Audient
A
udient have
already applied
their extensive
analogue circuitry
knowledge to a
number of well
respected desktop
USB audio interfaces. Their latest
project, EVO, aims for even simpler,
more compact audio interfacing and
includes two options, EVO 4
(2-in/2-out) and EVO 8 (4-in/4-out),
and it’s EVO 4 that I have on trial.
EVO 4 has a rather attractive
cuboid design with a single
instrument input and single
headphone output on the front face
(both ¼” jacks), and two combi
(XLR/TRS) mic/line inputs and a pair
of balanced outputs (¼” TRS jacks)
on the back. The top face has a large
encoder-style knob fl anked by six
backlit soft buttons and the bottom
face includes a couple of desktop
protector pads.
EVO more fun
EVO 4 is USB bus-powered and
class compliant and connects via a
Type-C USB connector. It also works
with iOS devices, though you’ll need
pass-through power for all but the
latest models. There’s also a basic
app that assists with fi rmware
upgrades and lets you select an
internal loopback option, handy if
you need to record the outputs or
reroute them to another application.
Out of the box, EVO 4 feels
solidly made and has a tactile matte
black fi nish. At 360 grams it’s pretty
light and it’s also compact enough to
slip easily into a small satchel or
holdall. The only thing I’d say is that
once it’s loaded up with cables, its
small footprint and light weight don’t
anchor it particularly well on your
desktop.
Thanks for your inputs
Down the left are the input selectors
(1 & 2), 48V phantom power and the
green automatic gain option
(Smartgain). Meanwhile, on the
right-hand side are selectors for
Output Volume and Monitor Mix –
the latter provides zero latency
monitoring. The buttons work in
conjunction with the large encoder
knob which has a halo of LEDs to
show current knob position. When
you’re not changing levels, the halo
acts as a level indicator for the
selected function. The backlit input
selectors also fl ash red for overload.
the instrument input overrides the
mic input. Again, neither is unusual
but may not suit everyone.
EVO 4 is a very accomplished
device that does exactly what it sets
out to do, sounds good, is a doddle
to use and offers a level of fl exibility
missing on considerably more
expensive units.
Once you get beyond the basic
functions, EVO 4’s soft buttons
incorporate a number of great
features. For example to mute the
inputs or the outputs you simply hold
down their respective buttons for a
second, meanwhile holding down
both input buttons links the two
together. Phantom power can be
assigned independently to each
input, which is a nice touch, and
when you hold down the zero latency
Monitor Mix button it provides
control of the headphone panning.
EVO 4’s Smartgain option is also very
easy to use, providing a great way to
set gain if you’re in a rush.
Sonically I found EVO 4 to be
pretty good, and even though the
digitally controlled gains do impart
tiny clicks as you change settings
this isn’t unusual and is pretty
inconsequential. It’s worth noting
inserting the headphones mutes the
rear monitor outputs, and also that
THE PROS & CONS
+
Compact
stylish design
Time-saving
Smartgain option
Decent integrated
metering
Zero latency
monitoring with
adjustable panning
Great value
-
Headphones
cut main
monitor outputs
FM VERDICT
9.2
EVO 4’s compact minimalist
design disguises a feature
set that’s impressive for a
unit of this size/price. Oh,
and it looks great as well
EVO 4’s Smartgain option
is also very easy to use,
providing a great way to set
gain if you’re in a rush
on the back. The top face has a large
encoder-style knob fl anked by six
backlit soft buttons and the bottom
face includes a couple of desktop
protector pads.
EVO more fun
EVO 4 is USB bus-powered and
class compliant and connects via a
Type-C USB connector. It also works
with iOS devices, though you’ll need
pass-through power for all but the
latest models. There’s also a basic
Smartgain option
Decent integrated
monitoring with
adjustable panning
Great value
-
Headphones
cut main
monitor outputs
EVO 4’s Smartgain option
is also very easy to use,
A
udient have
already applied
USB audio interfaces. Their latest
project, EVO, aims for even simpler,
more compact audio interfacing and
includes two options, EVO 4
(2-in/2-out) and EVO 8 (4-in/4-out),
and it’s EVO 4 that I have on trial.
EVO 4 has a rather attractive
cuboid design with a single
instrument input and single
headphone output on the front face
(both ¼” jacks), and two combi
(XLR/TRS) mic/line inputs and a pair
of balanced outputs (¼” TRS jacks)
THE PROS & CONS
A
already applied
their extensive
analogue circuitry
knowledge to a
number of well
respected desktop
USB audio interfaces. Their latest
project, EVO, aims for even simpler,
more compact audio interfacing and
includes two options, EVO 4
(2-in/2-out) and EVO 8 (4-in/4-out),
and it’s EVO 4 that I have on trial.
EVO 4 has a rather attractive
cuboid design with a single
instrument input and single
headphone output on the front face
(both ¼” jacks), and two combi
(XLR/TRS) mic/line inputs and a pair
of balanced outputs (¼” TRS jacks)
+
Compact
stylish design
Time-saving
Smartgain option
Decent integrated
metering
Zero latency
monitoring with
adjustable panning
Audient EVO 4 | Reviews
81
FMU360.rev_audient.indd 81 08/07/2020 11:29