Need a 2 in x 4 out audio interface with a great headphone amp - recommendations?

[Wavez]

I need a portable audio interface for gigs, and I would like to also use it at home as a desktop headphone amp for casual listening - on Audeze mm-100 headphones which are 18ohms, 98db sensitive, and minimum power level >100mW (>200mW recommended).

Along with the headphone amp, here are my needs:

• 2x 1/4" inputs (or xlr 1/4" combo jacks)
• 4x outputs (real outputs, the headphone out doesn't count)
• midi in/out (would be nice to have, but not a deal breaker)
• low latency
• reliable software (will be used for live performances, can't risk pops, clicks or crashes)
• class compliant
• under ~$400

Obviously this is a tricky question to quantify because a lot of interfaces haven't been tested.

The two that are on the top of my list haven't been tested by amir but both have been tested mostly favorably by Julian Krause (https://www.youtube.com/@JulianKrause):

• Audient iD14 mkii
• Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (4th gen)

However, neither of these puts out >100mW @16ohms from the headphone amp.
In fact, from Julians charts, I see that very few interfaces even come close to that power. Maybe this is a dead end in this price range.

Any other recommendations?

Also considering:

• Focusrite Clarett+ 2pre USB
• Arturia Audiofuse 4

Random thoughts:

• I like that the audient is fully USB powered. One less cable. yay.
• I like that the audient has an adat input.
• I see that audient had some concerning manufacturing issues on the mki version.

 

[staticV3]

Julian Krause's measurements of audio interfaces show that the majority of them have rather poor headphone Amps built in:


If you're after an interface with a high quality Amp inside, then perhaps consider the upcoming Topping E4X4.

The E2X2 has already been thoroughly reviewed here, and the E4X4 should be more of the same.

Edit: according to Topping's specs, the E4X4 should be capable of about 3.6Vrms into 18Ω, which translates to 720mW per channel:

 

[twsecrest]

With 18-Ohm headphones, there should be no power issue.
But, for best damping control, you want the headphone jack to have an output impedance (Ohm) of around 2-Ohms, or less.
I'm guessing none of the units listed offers that low of a output impedance.
So you might consider getting an add-on headphone amplifier ($100-$110), to connect to the Audio Interface's line-output.

 

[Wavez]

Yes the topping units are very intriguing, but I'm not sure I can trust the brand yet in a performance setting.

 

[JeffGB]

The MOTU M4 and M2 have a nice low output impedance of .06 ohms but power output for headphones may not be enough, depending on your needs.

 

[unpluggged]

With 18-Ohm headphones, there should be no power issue.

These planars are hard to drive.

 

[Wavez]

Hmm the m4 actually looks pretty ideal minus the headphone amp power. Maybe that plus a separate headphone amp is the move

 

[b7676]

Maybe that plus a separate headphone amp is the move

L50 if you use digital volume control at your source. L70 gets you perfect analog volume control, preamp, 2 profile and last setting memory, internal power supply.