The Fluid Audio SRI-2 is a compact and high-quality desktop audio interface that is additionally equipped with a monitor controller function for up to two pairs of speakers. The interface can be operated with Windows, MacOS, and iOS devices and features two jack/XLR combo inputs with switchable 48V phantom power that can be used to connect microphones as well as line and instrument signals. When combined with a Mac or PC, the interface is powered entirely via the USB bus, whereas an external power supply (not included) or a power bank will be required when combining it with an iPhone or iPad. Thanks to its high-resolution converters, the Fluid Audio SRI-2 delivers sampling rates of up to 24-bit/192kHz, and the scope of delivery also includes a basic version of the Cubase and Cubasis (for iOS) DAW software.
The Fluid Audio SRI-2 features a clearly structured user interface with a manageable number of controls, and it can be operated without the need for additional software. While recording, the mix controller can be used to intuitively adjust the balance between input signals and DAW playback, while each channel is equipped with a dedicated LED meter to facilitate correct gain level settings. When two pairs of monitor speakers are connected, the A/B button can be used to switch directly between the two, and the volume can be precisely adjusted using the large central rotary control, while a smaller control knob on the right-hand side allows the powerful headphone output to be adjusted independently. Almost all of the Fluid Audio SRI-2's controls feature LED backlighting, ensuring excellent legibility even in poor lighting conditions.
Its additional ability to function as a monitor controller makes the Fluid Audio SRI-2 an ideal solution for users who on the one hand operate in a home studio environment and don't have a huge number of inputs and outputs at their disposal, but on the other hand still want to easily integrate two pairs of monitor speakers into their setup. This option of obtaining a "second opinion" whenever necessary makes a lot of sense when mixing music but also when producing any kind of multimedia content. Its USB bus power and compatibility with iOS devices (with a power bank if need be), and not least its robust manufacturing quality make the Fluid Audio SRI-2 a hot candidate for mobile recording applications as well. The interface's onboard mic preamps are fully compatible with dynamic microphones, though condenser microphones (which by their nature are more sensitive) are recommended for use with quieter sound sources.
Fluid Audio was founded by speaker engineer and recording enthusiast Kevin Zuccaro. The design philosophy behind Fluid Audio monitors is optimization. To achieve this Fluid Audio takes every component of a monitor speaker and determines how far it can be perfected for a given price. The result is high-quality speakers with realistic imaging that allow for precise pinpointing of individual instruments. After producing many high-quality studio monitors, the firm’s focus is now on expanding the product range. Its entry into the guitar market with the award-winning Strum Buddy guitar monitor was followed by its entry into the recording equipment market with the introduction of the SRI-2 audio interface.
For the sake of keeping the SRI-2 as user-friendly as possible, Fluid Audio has omitted an additional software mixer, but this brings with it the practical benefit that users can directly monitor their mixes in the context of mono and stereo recordings - when the sum function is activated, all of the signals that are present are thus output as summed mono signals (i.e. at the centre of the stereo panorama), which is a sensible approach when recording guitars and vocals at the same time, for instance. When making stereo recordings, on the other hand, it is a good idea to deactivate the sum function and to assign the two input channels to the left and right channels of the monitoring system, respectively. It should be noted, however, that this function only affects direct monitoring and has no influence on the sound of the recording itself.