steinberg axr4 vs apollo

The driver component can be updated separately in this case. High pass filters, polarity, and phantom power allow an 85dB gain range with 1dB adjustable increments from the Maestro software. Take it for a spin and experience pure sound with the DSP effects. Additionally, the Prism Sound Overkill Limiter feature available on all analog inputs catches fast transients. Focusrite somehow keeps on delivering. The Symphony MK II offers you four base configurations 2x6, 8x8, 16x16, and 8x8 with 8 mic pre-amps thats easy to expand to meet the needs of your studio. So, what makes the Apogee Ensemble Thunderbolt so special? Theflexibilityof the AmpliTubesoftwarecombinedwithawell-designed interfacemakesthisquitetheoffer,especiallyforunder$500. Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. All Trademarks and Copyrights belong to their respective owners. With the AXR4, Steinberg sets a new standard in audio interfaces for studios, producers and professional musicians. If youve been longing to upgrade to an audio interface that can handle any project without a single hitch, Universal Audio Apollo X8 will exceed your expectations. The HD I/O gives you three configuration options to adapt to your connection needs. The AXR4 is equipped with exceptional hybrid mic preamps featuring switchable RND SILK emulation, which can accommodate any kind of microphone. It allows those musicians early in their careers to create high quality recordings. There are two Thunderbolt sockets, both of which use the older Mini DisplayPort connectors rather than the current Type C ports specified for Thunderbolt 3. Learn how to master the fundamentals of electronic music production with the best roadmap for new producers . The dspMixFx AXR full matrix mixer allows for easy setup, routing and latency-free monitoring with effects with any DAW, with Cubase users able to control these features through a custom panel. Recorded signals can also be enhanced with RND Silk emulation. AXR4Ts extreme 384kHz/32-bit AD/DA conversion certainly grabs the attention and may be desirable in some very specific circumstances, but it disables useful features for little discernible benefit, so I doubt many users will crank things up beyond the more conventional 192kHz/24-bit digital format. steinberg took more than a year to support axr4 on apple silicon and they very pretty unresponsive to customer queries regarding it, gives me the feeling that the product line is not a priority for yamaha. Nor is it the only novel feature on offer. Please activate your javascript. Dont get me wrong, it makes it very portable! And thats a list of the best interfaces available (or coming soon) in 2023! The only downside is no MIDI In/Out. The AXR4 is a 2824 Thunderbolt 2 interface with four combo mic inputs, eight line inputs and outputs, and a pair of ADAT inputs and outputs that also can accommodate S/PDIF and AES/EBU connections. The preamps use differential op-amps to control noise and distortion. Its extensive connectivity gives flexibility in recordings. Qualified Thunderbolt 3 to Thunderbolt 2 adapter not included. This unit is pretty cool, but also pretty pricey. And possibly, with the emphasis on possibly, the preamps -- which by the way are not really advertised as full Neve or Portico preamps, although they have the Silk function which is nice to have. No manufacturer information linked for Universal Audio Apollo Twin. Once again, like with the 2i2, the 2i4 is a great first interface. It comes with a pretty intuitive interface that makes it easy for beginners in sound recording. The Neve SILK preamp modelling allows a lot of analogue character to be dialled-in to the otherwise transparent mic preamps, and the VCM plugins are well chosen to provide flexible, console-like channel processing; being able to apply these effects within the interface, latency free, and feed them back to performers is of great benefit, too. These are joined by a wide array of digital inputs, of which up to 16 are available for recording at any one time: two optical ports provide either stereo S/PDIF or up to 16 channels of ADAT-format I/O depending on sample rate, and there is also a DB25 connector, which delivers eight AES3 inputs and outputs. Its role is to configure the AXR's internal digital mixer, which is a powerful beast. If there's an obvious limit to the professional intent behind the AXR4, it's that there are no RJ45 connectors. You might have heard you need an audio interface to produce music. Although the connectivity might be a little limited, it allows for a compact and portable audio interface that is easy to carry around. Others embrace the latest fads in user-interface design, which usually involves making everything as dark and as touch-friendly as possible. As can be seen below, in Apr 2023 neither Steinberg UR44 nor Universal Audio Apollo Twin were recommended by key experts who publish Audio Recording Interfaces recommendations. One of the latter is used to adjust the Silk emulation for the selected mic preamp, while the other is a general-purpose assignable jobbie. If you like nice design, portability, and robustness and are looking for an entry-level interface with some nice features, then definitely consider the Audio series. They make some great software and hardware, and the Axe I/O is no exception to that.The new Axe I/O is designed as a combination of an amp simulator and an audio interface, for those who love their guitar. Steinberg Hardware Steinberg AXR. In its default role, this offers basic monitor control, but in conjunction with various buttons, it allows you to surf menus in order to configure a wide variety of AXR4 setup parameters. These are all things we look for, which is why we created the free EDM Starter Kit. STEINBERG AXR4 | Hi-Res Audio Interface with RUPERT NEVE SILK CircuitsThe Steinberg AXR4 Audio Interface is a Rack-Mountable Ultra Low Latency Audio Interfa. Item number 483491. No one else combines price and quality features better than Apogee. Using one such module, the AI08E, you can use a patchbay with DB25 connectors which will provide 8 line-level inputs and outputs. Although these are pretty common features for a decent budget-friendly audio interface, Steinberg also included MIDI ports and a mono switch to top it off! This means less rack gear with a single Symphony MK II. Universal AudioApollo x8 2,950 (typical retail price)/$2,699. In practice this makes little difference, as the standard is fully backwards-compatible and many users still have older Macs with TB2 ports, but it's an odd decision to build a state-of-the-art interface with a deprecated connector type. I think the form factor is much better due to the I/O section being on the back. The HD I/O 16x16 digital gives an all-digital interface. The AFX collection powers the Accusonic microphone, tube FX, and guitar amp, to name just but a few. Also, Thunderbolt is currently at version 3, which means youll need a 50-plus converter to hook up an AXR4T to an up-to-date computer. There's also MIDI and wordclock I/O. Additionally, it features a number of digital connections such as ADAT, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Word Clock and MIDI. Ein echtes Hammer-Teil :-). This is, hands down, an upgraded equipment that is sure to surprise any musician or engineer, considering its price range. Additionally, another thing that is important for this equipment is preamps: audio interfaces that come with high-quality preamps can really improve the quality of your recordings, especially with vocals and acoustic instruments. The build quality of the Evo 4 is robust, ensuring durability. Each input channel in the mixer also has two insert slots, into which you can load compressor and EQ plug-ins, and a send to a global reverb engine. If you require more than the 28 inputs and 24 outputs available at base sample rates on a single AXR4, you'll need to stack multiple units: a single computer can host up to three of the devices, for a potential 84 ins and 72 outs. The ability to expand your studio needs over Thunderbolt is astounding, to say the least. It seems to be getting quite a bit of hype. But part of me is like, why not just go UAD and get extra control, for less $$$? Thunderbolt 2 cable not included. And yet, here is the flagship AXR4 Thunderbolt 2 audio interface, promising a feature set to make rival top-end interface designers sit up and take note. Id highly recommend the under $300 options as a great place to start.But an audio interface is likely one of many things you are considering. The Symphony MK II combines luxury and unmatched performance to deliver clarity and astounding sound quality. Audio interfaces are ultimately judged on their sound quality and the AXR4 boasts some eye-catching numbers; up to 384kHz recording rates via 32-bit integer resolution. I have never understood why audio interface manufacturers are so reluctant to allow complex interfaces to occupy more than one unit of rack space. According to numerous people on this site, Antelope reportedly can be atrocious in the customer support department. Again, up to 16 digital channels are available for playback. Et merci Thomann. On balance, however, I think Steinberg's engineers have done a pretty good job of working within their self-imposed limitations. This allows the engineer to customize mixes for each band member. A 384kHz sample rate allows accurate capture of frequencies up to 192kHz, but even the most sensitive human ear cant hear anything much above 22kHz. On the feature list, this might look pretty standard. Price 2,227/2,599/$2,799 (exc. ReviewFinder is reader-supported - if you click on a link on ReviewFinder and make a purchase, we earn a commission at no extra cost to you. The battle for the smartest and most competitively priced audio interface is far from over. If you're familiar with missed or repeated samples, random clicks, or channel swapping, Verifile is the solution. Steinberg claim that their UR series is "considered by many to be the benchmark USB audio interface range". Each device also tends to have a strong point. 101Audio is supported by its audience. And its insanely good value. The dspMixFx utility thus could not be described as beautiful, but the more I used it, the more I warmed to it; although it gives you control over a huge number of AXR4 parameters, it's never intimidating, always clear, and usually defaults to doing the thing you'd want it to do anyway. Patching a HiFi EQ to DAW for mix/master? The newer version of the Apollo series brings a lot to the table for a high-end interface. This audio interface comes at a surprisingly compact size that makes it truly portable! And, thats not even half of what you can expect from this sound beast. The AXR4T offers 12 analogue inputs. Inputs 1 and 2 can accept Hi-Z signals, so electric guitars and basses, MIDI equipment and any kind of studio equipment or playback device can all be used. The only problem is that all these features come at a price that is pretty high compared to the previous audio interfaces we checked out. Nevertheless, the front panel gives you access to all the basic functions with an OLED display. The compact size allows it to be carried wherever you like, adding even more to its value. As stated before, this interface looks good and works good. No expert reviews linked yet for Universal Audio Apollo Twin. Through the front panel, you can easily access all the major controls, plus an LCD screen for stereo or multichannel metering. Its longevity of 20 years makes it known. If theres been an interface that Ive had my eye on for a while now, it would be this one. It's a 1U, rackmounting, multi-channel Thunderbolt audio interface that incorporates technologies developed by Steinberg's parent company Yamaha for their advanced digital consoles. There are two headphone jacks, each controlled separately. The best part about the Quartet is finally all the I/Os are actually on the device itself, not as part of a dongle. 32-bit integer audio conversion and sample rates up to 384kHz. RME Fireface UFX II General RME Fireface UFX II audio interface offers good monitoring of sound. Although a high-end audio interface boasts impressive capabilities, it doesn't mean that your sound will be equally impressive. You might be familiar with Steinberg because of Cubase: this audio software has been very popular with musicians. The integrated pre amps are also great sounding to me. Re: Patching a HiFi EQ to DAW for mix/master? Featuring 2 combo XLR/line inputs, it makes stereo recordings easy! This is much more than a standard audio interface. The contents of this article are subject to worldwide copyright protection and reproduction in whole or part, whether mechanical or electronic, is expressly forbidden without the prior written consent of the Publishers. Also, I have an older PC . Class compatible with iPad and compatible with major recording software, Desktop 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion. Like Universal Audios Apollo range, effects hosting (a bundled effects suite is provided by Yamaha) is processed on the AXR4s internal chips, removing the load from your computers CPU. The 18 Best Audio Interfaces of 2020 include: RME Fireface UFX II audio interface offers good monitoring of sound. It delivers high-quality audio, and part of it is thanks to its classy preamps for your mics and instruments. Mastering facilities always require the ultimate in sound quality. What makes a 3rd party EQ better than my DAWs "in-the-box" EQ. Operation manual, installation guide and setup guide, macOS High Sierra, macOS Mojave, macOS Catalina, macOS Big Sur, macOS Monterey, Thunderbolt 2 (Mac), Thunderbolt 3 (Windows), Intel Core i series (9th Gen and earlier) multi core processor 2GHz, Intel Core i-series multicore processor 2 GHz or faster, or AMD equivalent processor, driver and tools, account sign up and product registration, manuals and instructions. Wait, what? The Steinberg AXR4T interface is an impressively featured, great-sounding and competitively priced high-resolution audio interface that integrates closely with Cubase. Other than that, a good reliable product with many features that gives more than expected for its price range. Most electronic music producers who may occasionally want to record something and need to output to monitors will absolutely love this. The aim, clearly, is to stake a claim to territory currently occupied by manufacturers such as Apogee, Lynx, Focusrite and Antelope Audio. If you want unparalleled audio quality in a sleek box, then you may as well settle for the Symphony Desktop. Having chosen your Silk colour, the rotary dial lets you decide how much to add and the results represent a classy front end to your recordings. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. With the LSlot technology, you can connect your Aurora(n) to Mac or Windows PC or use it as a standalone AD/DA converter via Dante, DigiLink, among other connections. Plus, the ability to combine up to 4 Apollos and a total of 6 UAD devices by allowing Thunderbolt users to expand their I/O and DSP. Integrated with SynchroLock-2 jitter reduction, the clock output is super clean. If you're looking for the go-to audio interface that's sumptuous, with high-resolution audio quality, youll never go wrong with this system. Buy Apollo Apollo $29.99 Add to cart System requirements Installation Steinberg Download Assistant Watch the Video How to Install VST Sounds For support on the installation visit the Steinberg Helpcenter Get inspired with VST Instruments Neo Soul Songwriting Producing a synthwave track Neo Disco Production Preset Walkthrough of Neon Drifts Its popular for a reason. BA1 1UA. The form factor is amazing, and the functionality is great for the price point. Although, not sure why its only USB at this point. This audio interface also includes MIDI inputs and outputs, along with bundles of plugins and audio software that allow you to easily connect your MIDI instruments and start playing. Additionally, it is a real bang for the buck and thus recommended for those who want to give recording at home a try. Currently, Steinberg UR44 received 1 endorsement from Musician on a Mission. Whether you're a musician, a sound engineer, a songwriter or vocalist, you can expect top-of-the-range audio quality with this system. And the fact that this box also produces an excellent sound, makes the EVO 4 really a formidable competitorif you want something sturdy, cheap, and reliable! This makes it light to move around and durable. The AXR4 has a number of noteworthy features, including 32-bit integer AD/DA converters that support sample rates up to 384 kHz, digital emulations of SILK processing from Rupert Neve Designs, a full matrix mixer using dspMixFx, and internal DSP that allows near zero- latency recording and monitoring. It spots dual headphone outputs and a preamp gain knob for easy adjusting and filtering. The additional air function adds more mids and highs, in case you need more detail for your vocals and acoustic instruments. IK Multimedia is a very underrated audio company. You can mute the Main output and the headphone output by long pressing the output encoder. Customers, 0 Dimensions (W x H x D): 480 x 45 x 378 mm. Theres a new contender in town in the pro audio interfacing arena. Audio-over-IP is making steady inroads into this sector of the market, with an increasing number of products able to act both as 'native' interfaces and as Dante or AVB hubs. Share Reply Quote 11th April 2022 | Show parent # 5 Faceless2022 Here for the gear Quote: Originally Posted by thegrimbo Probably going to need more outputs. If that isnt self-explanatory, desktop interfaces can sit on your desk, while rackmount requires a rack to screw the interface into. In addition, 32-bit converters with up to 384 kHz sample rate and AXR hybrid mic preamps equipped with RND SILK processing are the ideal recording basis for any professional studio. How Wendy Carlos became music technology's greatest living pioneer. Here are the main features. Its not on Amazon at the moment, so you might have to find a dealer close to you. Very similar to the legacy Apollo series with some new bells and whistles (like HEXA core processing for DSP and surround mixing). In addition, by feeding the audio signal to the front inputs, it can also be processed with the onboard SILK emulation, bringing the legendary sound of Rupert Neve Designs to every audio master. Note that if you are a bedroom producer who wants to record a couple of vocals and a guitar, then this is NOT for you. With a full set of professional connections, including ADAT, S/PDIF, AES/EBU, Word Clock and MIDI, the AXR4 can be expanded with one or two eight channel mic preamps, professional outboard and other equipment, while SSPLL jitter reduction technology guarantees perfect synchronization of all devices. Focusrite now has a new kid on the block, and its one of the best entry-level interfaces youll be able to find on the market.Is it the cheapest? The world clock lets you distribute external clock signals to other digital gear connected either through S/PDIF or ADAX. Audio interfaces are the beating heart of most producers studios.They help you capture that perfect vocal or catchy synth line, and allow you to hear it all back through those monitors you just blew your budget on.Chances are, you probably are looking at buying one, but dont know where to start there are so many options.Here, weve done all the research for you and compiled the best audio interfaces money can buy in 2023. Self-taught DJ and producer Memphis LK is smashing the glass ceiling, Softube Icons: Compressor Collection review: Three classic compressors faithfully modernised, 100 gecs: It often sounds like saccharine bullshit, but seriously, do what you love, Women and non-binary audio professionals vastly underrepresented in 2022s top tracks, finds study, 12 analogue inputs, eight analogue outputs, Four AXR mic preamps with Rupert Neve Designs SILK emulation, Onboard effects processing; real-time effects on direct monitor signal, Jitter-free Word Clock using SSPLL virtual jitter-reduction technology, Up to three AXR4T units can be daisy-chained for high I/O counts. Breathtakingly accurate, yet highly musical the VCM technology is the most straightforward approach to analog sound modeling and is now available in the SILK processor on AXR4 hybrid mic preamps and EQ 601 and Compressor 276 both available onboard DSP and Advanced FX Suite plug-in bundle in AXR4. This interface is easy to use and integrates the best audio components with flexible routing via the Maestro software. It has low impedance (a measure of the resistance in audio interfaces). If you want really top-notch audio quality with the flexibility of DSP and analog emulation, this is quite a bargain, really (considering UADs other interfaces). In addition to that, the SSL 2+ has a sleek and modern-looking appearance that makes it also pleasing to the eyes. There are many different types of audio interfaces in all price ranges and each made for a specific application. Its been used in both studio and live situations, its been through a lot and it still comes out on top. After all, its sleek and modern-looking design with the characteristic red colour is hard to forget! Being the bigger brother of both the 24c and 26c, the 1810c packs a lot of power into a seemingly cheap interface. Important: Firmware updates for the AXR4T should always be performed with, Please check the new supplementary manuals released on. La livraison a t trs rapide. Achieve connectivity through three interface platforms namely Pro Tools or Waves SoundGrid or built-in Thunderbolt. If youre upgrading to a more pro-grade studio and need somewhere to start, this is definitely a great choice. The advanced SSPLL jitter reduction technology guarantees perfect sync of all connected devices. Now in its 3rd generation, this audio interface comes with two inputs, phantom power and its famous high-end preamps that musicians have embraced from the previous versions of this interface. These musically distort the input signal with differing harmonic footprints, to bring some trademark Neve class to the recording stage. Enter your email below and get the guide (read by over 50,000 producers) along with two bonus resources. 32-bit! The X8 provides up-to 24-bit/192kHz conversion to its eight channels of analogue I/O. The form factor on the AudioBox is a little nicer than the U-Phoria, so its probably goingtobeabitmoredurableontheroad. This is a premium Audio interface for Pro Tools HD systems capable of high-level performances even in the most demanding studio requirements. This means you can control the audio interface using any mobile device. If this is okay for you, simply click on "Alrighty!" It's a crowded market with plenty of very strong competition: is the AXR4 good enough to take a piece of it? Steinberg Media Technologies | LinkedIn. Its available in 4 configurations: 26 SE, 88, 1616 and 88+8MP. Thats what you get with the Antelope Discrete 8. Note:Allpriceswerecurrentatthe timeofwritingthisarticle. The choice of processors on offer is limited, but they are very good at their respective jobs and Steinberg is investigating whether to make more available in the future. Similar to its sister device the 2i2, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is a device you cant look past.Essentially its the same as the 2i2 but dressed up a bit more with extra output options, MIDI in/out and extra switches. While the connector and inputs/outputs determine the bulk of the purchase decision, the extras definitely need to be factored in too.Extras include: Now, lets dive into these audio interfaces. Great care has been taken to ensure accuracy in the preparation of this article but neither Sound On Sound Limited nor the publishers can be held responsible for its contents. Some provide lots of one type of I/O, such as analogue line-level ins and outs, to cater for users who just want to connect an analogue console, or lots of outboard mic preamps. Sometimes, a manufacturer will make an interface specifically for a certain environment. Plugins. Dom Sigalas is a London-based music producer, composer and musicologist. High-rated Audio Interfaces in a similar price range. Steinberg UR22C Audio Interface Review - Is it Worth It (2023 UPDATED) As given its value, the AXR4 flaunts specialized specs that are amazing, and in certain regards, best in class. It's in the top 3 bestselling audio interfaces and has dozens of popular alternatives in the same price range, such as Motu 828es or RME Babyface Pro . With the AXR4, Steinberg sets a new standard in audio interfaces for studios, producers and professional musicians. So, what does the new Aurora(n) series bring to the table? Apart from using the front panel to configure specific settings, it comes with a Controller application to control the unit over software. So, what makes Symphony I/O MK II so special? The plugin bundle comes with options that allow real-time recording. With the AXR4, however, Steinberg have struck out in a different direction. macOS/Windows: After installing the TOOLS, first update the firmware to the included version using the firmware update function on the dspMixFx AXR. Did I mention the Acoustically Focused Clocking? They allow you to record multiple instruments at once, and their number of both inputs and outputs is crucial for their price range. The SSL 2+ is a newer entry into the audio interface market from one of the flagship audio companies Solid Stage Logic. It comes with a clean and neat design, featuring two inputs and two outputs, along with high-quality preamps that will boost your signal. I won't go through the AXR4's front-panel setup options in detail, partly because life is too short and partly because they are all duplicated in its control-panel utility. You get what youd expect from an interface at this price point 2 inputs and 2 outputs, but there are a lot of premium features too, such as the Vintage Mic Preamp and MIDI in/out. Learn how to master the fundamentals of electronic music production with the best roadmap for new producers, With 10 years of music production experience and some marketing chops, I head up the content here at EDMProd. Kevin Mannix Sports Writer, Articles S