware or software features rather than the quality of the ins and outs (because, as you always say: the data never lies). I bought my ID4 MKII off the back of your review and have not been disappointed. Still loving it!
hey Julian , you could do a video later explaining us about the quality of the many D/A and A/D chip converters ...there are a few different on the market of interfaces and i think would be nice to know the best ones that came in the high ends interfaces,the good value ones, the old ones and those that we should avoid . Great job, Regards.
Omg this is fantastic! I was really struggling to choose between this, the id44 and the new SSL12! Still need to figure out if the ssl 12 is the one for me.
Hi Julian. Since people are requesting interface reviews I will add my wishlist. The IK Multimedia Axe I/O and the Neve 88M USB interface. Enjoying your videos thanks.
You may not see my comment but I think your reviews are excellent and I've learned a lot because of them. I'm waiting for the review of the Motu M6, I hope you can get it soon. Greetings from Colombia and thanks for what you do!
Id love to see the measurements of the apogee Duet 3 (with and without dock) compared to the rest now that it seems apogee has finally updated the drivers making it functional. Also great reviews! I've learned a lot watching this channel!
What are you expecting to gain from the Apogee Duet 3? What if it had the best physically possible achievable preamp noise rating? What if it had the best possible Dynamic range from a 24 bit recording device of 144 DB? What if it had the lowest possible latency that can be achieved on USB C, 3.0, or otherwise? What exactly would you get from it? People can't even reliably ABX the difference between the UMC202 and SSL2.
I was awaiting this as a replacement for the long-in-the-tooth id22 before purchasing. Torn between this and the Moto Ultralite. The Motu has excellent specs, per our mad German scientist here, but no way of bypassing conversion as the Audient has when using external pres, etc. Also, the price of the Motu just jumped $50 to $650, a $250 difference compared to the id24. If the Ultralite had the insert features of the id24 it would be perfect for me, and I wouldn't mind the cost difference, but as usual, I'm stuck on the fence. Another excellent review, Julian. I look forward to your thorough lab work.
Hi Julian. Thanks as always for this great work you do. In terms of audio quality, which one is better? ID22 or ID24? and between ID24 and ID44 MK2? thanks so much!
I love your reviews Julian.. This looks like what I am looking for. I have a couple of nice outboard preamps and compressors that will benefit from these inserts nicely.
It's hard to believe most desktop interfaces don't have inserts where you can bypass the preamps like this unit can. it's a deal breaker. Looks like I'll be buying this one
Hi Man. You being an expert and making technical comparisons. It's amazing how no one talks about it on the forums but I had the chance to compare Audient ID 14 with Rme fireface 400 and UC. I prefer the Audinet DI but the curiosity is in the outputs. It's amazing, with RME it's like having a compressor in parallel on the master output, it has much more bass than Audient and the difference is not subtle. Set at +4dbu RME sounds much more powerful and compact than Audient I don't mean better because the detail is all there on Audient but the frequency reproduction is very different! RME is more compact, compressed it seems, it has more mid bass everything is rounder and sounds like mastered. Audinet is brighter, defined and unglued and has no bass. Can you explain this to me? Maybe Audient does not have this setting +4dbu where RME gives the best because at -10Dbvu sounded like cardboard also lost a lot of bass. Really man the curiosity to understand is killing me. Thank you !
If you want to record up to 4 Mics, go for the M6! If you want the possibility to expand your setup via ADAT go for the ID24. Motu preamps do sound a little fatter, Audient's more transparent and neutral. Both excellent Interfaces, depends on what you want to do!
Hey Julian, thank you for the video, I think I have not skipped a single one of your audio interface reviews, they are great and they have led me to make much more and conscious purchases! I just have one question related to your setup though, what are you using for out of frame mic? Sennheiser 416? Thank you so very much for your channel, it is a gold mine of information and learning! Cheers from Costa Rica!
@@sosorin6351 yeah, but worse for me is that it resets the volume every time the device gets unplugged. Is the id24 doing this as well? There was something about volume is managed digitally - so does it reset to 0 when the device gets plugged in newly?
There was a time when everyone could be a RUclipsr with many followers even if he or she sucked. But now we've got channels like this one, and the bar of entry (or rather, of success) has become much, much higher.
Great videos. At this price point it makes me want to see a data-driven review of the Tascam Model 12. If the converters in the m12 are competitive quality with the id24 or Motu m4 then the Tascam is a bargain.
Jullian. I accidentally found this channel. Congratulations. Thank you for all the information and advice you provide. A while ago I remember watching your videos regarding music production using Garritan Orchestra. Was that you? If so, I would love to see some of your music creation videos also.
Great review! I have a question.. I was looking for audio interface with digital output and this one seems to have S/PDIF output, so does that mean it will work with TC Electronic CLARITY M STEREO which have "Stereo Optical Input for TOSLink* source" (as it says on their official site)? Thanks.
Hi Julian I own this audio interface and have upgraded my headphones to audeze lcd-x, i kind of feel my low-end a bit moody or lacking definition, maybe slightly distorted is this what you means by saying bloated bass??
I am buying this one, being able to plug one of my preamps into it and bypass the internal preamps is the reason and I quite like all the other options. Whoever designed this understands an artists mind, keep it simple and give us options. Ty for the great review. Only question I have is how good are the converters? I would pay even more money for this unit if it had top of the line converters or are they already pretty good?
Classic question that's been asked a lot of times yet I've never been able to find a clear answer: Id24 or Motu M4 in 2024? I have MacBook Air M1 and I'll be using the audio interface mainly (but not only) for playing my guitar with plugins, amp/cab profiles, and tracking/monitoring analog instruments. It'll be used with headphones and monitors.
Excellent review!! I was wondering if there are plans to look at the Sterling H224? Some reviewers have been giving it high praises... I am curious to see your comparison. Thanks!
Hi there, Julian! First of all, thank you for your detailed reviews! I've got one question, I'm about to upgrade my ID14, to interface with more connectivity options and excellent AD/DA converters as well as neutral and clean preamps. I found ESS AD/DA are my go to converters, therefore I stuck in choice between ID24 and Ultralight mk5, I see ID24 run through ESS ADs, but DAs are cirrus logic in comparison to Ultralight's ESS AD/DA, but Ultralight's headphone pream sucks from ID's. Which interface is better if you compare their AD/DA?
Hi Julian, I have the ID14 MKII and I have noticed something very strange when auditively comparing the 1/8 and 1/4 headphone ports, noticeably the small port (1/8) has better transient response and "microdynamics" (I do not detect differences in other aspects such as frequency response or power output). Obviously the listening test has been done using the same headphone (Sennheiser HD600) which has a 3.5 plug connector and I have used several adapters of the best quality, including the original Sennheiser one. The question is: Is there any circuitry between these two ports that affects variables such as THD or dynamic range? Or could it simply be a fault in my interface? If there is such circuitry between the ports, which one do you use to make the measurements. In advance, thanks for the attention Julian
Hi Pablo, I just bought the ID14 MKII. I will be ugrading to the 6xx from 58xx. Does our ID14 MKII have enough power to run 300 ohm headphones easily ? How is your experience with HD600 ?
@@MrShoniBare Hi, good buy. The outputs have enough power to smoothly drive 300 ohms headphones. I really like the HD600s, great soundstage and fairly flat frequency response. Although for mixing and mastering tasks I use them with Sonarworks individual calibration. Maybe their main weakness is their high THD in the low end.
I’m curious: If you run a dynamic microphone at a rather low gain setting, is the dynamic range more important, than the EIN? I still try to figure out, why some companies rather trade EIN for a higher dynamic range, while others rather go the extra mile on EIN and leave some dynamic range on the table.
A question regarding the "return" on channel 1 and 2 of ID24 (and ID 44) I found this text on the ID44 page of Audients website: "This would allow you to still use the excellent Audient mic preamps from inputs 1 and 2 for other duties in the analogue domain (output available at the insert send jack)." Do I understand correctly that you could connect an external preamp and connect it to ch1 "return" and at the same time connect a mic to the ch1 XLR and then record both signals to two separate inputs/tracks in my DAW? So, like in the case of ID24, if I have two external preamps and connect them to the return of ch1 and ch2, I could record 4 separate inputs if I also use the XLR inputs?
Hi Julian, how are you? I have a question: Assuming that most of people will work at 44.100/24bit or 48.000/24bit, between 128/512 buffer size, "producing on the flow". What are the best options of audio interface in terms of RTL on those values? Cuz I know that if we increase the sample rate to 96khz we gonna endup less latency as if we decrease the buffer size, but then we end up hard using the CPU and getting larger files. I also know that producing stage and mixing stage asks for different setups of buffer size. But nowadays, most of the producers, specially electronic or rap/trap produce, mix and master on the flow.
"Measurements don't lie" , they do though, ask every sound engineer... Specs are not all... Real recordings, real live situations in studio will tell you more... Some excellent specs interfaces do not sound sometimes as good as they are on the specs sheet, and vice versa... For exemple The best analog gears were never the perfect speced ones, they had character and brought a bit of mojo to recordings /mixing experience. I have the ID22 and returned the ID24 after a few days, it sounded too agressive for me in the high mediums compared to the ID22 which sounded more analogue. Latest gear is never necessary better than older even if it has a better spec sheet, real world results (studio) is more important.
@@legalize.brokkoli That's a pity. If one looks hard enough, there's still a lot of good music electronics made in non-totalitarian dictatorships (Taiwan, U.K., Canada, Italy, etc.) but finding them requires diligence. My modest home studio has no Chinese stuff except for a couple of 9 volt pedal power supplies.
I read multiple times that (at least when using a Mac) that there was a load noise when turning on and also a loss of output level settings. Have you seen similar effects? Did you try the interface also on a Mac?
I was hoping you’d done a review of this interface before I purchased it, but I am only that much more excited. Was hoping this would be a lower cost id44 by removing a couple channels I wouldn’t need to use anyway. Cheers!
I have an ID4 MkII paired with JBL 104 reference studio monitor. The thing is, when i'm using the speakers linked directly to the PC, It's loud enough that i use just 20-30% and hardly 50%. But when i connect it to the interface (tried both TRS and AUX) i have to crank the volume of both the monitor to 80-90% and the interface to the red-line for it to be loud. Is the output of the ID4 generally this low? It there any fix??
Mabe its your daw-imput weel set in the middle? A friend has the id4 and i have the id14 and he checked my output level to see if they are anny deferences...in the end mine was lowder but just because he had the daw-input weel set to hear 70% and only 30% so the line imputs where quiter. Mabe you have the same problem idk Sorry if i wrote something wrong
Good review as always. I recently bought the iD14 MKII. However, I currently have a problem with the mixer software in connection with the sample rate under Windows 11. I would like to always use 48kHz, but when I restart my PC, this setting resets to 44.1kHz... Is there a way to change this setting as set default? EDIT: To fix the sample rate reboot problem you have to downgrade the audient driver to something like version 4.3.4. Still working on a pc sleep issue... more in the reply section
If it behaves like mine, the default follows the sample rate set in Windows Setting, not the one set through the Audient Mixer Software. I had to disable all advanced options in Windows settings and then set every input and output of the Audient to 24 bit/48kHz to get a consistent 48kHz default setting even when rebooting. Hope it helps.
I set all of the iD14's input/output devices in Windows to 96khz and uncheck the "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" option. It sticks then for me without having to set it in the Audient mixer each time.
I have used an iD4 MK2 and currently use an iD44 MK2 with Windows 11. The Audient ASIO driver will default to whatever is requested from the primary app it is assigned to. When you reboot it will default to Windows audio format (which by default is 44 kHz, 16 bits) so you should adjust this to 48 kHz, 24 bits on Windows sound settings. As the other user suggested, make sure you uncheck the "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" while you're at it. This will allow you to use other apps simultaneously with your DAW. Be aware that if the project's audio format doesn't match the other apps settings one of the apps won't work (the primary app, that is, the first one to have requested the driver's attention, will take precedence). A driver cannot play two different formats simultaneously.
Currently I use Analog 1/2 for input and output. Whenever I adjust the sample rate via the mixer, analog 1/2 is briefly removed and added again. I can't adjust the sample rate in Windows. There I only have the option between 16 and 24 bit. Is that even correct? Other devices have far more options. But the mixer app seems to set the sample rate.
Is the dynamic range mic input chart wrong for the Apogee Boom in this video? Around 6:45 it shows as so much better than the rest that I went to check the review on the Apogee Boom, but in that review it's way lower (113db(a)). I love how detailed your reviews are, even if I don't understand half of all the techincal stuff still. It will help me decide on a new audio interface for vocal (singing) recording. I'm leaning towards one of the Audient ones so far.
12:08 - Do you mean UBS 3.0 connection instead of USB C? From my understanding USB C and USB A describes the kind of connectors on the cable, not the Performance. Am I wrong?
Was the line input dynamic range test done via the mic/line combi input or the insert return input? I'm curious to see if there's a difference, as the combi input usually goes through the mic pre with a pad, and the return goes straight to the converters
Julian, love your videos. I currently have a Motu M4 connected with a usb-a to usb-c cable. Do you think my headphone (Sennheiser HD6XX/300ohms) output performance could also be improved by the use of a usb-c to usb-c cable?? I had a Motu M2 before, and I find it that I have to crank up the volume a bit more with the M4. Reading their manual I found out that the M6 requires a usb-c to usb-c or an adapter to function properly for power reasons...but maybe the M4 could also benefit from this.
I have an M4, too. Even if connected USB-C to USB-C, the overall volume output is a little lower than other USB powered interfaces I think. I have a Clarett USB as well, and it is louder when connected the same. Turn up your speaker volumes, and/or get an external amp for the monitor/line outs.
@UseTheSupeRsonic tests? There is only test my friend and that is in the studio whilst recording original material. You should consider submitting an apology my friend. Do the right thing and apologise.
@@PetraKann Do you actually believe this? If you genuinely do, that's a pretty superstitious way of "vetting" gear. Measurements are important, both to confirm that companies aren't lying about their devices characteristics, and to personally decide what fits your own use case. In my experience the lower end Focusrites are complete garbage on Windows because of the driver. The Motu M2 is significantly better in just about EVERY aspect than the cheaper Focusrites, making it the obvious option. I have used both, the M2 was far superior JUST from a stability standpoint. I have since moved to an RME interface because their drivers are rock solid on Windows (unlike most others out there honestly, which have quite unstable error timing as measured with recording software from Vincent Burel) and I really love having the routing flexibility and options that the RME driver + Totalmix FX provides. I can assure you it's far superior to everything Focusrite that I have ever seen or used.
Focusrite Scarlett is ok. I had a Scarlett 2nd or 3rd gen before and the headphone output was really problematic. The Clarett seems to fare much better but it is another price range...The Motu M2/M4 are pretty great, but I did notice that the M4 requires a bit more volume and I never thought about the usb cable type I was using.
Hi Julian, I have a question about the Audient Evo 4. I was wondering if it is still functional without the top pcb (the one connecting the knob encoder and buttons).
Hello Julian, sorry for my question, I totally have no experience. I record music at my home using my ssl2+ audio interface and my in ear monitors shure SE 215 (18 impedance). However, when I contact my in in ears monitors to the interface I get low quality sound (not dynamic, not full, not satisfying). So my question is, will you recommend me a headphones amp or DAC or Amp/DAC compbo? I really don't understand the difference between these 3 . I'm mixing only on in ear monitors specially the shure SE because I know how it sounds and I always get accurate mix with it. An answer would help, specially with brands and model recommendations. Thank you ❤
i have a question about air 192/4 how can i change channels from 2 to 1 channel for microphones format? cause in my case theres only 2 channels which doesn't sound good in audacity
Perhaps I shouldn't ask for advice here but I'm going to try: I'm not even sure I need an Audio interface, I have happily used an M Audio Audiophile internal sound card for the last 20 years, first in a 20 year old PC then on my present build from about 10 years ago, I've just upgraded from Windows 7 to 10, and lost the software and drivers of the card in the process. I've been doing a littler research and it looks like my good old sound card is very dated. All I do is on Sibelius, DORICO, Vienna Instruments and Note Performer. All I really need is Sound quality, power to drive my Zennheiser HD 600 headphones well, lowest possible latency and no clipping. I like monitors with amps in them. Connecting an instrument or a Microphone is something I've never done, but it could be fun to do sometime maybe. Certainly not more than 1 instrument or 1 microphone. These are my two choices from your brilliant reviews. MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface. M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface. Hope you can help.
At 11:23 , we are presented with a chart showing a -1 dBFS 300 mV output being fed into a 32 ohm impedance input frequency response measurement device, appearing to the Audient as a (virtual) pair of real-world low-impedance headphones. How is it that the very high output impedance of the headphone output of the iD24, which sits at nearly 75% of the 32 ohm impedance of the measurement device being fed, is not causing a clearly visible high frequency roll-off to be present in the charted response data? As far as I can tell, the frequency response curve shown at the aforementioned time point of the video appears to be nearly ruler flat. How can this be? Is it possible that one or more measurement errors were present along the input -> output signal chain? It seems to me that that either one or both of the measured input/output impedance values is/are incorrect or perhaps there was an error introduced as part of either the frequency response measurement or its presentation that led to this uncanny level of flatness - a frequency response flatness that rivals most properly matched low-impedance outputs connected to comparably high-impedance inputs.
I know it is logistically crazy but... it would be a huge video if you reviewed SSL BiG SiX. That one looks like a mixer, but inside it contains the proper audio interface, mic preamps and headphone amplifiers... everything you could test so great!
Hello. Can you please tell me what DACs cost for the headphone outputs? And monitors. Otherwise you can’t see in the video what’s written on the chips. There is no information on the Internet. 
I'm wondering how the ID24 compares to the Blackstar Polar 2 or Axe I/O when it comes to using guitars as inputs. Julian: Have you tried out the Blackstar Polar interfaces or the Axe I/O series?
Great video! I was wondering what the noise mic input in dbu is on the Apollo twin x, As you can’t by pass the pre amp on the Apollo twin x sadly! But you can by pass the pre amps on the ID24, which is better for my analog gear. I’m thinking of buying the ID24 just for it’s clean converters A/D for my analog gear, Thanks
Was wondering if you would ever return to the dbx 286 and put in another in-depth video but using the shure sm7b microphone and dealing with a triton felthead for streaming purposes. I followed along the directions you laid out, but for some odd reason I'm getting distortion.
I've read that the ID14 MKII resets the volume settings for all devices everytime it loses its current (so when you switch off your PC/MAC with sleep disabled) as the volume knob is not a physical one and it has no battery to store the settings internally which is a no-go. One pointed out that the ID22 instead has physical knobs where the issue does not arise. Now I wonder if the ID24 has physical knobs or digital ones like the ID14.
In case you use speakers and not headphones, the level can be set from the software. At least some relaxation from dialing that big knob into oblivion everytime
Hi Julian thanks for the great info! I am after the best mic pre and Audio conversion I can get for around this price point. My options I have narrowed down to Audient iD24 - iD14 MKII or UA Volt 276 USB Audio Interface - which would you consider to be the best sounding option for me (I am not too worried about expandability for my needs I just want the best possible sound qaulity I can get in this range) Thanks!! Sean :) Which one would you recommend for me?
@@JulianKrause .. julian, u can be sure if a company sends u an item, they souped it up first, or at least made 100% sure there's no errors.. better to review store bought items, that customers can expect to get
Great review thanks Julian. I’m torn between the Audient44 and the Arturia Fuse Studio.. looking any advise please? (Especially on the preamps quality)
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Best audio interface reviews by far. I'm not interested in unqualified opinions - I much prefer seeing the data. And where you do offer your opinions, it's usually to do with the hardware or software features rather than the quality of the ins and outs (because, as you always say: the data never lies). I bought my ID4 MKII off the back of your review and have not been disappointed. Still loving it!
Awesome review as always Julian. Hoping to see you review the SSL 12 next.
thanx for the great video and especially the insights in the chips used and the RTL performance.
Got my ID24 because this review. Very very good interface. Thank you sr!
As usual - an excellent review ---- no reviews are better.
hey Julian , you could do a video later explaining us about the quality of the many D/A and A/D chip converters ...there are a few different on the market of interfaces and i think would be nice to know the best ones that came in the high ends interfaces,the good value ones, the old ones and those that we should avoid . Great job, Regards.
Thanks for the great review. One thing, the level meter can accurately display the input signal and it is easy to configure it on the mixer.
Your reviews are always so thorough…..luv to hear your thoughts on the new Avid Mbox Studio
Thanks Julian, yet another great top class review. Love your work man. 👍
Omg this is fantastic! I was really struggling to choose between this, the id44 and the new SSL12! Still need to figure out if the ssl 12 is the one for me.
Same here! I’m having a hard time deciding this
Hi Julian. Since people are requesting interface reviews I will add my wishlist.
The IK Multimedia Axe I/O and the Neve 88M USB interface.
Enjoying your videos thanks.
Thank you for the review!
Just dropping by to "like" the new Julian Krause vid, eventhough i won't have the time to watch till tomorrow... 🥲
I just bought this last week. Now I am nervous watching this video. I really hope you give it glowing review hahah
How is the performance in real live situation
Big fan of your videos, wish you all the best.
You may not see my comment but I think your reviews are excellent and I've learned a lot because of them. I'm waiting for the review of the Motu M6, I hope you can get it soon. Greetings from Colombia and thanks for what you do!
Your every review is technically good and it is also very Informative
Geiles Review und bald 100k. Glückwunsch ✌🏻
Id love to see the measurements of the apogee Duet 3 (with and without dock) compared to the rest now that it seems apogee has finally updated the drivers making it functional. Also great reviews! I've learned a lot watching this channel!
the symphony desktop too!
the most unexpected youtuber i would find in a julian krause video
What are you expecting to gain from the Apogee Duet 3? What if it had the best physically possible achievable preamp noise rating?
What if it had the best possible Dynamic range from a 24 bit recording device of 144 DB?
What if it had the lowest possible latency that can be achieved on USB C, 3.0, or otherwise?
What exactly would you get from it? People can't even reliably ABX the difference between the UMC202 and SSL2.
You made me wait too long for this Julian Krause. I told Audient to send you one since the day of release
I hope they sent an Evo 16 as well, I'd love a detailed review of that.
Thanks for that nice work. Would like to see the SSL12 review in the future please 😁🙏
the review we are waiting for! Well done JK! @audient
Always comprehensive. Please review RCF TRK PRO2. Thanks!
please review the apogee duet 3 and symphony desktop if its possible . great video as always .
Thanks for reviewing sir.. 👍🧡
I was awaiting this as a replacement for the long-in-the-tooth id22 before purchasing.
Torn between this and the Moto Ultralite. The Motu has excellent specs, per our mad German scientist here, but no way of bypassing conversion as the Audient has when using external pres, etc.
Also, the price of the Motu just jumped $50 to $650, a $250 difference compared to the id24.
If the Ultralite had the insert features of the id24 it would be perfect for me, and I wouldn't mind the cost difference, but as usual, I'm stuck on the fence.
Another excellent review, Julian. I look forward to your thorough lab work.
Also switching from id22. Have the volt 276 now not too impressed. What did you go with?
Great videos 👍🏻
Hi Julian. Thanks as always for this great work you do. In terms of audio quality, which one is better? ID22 or ID24? and between ID24 and ID44 MK2? thanks so much!
I want to see Apollo Twin X vs Audient ID24 vs RME Baby Face
Audient wins ! 😁
I think the order would be:
1.- Rme
2.- Audient
3.- Apollo
I love your reviews Julian.. This looks like what I am looking for. I have a couple of nice outboard preamps and compressors that will benefit from these inserts nicely.
It's hard to believe most desktop interfaces don't have inserts where you can bypass the preamps like this unit can. it's a deal breaker. Looks like I'll be buying this one
The best reviewer by far..
Hi Julian, can you please review the USB-C preamp of the Rode NT1 Gen5? Would be nice. You make great videos. Thank you.
I'm surprised the level meter cannot be used to show input level. That should be a very logic feature to have
The level meter displays the input signal and is very easy to configure on the mixer.
Hi Man. You being an expert and making technical comparisons. It's amazing how no one talks about it on the forums but I had the chance to compare Audient ID 14 with Rme fireface 400 and UC. I prefer the Audinet DI but the curiosity is in the outputs. It's amazing, with RME it's like having a compressor in parallel on the master output, it has much more bass than Audient and the difference is not subtle. Set at +4dbu RME sounds much more powerful and compact than Audient I don't mean better because the detail is all there on Audient but the frequency reproduction is very different! RME is more compact, compressed it seems, it has more mid bass everything is rounder and sounds like mastered. Audinet is brighter, defined and unglued and has no bass. Can you explain this to me? Maybe Audient does not have this setting +4dbu where RME gives the best because at -10Dbvu sounded like cardboard also lost a lot of bass. Really man the curiosity to understand is killing me. Thank you !
Audient iD24 vs MOTU M6 which one you think would be the best choice for a home studio? thanks for all the reviews i been learning a lot here!
If you want to record up to 4 Mics, go for the M6! If you want the possibility to expand your setup via ADAT go for the ID24. Motu preamps do sound a little fatter, Audient's more transparent and neutral. Both excellent Interfaces, depends on what you want to do!
Audient preamps have lower self noise, if that helps any
Hey Julian, thank you for the video, I think I have not skipped a single one of your audio interface reviews, they are great and they have led me to make much more and conscious purchases! I just have one question related to your setup though, what are you using for out of frame mic? Sennheiser 416? Thank you so very much for your channel, it is a gold mine of information and learning! Cheers from Costa Rica!
same question here
@@dirk.4711 looks like Julian is using the Schoeps CMC641 as his shotgun microphone, it is a $1.6K toy, way out of my budget! :(
The volume knob for the headphone is the most annoying thing missing on the id14. So great to see it now on the new id24.
I have the id14. Yea, you need to press another button to change the headphones volume but its ok for me, i don t really change the volume that mutch.
@@sosorin6351 yeah, but worse for me is that it resets the volume every time the device gets unplugged.
Is the id24 doing this as well? There was something about volume is managed digitally - so does it reset to 0 when the device gets plugged in newly?
@@ManuelBogner mine id14 does the same, resets the volume to 0 whem is plugged. I think the id24 does the same
@@sosorin6351 sad to hear
There was a time when everyone could be a RUclipsr with many followers even if he or she sucked. But now we've got channels like this one, and the bar of entry (or rather, of success) has become much, much higher.
Please review the new Mbox Studio! :D
Great videos. At this price point it makes me want to see a data-driven review of the Tascam Model 12. If the converters in the m12 are competitive quality with the id24 or Motu m4 then the Tascam is a bargain.
Jullian. I accidentally found this channel. Congratulations. Thank you for all the information and advice you provide. A while ago I remember watching your videos regarding music production using Garritan Orchestra. Was that you? If so, I would love to see some of your music creation videos also.
Great review! I have a question.. I was looking for audio interface with digital output and this one seems to have S/PDIF output, so does that mean it will work with TC Electronic CLARITY M STEREO which have "Stereo Optical Input for TOSLink* source" (as it says on their official site)? Thanks.
Hi Julian
I own this audio interface and have upgraded my headphones to audeze lcd-x, i kind of feel my low-end a bit moody or lacking definition, maybe slightly distorted is this what you means by saying bloated bass??
Hey Julian, I wouldn't mind you reviewing DACs and Amps. Would love to hear what you have to say about those.
I am buying this one, being able to plug one of my preamps into it and bypass the internal preamps is the reason and I quite like all the other options. Whoever designed this understands an artists mind, keep it simple and give us options. Ty for the great review. Only question I have is how good are the converters? I would pay even more money for this unit if it had top of the line converters or are they already pretty good?
Thank you for the review. Audient is doing well in this space at the moment. Do you have plans to review the ssl12?
Classic question that's been asked a lot of times yet I've never been able to find a clear answer: Id24 or Motu M4 in 2024?
I have MacBook Air M1 and I'll be using the audio interface mainly (but not only) for playing my guitar with plugins, amp/cab profiles, and tracking/monitoring analog instruments. It'll be used with headphones and monitors.
Excellent review!! I was wondering if there are plans to look at the Sterling H224? Some reviewers have been giving it high praises... I am curious to see your comparison. Thanks!
Hi there, Julian! First of all, thank you for your detailed reviews!
I've got one question, I'm about to upgrade my ID14, to interface with more connectivity options and excellent AD/DA converters as well as neutral and clean preamps. I found ESS AD/DA are my go to converters, therefore I stuck in choice between ID24 and Ultralight mk5, I see ID24 run through ESS ADs, but DAs are cirrus logic in comparison to Ultralight's ESS AD/DA, but Ultralight's headphone pream sucks from ID's.
Which interface is better if you compare their AD/DA?
Same query me.
thanks for another excellent and detailed review Julian!
Is there a possibility for you to make a video about yamaha ag (4,6) mk2 audio interface?
Hi Julian, I have the ID14 MKII and I have noticed something very strange when auditively comparing the 1/8 and 1/4 headphone ports, noticeably the small port (1/8) has better transient response and "microdynamics" (I do not detect differences in other aspects such as frequency response or power output). Obviously the listening test has been done using the same headphone (Sennheiser HD600) which has a 3.5 plug connector and I have used several adapters of the best quality, including the original Sennheiser one. The question is: Is there any circuitry between these two ports that affects variables such as THD or dynamic range? Or could it simply be a fault in my interface? If there is such circuitry between the ports, which one do you use to make the measurements. In advance, thanks for the attention Julian
Same question here 👋
Hi Pablo, I just bought the ID14 MKII. I will be ugrading to the 6xx from 58xx. Does our ID14 MKII have enough power to run 300 ohm headphones easily ? How is your experience with HD600 ?
@@MrShoniBare Hi, good buy. The outputs have enough power to smoothly drive 300 ohms headphones. I really like the HD600s, great soundstage and fairly flat frequency response. Although for mixing and mastering tasks I use them with Sonarworks individual calibration. Maybe their main weakness is their high THD in the low end.
Thank you
I’m curious: If you run a dynamic microphone at a rather low gain setting, is the dynamic range more important, than the EIN? I still try to figure out, why some companies rather trade EIN for a higher dynamic range, while others rather go the extra mile on EIN and leave some dynamic range on the table.
Was the HP output impedance the same 22.3ohm on both the 3.5mm and 1/4 jack?
Yes.
Hi!
Please I would like to see you review podcast equipment (Mixcast 4, podtraks, livetraks, Tascam Model 12...)
Wait a minute... there must be an id34 someday :D
A question regarding the "return" on channel 1 and 2 of ID24 (and ID 44) I found this text on the ID44 page of Audients website: "This would allow you to still use the excellent Audient mic preamps from inputs 1 and 2 for other duties in the analogue domain (output available at the insert send jack)."
Do I understand correctly that you could connect an external preamp and connect it to ch1 "return" and at the same time connect a mic to the ch1 XLR and then record both signals to two separate inputs/tracks in my DAW? So, like in the case of ID24, if I have two external preamps and connect them to the return of ch1 and ch2, I could record 4 separate inputs if I also use the XLR inputs?
Hi Julian, how are you? I have a question: Assuming that most of people will work at 44.100/24bit or 48.000/24bit, between 128/512 buffer size, "producing on the flow". What are the best options of audio interface in terms of RTL on those values? Cuz I know that if we increase the sample rate to 96khz we gonna endup less latency as if we decrease the buffer size, but then we end up hard using the CPU and getting larger files. I also know that producing stage and mixing stage asks for different setups of buffer size. But nowadays, most of the producers, specially electronic or rap/trap produce, mix and master on the flow.
"Measurements don't lie" , they do though, ask every sound engineer... Specs are not all... Real recordings, real live situations in studio will tell you more... Some excellent specs interfaces do not sound sometimes as good as they are on the specs sheet, and vice versa... For exemple The best analog gears were never the perfect speced ones, they had character and brought a bit of mojo to recordings /mixing experience. I have the ID22 and returned the ID24 after a few days, it sounded too agressive for me in the high mediums compared to the ID22 which sounded more analogue. Latest gear is never necessary better than older even if it has a better spec sheet, real world results (studio) is more important.
One of the primary bits of information I need about any new equipment is,
- "Where is it made?" -
I wish all reviews included that.
It is made in china, buddy. Like probably 99% of all affordable audio hardware on the market.
@@legalize.brokkoli That's a pity. If one looks hard enough, there's still a lot of good music electronics made in non-totalitarian dictatorships (Taiwan, U.K., Canada, Italy, etc.) but finding them requires diligence. My modest home studio has no Chinese stuff except for a couple of 9 volt pedal power supplies.
Please review the Behringer UMC1820! It's the direct competitor to the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 and I'd love to see your in-depth analysis of it!
I read multiple times that (at least when using a Mac) that there was a load noise when turning on and also a loss of output level settings. Have you seen similar effects? Did you try the interface also on a Mac?
I was hoping you’d done a review of this interface before I purchased it, but I am only that much more excited. Was hoping this would be a lower cost id44 by removing a couple channels I wouldn’t need to use anyway. Cheers!
I have an ID4 MkII paired with JBL 104 reference studio monitor. The thing is, when i'm using the speakers linked directly to the PC, It's loud enough that i use just 20-30% and hardly 50%. But when i connect it to the interface (tried both TRS and AUX) i have to crank the volume of both the monitor to 80-90% and the interface to the red-line for it to be loud.
Is the output of the ID4 generally this low? It there any fix??
Mabe its your daw-imput weel set in the middle? A friend has the id4 and i have the id14 and he checked my output level to see if they are anny deferences...in the end mine was lowder but just because he had the daw-input weel set to hear 70% and only 30% so the line imputs where quiter. Mabe you have the same problem idk
Sorry if i wrote something wrong
Finally! I've been waiting for your review on the ID24. Currently deciding between an ID24 and a UAD Apollo Twin. I'm coming from an Evo 8
Good review as always.
I recently bought the iD14 MKII. However, I currently have a problem with the mixer software in connection with the sample rate under Windows 11. I would like to always use 48kHz, but when I restart my PC, this setting resets to 44.1kHz... Is there a way to change this setting as set default?
EDIT: To fix the sample rate reboot problem you have to downgrade the audient driver to something like version 4.3.4.
Still working on a pc sleep issue... more in the reply section
What DAW are you using and what is it's sample rate set at?
If it behaves like mine, the default follows the sample rate set in Windows Setting, not the one set through the Audient Mixer Software. I had to disable all advanced options in Windows settings and then set every input and output of the Audient to 24 bit/48kHz to get a consistent 48kHz default setting even when rebooting. Hope it helps.
I set all of the iD14's input/output devices in Windows to 96khz and uncheck the "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" option. It sticks then for me without having to set it in the Audient mixer each time.
I have used an iD4 MK2 and currently use an iD44 MK2 with Windows 11. The Audient ASIO driver will default to whatever is requested from the primary app it is assigned to. When you reboot it will default to Windows audio format (which by default is 44 kHz, 16 bits) so you should adjust this to 48 kHz, 24 bits on Windows sound settings. As the other user suggested, make sure you uncheck the "Allow applications to take exclusive control of this device" while you're at it. This will allow you to use other apps simultaneously with your DAW. Be aware that if the project's audio format doesn't match the other apps settings one of the apps won't work (the primary app, that is, the first one to have requested the driver's attention, will take precedence). A driver cannot play two different formats simultaneously.
Currently I use Analog 1/2 for input and output. Whenever I adjust the sample rate via the mixer, analog 1/2 is briefly removed and added again. I can't adjust the sample rate in Windows. There I only have the option between 16 and 24 bit. Is that even correct? Other devices have far more options. But the mixer app seems to set the sample rate.
Is the dynamic range mic input chart wrong for the Apogee Boom in this video? Around 6:45 it shows as so much better than the rest that I went to check the review on the Apogee Boom, but in that review it's way lower (113db(a)).
I love how detailed your reviews are, even if I don't understand half of all the techincal stuff still. It will help me decide on a new audio interface for vocal (singing) recording. I'm leaning towards one of the Audient ones so far.
Still no MIDI. And no direct hardware monitoring either, if I understand correctly.
Thanks Julian.
where are the uads? the best interface in terms of performance and value for money?
congratulations for the channel.. a great job!!!
Not bad for a single chip design. I expect a similar performance from cheaper alternatives using the sam ESS ADC without the bells and whistles.
12:08 - Do you mean UBS 3.0 connection instead of USB C? From my understanding USB C and USB A describes the kind of connectors on the cable, not the Performance. Am I wrong?
Was the line input dynamic range test done via the mic/line combi input or the insert return input? I'm curious to see if there's a difference, as the combi input usually goes through the mic pre with a pad, and the return goes straight to the converters
Great specs - is it going to be reliable? Audient's Achilles' heel.
how do is connect my syntesizer to it i use a trs cable but i cant make it work with the instrument jack
Julian, love your videos. I currently have a Motu M4 connected with a usb-a to usb-c cable. Do you think my headphone (Sennheiser HD6XX/300ohms) output performance could also be improved by the use of a usb-c to usb-c cable??
I had a Motu M2 before, and I find it that I have to crank up the volume a bit more with the M4. Reading their manual I found out that the M6 requires a usb-c to usb-c or an adapter to function properly for power reasons...but maybe the M4 could also benefit from this.
Focusrite is the only path to follow. Full stop.
I have an M4, too. Even if connected USB-C to USB-C, the overall volume output is a little lower than other USB powered interfaces I think. I have a Clarett USB as well, and it is louder when connected the same. Turn up your speaker volumes, and/or get an external amp for the monitor/line outs.
@UseTheSupeRsonic tests?
There is only test my friend and that is in the studio whilst recording original material.
You should consider submitting an apology my friend. Do the right thing and apologise.
@@PetraKann
Do you actually believe this? If you genuinely do, that's a pretty superstitious way of "vetting" gear. Measurements are important, both to confirm that companies aren't lying about their devices characteristics, and to personally decide what fits your own use case. In my experience the lower end Focusrites are complete garbage on Windows because of the driver. The Motu M2 is significantly better in just about EVERY aspect than the cheaper Focusrites, making it the obvious option. I have used both, the M2 was far superior JUST from a stability standpoint. I have since moved to an RME interface because their drivers are rock solid on Windows (unlike most others out there honestly, which have quite unstable error timing as measured with recording software from Vincent Burel) and I really love having the routing flexibility and options that the RME driver + Totalmix FX provides. I can assure you it's far superior to everything Focusrite that I have ever seen or used.
Focusrite Scarlett is ok. I had a Scarlett 2nd or 3rd gen before and the headphone output was really problematic. The Clarett seems to fare much better but it is another price range...The Motu M2/M4 are pretty great, but I did notice that the M4 requires a bit more volume and I never thought about the usb cable type I was using.
Hi Julian, I have a question about the Audient Evo 4. I was wondering if it is still functional without the top pcb (the one connecting the knob encoder and buttons).
When you're reviewing the Zoom UAC-232?
As soon as it is available to purchase :)
+1 on waiting for a review on UAC-232. Though I think it's announced to be out at the end of march.
julian you look so happy with audient ID24??😄😄
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Hello Julian, sorry for my question, I totally have no experience. I record music at my home using my ssl2+ audio interface and my in ear monitors shure SE 215 (18 impedance). However, when I contact my in in ears monitors to the interface I get low quality sound (not dynamic, not full, not satisfying). So my question is, will you recommend me a headphones amp or DAC or Amp/DAC compbo? I really don't understand the difference between these 3 . I'm mixing only on in ear monitors specially the shure SE because I know how it sounds and I always get accurate mix with it.
An answer would help, specially with brands and model recommendations.
Thank you ❤
i have a question about air 192/4 how can i change channels from 2 to 1 channel for microphones format? cause in my case theres only 2 channels which doesn't sound good in audacity
Perhaps I shouldn't ask for advice here but I'm going to try: I'm not even sure I need an Audio interface, I have happily used an M Audio Audiophile internal sound card for the last 20 years, first in a 20 year old PC then on my present build from about 10 years ago, I've just upgraded from Windows 7 to 10, and lost the software and drivers of the card in the process. I've been doing a littler research and it looks like my good old sound card is very dated. All I do is on Sibelius, DORICO, Vienna Instruments and Note Performer. All I really need is Sound quality, power to drive my Zennheiser HD 600 headphones well, lowest possible latency and no clipping. I like monitors with amps in them. Connecting an instrument or a Microphone is something I've never done, but it could be fun to do sometime maybe. Certainly not more than 1 instrument or 1 microphone. These are my two choices from your brilliant reviews. MOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio Interface. M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface. Hope you can help.
At 11:23 , we are presented with a chart showing a -1 dBFS 300 mV output being fed into a 32 ohm impedance input frequency response measurement device, appearing to the Audient as a (virtual) pair of real-world low-impedance headphones. How is it that the very high output impedance of the headphone output of the iD24, which sits at nearly 75% of the 32 ohm impedance of the measurement device being fed, is not causing a clearly visible high frequency roll-off to be present in the charted response data? As far as I can tell, the frequency response curve shown at the aforementioned time point of the video appears to be nearly ruler flat. How can this be? Is it possible that one or more measurement errors were present along the input -> output signal chain?
It seems to me that that either one or both of the measured input/output impedance values is/are incorrect or perhaps there was an error introduced as part of either the frequency response measurement or its presentation that led to this uncanny level of flatness - a frequency response flatness that rivals most properly matched low-impedance outputs connected to comparably high-impedance inputs.
I know it is logistically crazy but... it would be a huge video if you reviewed SSL BiG SiX. That one looks like a mixer, but inside it contains the proper audio interface, mic preamps and headphone amplifiers... everything you could test so great!
Compressors in and out 😍
Would you test the SSL 12 please? thanks
2:22 I love the subscription button. 🤣
Do you publish these sheets anywhere? They're kinda hard to read while watching the video.
great content jk, thumbs up
Hello. Can you please tell me what DACs cost for the headphone outputs? And monitors. Otherwise you can’t see in the video what’s written on the chips. There is no information on the Internet.

I'm wondering how the ID24 compares to the Blackstar Polar 2 or Axe I/O when it comes to using guitars as inputs. Julian: Have you tried out the Blackstar Polar interfaces or the Axe I/O series?
Great video!
I was wondering what the noise mic input in dbu is on the Apollo twin x,
As you can’t by pass the pre amp on the Apollo twin x sadly! But you can by pass the pre amps on the ID24, which is better for my analog gear.
I’m thinking of buying the ID24 just for it’s clean converters A/D for my analog gear,
Thanks
Dear Julian, could you please compare the id 24 to the apollo solo from UA? Why do you not do Apollo interfaces? Did UAD threaren you?😬
Was wondering if you would ever return to the dbx 286 and put in another in-depth video but using the shure sm7b microphone and dealing with a triton felthead for streaming purposes. I followed along the directions you laid out, but for some odd reason I'm getting distortion.
Great review Julian - do you think you'll review the Presonus Quantum HD2 at some stage? I'm torn between this unit and the Quantum HD2.
I've read that the ID14 MKII resets the volume settings for all devices everytime it loses its current (so when you switch off your PC/MAC with sleep disabled) as the volume knob is not a physical one and it has no battery to store the settings internally which is a no-go. One pointed out that the ID22 instead has physical knobs where the issue does not arise. Now I wonder if the ID24 has physical knobs or digital ones like the ID14.
In case you use speakers and not headphones, the level can be set from the software. At least some relaxation from dialing that big knob into oblivion everytime
Hi Julian thanks for the great info! I am after the best mic pre and Audio conversion I can get for around this price point.
My options I have narrowed down to Audient iD24 - iD14 MKII or UA Volt 276 USB Audio Interface - which would you consider to be the best sounding option for me (I am not too worried about expandability for my needs I just want the best possible sound qaulity I can get in this range) Thanks!! Sean :) Which one would you recommend for me?
I am open to any of your suggestions! :)
Danke!
Thanks as well Rainer!!!
@@JulianKrause .. julian, u can be sure if a company sends u an item,
they souped it up first, or at least made 100% sure there's no errors..
better to review store bought items, that customers can expect to get
Cool! How's the Linux support?
The ID interfaces are class compliant according to Warren Huart.
Great review thanks Julian. I’m torn between the Audient44 and the Arturia Fuse Studio.. looking any advise please? (Especially on the preamps quality)
I have them both and like them both equally well...nonetheless, the preamps with audiofuse have 70db range and are very clean...
Will Audeze MM500 then have problems you think? It is spec'd at 18ohm