And call me old-school, but I like the inclusion of MIDI I/O, something thats a glaring omission with some other interfaces in this class. Others embrace the latest fads in user-interface design, which usually involves making everything as dark and as touch-friendly as possible. Although it has been super-seeded by the Apollo X Series, the original Apollo is still an industry-standard in many studios worldwide today. The decision to include the touchscreen in the design was a superb idea. Enter your email below and get the guide (read by over 50,000 producers) along with two bonus resources. Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. If you like nice design, portability, and robustness and are looking for an entry-level interface with some nice features, then definitely consider the Audio series. 101Audio is supported by its audience. Find out more about how we test. Every aspect of the AXR4T is geared toward recording best-quality audio. ReviewFinder is reader-supported - if you click on a link on ReviewFinder and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Format: 19"/1U. Steinberg's UR range is a proven studio stalwart. Its comprehensive connectivity allows the connection of high-end outboard mastering equipment like equalizers, compressors and processors in the audio chain, as well as several pairs of monitor speakers. These features combine to make the AXR4 the perfect solution for any live recording situation. If your primary DAW is Cubase, then you might be looking for a highly compatible professional audio interface. These can be added as plug-ins within your DAW, with the processing being performed by the AXR4T; alternatively, any pairing of the Compressor, EQ and Morphing Channel Strip can be inserted into the AXR4Ts mixers input channels and each channel also has a send that feeds to a single instance of the REV-X reverb. Also, I have an older PC . Well also send you awesome electronic music production tips (that you can unsubscribe from at any time). Note:Allpriceswerecurrentatthe timeofwritingthisarticle. If you want the power of DSP processing inside the interface itself (as opposed to something like the UAD powered plugins), then this is a solid option. However, Steinberg is also really good at making audio hardware, such as the Steinberg UR22C. The LCD panel is easy to read and the headphone amplifiers will blow you away. The red looks pretty dope though. Depending on your OS, you just need the right drivers. The aim, clearly, is to stake a claim to territory currently occupied by manufacturers such as Apogee, Lynx, Focusrite and Antelope Audio. Steinberg have done neither, preferring to create something that is very plain and functional. Nevertheless, the front panel gives you access to all the basic functions with an OLED display. It offers more stability than FireWire or USB. I was not supplied with a compatible version of Cubase for this review, so wasn't able to test this functionality, but similar ideas have been implemented by PreSonus with Studio One and their own hardware, and by Apogee with Apple's Logic Pro, and are unquestionably a Good Thing. So, what does the new Aurora(n) series bring to the table? According to numerous people on this site, Antelope reportedly can be atrocious in the customer support department. What I do notice, however, is that when running in this maxed-out mode, digital I/O is disabled and the onboard effect processing and VCM SILK emulation are unavailable. You might be familiar with Steinberg because of Cubase: this audio software has been very popular with musicians. So it's not about the technique, but about being able to capture the musical moment as quickly as possible. Theflexibilityof the AmpliTubesoftwarecombinedwithawell-designed interfacemakesthisquitetheoffer,especiallyforunder$500. In short, if portability is a must for you, then youll fall in love with the Antelope Audio Zen Tour! The AudioFuse Studio is the beefed-up version of the AudioFuse we just looked at. This is a flagship audio-interface for professional engineers, songwriter, and producers. On the downside, certain parameters such as direct monitoring have to be changed through the computer, which makes it a little annoying, as it could have featured physical buttons. Unfortunately, MIDI connectivity is not included and you might want to look elsewhere if your MIDI device does not have a USB cable. It is true that higher frequencies can have a detectable impact on lower, audible, frequencies, but whether frequencies as high as 192kHz cause an audible impact is debatable. With the LSlot technology, you can connect your Aurora(n) to Mac or Windows PC or use it as a standalone AD/DA converter via Dante, DigiLink, among other connections. You get MIDI and World Clock ports, and two Thunderbolt connectors. High-rated Audio Interfaces in a similar price range. The Steinberg is no where in the same league. Plugins. When the AXR4 first arrived, I was excited to use it in 32-bit integer recording, which is supported by Cubase . The AXR4 ensures universal excellence for all recording applications. One of the latter is used to adjust the Silk emulation for the selected mic preamp, while the other is a general-purpose assignable jobbie. Apogee are renowned for their simple, elegant and beautiful interfaces. The online help and PDF manuals are available on steinberg.help. This flexibility makes Atlas a future-proof digital interface, expected to allow other options such as Thunderbolt. Class compatible with iPad and compatible with major recording software, Desktop 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. If you have a little more cash to spend, it might be worth it to level up to these interfaces, especially if you want a couple more inputs/outputs or want a bit of a faster connector: Youve probably noticed that the Scarlett range of interfaces shows up a lot here, and for a very good reason. Universal Audio has built a formidable reputation for its audio interfaces, both for the quality of the audio I/O, and for its onboard DSP processing capabilities with extensive plug-in library. Qualified Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter not included. In fact, the AXR4 comes with 12 analogue inputs (4 of them feature mic preamps) as well as 8 line outputs and 2 headphone outputs. If youre upgrading to a more pro-grade studio and need somewhere to start, this is definitely a great choice. Its been used in both studio and live situations, its been through a lot and it still comes out on top. The front panel conveniently, allows you to control recordings and monitor levels as you perform. PlusyougettheoptionofXLRorquarter-inchforthesecondinput, as well as MIDI in/out,soitmightbeworthitforyou. The AXR4 is a 2824 Thunderbolt 2 interface with four combo mic inputs, eight line inputs and outputs, and a pair of ADAT inputs and outputs that also can accommodate S/PDIF and AES/EBU connections. To help you make a good choice, I have selected a number of audio interfaces that I can recommend with confidence. The best part about the Quartet is finally all the I/Os are actually on the device itself, not as part of a dongle. Like Universal Audios Apollo range, effects hosting (a bundled effects suite is provided by Yamaha) is processed on the AXR4s internal chips, removing the load from your computers CPU. The 18 Best Audio Interfaces of 2020 include: RME Fireface UFX II audio interface offers good monitoring of sound. On the contrary, it comes with 8 inputs (4 mic/line and 4 hi-z outputs), 8 analog outputs, 2 headphone and 2 reamp outputs, as well as digital inputs and outputs. 3 3-Year Thomann Warranty. TOOLS for AXR4T V1.2.x require the latest Firmware AXR4 V1.20 (see below). The PreSonus Studio 24c and 26c are a clear competitor to the Scarlett range but at a slightly cheaper price point. Share Reply Quote 11th April 2022 | Show parent # 5 Faceless2022 Here for the gear Quote: Originally Posted by thegrimbo If youre looking for a middle-to-high end interface that is reliable, quality and has a few extra bells and whistles, these interfaces are probably for you: So were back to the pretty-looking ones, are we? This shows I/O level metering, and provides access to every parameter and setting of the interface, thereby allowing it to function as a standalone mixer of sorts; most users will of course plan to connect it to a computer, though, where the dspMixFx AXR mixer and control-panel software also provides GUI-driven access to these settings. Yearning to learn more about this state-of-the-art system? We wouldnt miss them for the world. At this price point, you can be sure it is. On the output side, there are eight line-level outputs on quarter-inch jacks, plus two independent front-panel headphone sockets, and a matching selection of digital options. If you prefer, mixing and routing can alternatively be configured using a matrix window, as found in RME's TotalMix. On balance, however, I think Steinberg's engineers have done a pretty good job of working within their self-imposed limitations. The SSL 2+ comes with two mic/line/instrument inputs, as well as four line outputs (both jack and RCA) and two headphone outputs. Well, yes, but its not as clear-cut as you may think. Any difference in performance bettween these two versions? Ifyouliketorecordguitar,thisisagreatoption. An audio interface with a rich sound filling your studio, integrated with remote control options and real-time effects. Needless to say, the new Aurora(n) is no exception. It features Hi-Z inputs for direct connection of guitars and basses, which also allow for recording clean signals and re-amping. Payment can be made safely and securely with PayPal, Amazon Pay, Credit Card or Bank Transfer. Now, lets check out the best (low-budget) audio interfaces out there! Ich bin total begeistert! How can you resist this top-of-the-range converter? The extensive range of analog and digital connectivity makes it possible to connect all of the equipment needed for creative musical workflow in any genre, including a master keyboard, pad controller, guitars and much more, with the facility to easily expand the setup when required. Et merci Thomann. And possibly, with the emphasis on possibly, the preamps -- which by the way are not really advertised as full Neve or Portico preamps, although they have the Silk function which is nice to have. It features a big volume knob on top of the interface that is easy to reach, along with meters that allow you to check your recording levels at a glance. To top their desktop line of interfaces off, the Quartet is a sight to behold. Thunderbolt 2 cable not included. Another option from PreSonus is the Studio range. 4 XLR/quarter-inch inputs with emulated preamps from Neve etc. It allows those musicians early in their careers to create high quality recordings. Two sets of headphones can also be connected, fed by individual sources. 32-bit integer audio conversion and sample rates up to 384kHz. Plus, it still relies on more dated (but still reliable) methods of digital connection. Being the bigger brother of both the 24c and 26c, the 1810c packs a lot of power into a seemingly cheap interface. So if youre an experienced producer with the money to spare, this is your interface. RMEs flagship interface. Well-designed software control panel makes for intuitive setup. For onboard effects processing, the AXR4T uses Yamahas DSPX chip, which includes the companys VCM (Virtual Circuit Modelling) technology. The audio quality is top-notch, as it comes with 32-bit integer audio conversion and sample rates up to 384kHz. Operation manual, installation guide and setup guide, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Thunderbolt 2 (Mac), Thunderbolt 3 (Windows), Intel Core i series (9th Gen and earlier) multi core processor 2GHz, Intel Core i-series multicore processor 2 GHz or faster, or AMD equivalent processor, driver and tools, account sign up and product registration, manuals and instructions. Learn how to master the fundamentals of electronic music production with the best roadmap for new producers, With 10 years of music production experience and some marketing chops, I head up the content here at EDMProd. AXR4T Vs AXR4U. Digital I/O format is switched in blocks, so for example if you use the AES3 channels, the second pair of optical connectors becomes unavailable. Admittedly, Apogee Electronics has decided to give us a taste of the future with the re-designed Symphony MK II. The HD I/O interface integrates with Pro Tools | HD for unmatched performance. AXR4Ts extreme 384kHz/32-bit AD/DA conversion certainly grabs the attention and may be desirable in some very specific circumstances, but it disables useful features for little discernible benefit, so I doubt many users will crank things up beyond the more conventional 192kHz/24-bit digital format. Theres a pair of headphone output jacks on the front panel, each with its own volume control, and taking centre stage here is a high-resolution colour LCD display. 2023Steinberg Media Technologies GmbHAll rights reserved. If there's an obvious limit to the professional intent behind the AXR4, it's that there are no RJ45 connectors. Lynx Aurora(n) is a next-generation upgrade. Oh, and if you want the best desktop interface money can buy, this is probably it. Steinberg today announced the approaching release of the exceptional AXR4 Thunderbolt 2 audio interface, setting a new standard in audio interfaces for discerning engineers, producers, and professional musicians. The creme "de la creme" is what I call these Audio Interfaces. Dimensions (W x H x D): 480 x 45 x 378 mm. The end result is reliable and precise converters that require minimal tweaking. Now in its 3rd generation, this audio interface comes with two inputs, phantom power and its famous high-end preamps that musicians have embraced from the previous versions of this interface. There are people on the Internet whose job is to review products. Native Instruments are renowned for making quality software and hardware, like Massive, Traktor and Maschine.Normally youd be paying a bit of a premium to get something from NI, but this affordable interface seems to be the exception, for both the Audio 1 and 2. What makes a 3rd party EQ better than my DAWs "in-the-box" EQ. If you want a more traditional audio interface, maybe give the One a miss. Each preset transports the listener to another sound universe and works in a wide variety of music production scenarios. Classically trained, and with 20 years of experience in the music industry, his multifaceted career encompasses composition for films, music production, mixing, mastering and sound design. Please note: Due to possible compatibility issues with some Windows and Mac systems, we recommend to refer to our Knowledge Base article. They make some great software and hardware, and the Axe I/O is no exception to that.The new Axe I/O is designed as a combination of an amp simulator and an audio interface, for those who love their guitar. Are you worried about its life expectancy if you plan to bring it with you everywhere? It certainly looks impressive on paper, and it stands to reason that bigger numbers mean better audio quality, right? I won't go through the AXR4's front-panel setup options in detail, partly because life is too short and partly because they are all duplicated in its control-panel utility. When Digidesign first released Pro Tools, the computers of the time lacked the capability to perform the processor-intensive tasks of mixing and effects processing, so the system included dedicated DSP acceleration cards that took these tasks away from the host computer. This interface looks amazing, to be honest. But the star feature of this interface is the awesome display, something MOTU is infamous for in the audio industry. You may login with either your assigned username or your e-mail address. And another thing, latency is at a super low 1.35mS. You can mute the Main output and the headphone output by long pressing the output encoder. All you need is a connection to your computer! The Symphony MK II combines luxury and unmatched performance to deliver clarity and astounding sound quality. Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Please install TOOLS FOR AXR V1.2.0 before updating the firmware. This product has been ordered and is expected to arrives in the next few days. Steinberg Hardware Steinberg AXR. Nor is it the only novel feature on offer. You can use the MOTU 828es as a standalone mixer or with a host DAW at up to 24-bit/192 kHz. Which audio interface is the best choice for music production right now? The only definite advantage for the AXR4 comes if you use Cubase, which I presume you do. The added control room features instantly give you full control of recording sessions. But part of me is like, why not just go UAD and get extra control, for less $$$? Sometimes, a manufacturer will make an interface specifically for a certain environment. The provision of 32-bit integer recording means the rugged AXR4T provides plenty of headroom, which is especially crucial for live recordings. With so much functionality on board, both the front and back panels of the AXR4 are inevitably crowded. Not for the faint of heart. Now if youve been wondering whether its possible to have good looks and functionality all in one the answer is yes.The Apollo Twin Solo and Duo from Universal Audio looks amazing on the desk, and also comes with an array of features for the pragmatic producer. In other words, you know this thing is gonna be good. He is responsible for the sound design for several major manufacturers including hardware synthesizers. Using one such module, the AI08E, you can use a patchbay with DB25 connectors which will provide 8 line-level inputs and outputs. Did we miss one youve heard of? The form factor on the AudioBox is a little nicer than the U-Phoria, so its probably goingtobeabitmoredurableontheroad. Further to the right are two independent headphone ports, whilst the back panel provides an additional 8 1/4 input and output ports, digital options via ADAT, S/PDIF and AES/ EBU connectors, MIDI interfacing and two Thunderbolt 2 ports for connection to your computer and to provide daisy-chaining; up to three AXR4s can be linked within a single system. With the AXR4, Steinberg sets a new standard in audio interfaces for studios, producers and professional musicians. Not only does it sound great, but its simple and affordable. The AXR4 can connect to a huge range of musical instruments and audio equipment, making it an ideal interface for any professional application. Curious to see this month's entire Audio Recording Interfaces ranking? However, if you want a stock standard interface that does its job, at this price point it probably doesnt make much sense. Now to the most headline-grabbing aspect of the AXR4T: its AD/DA converters support sample rates of up-to 384kHz and sample depths up to 32-bit. Capable of adapting to every advancement in Apple computers, it sports a matte black shade thats incorporated with buttons to give you more physical control. To sum up, Discreet 8s versatile monitoring and effects during mixing will surpass your expectations. There are two Thunderbolt sockets, both of which use the older Mini DisplayPort connectors rather than the current Type C ports specified for Thunderbolt 3. Yep, you bet.Apart from being super sexy, the duet is a very intuitive and fully-featured interface for those of you on macOS. The entire top panel is made of a metal mesh, which reveals an interior absolutely stuffed with components. Now Steinberg has joined the fray with the AXR4T, a handsome-looking, 1U rack-mounting audio interface, developed in partnership with Yamaha. Once again, like with the 2i2, the 2i4 is a great first interface. My biggest niggle with the AXR4T is the omission of a Thunderbolt cable and converter, but once over that little hump its all good. Unfortunately, the unit doesnt ship with a Thunderbolt cable, so thats at least an extra 30 that you will need to spend. This insane interface from Steinberg was very hyped at NAMM this year, and if their track record as a company is anything to go off, then the AXR4 will be a hit in studios worldwide. The integrated pre amps are also great sounding to me. Apollo x4 Audio Interface, UAD-2 Satellite Thunderbolt 3 . Although a high-end audio interface boasts impressive capabilities, it doesn't mean that your sound will be equally impressive. One of my personal favourites, the Scarlett 2i2 by Focusrite. Focus on musical FX, leads, pads and cinematics, Manipulate new horn, guitar and synth samples. On the downside, the interface doesnt feature a Thunderbolt cable, so you need to get it yourself. All Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners. Some provide lots of one type of I/O, such as analogue line-level ins and outs, to cater for users who just want to connect an analogue console, or lots of outboard mic preamps. The SSL 2+ is a newer entry into the audio interface market from one of the flagship audio companies Solid Stage Logic. Incidentally, Cubase gives direct access to the hardware mixer via a panel extension, making it feel closely integrated with the DAW. Un rgal. And its insanely good value. Its the unison technology and elite-class AD/DA audio conversion. Steinberg UR816C. This next-level design of Apollo X8 provides a wide dynamic range of 129dB and -119 dB THD+N for world-class sound quality and perfect tone. Steinberg's interface offers some parallels to the way rivals go about their business too. The Universal Audio Apollo X8 now comes with more power thanks to the HEXA Core Processor. Apollo for Padshop 2 by Dom Sigalas is designed with one thing in mind: to create a sonic picture with every sound. With a range of analog and digital output options, as well as additional I/O available via the digital connections, the AXR4 has all the connectivity required for professional production situations. The AFX collection powers the Accusonic microphone, tube FX, and guitar amp, to name just but a few. The back panel of the AXR4 is a crowded affair, boasting twin Thunderbolt ports, MIDI I/O, oprtical I/O and eight audio ins and outs on quarter-inch jacks. available since January 2020. The only disadvantage of this audio interface is the compact size. Installation Guide for macOS 11 or newer (PDF), Installation Guide for macOS 11 or later (PDF). While we havent tried this one ourselves, it definitely seems to be something to keep an eye on if you want to record classic-sounding guitar alongside vocals, synths, and other instruments. Thanks to the FPGA technology, latency levels are almost NIL. MusicRadar's got your back that you agree to the use of cookies for preferences, statistics and marketing (. The AXR4Ts top-level creds are mightily impressive and it may seem self-evident that 32-bit/384kHz convertors will sound better than the 24-bit/192kHz format that is the current high-end benchmark. All rights reserved. We can't guarantee correctness and completeness of all the data presented here, and therefore will not accept liability for any issues arising from usage of this data. Its free and allows you to configure all the settings and hardware inputs. How many of the synths, drum machines and effects in The Chemical Brothers Coachella live setup can you spot? Theres no denying that these interfaces look great, and the functionality is really good. Universal Audio Apollo Twin is a well-known and one of the most expensive options. The eight XLR inputs with mic preamps are an improvement of the Firewire Ensemble which used independent sockets. Item number 483491. Again, up to 16 digital channels are available for playback. But if you like simplicity and dont mind the input/output configuration (and work on a Mac), the price point might work out nicely for you. From cinematic textures and effects to unique signature instruments, Apollo was conceived and inspired by some of the most epic films, bringing great playability and expression to the table. In short, the Apogee Symphony Desktop is mostly recommended to those who want to invest in a premium-quality compact and portable audio interface. The compact size allows it to be carried wherever you like, adding even more to its value. The vintage design infused with 26 outputs and 32 outputs is sure to hit a cord in any musicians heart. There are many different types of audio interfaces in all price ranges and each made for a specific application. THD+ noise is especially acceptable, at simply 0.0004 percent on inputs 1-4 and 0.0006 percent on different sources of info and yields. With a full set of professional connections, including ADAT, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Word Clock and MIDI, the AXR4 can be expanded with one or two eight channel mic preamps, professional outboard and other equipment, while SSPLL jitter reduction technology guarantees perfect synchronization of all devices. Weight: 4.6 kg. We do not sell or share your information. Please activate your javascript. Apogee has taken its famous Symphony series (also featured below) and made it available in a compact desktop unit. 18 inputs and 20 outputs for $500? This interface is easy to use and integrates the best audio components with flexible routing via the Maestro software.
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