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Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 2:07 pm
by thing
Hi all, after asking several embarrassing questions I'm up and running well....If you don't ask you don't get.

I'm currently using an Avid Mbox Mini which does the job ok, but I'm constantly switching drivers to listen on the speakers or headphones.
And again to hear my instrument along with my clip in Ableton, it's just switch, switch, switch. I'm doing it, and it's working. But I'm sure it should be easier.
I know I'm most likely doing it wrong...OR it's the best I'll get on PC, OR perhaps another interface would make things easier?

So straight up what's the best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 4:15 pm
by lapieuvre
So the problem you have is that there is no headphones connector on your audio interface?

Yes first thought is to change the interface.

What is your budget?

You can get a focusrite Scarlett under 200$, or a presonus 22vsl...


But in a couple of years you might want a higher quality interface.

Then you could go for an RME Babyface, UAD Apollo USB

( I bought an RME fireface 800 in 2009 and I don't regret it! I also bought a used UAD, for the road, but I personally prefer the sound of the ff800 but the UAD is an insanely good interface)

And there are so many other good sound cards out there, other people will suggest, I'm sure.

Also check this out, if you keep your current Audio interface, you could get this:

https://www.presonus.com/products/Monitor-Station-V2

Just another option

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Thu Jul 05, 2018 4:57 pm
by H20nly
lapieuvre wrote:UAD Apollo USB
this one IMO


i've also read a lot of positive things (for the money) about this one; https://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail ... nberg-ur44

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 11:39 am
by thing
OK, thank you all very much. Really enjoying Ableton and creating so much more than my guitar playing alone can do. I will research all of these options.

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 3:00 pm
by Stace30
I'm using a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 which has been great, also it didn't break the bank at £105. It all depends on how many in/outs you want.

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Fri Jul 06, 2018 7:38 pm
by H20nly
thing wrote:OK, thank you all very much. Really enjoying Ableton and creating so much more than my guitar playing alone can do. I will research all of these options.
if you're a quitar player... it might be wise to either find an interface with a really good pre-amp or to use a stand alone pre-amp.

when i recorded my bass lines and/or guitar parts, i was getting really thin waveforms. i also got them with vocals. they changed into big beefy audio chunks that could stand to lose weight after i started running my mic and guitars through this;
https://www.uaudio.com/hardware/mic-pre ... inity.html

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:34 pm
by thing
Just an update on this...I ended up grabbing a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 and all of my issues have gone away.
It just works effortlessly, and is so much more compatible with Ableton on a Windows platform.
One major headache gone and I now realize there was no way I could continue with what I had.
Best thing I ever did and thanks to all of you for your input.

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 3:32 pm
by login
Best on PC: RME, it is not even a contest, they have the best drivers specially with USB. Focusrite has mediocre drivers.

Another brand with good ones is Steinberg, much cheaper.

UAD on pc, too expensive, not the best drivers, for that money RME is way better.

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Tue Jul 10, 2018 4:27 pm
by Mark Williams
I use a Focusrite scarlet 18i20 2nd gen, and rock solid no issues.

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 1:55 am
by jlgrimes
What is your budget.

There are many nice interfaces at various price points.

Focusrite Scarlett series 2nd gen is a great interface for affordability.

Audient is a step up.

UAD is nice as well.

RME if you have a decent budget.


Questions you should ask.

What all are you recording?

How many headphones outputs do you need?

What kind of mics do you have?

Do you need effects?

How low do you need your latency?

Do you need a live effect processor?

USB vs Thunderbolt. Thunderbolt gives lower latency but if you are needing real-time effects, the latency might be higher than expected (UAD for instance) if using Ableton for the effects and not the interface internal effects.

Self powered vs external power. Self power is good for portability but keep in mind it might not work well for high impedance headphones or dynamic/ribbon mics.

Tabletop vs rack mount.

Do you need midi ports.

Do you plan on adding more IO in the future?

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Thu Jul 12, 2018 3:15 am
by jestermgee
He has already solved his issue several posts up:
thing wrote:Just an update on this...I ended up grabbing a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 and all of my issues have gone away.
It just works effortlessly, and is so much more compatible with Ableton on a Windows platform.
One major headache gone and I now realize there was no way I could continue with what I had.
Best thing I ever did and thanks to all of you for your input.

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:53 pm
by _R_O_B_
thing wrote:
Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:34 pm
Just an update on this...I ended up grabbing a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 and all of my issues have gone away.
It just works effortlessly, and is so much more compatible with Ableton on a Windows platform.
One major headache gone and I now realize there was no way I could continue with what I had.
Best thing I ever did and thanks to all of you for your input.
I'm having the same issue, going to try out Scarlett as well. The price point is hard to beat. Wish me luck! Lol!

Re: Best PC audio interface for Ableton?

Posted: Fri Mar 29, 2019 1:25 am
by jlgrimes
_R_O_B_ wrote:
Thu Mar 28, 2019 4:53 pm
thing wrote:
Tue Jul 10, 2018 1:34 pm
Just an update on this...I ended up grabbing a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 and all of my issues have gone away.
It just works effortlessly, and is so much more compatible with Ableton on a Windows platform.
One major headache gone and I now realize there was no way I could continue with what I had.
Best thing I ever did and thanks to all of you for your input.
I'm having the same issue, going to try out Scarlett as well. The price point is hard to beat. Wish me luck! Lol!
I use the Scarlett 2i2 for live use for playing softsynths and it works great for that.

Stable, low latency, self powered, cheap enough to be easily replaceable if it is ever damaged.

I haven't tried the preamps though but from what I hear they can get the job done in most cases.