M-Audio AIR 192|4

I have bought this interface for a very specific use case - I know that I won't be recording more than a single source, and due to my room situation (untreated and has copper pipes that resonate a little if I get loud), I use practically only dynamics. As such, I wanted to leave myself some decent headroom when I recorded audio tracks, and this interface offers an incredibly low noise floor. So I picked this thing up for about $130.

When it arrived, I was surprised that it didn't feel cheap like some other M-Audio offerings. The cheaper M-Track interfaces are almost all-plastic and feel rather light, but this interface has metal plates on the places where it counts. As a result, this interface feels weighty enough to not make me think it's made out of paper mache. The only issue I have with it is that the monitor knob is rather easy to turn by accident. However, as I don't have any studio monitors yet, I don't think this is a large issue.

The XLR port is located at the back, and there's also two plugs for monitors. Balanced, if my eyes don't lie to me. There's also a Kensington lock and a Type-C port, which is welcome at this price point. You can use the interface with a 2.0 USB port, but I use mine with a 3.1 Type-C. The cables provided (USB-A to C and C to C) are decently long and don't feel bad. I would have appreciated another XLR port, but the 192|6 offers that for hardly $30 more. But I'll get to that later.

Note that I only use this interface for spoken word. If you were to use this interface for more purposes, I think I would recommend to look elsewhere, as this really provides a great vocal performance. I don't think it'd be great for recording instruments and such. However, the low noise is great and the gain is sufficient for most microphones. I have tested this interface with an XM8500 and can get it to a comfortable loudness level without any noise in the background. I want to test this interface with a Rode Procaster and an OD505 in the future (yes, the latter has a preamp, I am aware). But so far, I am feeling quite optimistic.

As for the headphone output, it's alright. It's not great, but it will be fine for most headphones. Lower impedance ones tend to suffer (I own a pair of SHP9600 and they introduce noise when I crank the gain past the second level). I'd recommend 300 ohms max, around 120 is the sweet spot.

There's still a very few quirks that may still prove to be annoying, if you decide to buy this interface. For starters, Windows loves to swap the bitrate to 32bit (which this interface cannot do), which messes up the inputs. The solution is to disable applications allowing to take control of the device in Windows sound properties. Some people also told me about them having stutters once in a while, if they use the interface for long-form content. I'd recommend adjusting the buffer size.

If you only need to record your own voice and only plan to use one microphone, then this is a great interface. However, in Europe, the Audient ID4 Mark II is hardly $30 away. It also has limited I/O, and I almost bought that one, but got limited by my budget. If you can stretch your budget a bit further, I would absolutely recommend that one. It'll work just as good as this one.

Well I was wondering what audio interface to buy to record my guitars. Was choosing between this and Focusrite solo. Actually, the choice is as simple as: If you want a compact audio interface, that will be used a lot in different conditions(in the living room of your house, at your friends flat, in the park, at the studio - then choose Focusrite. It's more compact and "boxy" built. If I'd owned it, I'd confidently throw it in my backpack and go anywhere. I don't know why, but focusrite design gives me an impression that it's as reliable as a brick, and nothing will ever break it. While this M-Audio is a choice for a fancy studio setup. It just looks better on your desk than Focusrite(and it's bigger too, compare dimensions on website). Soundwise, I believe they're similar. So just choose if you need more compact or good-looking.

The M-Audio AIR 192|4 has quickly established itself as a cornerstone in my audio setup. From the moment I started using it, I was impressed by its exceptional sound quality and robust feature set. This audio interface is a game-changer for both professional and home studios, offering a perfect blend of performance and ease of use.

The AIR 192|4 stands out with its pristine audio quality, thanks to its 24-bit/192kHz resolution that ensures every detail is captured with clarity. The interface features ultra-low latency, which is crucial for seamless recording and monitoring. Its versatile I/O options include two combo XLR/TRS inputs with M-Audio’s Crystal preamps, providing clean, high-gain amplification for microphones and instruments alike.

The interface is also equipped with a high-quality headphone output, allowing for accurate monitoring and mixing. The included software bundle, which features a range of professional-grade tools and effects, further enhances its value, making it a complete package for recording and production needs.

One of the AIR 192|4's highlights is its user-friendly design. The large, intuitive knobs and LED metering make it easy to manage levels and ensure optimal recording conditions. The build quality is solid and durable, designed to withstand the rigors of both studio and mobile setups.

In summary, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 is a top-notch audio interface that delivers outstanding performance and versatility. Its high-resolution audio, low latency, and comprehensive features make it an excellent choice for musicians and producers seeking quality and reliability. Whether you're recording vocals, instruments, or crafting intricate mixes, the AIR 192|4 will elevate your audio production experience. Highly recommended for anyone looking to enhance their studio setup.