Steinberg

audio interfaces roundup / reviews <
November 2022 / COMPUTER MUSIC / 81
CONNECTIVITY: USB 2 | AUDIO RESOLUTION: 24-bit/192kHz | ANALOGUE
INPUTS: 2 | DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY: None | MIDI I/O: No | SOFTWARE BUNDLE
HIGHLIGHTS: Ableton Live 11 Lite, NI e ects, Momplte Start, Maschine Essentials
and Monark
Komplete Audio 2 has a two-
input, two-output design with
two identical mic/line/
instrument inputs.
Connections are on space-
saving combi XLRs with
individual selector switches
to help select between line
and instrument. 48V
phantom power, in the
meantime, is engaged
globally, via a single switch.
In addition to the inputs,
the front panel includes a
hardware monitoring balance
knob (Input/Host) and
headphone output with
independent control.
Main output level is
controlled from a large
output level knob on the top
panel. Here you’ll also ind the
input meters, alongside
phantom and USB indicators.
Round the back you’ve got
the USB B connector, a pair of
balanced outputs on TRS 1⁄4-
The follow-up to the original
iRig Pro Duo, the I/O ofers
two analogue combo inputs
so that you can connect and
simultaneously record your
favoured combination of
instruments and mics.
These inputs come with
updated Class-A preamps,
adjustable gain and phantom
power. There’s MIDI I/O, too,
along with two balanced 1/4-
inch outputs and a
headphone output.
You can engage the direct
monitor switch for latency-
free monitoring of the
incoming signal, and the iRig
Pro Duo I/O comes with a
USBC cable for easy
compatibility with modern
devices (Lightning and USBA
cables are supplied, too).
There are new dedicated PC
drivers as well, and it all
comes in a package with a
refreshed, rubberised inish.
CONNECTIVITY: USB 2, Lightning, USB OTG | AUDIO RESOLUTION: 24-bit/48kHz |
ANALOGUE INPUTS: 2 | ANALOGUE OUTPUTS: 2 | DIGITAL CONNECTIVITY: None
| MIDI I/O: Yes | SOFTWARE BUNDLE HIGHLIGHTS: AmpliTube CS (both desktop
and iOS versions), Steinberg Cubasis LE plus two choices of IK software
Native Instruments
Komplete
Audio 2
£99
IK Multimedia
iRig Pro Duo
I/O
£180
inch jacks and a Kensington
Security slot.
Komplete Audio 2 makes
our best audio interface list
because in action its
performance is as slick as its
looks. Though the features
are basic, it does its job
admirably. And when you
consider the excellent
software bundle too, it’s
excellent value.
native-instruments.com
The iRig Pro Duo I/O can
be bus-powered or run on
two AA batteries. It ships with
a large bundle of software,
which includes two bonus IK
titles of your choice.
It’s compatible with iOS,
Android, PC and Mac, so it
could be just the thing if you
need to record on the move
and in your studio.
ikmultimedia.com
Verdict
For Super compact
Very slick and stylishly designed
Decent ive-part input metering
Against No scaling on the controls
Compact and slick 2x2 audio interface at a
competitive price
9 / 1 0
Verdict
For Completely portable
Works with mobile devices
Record two channels simultaneously
Against There are better options if you
don’t need portability
One of the best compact audio interfaces –
a portable powerhouse
9 / 1 0
CMU314.rev_interfaces_roundup.indd 81CMU314.rev_interfaces_roundup.indd 81 20/09/2022 16:2720/09/2022 16:27