Hello guys!
I just ordered a kemper rack version and i want to start recording some covers and compositions for my upcoming youtube channel. I would like to buy a new audio interface (price range 250-400 eur) for tracking DI guitars and bass. I want the best AD/DA + preamps in this price range and also get a good latency (i use Mac).
My options are: Focusrite Scarlett 2nd gen 2i4 / Audient ID14 / Focusrite Clarett 2Pre.
Could you tell me the differences between these units? Any other cool audio interfaces?
Thanks!
Best budget audio interface for recording DI Guitars
-
Welcome!
Since you're getting a Kemper and it sounds like you're wanting to reamp stuff, I'd go with the Scarlett 2nd gen 6i6 (not 2i4), as you can hook up via SPDIF. That will also give you better latency.
-
Personally I'd go for a used RME Babyface in that price range. You'll need to get a spdif coaxial to optical converter box for it though.
For $600 you could get a Lynx E22 card which is perfect for this specific purpose. (What I use). Track the DI through the Kemper to s/pdif and reamp. Nothing in the price range beats the D/A quality. It's an updated version of their Aurora interfaces in express card form.
-
The title says "budget interface"
-
Since You use a mac, check out the reputation the manufacturer have...
Being a mac users myself I've been there myself:
M-Audio: Way back they clearly didn't know how to make drivers. A simple 0.x of macOS would break their drivers and they took months to fix... just in time for next OS update. (disclaimer, they might have shaped up)
Tascam: Didn't have any mac developer inhouse, were using contractors, didn't support their stuff at all. Took over a year to even acknowledging a bug that made it impossible to use it on 64-bit os.Did my research and went with Focusrite, macOS is first Class Citizen, Got a Saffire Pro 40 in 2009 and it have worked flawlessly since then. When it dies I'll get a Focusrite interface again.
-
I've used the 6i6 at home but never been a fan of the pc software. I don't know if Gen 2 has same software (mix control). Other than that I like even the first Gen very much for recording DI and spdif reamping.
-
I also own the 6i6 2nd gen.
It works well and sounds good.
Got the ESI 24xl before and change it after two days.
Big improvement and a good interface. -
The title says "budget interface"
Used babyface is 300-400 euro which is in his budget.
-
Since You use a mac, check out the reputation the manufacturer have...
Being a mac users myself I've been there myself:
M-Audio: Way back they clearly didn't know how to make drivers. A simple 0.x of macOS would break their drivers and they took months to fix... just in time for next OS update. (disclaimer, they might have shaped up)
Tascam: Didn't have any mac developer inhouse, were using contractors, didn't support their stuff at all. Took over a year to even acknowledging a bug that made it impossible to use it on 64-bit os.Did my research and went with Focusrite, macOS is first Class Citizen, Got a Saffire Pro 40 in 2009 and it have worked flawlessly since then. When it dies I'll get a Focusrite interface again.
My first sound card was an M-Audio. What a bunch of crap! No matter what update the drivers were crap in any way. Sold it and never looked back. I will never recommend M-Audio.
-
Why not look into this? Right in the middle of your budget. More connectivity is always nice!
Focusrite second-generation Scarlett 18i8 USB audio interfaceIf you want the best save up for an apogee or apollo but I'm sure you know that
Cheers
-
6i6 Second Gen. I have the first gen 6i6 and it's great, but the second is even better. Better software. SPDIF all day son.
