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Best audio interface?
Hi looping family,
I am making a change from RC505 to Loopy Pro and trying to understand what kind of audio interface I would need.
I am using
- Handsonic
- synth
- possibly 2 instruments with jacks
- and possibly 2 or 3 microphones
So ideal would be 3-4 x XLR + 6-8 stereo jacks.
I was checking on the new Zoom Livetrak L-6max, as it would tick the boxes for input needs, but I am questioning if latency would be an issue?
I would probably also run some top loops, samples and use VST’s on Loopy Pro, I have M2 iPad Air (8GB RAM) I am guessing it should be enough?
Thank you for your time guys, happy and excited to be part of this community! 🙏
Comments
Because I've not needed as many inputs as you my favourites don't apply, but I might suggest the Motu Ultralite 5, depending if you could convert a couple of the XLRs if they don't all need phantom power. I was told by a user of the LiveTrak that the latency is too much, but, I don't know that first hand from experience.
https://motu.com/en-us/products/gen5/ultralite-mk5/
In the past few years I've owned
SSL2+MKII (current fave)
Motu M4
RME Babyface Pro
Apogee Duet 2
iRig Pro Duo
iConnectivity PlayAudio12
iConnectivity ConnectAudio4
Zoom U44
And a number of others in prior years
An alternative cheapish way to get enough inputs if you do need a lot of XLR ins, might be an Audient ID because even the small ones, from the ID14 upwards have ADAT input, and so then a 8 preamp box like their own EVO SP8, or the similar Focusrite one. That would get you all the inputs you want and fairly low latency and excellent quality. That principle then applies to any interface you like if it doesn't have enough inputs but it does have ADAT. That said, I would then still prefer to expand the Ultralite, than a small Audient, because it also has ADAT to go with its 8 jack ins, and 2 XLR combo ins.
https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/audient-evo-sp8
I like the SSL because: its equally excellent in its class alongside Motu and RME, its form factor is with the controls on top, while all the wires hang out of the back only, not all 3 sides.
See the Julian Krause reviews on youtube for measurements of latency, noise, and everything else, if you're looking at specific interfaces.
Whatever you're looking at, make sure its class compliant.
EDIT: On that note possibly forget the Audient suggestion. I mentioned it because I've seen youtube users using it with ipad, but Audient's own website suggests that only their ID4 is compatible with iOS in which case...
AAAAND!! I overlooked that the SSL 12 also has an ADAT input, so these would be the two high quality options I would be inclined towards. A Motu Ultralite 5 which if 2 XLR combo inputs plus 6 TRS inputs isn't enough you can add an 8 channel XLR combo mic preamp ADAT unit like the Focusrite Octopre or Audient EVO SP8, or, for the controls on top form factor, an SSL 12, which has 4 XLR combo, and 2 instrument DI inputs and also has the ADAT expansion. Motu explicitly support iOS. SSL don't really say anything about it, my SSL 2+MKII works great with Loopy, absolutely no problems but if you deemed it worth getting probably worth emailing SSL first to check.
There is no best, pick your budget, make a list of what features you need and dont need and see what matches up
Latency was an issue for the L-6: https://forum.loopypro.com/discussion/58564/comparing-interface-latency/p3. Don't know about the L-6max.
Focusrite 18i20 will give you 8 XLR inputs and 8 1/4in outputs, with ADAT providing another 8 of each, plus spdif. I used it a lot with my iPad before I swapped to a MOTU so I could have DC-coupled outputs. The gen 3 version would be sufficient without question. Highly recommend it.
I was actually looking at Ultralight also, and thinking to get an preamp to have more xlr options. Perfect solution would be ofcourse everything in one piece..
SSL is also a good idea, I was checking SSL18, as it would have enough inputs, but at the same time it's bit bulky. But it is an good option!
Thank you for the ideas! 🙏
This looks like a good option!
So latency is low enough to play live instruments?
Thank you, I'd rather not take the risk then
Agreed, as I am just entering the Loopy Pro world, I was just wondering to see what people are actually using and having good experience with
Latency is as good as your iPad can handle, pretty much!
When you're in the ballpark of 5,6,7 ms latency, yeah it's really a non-issue. When you get slightly higher than that you can "feel" it more when you're playing, 10,11,12 is sort of "spongey" if I can use such a description, you can feel the cushion without being completely put off, relative to the fact that we get the same amount of sponge simply being a few feet from monitors. So when you get interfaces like the Motu and Focusrite and RME yes the latency is fine. The SSL isn't the fastest but I find it too to be perfectly fine. Class compliant mode with interfaces and ios mean some are not as fast as they are with desktop, where 3ms on desktop might be 6ms on ios, but that's still good enough. If you're not really running many software instruments on the ipad you can probably set a lower buffer size and therefore get at the low end of latency, because loop recording 505 style is not very processor intensive. I tend to go in the middle because I use lots of software instruments, and put up with a tiny bit of sponge, with 256 buffer. If you can set 128 or 64 and not get any crackles you'll have very low latency with any such interface as has been recommended here.
I have an older Audient ID14 (Version 1) unit that is still rock solid with iOS in general, and Loopy Pro and AUM in particular. I don’t think connectivity with iOS is anything to worry about. The sound quality is really good. I’m thinking about getting a mk II ID22 or ID44, as these units have inserts for additional hardware processing which is something I want to explore.
Good to know. I should edit my post in case anyone overlooks this
Thank you for the explanation!
I will perhaps try to figure out a workflow of not using too much software on the pad then.
And looks like Focusrite could be the one!
Okaaay, some time ago I bought M2 iPad air, 8GB RAM but now I am wondering if I shoud’ve got something with 16..
I guess I will find out when I start to develop a workflow
If going Ultralite, the mk4 works great and is cheaper than the mk5. Check those specs to see if the extra is worth the price. The difference is pretty slight.
A Behringer ADA8200 is a cheap and easy way to add channels via ADAT. I didn't like the sound of the ADA8200 for my needs but it's cheap enough used to be worth an experiment.
I had a Focusrite 18i20 gen 2 and was surprised by how much better things sounded when I moved on from it (this was several interfaces ago for me, to be clear). More important, my iPad didn't recognize it. Be careful not to buy these older-generation units.
Thanks for the info!
Seems like Focusrite gen4 is pretty well praised, and looks like Behringer ADA8200 itself is the same size as 18i20.
Just for the sake of saving space and having 1 physical item, I am leaning toward Focusrite..
But I will keep the option in mind!