Ableton Forum

Sorry if this is a common question on this board, but I am in the market for a new audio interface.

The features I want/need are:

4 ins & 4 outs,
Midi IN/OUT,
easy headphone monitoring (for click track),
and power by USB (optional)

I am torn between these two items right now though....

Steinberg UR44
&& Presonus 44vsl

Can anyone give me some feedback on either of these items?

I don't have experience with Presonus interfaces, although I've seen a lot of complaints about their entry-level model (22VSL) on other forums, but I don't know the specifics.

I actually own the UR44's little brother, the UR22- and that's one of the best USB interfaces you can get for under $200. Solid build, low latency, low noise, high sample rates. Probably can't go wrong with the UR44.

Thank you for your input!

I know both of these unit are relatively new (a year or less old). So I doubt i'll find too many people with hands-on experience with it. I've browed the usual review sites and can't find many cons against either one.

I do like that the UR44 has two extra inputs and the extra headphone input is nice b/c I plan on adding a drummer to my shows and that will help give him a click track easily.

I've got the UR44 and its working well here. Its not Bus-powered, but that's the only downside IMO. I've got 4 monitors so I've been playing around with multi-channel output. Much fun!

Can't speak much on mic preamps.. Marketing says they're the bombz.

Never had any problems with presonus. I'm currently using the 44vsl with my imac and it's rock solid...

cmreal04 wrote:Never had any problems with presonus. I'm currently using the 44vsl with my imac and it's rock solid...

How is the pre-amp quality? Specifically for gutiar/bass direct in?

I have an active guitar and bass, and would like to plug them in directly without a preamp of some sort. I do have Guitar Rig 5, so that will be what i run my guitar and bass through.

Follow up: How would standard SM57s sound on?

Steinberg all the way, best drivers in budget interfaces,

maylortaylor wrote:

cmreal04 wrote:Never had any problems with presonus. I'm currently using the 44vsl with my imac and it's rock solid...

How is the pre-amp quality? Specifically for gutiar/bass direct in?

I have an active guitar and bass, and would like to plug them in directly without a preamp of some sort. I do have Guitar Rig 5, so that will be what i run my guitar and bass through.

Follow up: How would standard SM57s sound on?

I've only used the preamps for either a condenser mic or a turntable (also with phono) and am happy with the results...

login wrote:Steinberg all the way, best drivers in budget interfaces,

Based on what?

I've made my decision. Thanks for all of your input.

http://www.kraftmusic.com/steinberg-ur4 ... o-pak.html

But this is such a good deal, i couldn't really pass it up.

maylortaylor wrote:I've made my decision. Thanks for all of your input.

http://www.kraftmusic.com/steinberg-ur4 ... o-pak.html

But this is such a good deal, i couldn't really pass it up.

Ahh no you can't pass it up, fantastic deal!

I know the op already decided, but I have the presonus and no problems so far. I run the l/r channels of an HD500 into it (l channel guitar, r channel I do an octave down for guitar->bass effect). It was on saLe when I bought it and it was easy to set up. Do not regret it.