Aiman Hakim Bin Zaidi

ID: 110051305

Intro To Analogue
Audio Interface Report
Introduction:

Audio Interface is a hardware that can expands and improves the capabilities of a computer. Audio
interface can connect to professional microphones or known as condenser microphone, instrument such as
guitar and speakers. Audio interface also can improve your sound quality on your computer. It’s mean, every
time that I want to record an audio and listen it through the speakers, this machine will reproduce a more
accurate representation of production. Besides that, this hardware are used when more a professional level
of audio performance is required from a computer, and when one or more professional microphones,
instruments and other kinds of signals need to be routed into or out of a computer.

In this assignment, I will be choosing and comparing 2 audio interface. The first brand that I choose is M-
Audio M-Track 2x2. I have this in my room and I want to do a review and try to compare it with the other
audio interface. The second brand that I choose is, the one that I really want to have it so bad but I can’t
afford it, it’s the one and only, Apogee One. In this report, Im going to explain why I choose this brand and
how to use it in our production. Not only that, I will compare this 2 brand that which one is way more better
and easy to use.

M-TRACK 2X2 (M-AUDIO)

The first brand that I pick is, M-Audio M-Track 2x2. I fell in love with this hardware is because the design of
the interface.The M-Track 2X2 are the latest additions to M-Audio’s extensive array of audio interfaces, both
featuring an ergonomic desktop ‘monitor controller’ form factor. Notably, this interfaces utilize the up and
coming USB-C connector. USB-C is likely to be attractive to those who own recent ultra-portable computer…

USB-A cable is provided in the box for anybody yet to jump on that kind of new era of USB.

The front look of M-Track 2x2

.

M-Track 2x2 model contain the very futuristic design of audio interface. The top panel is covered in
clearacrylic for a glass effect and the overall finish suggests real quality. A large main volume knob acts as a
centrepiece and, curiously, all the other dials seem somewhat oversized too. This would perhaps not be to
everyone’s taste, the controls are all solid to the touch, with no chance of them being knocked out of place
during a recording session. To the left-hand side of the panel, below each gain control, is a four-stage LED
meter to indicate input level. To the right there is a direct-monitor balance control and a headphone level
knob. Blue LED lighting indicates power and phantom power status. The front panel houses instrument jack
inputs, a phantom power toggle switch and a headphone socket. This instrument inputs on the 2X2 take
precedence over the mic/line sockets on the rear, allowing users to leave microphones plugged in around the
back when instruments are plugged into the front. The rear panel also includes balanced line outputs on
quarter-inch jacks, MIDI sockets, a USB-C connector and a slot for a Kensington security lock.
 This M-track 2x2 can create 24-bit/19kHz recordings with the sample rate going higher than many small
interfaces can manage, especially when bus powered as is the case here and it’s really easy to use on our
production. A pair of low-noise, acoustically transparent preamps and quality digital audio conversion
capture a faithful representation of whatever you plug into the M-Track 2X2. Sweetwater knows that
singer/songwriters will enjoy recording their instrument and voice at the same time through the specially
voiced combo XLR mic input and designated ¼ instrument input. The main reason that attract me on this
interface is, the elegant pro-grade metal chassis with a large central volume knob on it. M-Track 2x2 has 2
channel dedicated to XLR ¼ balanced combo input and all new ¼ instrument input specially designed gain to
provide the most accurate representation of a guitar or bass plugged directly into the interface

M-AUDIO M-TRACK 2X2

General Specs (M-TRACK 2X2)

 Mic Input 1 (balanced XLR)

 Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0.1 dB)

 Dynamic Range: 104 dB (A-weighted)

 Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 104 dB (+1.0 dBu, A-weighted)

 THD+N: 0.003%

 Preamp EIN: -128 dBu (max gain, 150 Ω source, A-weighted)

 Max Input Level: +1.5 dBu

 Gain Range: 55 dB

 Line Input 1 (balanced 1/4" [6.35 mm] TRS)

 Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0.05 dB)

 Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 101 dB (1 kHz, +4 dBu, A-weighted)

 THD+N: 0.003%

 Max Input Level: 16 dBu

 Gain Range: 55 dB

 Inst Input 2 (unbalanced 1/4" [6.35 mm] TS)

 Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0.05 dB)

 Dynamic Range: 100 dB (A-weighted)

 Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 102 dB (+ 4 dBu, A-weighted)

 Main Outputs, L and R (impedance-balanced 1/4" [6.35 mm] TRS)

 Frequency Response: 20 Hz - 20 kHz (+0.06 dB)

 Dynamic Range / Signal-to-Noise Ratio: 102 dB (A-weighted)

 THD+N: 0.005%

 Max Output Level: +7 dBu (1 kHz, -1 dBFS)

 Headphone Output (1/4" [6.35 mm] TRS)

 THD+N: 0.005%

 Output Impedance: 10 Ω
 I will explain the good review and the bad review overall of this interface. First, the good review is, this
interface is so small and not heavy. So, if we want to travel, it’s really easy to bring it everywhere and put it
on the bag. We can build our small studio setup in the hotel room or… Starbucks! Next, the price of this
interface is about RM 400++ not including GST. The price is so reasonable and not too expensive for a
beginner user. Not only that, for Mac user, no software required like the other interface. Just plug it in and it
works! BUT, the bad thing about this interface is, sometimes it will keeps disconnecting and making popping
noises when connected to laptop. But at the end, this interface is really easy to use. Overall, it’s 7.5/10. It’s
worth to buy this interface.

The connection diagram on how to plug it

APOGEE ONE

Next, the second brand that I pick is Apogee One. This interface is one of my favourite interface that I
really want to have it. The Apogee One is a little brother to the two-channel Duet and comprises
a single-channel audio interface in a very compact and stylish enclosure. This interface is USB powered
and features a mono input, stereo output and built-in microphone, as well as a prominent
multi-function continuous encoder knob. Apogee's reputation for sound quality is near legendary, and
the One offers 24-bit audio at sample rates of up to 48kHz and a mic preamp with 48V phantom power.
Not only that, this interface can work very easy with MAC OS X. It’s also easy for those who are using
Garage Band, Logic Pro X, Pro Tools and Ableton.

APOGEE ONE
 The model of this interface is so beautiful on small. So it’s easy to travelling and bring this interface
with us. Another important point to note is that Apogee now is quite friendly with Waves. Im producing

some music so, If I buy this interface, my purchase also comes with a pretty sizable percentage off of
bundles and single plugins as well as a $100 voucher for the Waves plugin store. This is really amazing
and really helpful for me.

In use, the ONE works hand in hand with Apogee's Maestro 2 software, which provides metering,
gain settings, a low-latency headphone mix, and the ability to daisychain multiple Apogee interfaces. It's
all very elegant and easy to use, and it takes no time before you're up and recording.

As for audio quality, refer to the first sentence of this review. The omni mic is a great way to record
players in a room or a singer playing guitar or piano, it simply captures everything around it with clarity.
The mic preamp offers plenty of gain (and phantom power if needed), and the instrument input doesn't
color the sound of guitar pickups. The headphone output sounds so good, we can see users carrying the
ONE in their laptop bags just to enjoy 24/96 audio the way it was meant to be heard!
 Apogee One comes with two different colour. The first one is silver. The silver colour is for MAC user.
ONE features a single microphone preamp with seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and
decreases throughout the gain range of 0 to 62 dB. This allows us to dial in the perfect level, either with
the controller knob or from within software, while delivering ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail.
ONE’s mic preamp is suitable for all dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones, allowing you to capture
any sound without compromise. And the second one is black. This one is a special edition for those who
are making music using Ipad.

SILVER IS FOR MAC BLACK IS FOR IPAD AND MAC

 Lastly, if you are looking for a small portable interface, the One is a great choice. It definitely has a bit
of a premium price-wise over some of the budget offerings out there, but this is definitely a case where
you get what you pay for. If you pick up a One you’ll be rewarded with loads of headroom, a noise floor
that is basically nil, and a sturdy feeling piece of gear that looks great. But the bad thing is, it’s not build
for Windows user like me, too bad for it. Not only that, this interface also not working on Fl Studio user.
But I don’t care about that, maybe who knows, one day im changing into mac user so I can use this
interface on my daily production stuff !! APOGEE ONE IS GREAT!
REFRENCE:

1) M-AUDIO (2017), M-TRACK 2X2 (2017)

URL LINK : http://www.m-audio.com/m-tracks/2x2

2) SOUND ON SOUND (2017), BARRY WATSON (NOVEMBER 2016) , M- AUDIO (2017), M-TRACK
2X2 (2017)
URL LINK : https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/m-audio-m-track-2x2m-2x2

3) HOW TO MAKE HIP HOP (2017) RYAN (APRIL 2017) , M-AUDIO (20170, M-TRACK 2X2 (2017)
URL LINK : https://howtomakehip-hop.com/m-audio-m-track-2x2-review

4) APOGEE (2016), APOGEE ONE (2016)

URL LINK : http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/one

5) SOUND OF SOUND (2010), SIMON LANGFORD (APRIL 2010), APOGEE ONE (2010)
URL LINK : https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/apogee-one

6) ASK AUDIO (2016), MATT VANACORO (21 JULY 2016), APOGEE ON FOR MAC (2016)
URL LINK: https://www.soundonsound.com/reviews/apogee-one