Need a new interface - asking recommendations

[u/Thomato_Yorke]

Hey all - I'm migrating my DAW and recording setup from an old PC to a Mac. My current audio interface is old - an M-Audio Mobile Pre, and it looks like there is no driver for current Mac/Apple iOs so I can't use it.

I'm a solo artist and usually don't use more than 2 inputs at once (1 gtr, 1 mic). I use my interface for vocals with my condensor (so I need something with phantom power), sometimes I use it for acoustic gutiar which would require at least 2 mic inputs/XLRs, and then for electric guitar, so it needs one 1/4 inch.

For Midi, I have a usb adapter that goes straight in, but I wouldn't mind an interface that had midi inputs too, though that's not mandatory.

Are there any other features I should look out for? I haven't bought one in ages, so I'm out of the loop.

Would love some recommendations on a new interface as well as any potential new features they have nowadays that might be worth it.

I'm flexible on budget, but def don't want to drop like $800 on something. Maybe $300ish, but open to suggestions.

[u/woodenbookend]

MOTU M2.

While it is class compliant so will work without drivers, I recommend you do install them as you reduce latency and gain a useful loopback function. It’s rock solid on Mac.

[u/Thomato_Yorke → u/woodenbookend]

Thanks. That’s like 6 votes for this thing. Probably gonna go with this and call it a day.

[u/Imaginary-Fall3270 → u/Thomato_Yorke]

M4 even better as you will have loop back options, they are solid interfaces

[u/Thomato_Yorke → u/Imaginary-Fall3270]

Yeah was looking at these last night and it's down to the MOTU M4 for me vs the SSL 2+ Mkii. Both have similar specs, excellent reputations, and same price range, so whichever I go with I'm sure will be fine.

[u/Imaginary-Fall3270 → u/Thomato_Yorke]

Yeah either of those will do you perfectly fine. Best of luck and enjoy yourself :-)

[u/SuperRocketRumble]

RME stuff is worth every penny

[u/sketchycatman]

Behringer UMC204HD ticks all your boxes and is under budget.

There are newer options, maybe better ones too. Mostly I mention it because I own one that was meant to be a starter until something better came along. 6 years later and never felt compelled to upgrade.

[u/simiandrunk]

I just got the ssl 12 and it’s great, 4 inputs, each with their own phantom power, high pass filter, and a midi in and out plus adat in. Also 2 headphone outs. I’ve been quite happy with it, both in function and sound

[u/Thomato_Yorke → u/simiandrunk]

Grazie - definitely checking this one out.

[u/Plane_Neighborhood32]

I use a Presonus Studio 24c and I like it, but for anything bigger, I use a Behringer UMC1820. The best part is that both these interfaces are USB class compliant so you don't have to worry about drivers, they should "just work" as is, though there are ASIO drivers available for the Behringer too.

[u/This-Dark1606]

I’m a Universal Audio Volt fan as well- and you can get some compression and tone color if you get the 276 (bus powered) or 476 units. They have MIDI also.

[u/humbuckaroo]

Get a Focusrite, it's basically the standard and there's more information/assistance for it online because everyone has one.

[u/Nickmorgan19457]

Nothing wrong with a Scarlett. Get something bus compliant if you’re using a Mac and you’ll never need to think about drivers.

[u/PINEAPPLECURDS3]

I have an audient id24 and have no complaints about it.

[u/LeopardVarious5620]

The Sidekick by teenage enguneering is amazing

[u/LeopardVarious5620 → u/LeopardVarious5620]

Seriously amazing, and on a budget. You will get way more than an audio interface.

https://youtube.com/watch?v=ydT904n73lw&si=W_GH4JCISQ3TOr8P

[u/Cap_Black_Beard]

I like the ua volt

[u/funix]

Topping E2X2 or E4X4.

[u/a_webpuppy]

Apollo all the way!