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Are you ready to take your recording experience to the next level?
With the M-Audio AIR 192|4, you can do just that. This budget-friendly interface offers professional-grade preamps, 24-bit depth, and a 192 kHz sample rate, giving you high-quality recordings with just 2 lbs of solid metal.
It’s the perfect device for home recording, featuring a direct instrument input, a 48V phantom power switch, a 1/4-inch headphone jack, two balanced TRS outputs, and a USB-C port.
Plus, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 comes with Ableton Live Lite and 20 effect plug-ins, giving you all the tools you need to get started.
So, get ready to record like a pro and take your experience to the next level.
Key Takeaways
- M-Audio AIR 192|4 is a budget interface with solid preamps and recording quality
- It has a solid build quality, weighing 2 lbs and wrapped in metal
- The interface offers 24-bit depth and 192 kHz sample rate for high-quality recordings
- The software bundle that comes with the interface enhances recording capabilities and adds value to the overall package.
I/O and Controls
You have access to a direct instrument input, 48V phantom power switch, 1/4-inch headphone jack, two balanced TRS outputs, and USB-C port on the M-Audio AIR 192|4’s I/O and controls. On the front panel, you get access to these features, as well as gain controls for both the combo and instrument inputs. There’s also an LED step display for gain staging and a master control knob for direct monitoring and headphone volume control. On the rear panel, there are TRS/XLR inputs and two balanced TRS outputs, both of which are suitable for live performance. Unfortunately, the instrument input can’t be raised to line level, limiting simultaneous connections.
Recording Quality
Continuing on, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 offers a 24-bit depth and 192 kHz sample rate for a flat frequency response from 10 Hz to 20 kHz, with a slight drop off at 20 Hz and 65 kHz. This ensures accurate recording of your original performance, however, a higher dynamic range may require an external mic preamp for more quiet takes. The mic input has a very low distortion level, making it practically inaudible. Unfortunately, the instrument input cannot be switched to line level, limiting simultaneous connections. Nonetheless, this budget interface provides a great recording quality for its price.
In Use
Building on the recording quality, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 performs well for at-home recording. It offers direct monitoring, as well as headphone volume control, allowing you to make adjustments on the fly. The lightweight design and portability make it great for mobile recording, too. Unfortunately, the instrument input cannot be raised to line level, which limits simultaneous connections. This is a drawback, but the overall performance is still impressive. The flat frequency response from 10 Hz to 20 kHz helps capture a faithful representation of the original performance. Plus, the low distortion level is practically inaudible. All in all, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 is a great choice for those seeking 192 kHz playback and not much more.
Software Bundle
Adding to the value of the overall package, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 also comes with a modest but respectable software bundle, including the Ableton Live Lite features. Compared to other interface software bundles, this one is quite decent, giving access to professional-grade software without additional cost. The bundle is designed to enhance recording capabilities and creativity, providing users with 20 effect plug-ins. The software bundle offers a variety of sound processing and mixing options, enabling users to create their own unique sound. With this bundle, users get the freedom to experiment and craft their recordings, giving them more control over the end result. In conclusion, the M-Audio AIR 192|4’s software bundle adds immense value to the overall package, making it an ideal choice for those seeking great recording quality and versatility.
Specifications
Moving on from the software bundle, the M-Audio AIR 192|4’s specifications are worth taking a closer look at. For starters, connectivity options are plentiful. It features a direct instrument input, two balanced TRS outputs, a USB-C port, and a 48V phantom power switch. Preamp quality is also noteworthy. The mic input has very low distortion levels and the gain controls allow for accurate gain staging. It also offers 24-bit depth and 192 kHz sample rate, with a frequency response of 10 Hz to 20 kHz. Overall, the AIR 192|4 offers solid recording quality and connectivity options, making it suitable for home recording.
Pros and Cons
Overall, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 has a lot going for it, but there are also a few downsides to consider. Pros include solid build quality, 24-bit depth and 192 kHz sample rate, and a software bundle with Ableton Live Lite and 20 effect plug-ins. The preamps are good and the frequency response is flat from 10 Hz to 20 kHz. However, there is no instrument input to line switch, and the lack of simultaneous connections may disappoint some users. The AIR 192|4 is a good budget interface, but when compared to other budget options, it falls short in certain areas.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 is an affordable and reliable audio interface that is well-suited for home recording. It offers solid build quality and I/O and control features, as well as 24-bit/192 kHz recording quality and a modest software bundle. Pros include its lightweight and portable design, direct instrument input, and gain controls. Cons are the lack of an instrument input to line switch and limited simultaneous connections. Overall, its performance is solid in terms of recording accuracy and dynamic range, making it an ideal choice for those seeking 192 kHz playback and not much more.
Conclusion
You’ll be hard-pressed to find a comparable quality audio interface at this price.
The M-Audio AIR 192|4 is lightweight and compact, with a great set of features including solid preamps, 24-bit depth, a 192 kHz sample rate, and Ableton Live Lite and 20 effect plug-ins.
Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, it’s an excellent option for recording at home.
So, what’re you waiting for? Get the M-Audio AIR 192|4 and take your recordings to the next level.
I’m thrilled to be able to share my passion for music with others through this audio blog, and I can’t wait to connect with fellow music lovers from all around the world. Let’s rock on!