Topping E2x2 Audio Interface Review

[murzik]

can you bypass the preamps on the topping e4x4?

I am no really sure what are you asking.

 

[murzik]

I've noticed strange thing with my unit.
I am seeing noise in Toping mixer when I am turning input gain even if no device is connected. Same in Reaper. See files atatched. That is me turing in1 gain.

 

[AnalogSteph]

I am seeing noise in Toping mixer when I am turning input gain even if no device is connected. Same in Reaper. See files atatched. That is me turing in1 gain.

The noise when turning the input gain control seems to be a quirk common to all Topping interfaces.

 

[murzik]

The noise when turning the input gain control seems to be a quirk common to all Topping interfaces.

Oh, I never knew that. For me that renders interface useless, us gain can't be adjusted on a fly.
Will need to look for alternative. Too bad, because in general I liked functionality of E4x4.

 

[Scrivs]

Topping is a name I associate with pizzas and tacos. At least they don't sound like them

 

[AnalogSteph]

Oh, I never knew that. For me that renders interface useless, us gain can't be adjusted on a fly.

May I ask what your use case is that requires this? (A 4x4 interface seems a bit overdressed for livestreaming, for example.) From my understanding the normal approach in recording would be using the soundcheck to ballpark the levels for a -12 to -18 dB peak and then go ahead with the recording, with any fine tuning of levels being performed digitally in the DAW. An interface like this provides plenty enough dynamic range as to not require any super precise input level adjustments.

 

[murzik]

May I ask what your use case is that requires this? (A 4x4 interface seems a bit overdressed for livestreaming, for example.) From my understanding the normal approach in recording would be using the soundcheck to ballpark the levels for a -12 to -18 dB peak and then go ahead with the recording, with any fine tuning of levels being performed digitally in the DAW. An interface like this provides plenty enough dynamic range as to not require any super precise input level adjustments.

I am agree with you about a normal approach. However, why consciously limit yourself? I am recording kid's band today. What if my kid will decide to do a podcast tomorrow?

 

[smcc]

Hi, has anyone tested the non-OTG model with a USB-C iPad and/or iPhone?

Thanks.

So i bought the otg model, but don’t think i needed it…the standard usb port works better as it works as bus powered…ipad, macbook, I can even use it with my iphone pro 16 bus powered, even headphone amp with high gain…

I’ll post a full ios review when i get around to testing everything...first impressions, 10/10 for the money.

 

[murzik]

I am just curious, if owners of e2x2 see output noise in Topping mixer when nothing is connected to input and gain of the input is not 0.

 

[Rja4000]

I am just curious, if owners of e2x2 see output noise in Topping mixer when nothing is connected to input and gain of the input is not 0. View attachment 426612

That's the same for most interfaces.
Plug something in and that will disappear.

 

[boxerfan88]

Yeap, my E2x2 OTG behaves similar... (nothing connected)...

 

[staticV3]

Floating inputs act as antennae, receiving EMI which depending on amplitude will appear on the level meter.

Short the inputs and it'll go away.

 

[smcc]

It's definitely a bit clunky/quirky on iOS, still using the normal USB-C port, haven't used OTG yet. I think I see why some people have had problems with it.
Plug and play initially I was getting -80dBFS, even though I was nearly clipping the mic...turned out there was some weird interaction going on. My other interfaces haven't had this issue.

One thing you need to do is quit every App on your iPad, and then go into AUM to configure it...as there is no dedicated app for this Topping. It does seem to work fine though, but you need to know what you're doing...48v works fine on iPad bus power also, even powering a hungry enough mic.

Early days, but I think the standard model is the way to go…not sure this OTG model is worth the extra 40 unless u need the optical out…

One cool thing I noticed, the xlr in (mic in) stays linear right up to 0.0dBFS…

 

[half_dog]

Yeap, my E2x2 OTG behaves similar... (nothing connected)...

View attachment 426617

Mine interface has this as well, but only when the sample rate is at its maximum (192kHz). It might related to the ADC chip's noise shaping I believe...

 

[jkim]

Mine interface has this as well, but only when the sample rate is at its maximum (192kHz). It might related to the ADC chip's noise shaping I believe...

Interesting observation. Right, my test shows its ADC does include ultrasonic noise shaping at that sample rate.

 

[Pauper]

It's definitely a bit clunky/quirky on iOS, still using the normal USB-C port, haven't used OTG yet. I think I see why some people have had problems with it.
Plug and play initially I was getting -80dBFS, even though I was nearly clipping the mic...turned out there was some weird interaction going on. My other interfaces haven't had this issue.

One thing you need to do is quit every App on your iPad, and then go into AUM to configure it...as there is no dedicated app for this Topping. It does seem to work fine though, but you need to know what you're doing...48v works fine on iPad bus power also, even powering a hungry enough mic.

Early days, but I think the standard model is the way to go…not sure this OTG model is worth the extra 40 unless u need the optical out…

One cool thing I noticed, the xlr in (mic in) stays linear right up to 0.0dBFS…

I’ve tried using it with Logic Pro on my iPad Pro M1 as stated elsewhere in this thread, with no luck at all. iPad recognises the e2x2 as the input and output device but can’t get it to record. It’s interesting to note that the place where I bought it from now reads ‘iPad compatible - NO’ on its product description. I will reluctantly be placing it on fleabay.

 

[smcc]

I’ve tried using it with Logic Pro on my iPad Pro M1 as stated elsewhere in this thread, with no luck at all. iPad recognises the e2x2 as the input and output device but can’t get it to record. It’s interesting to note that the place where I bought it from now reads ‘iPad compatible - NO’ on its product description. I will reluctantly be placing it on fleabay.

Either it’s broken or I can help you get it to work.

Do you have AUM?

 

[Pauper]

Either it’s broken or I can help you get it to work.

Do you have AUM?

Hi, no I don’t use AUM just Logic Pro and occasionally GarageBand. Singer songwriter stuff with live audio and electric guitars. No synths or midi instruments.

 

[smcc]

Hi, no I don’t use AUM just Logic Pro and occasionally GarageBand. Singer songwriter stuff with live audio and electric guitars. No synths or midi instruments.

Ok, i don't want to recommend a 20 quid app you don't need otherwise...

Try this first. Connect Topping up to a computer first and set everything up default. Set sample rate to 48k. Make a brief recording to make sure everything is working OK.

Close every app on the iPad, turn silent off, turn volume up full. Turn off wifi.

Then connect Topping, then set Topping as output in control centre, turn iPad volume control (side buttons) up full, then try open Logic and set stuff up in there...make sure you're at 48k...

Only step missing there is I changed a few settings in AUM before opening Garageband/Logic etc. Even voice memos records fine.

 

[smcc]

there's a simple loopback in AUM...an audio loop is playing, that comes out of the main outs, and then comes back in on channel 1...TRS L out to TRS 1 in...ch1 input meter up top, c. -10dbfs.

The crucial setting there is Input Gain...needs to be at 100%...

After I set that to 100%, I can quit AUM and it works fine in all the other apps...no idea why it was set to 66% initially...which seems to have some weird logarithmic attenuation...see 2nd pic everything as before, but with input gain at 66%, ch1 input meter now c. -97dbfs!

This doesn't happen on my Apogee Duet 2, that Input Gain has no affect whatsoever. It does affect the built-in mics though. So something odd is happening with how this Topping interacts with iOS...

(note that I'm not using the "OTG port"...just the standard USB-C one, same as you use on a Mac etc...in theory this should function the same as the regular model.)