Need suggestion for Audio Interface

[Renauta]

Hello!

I need suggestion for Audio Interface
So, my current setup is the Arturia Minifuse 2.
I use this interface for recording vocals and guitar, but mainly for mixing and mastering via headphone.

For headphones, I use the Neumann NDH 30 for my day-to-day mixing and mastering, and the device I’m currently using runs on Windows.

I’ve been looking at a few options: the Motu M2/M4, SSL 2 MKii, Audient iD 14 MK2, and Audient iD 24.
Of all the factors, the most important one is that my headphones get enough power. Right now, with the Arturia Minifuse 2, I have to turn the volume knob all the way up to the 3 o’clock position to drive my headphones.

I need some recommendations because I’m having trouble deciding, and all of these devices are in a similar price range.

P.S : Please don’t recommend Topping to me, because I’m concerned about after-sales service in my area, since it’s a new product.

Thank you for reading, and for your help and recommendations!

 

[staticV3]

Of all the factors, the most important one is that my headphones get enough power.

See Julian Krause's audio interface sheet:


Source

All values are measured by Krause.

The Output power columns tell you how loud each interface can get at various headphone impedances.

Edit:
Maybe easier to look at like this:

 

[melomane13]

Right now, with the Arturia Minifuse 2, I have to turn the volume knob all the way up to the 3 o’clock position to drive my headphones.

Is it a problem?
As long as you aren't hearing heavy distortion, clipping, or a noise floor/hiss at that 3 o'clock position, your interface and headphones are operating safely.

also your Arturia Minifuse 2 have 137 mW of power at 33 ohms.
Which is more than those of the interfaces you showed.
Therefore, you won't gain any advantage by switching, at least if the only reason is headphone output power.
Maybe a headphone amp?

 

[kemmler3D]

Welcome to ASR! I use a JDS Atom with my MOTU M2 / M4, it may be a more affordable option if you can spare the outputs from the Minifuse.

 

[john61ct]

The HPamp issue is not important for me, SOTA separate is not expensive.

To me the important aspects are the quality / flexibility of the analog I/O

and of course port count, digital formats supported, ADAT for future expansion

My personal favourite has zero preamps, I outboard that as well, often part of a good mixer.

Fantastic bargains to be found secondhand, even discontinued gear can be stellar SQ, just check driver updates if you use windoze, or make sure USB Class 2, not reliant on drivers at all

 

[MouseOnMars]

Stay away from MOTU

 

[john61ct]

Stay away from MOTU

That's a bit unfair, at minimum over generalizing?

Do you mean the old AVB gear?

Or the linux "drumfix" USB issues?

Plenty of very performant models fit neither categories, legacy units can be tremendously good values for the right use cases.

UltraLite-mk5 is a great unit, also the M-Series have had no issues afaik

Dick Burwen's Audio Splendor was specifically developed for 828mk3

 

[Renauta]

Is it a problem?
As long as you aren't hearing heavy distortion, clipping, or a noise floor/hiss at that 3 o'clock position, your interface and headphones are operating safely.

also your Arturia Minifuse 2 have 137 mW of power at 33 ohms.
Which is more than those of the interfaces you showed.
Therefore, you won't gain any advantage by switching, at least if the only reason is headphone output power.
Maybe a headphone amp?

Yea, you're right. welp if someone says it's not worth to do an upgrade, it's okay, bcs it's still covered all of my needs.
I’ll probably just keep the money I have right now and keep saving up to buy a new device for now. Maybe I’ll ask again about the next upgrade later, which is higher than the one I asked about in this thread, bcs it will be used for hybrid mixing

Thank you for your input and reminder anyway! appreciate it!

 

[Renauta]

The HPamp issue is not important for me, SOTA separate is not expensive.
To me the important aspects are the quality / flexibility of the analog I/O
and of course port count, digital formats supported, ADAT for future expansion

Plenty of very performant models fit neither categories, legacy units can be tremendously good values for the right use cases.
UltraLite-mk5 is a great unit, also the M-Series have had no issues afaik
Dick Burwen's Audio Splendor was specifically developed for 828mk3

Thanks for the input! I’ve decided to set aside the money I’ve already saved for an even better upgrade later on. That’s bcs my next plan is to buy an interface with enough I/O for hybrid mixing, and one of the options I’m considering is the Ultralike Mk5.

 

[john61ct]

6 nice TRS analog in to bypass preamps but all ADC is very clean anyway

Requires updated drivers for windoze, USB audio class-compliant for Linux & Mac.

Does work standalone, can be handy.

ADAT expansion x1 - for me, 8ch is a bit limited

Well priced for new gear, but keep an eye on the secondhand markets