Hey guys ive been searching high and low for an answer to this and the learning curve is steep for new producers so I really need some help plz.
I have a korg kaossilator pro plus which uses 2 line ins, an akai apc mk2, and a xone k2 midi controller ( i normally just use the k2 along with traktor to DJ parties since its so portable).
I would like to purchase a maschine mk2 soon as the center piece to my studio but I dont know which audio interface to purchase since I would also like to connect things such as my les paul guitar or a turntable to sample.
I intend to shift from a traktor live setup to an ableton 9 live suite setup using the apc mk2, kaossilator, xone k2, and the maschine mk2.
would something like M-Audio M-Track Quad Audio Interface work? I would like to keep the expenses on the audio interface below 500 dollars.
The Focusrite Scarlett series are good value for money. I have a 2i4. The build quality is very good. The sound quality is better than I need for both the inputs and the outputs. There are a pair of inputs that are combo xlr-1/4"TRS. The outputs are a pair or 1/4"TRS and/or four RCA, plus a headphone jack for monitoring.
The drivers are reasonable on Windows. I use this sound interface with Traktor, Maschine, and Ableton Live without any issues. I have recorded into Ableton Live from cassette tape, and external microphones (AT 2035) with results that were good enough for my use.
There are other units in this series with more inputs/outputs…depending on your needs.
The Xone K2 does not offer any inputs so you can not use your guitar with it. The M-Audio M-Track looks solid. Personally I could only justify buying a two input interface, which is much cheaper. The Steinberg UR 22 or Focusrite 2i2/2i4 are good examples. However as long as you don’t need any inputs the K2 will do the job.
