Hi Folks,
This is my first post here. I found a lot of useful information at this forum so I decided to join it.
After years using Firewire interfaces (Yamaha GO 46, Alesis IO14 and Alesis IO26) I realized I need and USB interface for using it with my tablet and my laptop. I should buy a new laptop soon and there're not too many models with Firewire or ExpressCard slot so I guess Firewire is getting obsolete for laptops, I could be wrong but most of newer laptops only have USB ports. I'll keep my Firewire interface for using them with my desktop.
Since Most of times I use my laptop for recording 1 or 2 channels only I don't need more than that.
My new interface should...
- Allow to record at least 44.1/48K and 24bits. Two channels or more.
- I don't care about if the interface is USB 1.1 or USB 2.0.
- Work on Linux.
- Work on Android devices (USBAudioRecorderPRO)
- Have nice and neutral Preamps and Phantom Power because I use condenser mics.
- Have headphones output with power enough to let me use my Audio Technica ATH-50 headphones. I'm a saxophone player so the headphones output should be as powerful as possible to avoid the playback tracks sound weaker than my saxophone.
- Low noise floor and good SNR.
- As cheap as possible, best price/quality ratio.
These are the interface I'm considering:
- Alesis IO2 / IO2 Express (Test: Alesis IO2 Express - Seite 2 von 3 - AMAZONA.de). I'm more than happy with my Alesis IO26 and IO14, if this interface share the same preamps and converters it would be a great product but I can't find that information. This is one of the cheapest alternatives (around $50 used on eBay).
- Lexicon Lambda. I heard wonderful things about this interface but I can't find a serious review with Rightmark tests. As the IO2 this is one of the cheapest alternatives (around $50 used on eBay).
- Presonus Audiobox. Not heard good opinions about this interface, but I never used one nor found a serious and objective review. (around $50 used on eBay).
- Steinberg UR22 USB 2.0 (ProSound: Ïðîôåññèîíàëüíûé çâóê / Steinberg UR22 review : UR so small - Audiofanzine). This interface works on Android devices and probably on Linux. (Around $80 used on eBay).
- Mackie Onyx Blackjack (Mackie Onyx Blackjack / http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/mackie-onyx-blackjack-289531/). Despite it weird aspect with that metal piece it seems to have a good reputation.(around $100 used on eBay)
- Presouns Audiobox 22VSL (http://voicecouncil.com/review-presonus-audiobox-22vsl/). It seems similar to old Audiobox but 96/24 capable due the use of USB 2.0. (around $100 used on eBay).
- Edirol UA-25/UA-25EX (http://www.k5.dion.ne.jp/~amelabo/equipment/UA25.html / http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080728/44k.htm). Not stellar performance on Rightmark tests but very popular and reliable. (around $100 used on eBay).
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (http://www.practical-music-production.com/focusrite-scarlett-2i2.html / http://html.midifan.com/review/2i2/%5BMME%5D%20Scarlett%202i2%20USB%202448.htm). Lot of good subjective reviews but Rightmark test leaves a lot to be desired. (around $100 used on eBay).
If I'd consider a not bus powered unit I'll surely get an EMU 0404 USB. I'd like to know your opinions about the listed interfaces, mostly if somebody had the chance to compare between them.
Thank you very much in advance,
Luis Pablo
This is my first post here. I found a lot of useful information at this forum so I decided to join it.
After years using Firewire interfaces (Yamaha GO 46, Alesis IO14 and Alesis IO26) I realized I need and USB interface for using it with my tablet and my laptop. I should buy a new laptop soon and there're not too many models with Firewire or ExpressCard slot so I guess Firewire is getting obsolete for laptops, I could be wrong but most of newer laptops only have USB ports. I'll keep my Firewire interface for using them with my desktop.
Since Most of times I use my laptop for recording 1 or 2 channels only I don't need more than that.
My new interface should...
- Allow to record at least 44.1/48K and 24bits. Two channels or more.
- I don't care about if the interface is USB 1.1 or USB 2.0.
- Work on Linux.
- Work on Android devices (USBAudioRecorderPRO)
- Have nice and neutral Preamps and Phantom Power because I use condenser mics.
- Have headphones output with power enough to let me use my Audio Technica ATH-50 headphones. I'm a saxophone player so the headphones output should be as powerful as possible to avoid the playback tracks sound weaker than my saxophone.
- Low noise floor and good SNR.
- As cheap as possible, best price/quality ratio.
These are the interface I'm considering:
- Alesis IO2 / IO2 Express (Test: Alesis IO2 Express - Seite 2 von 3 - AMAZONA.de). I'm more than happy with my Alesis IO26 and IO14, if this interface share the same preamps and converters it would be a great product but I can't find that information. This is one of the cheapest alternatives (around $50 used on eBay).
- Lexicon Lambda. I heard wonderful things about this interface but I can't find a serious review with Rightmark tests. As the IO2 this is one of the cheapest alternatives (around $50 used on eBay).
- Presonus Audiobox. Not heard good opinions about this interface, but I never used one nor found a serious and objective review. (around $50 used on eBay).
- Steinberg UR22 USB 2.0 (ProSound: Ïðîôåññèîíàëüíûé çâóê / Steinberg UR22 review : UR so small - Audiofanzine). This interface works on Android devices and probably on Linux. (Around $80 used on eBay).
- Mackie Onyx Blackjack (Mackie Onyx Blackjack / http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/mackie-onyx-blackjack-289531/). Despite it weird aspect with that metal piece it seems to have a good reputation.(around $100 used on eBay)
- Presouns Audiobox 22VSL (http://voicecouncil.com/review-presonus-audiobox-22vsl/). It seems similar to old Audiobox but 96/24 capable due the use of USB 2.0. (around $100 used on eBay).
- Edirol UA-25/UA-25EX (http://www.k5.dion.ne.jp/~amelabo/equipment/UA25.html / http://av.watch.impress.co.jp/docs/20080728/44k.htm). Not stellar performance on Rightmark tests but very popular and reliable. (around $100 used on eBay).
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (http://www.practical-music-production.com/focusrite-scarlett-2i2.html / http://html.midifan.com/review/2i2/%5BMME%5D%20Scarlett%202i2%20USB%202448.htm). Lot of good subjective reviews but Rightmark test leaves a lot to be desired. (around $100 used on eBay).
If I'd consider a not bus powered unit I'll surely get an EMU 0404 USB. I'd like to know your opinions about the listed interfaces, mostly if somebody had the chance to compare between them.
Thank you very much in advance,
Luis Pablo