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On paper, one thing that has been downgraded is the A-D/D-A conversion. While built around AKM chips, the converters on the iD4 have a slightly reduced dynamic range, most likely caused by running off buss power rather than a dedicated mains power supply. Having said that, however, we don’t see that it is ever likely to cause any problems, and a dynamic range of 112dB is still more than enough to capture all the nuance of any instrument you might want to record, with plenty to spare. I can report the Audient has been working without any problems with the "Always On USB 3.1 connector Gen 1" of my Lenovo Thinkpad. I just have to remember to bring up the heaphone level up from zero, every time when starting a new Teams meeting (with my other audio interfaces the level just stays where I left it last time). The special feature of the Lenovo "always on" USB-connector is that it keeps feeding power to the connected USB device even if I the laptop is put to sleep (unlike the other USB interfaces which I tried before). I think the previous USB problems that I had were related to powering down/up the computer.
The SSL 12 is the bigger, new relation to the SSL 2 and 2+ interfaces. It has extra connectivity but the same option to inject some classic SSL character – inspired by the SSL 4000 console – into your recordings. Audient has also managed to improve the iD44’s Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) THD+N figure by an impressive 9dB to a class-leading 112 dB. The Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) are similarly pristine, with imperceptible noise and 126dB of dynamic range. The four mic pres are exactly the same as you’ll find in Audient’s pro-level consoles.The Clarett+ 2Pre is a reasonably simple interface with some very handy features, that offer subtle yet welcome improvements over its predecessor. However, the Audient iD4 beats the Scarlett 2i2 in every other aspect since it sounds better, has a better construction, even though the Scarlett is still very well built.
Audio quality is where ID44 MkII really shines; everything else is icing on the cake, but that icing is layered deep and tastes exceptionally sweet. Some audio interfaces come with extra bespoke software that lets you select input and output configurations and might also add other routing options or even effects. How easy this extra software is to use is also an important factor. We think the one-dial solution is beautifully implemented and overall the design makes both the EVO 4 and 8 clever, compact desktop solutions that sound great. These are great value too, the simplest and cleverest solutions to compact audio interfaces we’ve come across. We're big fans of the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X here at MusicRadar, and this super interface has some incredibly powerful features that will offer a serious upgrade to anyone’s home recording experience. It comes in two formats, Duo and Quad which are named for the amount of DSP processing chips they possess.SSL 12 is a 12-in/8-out interface, with four XLR combo mic/line inputs with high gain ‘SSL-designed’ mic preamps (including a +48v option for using condenser mics). Two inputs at the front can be poached for recording hi-Z instruments like guitars, bass, or vintage instruments. You get four balanced outputs and two sets of headphone outs. The extra eight inputs come by way of an ADAT connection.
We captured an acoustic guitar through the DI input while simultaneously recording the vocal with an sE Electronics RNR1 through the mic preamp. The mic requires phantom power and a fair amount of gain, but gave us the ability to set the null point to point at the guitar, providing a reasonable amount of separation between the two. Designed to deliver true phantom power over USB, iD4 will make sure your mics get the power they need to ensure optimal sonic performance. iOS Compatible Alone, said iD button activates the encoder mode so you can use the main knob to adjust DAW plugin parameters. Finally, the top panel includes a five-step output meter that temporarily doubles as a level indicator when you adjust one of the controls.
The headphone amplifier design was first introduced on the iD22 and was paired with a dedicated, high-quality Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), which together provided professional audio performance to our user’s desktops. With the introduction of the iD44, the iD4 (MKII) and the iD14 (MKII), a few small improvements were added. The ADAT ports let you expand the total number of inputs and outputs by 16 (20 x in, 24 x out, hence 44) but part of us wishes there was more onboard analogue I/O. Still, at least there’s the provision for sizable expansion. Overall, the iD24 brings this unit in line with other 2nd generation iDs, offering an attractive balance of features, with a heavy focus on a genuinely audiophile front end – which we love. It has well-designed software for additional features like cue mixes and signal routing. All in all, it is a flexible interface delivering good value for money. Want to grow your studio business? Invest in Audient. – Audient on Audient keeps Lito’s Place on Top of Film Work
But if you don’t have the budget for any of them, then the Scarlett 2i2 should be more than enough to cover your needs! Firstly, the introduction of new generation DAC’s meant we were able to reduce distortion to vanishingly low levels whilst increasing dynamic range dramatically, to give the purest possible representation of your audio. Secondly, we added what is known as a DC Servo to the output which allows for the removal of DC without the use of capacitors on the audio path, which can cause smearing and low-frequency loss. This ensures that the headphone outputs retain the sharp details of your audio whilst also providing a powerful low-end response. While Audient’s EVO 4 and 8 are compact interfaces, 16 definitely ramps things up in terms of size and connectivity but still retains their best features and ease of use. EVO 16 is a 24 in/24 out up to 24-bit 96kHz design, with eight mic/line inputs and eight balanced TRS outputs. The remaining I/O uses two pairs of optical connectors offering 16 I/O channels. Rounding things off are two headphone outputs. To that end, a USB 3.0 connection is required, and although you can get the unit to function on a USB 2.0 connection, this is not supported and would likely be unreliable.As well as being a volume control the iD knob has some other useful functions. If you push it down you engage 15dB of dimming. If you hold the Mute and iD buttons together the knob pans the inputs. If you hit the iD button the knob becomes a mouse scroll wheel and means you can take control of knobs and faders just by placing your mouse pointer over them. The bumpy lumpiness that feels good when using it as a volume control feels less so when controlling knobs. Each bump is also a jump in value, which makes it far from precise. It could do with a smooth mode like mouse wheels often have. Getting Technical The 3 rd generation of the Scarlett series got a couple upgrades when compared to the 2 nd gen, which are: A compact interface with pro features and connectivity, the SSL2+ promises an affordable version of ‘the SSL sound’, bringing the feel of a gazillion recordings made in 7-figure recording studios within reach of everybody. To understand latency in audio systems today we are going to use the analogy of the postal system (snail mail!). Let’s first imagine the ideal situation:
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