Recommendations for 4+ input USB Interace with Good Direct Monitoring Controls?

Hardware
1

I have a Tascam 4x4 HR that is unfortunately allowing me to properly eliminate the dry signal from my configuration (yes, “monitor balance” is set to “computer”). The Tascam sounds great, and also has hardware controls (my preference). It also has a good footprint (11.5" wide); however, their software is not great and is very buggy on MacOS. I need at least 4 inputs for my setup. Phantom power is nice to have.

What’s a more evolved equivalent of the US-4x4HR | 4-IN/4-OUT High-Resolution USB Audio/MIDI Interface | TASCAM - United States

Keep in mind that the motivation here is to be able to monitor off the interface directly and not hear the dry signal at all. My primary use case is live playing not recording.

2

Do you need 4 Mic inputs or can it be line/instrument inputs?

3

At around the same price, the MOTU M4 is pretty good —

2 Likes
4

Great if there can be at least 2 XLRs, but I could live with 2 + 2.

5

I would go for the RME Babyface Pro or, for rackmounting, the larger RME Fireface UCX. They are pricey, but well worth the investment.

4 Likes
6

Maybe have a look at the presonus Quantum ES 4… i’m quite happy with it!
(Only thing: it’s a bit power demanding on the USB-port, so it might be you’d have to use an additional power supply).

2 Likes