Most interfaces are class-compliant, so will work out of the box –just plug them in and start using them straight away. Some come with extra software you will need to access some of their more detailed functions and routing. Many, especially mobile interfaces, are bus-powered so you don't have to plug a mains power supply into them. Computers like to do work with large amounts of data at a time every once in a while rather than small amounts of data in an almost constant stream as this means no other processing (such as graphics) can be done at the same time. Occasionally, direct monitoring is not possible so the journey through the signal chain has to be done. Processing Processing Audient has also managed to improve the iD44’s Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) THD+N figure by an impressive 9dB to a class-leading 112 dB. The Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) are similarly pristine, with imperceptible noise and 126dB of dynamic range. The four mic pres are exactly the same as you’ll find in Audient’s pro-level consoles.

The Clarett+ 2Pre is a reasonably simple interface with some very handy features, that offer subtle yet welcome improvements over its predecessor.There are two combi mic/line inputs with Hi-Z (impedance) options for switching between guitar and bass signals or those from synths or drum machines. A +48v option also allows the connection of both condenser and dynamic mics. With great monitoring and recording quality and a flexible I/O configuration, the SSL 2+ comes highly recommended by us.

As well as being a volume control the iD knob has some other useful functions. If you push it down you engage 15dB of dimming. If you hold the Mute and iD buttons together the knob pans the inputs. If you hit the iD button the knob becomes a mouse scroll wheel and means you can take control of knobs and faders just by placing your mouse pointer over them. The bumpy lumpiness that feels good when using it as a volume control feels less so when controlling knobs. Each bump is also a jump in value, which makes it far from precise. It could do with a smooth mode like mouse wheels often have. Getting Technical Clarett is Focusrite’s premium USB range with three models and a decent bundle of software including Focusrite’s Red 2 and Red 3 plugins and Plugin Alliance’s bx_console Focusrite SC. Clarett+ focuses on improving audio performance rather than expanding that feature set. Clarett+ has improved independent A-D and D-A converters, slightly better noise figures throughout, and improved dynamic range. The mic inputs are silky smooth and have plenty of headroom, and the outputs are crystal clear and suitably noise-free. If you want to add some life to your input, the Air option does just that. Also excellent are the two JFET instrument inputs, substantially better than a regular instrument input.

The same headphone amplifier design was also used in the smaller EVO 4 and EVO 8 interfaces as well, meaning whether you are using the iD range for recording music and mixing or using an EVO for streaming and podcasting, you’re still getting the same high-performance headphone quality. A compact interface with pro features and connectivity, the SSL2+ promises an affordable version of ‘the SSL sound’, bringing the feel of a gazillion recordings made in 7-figure recording studios within reach of everybody.

Designed to deliver true phantom power over USB, iD4 will make sure your mics get the power they need to ensure optimal sonic performance. iOS Compatible However, the Audient iD4 beats the Scarlett 2i2 in every other aspect since it sounds better, has a better construction, even though the Scarlett is still very well built.The introduction of USB-C on the iD4 (MKII) and the iD14 (MKII) also meant that we had more power and could increase the headroom of the headphone amp, to give even clearer audio at higher volume levels or for driving headphones that have a low sensitivity.

We think the one-dial solution is beautifully implemented and overall the design makes both the EVO 4 and 8 clever, compact desktop solutions that sound great. These are great value too, the simplest and cleverest solutions to compact audio interfaces we’ve come across.

Recording is a lot easier when you've a USB audio interface that's full of bright iDeas

If you want the same Audio Interface, but with two preamps instead of one, then I would absolutely recommend the Audient iD14. The headphone amplifier design was first introduced on the iD22 and was paired with a dedicated, high-quality Digital to Analog Converter (DAC), which together provided professional audio performance to our user’s desktops. With the introduction of the iD44, the iD4 (MKII) and the iD14 (MKII), a few small improvements were added. The SSL 12 is the bigger, new relation to the SSL 2 and 2+ interfaces. It has extra connectivity but the same option to inject some classic SSL character – inspired by the SSL 4000 console – into your recordings. To that end, a USB 3.0 connection is required, and although you can get the unit to function on a USB 2.0 connection, this is not supported and would likely be unreliable.