Interface Selections

[LeviathanKiller]

Looking for a new recording interface for guitar and microphone (not necessarily simultaneous but would be nice). I currently have a 1st gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 that is being returned thanks to its unpredictability.

• $250 max budget
• Windows 10
• No PCI interfaces bc I'd like to interchangeably use it with my desktop and laptop.
• Must have 48v phantom power for my microphone
• Wanted MIDI if I decided to get a pedalboard to control VST amps and such.
• Not really a fan of having a control and display on top of the KA6 unit since this unit will be slid underneath something most likely.
• 2nd Gen Focusrite stuff is out. Supposed to fix the issues of clipping and whatnot. (experienced random powering off with a 1st gen 2i2)
• Did not have latency issues with the 1st gen 2i2 jsyk.
• Can't think of anything else to include that might help so just ask me whatever

What I'm looking at right now
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4
Steinberg UR22MKII
Steinberg UR242
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6



Side note:
Haven't been on SS.org regularly in quite a while so didn't remember if hijacking a related thread was frowned upon or starting a new one was. lol
Yell at me now if creating a new thread was the wrong thing and it won't happen again.

 

[AmpAnon]

I've been putting the Scarlett 2i4 through it's paces for a couple of years now (what I assume must be 1st gen) and overall I'm really happy with it for what I paid.

Addressing your criteria against my experience with it:

• $250 max budget
  
  About bang on here ($289 CAD retail in Canada)
  
• Windows 10
  
  No problems, I've been running it with no issues with Win 10 and previously Win7 (both x64)
  
• No PCI interfaces bc I'd like to interchangeably use it with my desktop and laptop.
  
  I move the interface between PC/MAC and Ableton/Logic/Reaper several times per week with no isses.
  
• Must have 48v phantom power for my microphone
  
  Yup.
  
• Wanted MIDI if I decided to get a pedalboard to control VST amps and such.
  
  I've used the MIDI IN/OUT with synthesizers - no issues.
  
• Not really a fan of having a control and display on top of the KA6 unit since this unit will be slid underneath something most likely.
  
  Display is quite attractive and minimal. Gain monitor lighting is integrated into the individual track gain knobs and it looks slick.
  
• 2nd Gen Focusrite stuff is out. Supposed to fix the issues of clipping and whatnot. (experienced random powering off with a 1st gen 2i2)
  
  I can't comment on the clipping issues since I've never experienced them and I know two other owners without issues.
  
• Did not have latency issues with the 1st gen 2i2 jsyk.
  
  Me neither, but I have read reports of poor latency. Not sure if the root cause was PC spec, drivers, DAW configuration or defective hardware. This was a really important factor while I was choosing a compact/budget interface and it delivered low latency in all kinds of tracking situations on several DAW's. I have heard that the 2nd gen Scarlett range has even lower latency.
  
• Can't think of anything else to include that might help so just ask me whatever
  
  I'm not sure if this has become a standard feature among budget interfaces but the track PAD feature has been invaluable for me while tracking guitars with active pickups.
  

I can't really comment on the other interfaces on your short list but overall the 2i4 has shown tremendous performance/value.

Good luck!

 

[KingAenarion]

For Windows in that budget, I'd say go Focusrite.

Source: EVeryone does, not many complaints, plenty of support if things do go wrong.

 

[LeviathanKiller]

Thanks for the answers so far guys

 

[aqa]

Get $50 extra and buy an Audient id14

 

[Wizard of Ozz]

The 2i4 seems to be the winner. Especially since you can run hot pickups straight in w/o any clipping now.

 

[jerm]

The only thing the 2i4 doesn't have over the Komplete 6 is the SPDIF, which is awesome if you end up getting a Kemper/AXE FX.

 

[Descent]

Get $50 extra and buy an Audient id14

this or Roland Quad Capture.

 

[LeviathanKiller]

The Audient isn't an option since it has no MIDI capability (if I'm looking at it right)

I'm not really wowed by the Steinberg stuff and it doesn't seem like anyone else who's viewed this thread is either. I'm looking at the Focusrite, the Native, and the Roland at this point. And that Roland's Auto-Sens is pretty appealing.

 

[lemeker]

I actually just got a 2nd gen 2i2(didn't need the midi w/ 2i4). The Scarlett 2nd gen stuff is really good. According to my understanding they are now using the same mic pres that they use in thier "pro" stuff.

 

[Rachmaninoff]

I also own a Scarlett 2i2 (although 1st gen), and I like it a lot.

 

[Genocyber]

Happy UR22 user here. DPREs sound nice, Hi-Z input does not clip with my EMGs or Blackouts...

 

[Stijnson]

I own a Scarlett 2i4, awesome unit, no complaints whatsoever, but like mentioned above, I wish it had SPDIF ro easy re-amping with my Kemper!

 

[Masoo2]

I have a first gen 2i4 and I absolutely despise it. So many issues when it comes to driver stability and the preamps aren't the best. My friend's solo (first gen too) crashes once every 30 minutes.

Go Audient if you can find one with MIDI support. If not, Steinberg/Roland would be fine.

 

[LeviathanKiller]

Probably going to go with the Focusrite 2i4 2nd gen. Focusrite offers lots of free stuff with their units other than a DAW which I already have (Reaper) and most people don't seem to have any issues with their 2nd gen units it seems.

 

[BigHandy]

I can only suggest you to run through this thread: http://www.sevenstring.org/forum/showthread.php?t=312822

 

[LeviathanKiller]

Focusrite 2i4 bought. Familiar with the quality (good in my experience save for the clipping that was fixed with the 2nd Gen) and didn't really need to spend the extra money just to get the Auto-Sens tech.

 

[trebal]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 of course!!

 

[bostjan]

I've not experienced all of those options, but the Focusrite stuff seems to be the best bang for the buck out there. Cheaper stuff seems to have more incidence of problems.

 

[LeviathanKiller]

Went with the Focusrite 2i4
Thanks for the recommendations!