More and more people are using their houses as personal recording studios. One way to help your home studio produce more professional music, audio interfaces are a must.
Two great options for audio interfaces include the M-Audio M-Track and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2.
We’ve evaluated these two products based on the following four categories: inputs and inserts, overall dimensions, software requirements, and additional rocking features.
Inputs and Inserts
The M-Audio M-Track has all the inputs and inserts you could need! With a plug-and-play style, these inputs and inserts are easy to navigate.
Inputs: The M-Audio M-Track has two channels that both are XLR, and this model has have a ¼”, balanced input. XLR inputs work with Lo-z sources, including microphones. The ¼” input receives a level line signal, but can also be used for electric basses and electric guitars.
Inserts: Both the two channels also have insert jacks. This provides you the opportunity to use studio level effects.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is also a two channel model. This model, like the M-Audio M-Track, is a plug-and-play type sevice.
Inputs: The channels are a combination of a jack and XLR. This means that, on the front panel of the model, you can connect to various instruments and microphones, in addition to being able to connect a line.
Inserts: The inserts, as mentioned above, are XLR and inset combinations. In addition to these, there is a headphones insert and an output for speakers.
Overall Dimensions
The overall product dimensions for the M-Audio M-Track makes it a great compact option. The model is 6.1” W x 4.9” D x 2” H. This is also a fantastic lightweight option, weighing a total of 1.54 lbs.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is slightly smaller than the M-Audio M-Track. The overall dimensions are 7” W x 4” D x 1 ¾” H. The weight is also slightly smaller at a total of 1.3 lbs.
Software Requirements
Seeing as these models are USB connected to computers for ultimate recording, there are computer software requirements for running these.
The M-Audio M-Track uses a software program called Ignite. Depending on whether you are using a PC or a Max will depend on what you need.
PC: One of the following operating systems are required: Windows 7 Professional, Windows 7 Home Premium, Windows 8 or Windows 8 Pro.
Mac: If you are using a Max, one of the following operating systems are required: OS X 10.7.5 or OS X 10.8.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 uses two software systems, Focusrite Scarlett plug-in suite and Ableton Live Lite. In order to run these, you will need the following operating systems:
PC: Either Windows 7 or Windows 8 (or 8.1)
Mac: OS x 10.6.5 or higher is required
Additional Rocking Features
The M-Audio M-Track has great features for anyone recording music, amateur or professional. These rocking features include:
- Zero-latency monitoring
- XLR mic inputs, includes option of phantom power
- MIDI in jacks
- MIDI out jacks
- Two balanced ¼” inputs
- Headphone output that features its own level control
- USB data cable and power connection
- Software is included
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has these rocking features to offer:
- Two mic preamps
- Anodized aluminum body, unibody style that can take a beating
- USB connection for data and power
- Software is included
Overall Audio Interface Recommendation
These two audio interfaces are so closely built that it was incredibly hard to decide which to recommend! In the end, I chose the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The main selling point is that it has a rugged body that can withhold traveling and any other incidents that might happen. This included accidently getting into playing the guitar too much and pulling it off of the desk!
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