With the M-Audio AIR 192|14 you get everything you need for professional recording in 24-bit/192 kHz studio quality. In addition to the elegant housing, which fits perfectly into any studio environment, there is a large central knob for convenient operation during monitoring. In terms of sound, exclusive Crystal pre-amps are available, which score with extremely low inherent noise and therefore crystal-clear amplification. In addition, there are high-quality A/D converters that offer the highest possible audio performance in their class. In general, the AIR 192 14 has four XLR/jack combo sockets and two jack inputs. Naturally, attention has also been paid to compatibility with electric guitars and basses, which are connected directly. This means that various ohmic and Hi-Z instruments can be easily recorded via the front jack sockets.
At the rear, in addition to the MIDI I/O, there is a main out for operating monitors and two additional outs for further routing.
Furthermore, it doesn't matter whether you are a PC or Mac user - the standard USB or USB-C port provides sufficient flexibility - both cables are included. This Hi-Speed USB connection paired with the USB/Direct Balance button provides zero-latency monitoring of the inputs to make the recording process even easier.
Pro Software Suite included:
Before this, I was using the M-Audio M-Track 2x2. Very soon after I got it, I realised it was not enough for what I wanted to do. As well as a songwriter/producer, I also co-own an internet radio station. I needed an interface that could easily handle both jobs, without having to constantly plug leads.
I had looked at others, like the NI Komplete Audio 6, but because I was already confident in the sound quality M-Audio, I decided to go for the Air 192|14... and BOY am I happy I did! Considering I haven't changed anything but the interface, the transformation in sound quality is (almost) unbelievable! Pristine!
It's a solid build (i'e. not lightweight) and, despite having eight knobs, four switches and two buttons on the top, there's enough space around each, so that you won't accidentally flick a switch, press a button or alter the level set on a knob by accident... that said, the unit is still fairly compact.
I have, over the last 10 years, gotten used to USB powered interfaces, so this makes a change, but with eight inputs (with phantom power on the first four), four outputs, MIDI in/out and two headphone sockets (each with its own volume control), I can see the need for juice; besides, considering the great overall quality for the relatively small price I had to pay, a wall wart is nothing to moan about. Ok, so I had to borrow my neighbour's adapter, as it was shipped with a European plug... but the staff at DV247 has assured me they will get one sent to me right away.
All in all, I'm a very happy bunny! Now my radio mixer has its own set of inputs and the mic has it's own (I can add up to three more). Heck, I've now set it that both the mic and mixer inputs are coming into Cubase and I use side-chaining to duck the music level while speaking... something I've ALWAYS wanted to do!