Loopback recording: This feature allows you to mix in audio from other apps running on a computer with the audio being recorded.

We didn’t consider these to be freebies in our evaluations because you may already have software you like using, and the appeal of the free software depends on what kinds of music or other content you’re producing. Included software: All of the audio interfaces we tried include some type of digital audio workstation (DAW) software, as well as various plug-ins (software that produces sound effects or instrument sounds).However, such instruments are increasingly rare, and you can always buy a USB-to-MIDI adapter if the need arises. MIDI connectors: If you use an older keyboard, sampler, or drum machine that doesn’t have a USB connection, you’ll probably want a USB audio interface that has five-pin MIDI connections.If you’re planning to use your audio interface only with a computer in your home studio, this feature is less important. Using a USB audio interface with an iPad, other than those equipped with a USB-C jack, requires the purchase of an extra adapter. But iPads have become a popular tool to capture performances and recordings, so we considered iOS support to be a valuable feature. iOS support: All audio interfaces should support both macOS and Windows, as long as you download and install the appropriate driver.Research shows that the benefits of higher-resolution audio recording (such as 24-bit/192 kHz) are “small and difficult to detect.” You can read more in our article about audio resolution. High-resolution recording: Most USB audio interfaces available today are capable of recording at 24-bit depth with a 96 kHz sampling rate or higher, so we considered that a minimum requirement for our music-oriented picks.It’s important for you to be able to see and read the meters easily. Setting it too low can produce excessive noise and make a recording more difficult to mix. If the level is too high, distortion (often called “clipping”) will result. These meters are critical for setting gain, or record level. Meter design: One of the biggest differences among USB interfaces is in the way their signal-level meters are configured.A well-made interface, even if it’s made of plastic, should survive years of use. Build quality: We immediately dismissed any obviously cheap, flimsy interfaces that looked like they might not survive more than a few months of frequent use.If you’re looking for an all-in-one portable production studio you should give Rodecaster Pro 2 a look. I used my saved sessions to edit tracks to desired levels. When a live session didn’t sound as loud I needed in areas. The files from that session can be retrieved from the sd card or transferred by USB-C. It’s a nice feature if you can’t record it into a DAW or save it as a backup. In the settings, you can set the option to record in multitrack. It will save your files onto a micro sd card, which isn’t included. You can adjust the settings to reverse the action. Pressing the button will start and again will pause a recording. There is also an option of recording audio straight from the Rodecaster Pro 2 with the rec button. Which helped me run sounds from a DAW from my laptop while also recording video on my phone. I found that to be the most useful for me, its 2 USB-C ports.

A laptop that runs windows 10 or a macOS 10.15 and above, and most USB-C devices are compatible. The Rodecaster Pro 2 can be an audio interface for two different devices. Next to it is the mute button which will stop the sound of the channel from going to the mix. The bright RGB lights can change to 16 different colors.Įach channel has a fader with a solo button so you can hear what is coming through the channel. The minimal use of labels on the faders will allow you to customize each one to the particular setup you will need.

If recording a podcast or playing with a band, you can save your “show”, without having to set up everything again. Options to add vocal effects to a channel or phantom power, and more. The 5.5’ touchscreen will give you options to fine-tune each of the faders or trigger pads. It also has built-in Wi-Fi and comes with an ethernet port to keep your device firmware up to date.

You are also able to pull sound sources from both USB-C and Bluetooth. 2 monitor output is also an option to connect speakers for a live audience broadcast. 4 1/4″ headphones outputs that come with their volume controls for you and guests. With Neutrik combo connectors, you will be able to hook up XLR or line/instrument cables. You will have 9 connections which you can assign to the 6 physical faders and 3 virtual ones. This post contains affiliate links, most which go to Amazon and are Geo-Affiliate links to nearest Amazon store.

Rodecaster pro 2 review