Topping E2x2 Audio Interface Review

[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.)

 

[Pauper]

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.

Thanks for that smcc. I will give it a go once I can borrow a computer and report back with my findings.

 

[BitcoinKang]

If the price were irrelevant, would you guys recommend the Topping E4X4 or the Motu M4?

Use case will be home recording of vocals, and string instruments.

 

[Blumlein 88]

If the price were irrelevant, would you guys recommend the Topping E4X4 or the Motu M4?

Use case will be home recording of vocals, and string instruments.

Welcome to ASR.

Either world do a fine job. If not for price I would say Motu Ultralite mk5.

 

[BitcoinKang]

Welcome to ASR.

Either world do a fine job. If not for price I would say Motu Ultralite mk5.

Thank you kindly friend! Really like what the Mk5 offers and it seems to score really well compared to other DAIs in the sub $700 market

 

[zachary80]

If the price were irrelevant, would you guys recommend the Topping E4X4 or the Motu M4?

Use case will be home recording of vocals, and string instruments.

I don't have either but am looking for a new interface, just on IO and controls alone the M4 would crush the E4X4 for me. The advantage for the Topping would be if you needed 4 48v XLR. Another option is the Volt 276 which is on sale right now

 

[D2013]

Welcome to ASR.

Either world do a fine job. If not for price I would say Motu Ultralite mk5.

I second that.

 

[pier25]

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.

I don't see that with my e4x4

 

[MAS4T0]

I picked up a Topping E2x2 recently and am unsure if I should return it for an E1x2.

I'm trying to record mono and can't find a setting to enable this. It records from a single microphone as a single channel of stereo sound. I assumed there'd be a toggle for this in the software.

Is there any way to record mono on the E2x2?

 

[Alex777]

I picked up a Topping E2x2 recently and am unsure if I should return it for an E1x2.

I'm trying to record mono and can't find a setting to enable this. It records from a single microphone as a single channel of stereo sound. I assumed there'd be a toggle for this in the software.

Is there any way to record mono on the E2x2?

How do you record sound from an audio interface? If you use the main usb-c (not otg port) and DAW, then as far as I understand, how the signal is interpreted depends on your DAW, you have to set the input and if you need output settings for the track accordingly.

 

[MAS4T0]

How do you record sound from an audio interface? If you use the main usb-c (not otg port) and DAW, then as far as I understand, how the signal is interpreted depends on your DAW, you have to set the input and if you need output settings for the track accordingly.

Thank you Alex.

In a DAW I'm able to select mono, but there are various system apps which don't have any option (such as voice memos).

I was looking into it and it seems to be a macOS limitation (whereas Windows has a system setting).

I was previously using a USB microphone, which output in mono (rather than a single track of stereo). I need to check what it was actually doing as those apps apparently don't accept mono (perhaps the audio was being duplicated so it's the same on both channels).

According to Focusrite (the best reference I found on this) it's a limitation of the system apps:

When using an audio interface with Keynote or QuickTime, these macOS apps will only accept a stereo input and will automatically assign Input 1 to the Left channel, and Input 2 to the Right channel. Therefore, when recording a microphone connected to your audio interface's Input 1 for example, this will be recorded and played back by Keynote/QuickTime only on the left side of the stereo spectrum.

So not an issue with the Topping interface.

I think it's probably a good trigger to stop using these apps and use a proper DAW every time.

 

[Alex777]

Thank you Alex.

In a DAW I'm able to select mono, but there are various system apps which don't have any option (such as voice memos).

I was looking into it and it seems to be a macOS limitation (whereas Windows has a system setting).

I was previously using a USB microphone, which output in mono (rather than a single track of stereo). I need to check what it was actually doing as those apps apparently don't accept mono (perhaps the audio was being duplicated so it's the same on both channels).

According to Focusrite (the best reference I found on this) it's a limitation of the system apps:

When using an audio interface with Keynote or QuickTime, these macOS apps will only accept a stereo input and will automatically assign Input 1 to the Left channel, and Input 2 to the Right channel. Therefore, when recording a microphone connected to your audio interface's Input 1 for example, this will be recorded and played back by Keynote/QuickTime only on the left side of the stereo spectrum.

So not an issue with the Topping interface.

I think it's probably a good trigger to stop using these apps and use a proper DAW every time.

I understand you, I also like to use Voice Memos for quick record.

Yes, macOS has some limitations with signal routing.

You can try to use additional routing app(LoopBack , SoundSource, something like this), maybe it can give you more settings to set-up channels for individual apps(need to check their documentation).

Also you if you have OTG version of the E2x2, then you can configure sound signal for OTG usb port in Topping Control Centre, download this setup to topping device, next you can connect your Mac to OTG usb port and use it as expected I think.

Also you can set "Play stereo as mono" on you macOS settings, it's not real solution, but you can use this setting.

 

[donny86]

I am no really sure what are you asking.

i'm asking if it's possible to bypass the preamps of the topping because if i want to use an external preamp for recording, it would be best if i could bypass the preamps of the topping

 

[AnalogSteph]

There's not terribly much to be gained by a fixed-level line-in. The line-in jacks can already handle up to +23.9 dBu and distortion is quite low:

Solid State Logic SSL 2 MKII vs. Topping Pro E2x2 OTG (Audio Interfaces) Comparison Review and Measurements

Introduction Reviewing these two devices started out from a simple motivation for replacing my dead E-MU 0404 USB. I am a long-time speaker DIY'er and the E-MU 0404 USB, a state-of-the-art device at its time, had served my needs for 16 years admirably. But then it suddenly died. After studying...

www.audiosciencereview.com

What are you worried about, channel balance? Both inputs should be well in sync at minimum gain.

 

[Henreid]

Would it be possible to connect a phono preamp to the E2x2 and make digital files from vinyl records?

 

[staticV3]

Would it be possible to connect a phono preamp to the E2x2 and make digital files from vinyl records?

Yes.

 

[Henreid]

Yes.

Thanks - I appreciate your help. It's gratifying to know that for only $159 the E2x2 would allow me to preserve a vinyl record collection in digital format.

 

[AnalogSteph]

For that kind of application I'd rather be using something that comes with some RCA line inputs, for example
Tascam US-1x2HR
ESI Amber i1
Both even less expensive and based on the CS4272, which is plenty good enough for this purpose. Using 48 kHz at a minimum is advised, but I think 24/96 recording is common anyway.

PC onboard audio of the fancier kind - e.g. ALC1220/4080, ALC889, ALC897 - would also be fairly well-suited, assuming there's a line-in available at some jack (the ALC897 mic-in can only take about half a volt, not to mention the usual 2.2 kOhm input impedance is a tad on the low side).

 

[staticV3]

For that kind of application I'd rather be using something that comes with some RCA line inputs, for example
Tascam US-1x2HR
ESI Amber i1
Both even less expensive and based on the CS4272, which is plenty good enough for this purpose. Using 48 kHz at a minimum is advised, but I think 24/96 recording is common anyway.

PC onboard audio of the fancier kind - e.g. ALC1220/4080, ALC889, ALC897 - would also be fairly well-suited, assuming there's a line-in available at some jack (the ALC897 mic-in can only take about half a volt, not to mention the usual 2.2 kOhm input impedance is a tad on the low side).

Having XLR inputs is advantageous even with RCA sources, if you have the right cables:

 

[AnalogSteph]

Sure, but 99% of turntables and phonopres are as floating as they come [1], so the risk of any ground loop issues is very low even with traditional unbalanced connections. I'd rather have a somewhat high input impedance as not every phonopre may be a good load driver.

[1] The only exception I know of was some silly American brand, don't remember the name.