THIS WAS A SURPRISE! Best Interface Under $300?

Summary

In this video, the presenter compares popular audio interfaces in the $200-$300 range, evaluating them based on performance, features, and sound quality. The interfaces tested include the M2, SSL 2, Volt 276, and Audient ID14. While each interface offers unique features like analog enhancements and built-in compressors, the presenter highlights subtle sonic differences, noting that the Audient ID14 Mark II stands out with its superior monitor mixing app, expandability, and impressive sound. Despite the M2's fast latency, its lack of character places it in the lowest rank. The ID14 takes the top spot, praised for its overall value and versatility.

Takeaways

• 😀 The M2 audio interface offers the fastest latency but is somewhat uninspiring in sound quality compared to other devices.
• 😀 The SSL 2 and Vault 276 provide features like soft-start phantom power, which prevents pops when turning on the device.
• 😀 The SSL 2's headphone socket is located on the back, which some users may find inconvenient.
• 😀 The Vault 276 features vintage mode and a built-in analog FET compressor, offering a distinct sound that might appeal to certain users.
• 😀 The Id14 Mark II stands out with its impressive input gain, user-friendly design, and the innovative ID Monitor Mixing app for remote mixing.
• 😀 The Id14 offers 58dB of input gain with an additional 10dB of digital gain, but high gains might introduce preamp noise.
• 😀 The M2 is clear and neutral but lacks personality and warmth, which could make it less appealing for certain users.
• 😀 The direct monitoring functionality varies across devices, with the Id14 having the best flexibility through its monitor mixing app.
• 😀 The Vault 276 excels in sound quality, with noticeable fullness and definition in the low end and top end.
• 😀 The SSL 2 has excellent direct monitoring and input gain, but it could benefit from a more intuitive design for some use cases, such as monitoring with speakers.

Q & A

Which audio interface performed the best in terms of latency?

The M2 had the fastest latency, significantly outperforming the other devices in this comparison.

What is the main design difference between the audio interfaces?

The design differences mainly relate to accessibility to inputs versus a tidy desktop setup. For example, the SSL 2 has its headphone socket on the back, which is seen as a poor design choice.

What are the unique features of the SSL 2 in terms of preamp modes?

The SSL 2 features 'Legacy 4K mode', an analog enhancement circuit that emulates SSL’s legendary 4000 E-series console preamps, adding a high-frequency EQ boost with subtle harmonic distortion.

How do the preamps of the interfaces compare when using a condenser microphone?

The M2 has an all-round good sound, the ID14 and Volt have a gentle low-end bump, the SSL is neutral but not particularly inspiring. The differences are subtle and often come down to personal taste.

How does the Volt 276's analog compressor impact the sound?

The Volt 276 features a built-in analog FET compressor, which evens out the overall signal, providing a smooth and consistent take. It is a useful tool for quick productions, especially for those who appreciate analog warmth.

How does the performance of the SSL 2's preamps compare when using the Shure SM7B microphone?

The SSL 2 offers 62 decibels of input gain, which provides plenty of headroom and results in a wide, open sound, making it the most versatile for challenging microphones like the SM7B.

Which interface is the most neutral in terms of sound?

The SSL 2 is arguably the most neutral-sounding interface in the comparison, especially when compared to the others that feature slight low-end boosts or coloration.

How do the headphone outputs compare between the interfaces?

The ID14 has the loudest and clearest headphone output, especially for both low and high impedance headphones. The Volt is likely the best-sounding, but some may find it lacking for loud mixers or high-impedance headphones. The M2 has weak low-end with low-impedance headphones but excels with high-impedance models.

What sets the Audient ID14 apart from the other interfaces in terms of monitoring?

The Audient ID14 stands out due to its 'ID Monitor Mixing App', which allows for flexible, independent control of multiple input channels and DAW sends. This is a unique feature that offers excellent monitor mixing options and puts the ID14 ahead in this category.

Which interface is best for users who need expandability and additional features?

The Audient ID14 Mark II is the winner in terms of expandability, offering ADAT inputs for input expansion, and additional outputs for a second set of speakers or reamping. It is the most feature-rich, with added flexibility compared to the others.