Don't buy these audio interfaces. Get these instead.

Summary

In this video, the speaker reviews various audio interfaces, recommending some while advising against others based on factors like noise levels, build quality, and value for money. Interfaces like the Behringer UM2 and Audient EVO4 are discouraged due to issues with noise and functionality, respectively. Instead, alternatives such as the MRA Solo and Focusrite Scarlett series are suggested. The video also highlights the importance of considering individual needs when choosing an audio interface, with a focus on user experience and practicality.

Takeaways

• 🚫 The Behringer UM2 is not recommended due to its noise issues, lack of driver support, and poor build quality.
• 🔍 As an alternative to the UM2, the MRA Solo is suggested for its better performance.
• ⚠️ Avoid the first and second generation Focusrite Scarlett Solo interfaces; opt for the third or fourth generation instead.
• 🔄 The Scarlett Solo has a single knob that controls multiple functions, which can be inconvenient for some users.
• 💰 The Scarlett 2i2 is not recommended due to its high price relative to other high-quality interfaces like the ID4 Mark I and SSL 2.
• ❌ The Audient EVO4 is not recommended because of EMI issues and a single knob that controls all functions, leading to confusion and slower operation.
• 🔊 The AudiBox Go has issues with stepping and weak headphone amps, making it less desirable.
• 📱 The Sure MVI is not practical with its phone-like interface and heavy weight, not recommended for most users.
• 🔌 Interfaces like the ID4 Mark II, Baby Face Pro, SSL2, and M2 are recommended for their quality and features.
• 🚫 The Zoom AM22 is a good travel interface but may not be suitable for everyone due to its preamps similar to the Zoom H5 and H6.
• 💻 If you own a PC, avoid the Apollo Twin due to compatibility and driver issues; for Mac users, consider the cost of additional plugins before purchasing.

Q & A

Which audio interface does the speaker not recommend and why?

The speaker does not recommend the Behringer UM2 due to its noise issues, lack of driver support, and poor build quality.

What is suggested as an alternative to the Behringer UM2?

The MRA Solo is suggested as an alternative to the Behringer UM2.

What are the issues with the Focusrite Solo and 2i2 according to the speaker?

The speaker advises avoiding the first and second generations of the Focusrite Solo and 2i2 due to unspecified issues, and recommends considering other interfaces due to their pricing and features.

Why does the speaker find the Scarlet Solo's design annoying?

The speaker finds the Scarlet Solo's design annoying because the same knob controls both headphone volume and monitor output, which they find inconvenient.

What are the recommended alternatives to the Scarlet 2i2?

The recommended alternatives to the Scarlet 2i2 are the ID4 Mark I, the SSL 2, the Volt 276, the Volt 2, and the M2m2.

What issues does the speaker have with the Audient EVO4?

The speaker has issues with the Audient EVO4 due to EMI problems and a single knob that controls all volume levels, which they find confusing and slow.

Why is the AudioBox Go not recommended by the speaker?

The AudioBox Go is not recommended due to stepping issues with dynamic microphones and weak headphone amps.

What is the main issue with the Sure MVI according to the speaker?

The main issue with the Sure MVI is its deceptive weight and impractical design for adjusting gain.

Which interfaces does the speaker recommend for those looking for a good audio interface?

The speaker recommends interfaces such as the ID4 Mark II, Baby Face Pro, SSL2, M2, Zoom F3, Zoom F6, and Motu M2.

Why does the speaker advise against purchasing the Apollo Twin for PC users?

The speaker advises against the Apollo Twin for PC users due to compatibility and driver support issues, suggesting that the manufacturers do not prioritize Windows users.

What is the speaker's view on the value of the Apollo Twin for Mac users?

The speaker believes that the Apollo Twin is not worth the investment for Mac users due to the continuous need to purchase additional plugins, which can significantly increase the overall cost.

Outlines

00:00

🔊 Audio Interface Recommendations and Cautions

The speaker discusses various audio interfaces, recommending some and advising against others based on their features and performance. The Behringer UM2 is not recommended due to its noise, lack of driver support, and poor build quality, with the MRA Solo suggested as a better alternative. The Focusrite Solo is praised but with a warning to avoid the first two generations. The Scarlet Solo 2i2 is criticized for its high price relative to better options like the ID4 Mark I, SSL 2, and the Volt 276. The Audient EVO4 is not recommended due to EMI issues and a confusing single-knob control system.

05:02

🚫 Interfaces to Avoid and Portable Options

The script continues with a list of interfaces not recommended for purchase, including the Audibox Go for its stepping issues and weak headphone amps, and the Sure MVI for its deceptive weight and impractical controls. The Zoom AM22 is presented as a potentially good travel interface despite some noise concerns, but it's noted that personal preference may vary. The speaker also recommends several interfaces such as the ID4 Mark II, Baby Face Pro, SSL2, M2, and the Zoom F3 and F6, while advising against the Apollo Twin, especially for PC users due to compatibility issues and the cost of additional plugins.

10:03

💰 The Cost of Audio Interfaces and Value for Money

The final paragraph emphasizes the importance of considering the total cost of ownership when choosing an audio interface, particularly criticizing the Apollo Twin for its high price and the need to continually purchase plugins. The speaker suggests that the value of money is not well-spent on the Apollo Twin and recommends looking into other interfaces that offer a complete package without additional costs. The summary concludes by reiterating the importance of narrowing down the options to find the best fit for one's needs and budget.

Keywords

💡Audio Interface

An audio interface is a device that facilitates the input and output of audio signals between a computer and other audio equipment such as microphones, instruments, and speakers. In the video, the term is central to the theme as the speaker discusses various audio interfaces, their features, and their suitability for different users.

💡Behringer UM2

The Behringer UM2 is a specific model of audio interface mentioned in the script. The speaker advises against choosing this interface due to its noise issues, lack of driver support, and poor build quality, suggesting the MRA Solo as an alternative.

💡Focusrite

Focusrite is a brand known for its audio interfaces. The script refers to the Focusrite Solo and 2i2, discussing the differences between them and recommending the third or fourth generation of these devices over the first two.

💡Preamps

Preamps, short for preamplifiers, are used to boost the signal from microphones or instruments to a level suitable for recording. The video script mentions that the preamps are the same in both the Focusrite Solo and 2i2, indicating their importance in audio interfaces.

💡EMI Issues

EMI, or electromagnetic interference, refers to the noise or disturbances caused by electromagnetic fields that can affect audio quality. The script mentions that the Audient EVO4 has EMI issues, particularly with Wi-Fi access points and Bluetooth devices, causing the speaker to not recommend it.

💡AudioBox Go

The AudioBox Go is a portable audio interface discussed in the script. The speaker mentions stepping issues and weak headphone amps as reasons for not recommending this particular interface.

💡Sure MVI

The Sure MVI is another audio interface model that the speaker does not recommend due to its deceptive weight and impractical gain adjustment mechanism, which is likened to using a phone.

💡Zoom AM22

The Zoom AM22 is a travel-friendly audio interface that the speaker likes but acknowledges others might not due to its noise levels, which are similar to the Zoom H5 and H6 recorders. It is noted for its lightweight and portability.

💡Apollo Twin

The Apollo Twin is a high-end audio interface that the speaker does not recommend, particularly for PC users due to compatibility issues. For Mac users, the speaker advises against it due to the cost of additional plugins and the overall value proposition.

💡Plugins

In the context of the video, plugins refer to additional software used to enhance or modify the sound in audio production. The script criticizes the Apollo Twin for requiring the continuous purchase of plugins, which can lead to a significantly higher overall cost.

💡Baby Face Pro

The Baby Face Pro is recommended in the script as an alternative to the Apollo Twin, especially for PC users. It is presented as a 'one-and-done' solution, implying a single purchase that satisfies the user's needs without additional costs.

Highlights

Behringer UM2 is not recommended due to its noise, lack of driver support, and poor build quality.

MRA Solo is suggested as an alternative to the Behringer UM2.

Focusrite Solo is a good interface but avoid the first and second generations.

Scarlet Solo is recommended over the Scarlet 2i2 due to price competition with other interfaces.

Scarlet 2i2 is not recommended because of its high price compared to other superior interfaces.

Audient EVO4 is not recommended due to EMI issues and a single knob controlling multiple functions.

AudioBox Go is not recommended because of its stepping issues and weak headphone amps.

Sure MVI is not recommended due to its deceptive weight and impractical gain adjustment.

Interfaces such as the ID4 Mark II, Baby Face Pro, SSL2, and M2 are recommended.

Zoom AM22 is a great travel interface despite concerns about noise.

Apollo Twin is not recommended for PC users due to compatibility and driver issues.

Apollo Twin's continuous need for purchasing plugins makes it an unfavorable choice.

SSL2 is a viable alternative to the Apollo Twin for Mac users without the need for additional plugins.

Interfaces like the Volt 276, ID4 Mark II, Baby Face Pro, Zoom F3, Zoom F6, and Motu M2 are recommended.

Scarlet Solo's single knob for headphone and monitor volume is a potential annoyance.

Scarlet Solo 2i2's price is dangerously close to other superior interfaces, making it a poor choice.

Zoom AM22's preamps are similar to the Zoom H5 and H6, but the interface is still recommended for travel.

Transcripts

hey guys wanted to go ahead and do a

variation of a video I did earlier but

this is going to be but these are

there's a lot of good interfaces here

and interfaces I don't recommend but

what I'm going to do is just narrow it

down so it's a lot easier for anyone

who's looking to check out an interface

all right so let's narrow it down this

is the baringer um2 um people are

attracted to this because they like the

price of it uh go ahead and cross this

out of your list because this is not a

good interface and I'll talk about why

so the first reason is that it's B

basically it's very noisy very noisy the

second is that the drivers are not

supported third the build quality is

very bad on this interface so instead of

getting the Behringer um2 what you

should get instead is actually the MRA

solo which I would recommend so that

narrows down and removes one audio

interface out of your search okay the

next interface I want to talk about and

uh I'm just going to say this uh but

just note just hear me out before I

actually point this out this is the

Focus right solo so I want to talk about

a few things this is a good interface

however you do need to know a few things

you want to avoid the well in my opinion

I think you should but it's all up to

you the first gen you want to avoid the

first generation and the second

generation I don't think is as good so

you want to go for the third or fourth

generation so why that's the first thing

I want to say now P you might ask what

is the difference between the solo and

and the 2i2 well the solo has one it's

the preamps are the same between both of

them but there is one small little

difference that might um be an issue for

you uh aside from the fact that it's one

input or two input you should know that

with the Scarlet solo this knob here on

the solo is the same knob that changes

your headphone volume and your monitors

that for me is kind of like annoying so

that's just something you should

consider um but aside from that the solo

is solid what I don't recommend is

getting the Scarlet solo 2i2 and I'll

explain the problem with the Scarlet

solo 2i2 is that it's pretty dangerously

priced to a lot of other great

interfaces things like the id4 Mark I

the SSL 2 The Volt 276 The Volt 2 the M

2m2 which is recording right now so I

don't recommend the Scarlet 2i2 instead

I recommend getting those interfaces

instead because the price is so close to

those and you're better off spending

that extra $3 $40 that get those

interfaces instead so that basically so

I'm not saying you shouldn't get a

Scarlet solo tour to I'm just saying

avoid this and consider the parameters

regarding that which will narrow down

your search a little bit and perhaps

consider you for these other interfaces

instead all right next interface I want

to talk about um for me this is a

crossout I don't recommend this

interface this is the audient evo4 um I

used to love this interface until it's

let me down many times so the first

issue is that it has Emi issues

and this is a

mouse this is Wi-Fi access

point what that means is if you have a

cell phone or anything with Bluetooth

around it you're going to get a lot of

noise on it um yes the answer might be

well just don't have that around your

interface that's true but most most

other well bit interfaces don't have

that issue but the the most glaring

problem for me is just more of a problem

a me problem not a you problem but it's

something you should know the problem is

that this one interface this one knob

controls everything this one knob

controls your microphone volume your

headphone volume your transition from

Daw to um you know microphone your it

controls everything and that's actually

really bad because when it's actually

well it's bad because it's this one

thing and it'll confuse you but second

of all it's not faster right so because

you're literally going through kind of

like a menu system here and then you

you're kind of going like this and

you're kind of changing that you're

going like this and it's a menu it's

slower it's much faster in my opinion if

you have individual knobs sorry where

you have an individual knob for you know

your your volume for your microphone for

the speakers for your headphones this is

faster so I'd argue that this just is

this just has problems in that this one

knob has problems and I have a much more

extensive detailed review on why I don't

like like this interface in another

review in my one of my videos but uh I

don't recommend the Evo for so to me in

a way um you can actually crosses out of

your search in my opinion I wouldn't get

this so that narrows it down the

interfaces are getting better or or I

think so okay next interface I would

cross out this is the audio box go uh I

bought this because when it first came

out it was actually super portable

that's why it was called Audi box go it

was actually really portable at the size

and at the time that it was released it

was one of the smallest interfaces I've

ever seen I was like oh my God I get got

to get that until just a few few months

later they came out with zoom came out

with the zoom

am22 but in my opinion this interface

has some issues um the first is it has

stepping issues that means if you use so

I don't recommend using a dynamic

microphone with this um with this

particular uh audio interface that means

if you use something like an

xm8500 um your volume will be really low

from all the way up and then when you

get to around 10 your volume will crank

up so you're in a situation where your

volume is too quiet or it's too loud

there's no in between no transition

whereas other interfaces don't have that

issue the other problem too is that if

you use something like an hd6xx and

you're listening with headphones the

volume is very low on this very very

very low so the headphone amps are

pretty weak on this so I don't recommend

this um interface so obviously we're

narrowing narrowing it down next

interface I don't recommend is the sure

mvi I don't think this is a problem for

most people cuz I don't think anybody's

going to buy this in fact I bought this

used uh because it was just on a deal it

was like someone sold it for really

really cheap the problem with this

interface well the reason I bought it

was I like the portability of it but the

problem is this is actually pretty heavy

it's deceptively heavy like weighs very

like a brick the other thing too is if

you want to adjust gain or anything like

that you're doing it like this like a

phone and this is unnatural I just don't

think this is actually very practical so

to me this is out so we were really

cutting down the interfaces down um

where and the truth is these these are

all good these are the interface I

recommend which are the id4 Mark II the

baby face Pro the ssl2 the M M2 things

like that um but let's just keep going

down we'll talk about the zoom am22 I

love this interface but you might not

love it so when people review this

interface they're going to say oh it's

like noisy because it's just like cuz

this has the same preamps as the zoom H5

or the zoom H6 but I want to say

something it's not that bad very it's

honestly it's when you look at boot

Junk's old videos he's been doing fine

with the zoom H5 and zoom H6 and I

honestly think those are perfectly fine

you know there's no issues there but it

has those same preamps that being said I

love how this has a a gain knob for it

has a gain knob it has headphone volume

you have monitor infut outs it's one

input and it's very very lightweight and

portable if you want a travel interface

this is the way to go there are obvious

obviously questions saying the sure MV

2xu might be even better for the

interface I haven't checked that one out

but this is a really great travel

interface but this is kind of in the

yellow category where I like this but

you might not like it okay so that

narrows it down we're almost done um so

all of these interfaces I actually do

recommend which are the volt 276 the

ssl2 the id4 Mark II the baby face Pro

the zoom F3 the zoom F6 and the Motu M2

so where does that leave us well there's

one interface that's not here that I

don't have that I personally don't

recommend and uh you probably guessed it

it's the Apollo twin and let me explain

the and again this entire video is just

narrow things down for you let me make

it easy for you ask yourself a question

do you own a PC or do you own a Mac if

you own a PC the process is simple don't

buy an Apollo twin it won't work on your

computer or it's going to have or it'll

work it'll work but it won't work right

so that makes it very simple for you if

you own a PC don't get an Apollo twin

period trust me just if you have

questions just look online just type in

go on Discord you're going to find so

many people having problems with the

windows and Apollo twin they don't for

some reason the makers of the Apollo

twin they don't care about Windows

people that's just they're not like rme

who actually cares these guys when they

make drivers they actually care okay so

um if you own a PC and you want to go

endgame it's the baby face Pro or

honestly and this is a hot take just

stick with what you have you know like

your SSL 2 is fine for all professional

recordings that's perfectly fine you can

stop right there and you're done right

okay so but what if you do have a Mac

what if you do have a Mac should you

consider the Apollo twin honestly I'm

going to be honest with you no you

shouldn't buy it because you know what

you know how much an Apollo twin really

is worth it's actually really $2,000 or

more because what happens is most people

buy the Apollo twin but they don't just

stop there there's these plugins that

you have to keep buying they're about

$150 or

$300 and people just keep buying these

plugins it's kind of like DLC SE on

video games you know how people hate

that or like um subscriptions like like

uh where you got to keep buying and

buying I don't like that I don't like

where I have to keep buying and buying

and buying I want a oneandone interface

I buy it once and I'm done you know what

I mean so in my opinion that's a problem

the other issue is that and here's a hot

take you're screwed either way and let

me let me explain so you could say well

I'm not going to use any um I'm not

going to use any plugins I'm just going

to use it as it is well if you're not

going to use any plugins on your Apollo

twin you're no better off using an ssl2

in audio quality they're about the same

and we just extensive tests showing this

and I I've known this firsthand just

testing it out it's like it's not better

but if you get plugins you're screwed

because you're basically buying more

more and more you never see people stop

at one plugin they keep buying more and

more so either you're spending a lot of

money and you're wasting a lot of money

or you can afford to waste that amount

of money but in general like you never

see someone just buy one plugin and in

the end it's a $2,000 interface and I

would argue you'd get your dollar would

go much higher just buying a oneandone

deal so yeah that hopefully that narrows

it down and you get a sense of which

interfaces to avoid which ones to check

out and that narrows the pull down at

least up to as of today