Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance . Usually, this delay is in ms, and so some may think that this will not be noticeable. DAWbench - Reference Benchmarks :. The optical I/O also provides even more input and output capability. When you buy products through links across our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As for the unit’s latency, it really performs well, providing a low output latency of around 6.4ms, which is not noticeable to the human ear. So, let’s go ahead and talk about the top zero-latency audio interfaces! 1. Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance . If your audio device shows up as an Unknown device or has a yellow caution symbol, you will need to uninstall the device and then reinstall the latest driver (see Driver Reinstall below).. How to check Device Manager. The term 'Zero-latency' will be used to avoid confusion. However, the unit is not bus-powered, and requires a 12v power supply. Not all audio interfaces are created equally. Secondly, we usually advise that our readers stick to well-known brands, who have been established within the audio interface industry for a while. You need an account to post a reply. As you can see, latency can be a complex and potentially confusing issue. Overall, if you’ve got an even larger budget than the Solo requires, and you’re not looking for an audio interface with too many inputs, then the Apollo Twin MKII Duo or Quad may be for you. Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance Data Base, Evaluating AD/DA loops by means of Audio Diffmaker, RME new Babyface Pro audio interface (Now Available), Already have an account? Click on the ‘Make’ or Manufacturer’s name to go to the DAW’s product web page or click on the ‘Model’ or DAW’s name to read our article about the DAW.Feel free to type keywords in the ‘Search’ box to narrow the amount of DAWs that you are comparing. There might be different converter chips with slightly different own latency, but the difference is much larger to be addressed just to that. They've got free shipping, free tech support, easy payment plans, and the most knowledgable sales staff in the industry. There are several aspects of a zero/low latency audio interface that are important, before deciding on purchasing one. In fact, it’s the least expensive Thunderbolt” audio interface on the market. The term 'Ultra-low' is used as audio interface hardware/firmware induces a negligible amount of latency. Most interfaces have at least 2 quarter-inch jack outputs to connect to studio monitors, and at least 2 inputs that for either a microphone or direct line … From a physical standpoint, the interface is designed to look very sleek, with its black center chassis, surrounded by deep blue side compartments. The unit is bus-powered and connects to both a Mac and PC via a USB-C cable. I've not used the Machine enough to have an opinion on the implementation there, but the KA6 and KA2 first gen's were best in class at their respective price points... or even double those price points. Latest Reports : Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance : Part II / III. Here are some updated Zoom Uac-2 RTL results. It provides a 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs, and 4 line outputs, making it decent for musicians who only need a few inputs for simultaneous recording. Latest Reports : Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance : Part II / III. Download & Install Behringer Audio Interface Drivers. It has a MIDI I/O, and can be connected to your Mac / PC via USB-C connectivity. I have an ERM multiclock which will handle MIDI and clocking but I’m looking to upgrade my audio interface. Latency is a critical aspect of any audio interface that will influence an artist's performance. Low latency is most commonly caused during the following stages: It’s important to use a low-latency audio interface, especially when recording because most musicians and singers will want to listen to a monitor mix (in real-time). We’ve featured a list of the top 10 best zero latency audio interfaces below, alongside all of the key information that you’ll be curious about, including whether or not the interfaces are compatible with Mac, PC and the type of connection port, i.e Thunderbolt, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, etc. Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance : Part II :. Overall, This unit is definitely suited for the musician on the move, who are looking for an easy way to record, without necessarily being fussy about the specific DAW they record on. The number and type of inputs and outputs that an audio interface has will matter greatly in the decision-making process. I can set a delay for 20ms, and I can hear that. Additionally, the digital mixer for the Ultralite AVB, provides 48 channels and 12 busses, all of which can even be controlled with your Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android device, by using the web app served by the physical hardware itself. Tascam have been in the industry for years, and are known for creating more affordable audio recording equipment. There is a delay between the moment you play a … The Zoom TAC 2R is the lowest latency audio interface for home recording at an affordable price. None-the-less, Spire Studio have created a product which suits a specific criterion, of being highly portable. Not if I correctly understood your question - do you the mean overall latency as in measured in a DAW? You can relate it to an external sound card that is equipped with extra features. I'll certainly give it a shot for under $20. But has not been officially tested by Tafkat so there is no concrete evidence. All of which makes for a sleek-looking, highly functional unit. All of our interfaces work effortlessly with Windows and Mac computers, while all UR interfaces also work seamlessly with iOS devices. Two bus standards into one might finally go. The unit connects to either a PC or Mac via USB 2.0 / USB 3.0, offering high data transfer speeds. I've got the Best Audio Interface Buyer's Guide. It comes with 4 XLR/TRS combination inputs on the front of the unit, and 4 TRS inputs on the back of the interface, ideal for those musicians/studio engineers who want to be able to comfortably record up to 8 inputs simultaneously. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) is another Scarlett unit that we’ve featured within our list of the top low-latency recording audio interfaces. Recommended for: If you are looking for a cheap audio interface, this is easily one of the best low latency audio interfaces in 2020 you can buy. Create a username and password below and an account will be created and your post entered. NI is not known for stable and low latency drivers. In some case, in the high-end market, practically zero latency. With that being said, let’s talk more about low latency audio interfaces, shall we? The M-Audio M-Track 8x4M audio interface is the older brother to the M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series, which we talked about earlier, and comes with the same rugged metal chassis,. Look below to compare and contrast over 20 leading DAWs and some key points. Audio Interface - Low Latency Performance Data Base For example RTL for [email protected] smpl is 1.2 ms higher at OS X with X8. USB audio interfaces with lowest round-trip latency are RME and MOTU (both sub 4ms). The throughput latency of the Helix is something like 1.5 - 2 ms depending on the complexity of the preset. Physically, the unit is very small, making it very portable and thus, able to be transported almost anywhere. Our interfaces offer Zero, or Ultra Low, Latency tracking and Direct Monitor options to further help the issue of latency as much as possible. I've noticed weird driver issues with the zoom and it's definitely not the most "stable" from what I have seen. However, the ear and brain is particularly good at recognizing delays and differences in sound. Overall, this is a great audio interface for those musicians who don’t want to break the bank, whilst getting a lot of audio inputs/outputs in the process. As for the functionality, it features 2 combination (XLR/TRS) inputs at the front of the unit, and five control knobs for general volume/mixer parameter changes. Additionally, it has a frequency response from 20Hz – 20kHz, so you can rest assured knowing that the interface will be able to handle your sub-bass, bass, mid-range and treble frequencies with ease. With that being said, we think that this interface is ideal for the musician/singer who wants a 2-in/2-out interface, with the versatility to be able to plug in both XLR or TRS via each input port. However, the saying goes that “you get what you pay for”, and regarding the unit’s roundtrip latency, it stands at around 11ms (when using USB 2.0), but this is USB 3.0 compatible, so we’re guessing that it must be faster (which would make sense considering the positive customer feedback). The M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series is the most affordable 2-in/2-out audio interface on the list. If you’re looking for speed, the Thunderbolt protocol is currently the … Click here to login, The ability to reply to and create new discussions, Access to members-only giveaways & competitions, Interact with VIP industry experts in our guest Q&As, Access to members-only sub forum discussions, Get INSTANT ACCESS to the world's best private pro audio, Promote your eBay auctions and Reverb.com listings for free. Not to mention, the UltraLite AVB can be further expanded, using the MOTU AVB Switch, which enables you to connect up to five MOTU interfaces, so the possibilities are endless. One addition to all these calculations is the latency induced by your audio interface. Why exactly, well because Focusrite has been an industry-leading audio interface manufacturer for years on end, and their Scarlett range has been particularly successful. An audio interface is pretty much an essential piece of kit for your studio setup if you spend any time at all making music on a PC or Mac. Now, although some interfaces will boast that they provide zero-latency recording/playback, there will always be some latency, but for as long as it’s below 10ms, humans will not be aware of it. Recording stage (analog to digital conversion), During playback (digital to analog conversion), During transit (Cables, mixers and hard drives), Zero-latency monitoring (6.4ms output latency), Compatible with all major DAWs (comes with Pro Tools), 2 main/monitor outputs (back of interface), Compatible with all major DAWs (comes with Pro Tools First Edition), Includes Pro Tools (First Edition) & additional software, 4 TRS inputs (2 located on the front, 2 located on the back), 4 TRS outputs (located at the rear of the unit), Featured Crystal Preamps (MAudio developed), Highly compact & portable audio interface, Only compatible with Spire App for recording, Zero-latency monitoring (Exact amount not specified, 2 1/8″ outputs (headphone outs on front and back), Battery-powered (4-hour life) or 5v power supply powered, Three operational modes (Audio interface, Digital Mixer & 8-Channel Digital Mic Preamp), Zero-latency monitoring (Around 11ms when using USB 2.0 –, Premium-priced audio interface by Universal Audio, UAD Plugin bundle (Compressors, EQs, etc), suitable for all major DAWs, Zero-latency monitoring (Sub 2ms with their UAD Processing), IOS & Android support (wireless control from devices), DSP powered mixing – 48 channels & 12 busses, Zero-latency monitoring (5ms latency – referenced from Amazon Reviews). There's no way. I'm currently using a SIIG card with one of the older Texas Instrument chipsets. F.e. I’ll try to cover everything from the best audio interface under $200 to the best professional-level audio interface. Note: Many audio interfaces don't allow selecting ASIO buffer size smaller than 64-samples when using higher sample-rates. The ASIO interface standard developed by Steinberg over 30 years ago has become an integral part of modern recording studios, making it possible to connect audio interfaces to a computer simply and with low latency. Thanks! Recommended for: If you are looking for a cheap audio interface, this is easily one of the best low latency audio interfaces in 2020 you can buy. Where the unit differs when compared to most audio interfaces, is in it’s connectivity to the DAW (which happens wirelessly). The smaller the buffer own length (f.e. Yeah, I'm talking pre-zoom coming out. Click the latest available driver to start the download. Zoom UAC is good. The latency measurements are collected from ThousandEyes agents, hosted in Azure cloud regions worldwide, that continuously send network probes between themselves in 1-minute intervals. 2. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is, what Focusrite consider, “The world’s best-selling audio interface”, at least that’s what they state on their website. The term 'Ultra-low' is used as audio interface hardware/firmware induces a negligible amount of latency. The iZotope Spire Studio is an audio interface designed with the traveling musician in mind. Great DI input, nifty ScrollControl feature, and a great Class-A preamp make it a top choice for serious beginners. Now, as far as latency goes, we’ve read that it’s around 6ms, from users who have tried it. Click the Downloads tab and scroll down to Drivers. Please note: our picks for the year’s best audio interfaces are listed by category and not in any sort of ranking. Additionally, the unit has 2 phones outputs on the front of the interface, and 2 monitor outputs at the rear of the interface. 2. Overall, we think that readers who are looking for a 2-in/2-out interface, with the versatility to be able to plug in XLR or TRS into each port, as well as MIDI input and output capability and a phones output, will most certainly want to take a look at the PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2 interface. Additionally, it comes with a MIDI I/O for those who may want this. Hence if the latency time is above 10ms, it will be heard. Around here we measure 44.1 khz as a standard. Additionally, the unit has a built-in talkback microphone, which is useful in a home studio environment. Overall, Focusrite is an extremely reputable audio interface provider, known for creating quality interfaces. Not to mention, the MIDI I/O and SPDIF I/O may also be a selling point for some musicians. But 44.1 should be the numbers were looking for. The difference between measured latency and the buffer size latency is what the interface+driver have to do the rest. Sustain Punch. Additionally, it provides 48v phantom power, so you can connect and power your condenser microphones with ease. This is why we write articles which are often over 5000+ words in length, so all of your possible FAQ’s are answered in one article. 96kHz/64 - 0.6ms) the smaller total latency can be, with the same "overhead" (4.5ms + 0.6ms = 5.1ms). The RME Babyface pro is by far the best USB interface in terms of latency and stability. None-the-less, MOTU is such a reputable brand, that combined with the 2-year limited warranty and the low latency time, it will certainly be an interface to consider. Whether you are setting up a bedroom studio or the next Abbey Road, choosing the right audio interface for your needs can be brain-meltingly difficult. USB audio interfaces with lowest round-trip latency are RME and MOTU (both sub 4ms). The PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2 is their flagship 2-in/2-out low-latency audio interface. One addition to all these calculations is the latency induced by your audio interface. One of the advantages of having a zero-latency input monitoring on an audio interface is recording parts when the overall RTL of the DAW mixer gets unacceptably high (>12ms), which easily happens when high overhead plugins are used during mixing. Our interfaces offer Zero, or Ultra Low, Latency tracking and Direct Monitor options to further help the issue of latency as much as possible. Ironically, most hardware monitoring systems have software to set up their mix levels, like the Focusrite Saffire MixControl. We recommend taking a read of the customer reviews on Amazon (linked to directly below), which are extremely positive. The unit has 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs so it’s perfect for the singer/songwriter who wants to record vocals and an accompanying instrument simultaneously, such as guitar or piano. The Tascam US-20×20 audio interface is a unit designed for those who require many inputs and outputs for a reasonable price (when costing it per input/output). 1. I have a 2016 MacBook Pro 15” Apogee Element (46 maybe) is my main contender right now. While the original Clarett 2Prewas a Thunderbolt-only device. By Ben Rogerson 07 March 2019. Audio interface users rejoice: it looks like USB 4.0 will be fully compatible with Thunderbolt 3. Audio interfaces have the ability to convert and process audio signals at a much faster rate than a typical computer. The goals of this document are to: Describe the sources of audio latency in Windows. Their machine mk3 was barely useable at below 128ms. Firstly, looking at the audio interface’s latency metrics will provide a clear impression as to the facts on whether it can truly perform, especially when it comes to providing minimal levels of audio latency. Leo Tilton Jr. left college after being two years into a four-year degree to pursue music. The iZotope Spire Studio is only compatible with the Spire app, which can be downloaded onto your android or iOS application, and so this may be a limitation for some. © 2021. As you’ve realised, we’ve done our very best to provide a range of low-latency audio interfaces to suit any readers budget. December 2020 round-trip latency figures There is a delay between the moment you play a … For a few year's until that UAC2 arrived there was nothing that could come close to the KA6 over USB for less than £250. The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen audio interface is the best 2-channel audio interface for recording, podcasting, and many other activities. Presonus Quantum yields ~1ms total round-trip latency. You only have to take a look at the number of positive Amazon reviews [which we’ve linked to further below] to see how popular the 2i2 interface is. Visit Behringer’s Audio Interface page and select your product. This older brother is packed full of functionality, and has more inputs, outputs and upgraded technology inside, with M-Audio boasting their newly developed Crystal Preamps. Which audio interface should you get? Now the real selling point of this interface is in the internal circuitry and its thunderbolt connectivity, which allow it to achieve a sub-2ms latency.