It seems I’ve fried my audio interface. I presume I plugged in with the PC running, or maybe crookedly. I have a theory that maybe the signal was too hot as I wanted to run something from my amp. However, I’m pretty sure I’ve done that before.
I’ve contacted the retailer and plan to buy a new DI. The M-Audio Solo that I have was a bit on the quiet side through the headphones and didn’t have great output options (cinch). My passive bass was also set at 4.5/10 gain, so that it wouldn’t clip. It was cheap at ca. 45€. What would be a reasonably priced upgrade in your opinion?
The two best in the lower price tier are probably the Solid State Logic SSL2/SSL2+ and the MOTU M2/M4. If you don’t care quite as much about mic preamp quality you could go with a Focusrite Scarlett, very common and a solid choice.
I do not have any experience with the M-Audio interface products but do have a Behringer interface.
No problems at all with it but after 6-7 years I decided to replace it and with all the hype about the Scarlett 2i2 decided to give it a try.
I do not see any difference between the Behringer and Scarlett interfaces for what I am using it for, other than the Scarlett being more expensive. YMMV
Here is a link to the Scarlett Interface I purchased.
Focusrite Scarlett is probably the one to get. I have the 4i4 and it’s quite awesome. Focusrite also has a factory outlet store with pretty aggressive discount on the B-stock that comes with warranty
I’d also would recommend the IK AXE I/O one. I got one for my daughter and it’s pretty easy to use.
My top choices would be the MOTU M series or the Arturia Minifuse; the Focusrite Scarlet is always solid but it’s lacking some features the others have. I’m a big Arturia fan but the M2 has a nicer input level meter which is really handy. One of the things that’s nice to have that not all of them include is a monitor/mix knob.
Thanks for the suggestions, seems like I now have a couple of clear options to pick from. Much appreciated!
When I said my headphones were too quiet, I meant that the M-Audio is both overall relatively quiet and the bass/monitor(?) is really too low - I have to turn down mp3 tracks to <5% so I can hear myself. And there is a general output dial, but no mix. If I got this right, I can’t turn up the gain either (clipping), right?
Cheers and have a good Tuesday, I’m off to work now.
I got an IK Multimedia Axe I/O Solo with bundled Amplitube 5 from Sweetwater. They have a demo listed now for $315 - $15 more than the interface alone. I got the bundle for $229, so great deal. I liked the Axe I/O Solo better than the Teac I had been using and no problems since.
