M-AudioM-Track Duo – USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with Dual XLR, Line & DI Inputs, plus a Software Suite Included

fantastic value. I see complaints about gain, and it's true, you will end up using things at about 60-80% gain, but it still leaves more modulation on the table. Also, I think that the gain is calibrated this way to give you some flexibility for mics that are really hot. I use it to record instruments and vocals with XML 770 mics, which are also a great value. If you use your ears, you can make studio quality recordings with that combo. As far as durability, I have dropped mine and abused it so it's definitely well built. I also have used this for teaching online piano lessons where one channel captures the piano and the other captures my voice, and the interface provides adequate mixing for a good-sounding call. I really like that it doesn't require any interface software; on windows and Mac you can just plug it in and use it.

Never bought or used one before so I don’t really have a frame of reference to say if it’s good or bad. I can say it arrived on time, in one piece and it works! Have only had it a week or 2 and I think I’ve already gotten my money worth.I can also say I like my cat, that way you know I’m not some bot or paid customers. Bots and paid customers don’t say they like their cat in the middle of audio interface reviews.

Avid, what can I say. It does what it does.

Packaging - Comes with everything you need, including the cable to plug into a computer. It comes with a paper with the information about the free software you get from buying it. I haven't tried it though.Build quality - Fine, no metal. Completely plastic box.Noise - I don't hear any buzz or hiss when monitoring with my headphones, even with gain all the way up.Inputs - Good, having 2 XLR ports in this price seems pretty good compared to others. Headphone port alters sound a bit using it on my PC, so I only use it for direct monitoring. I don't use the speaker outputs on the back either, so can't comment on that.Design - Good, I like the small size. I put it underneath a little lift on my desk that my monitors are on, and it slides under nicely. But since the knobs are on top it's not very easy to adjust them, but I never need to.I only use this to plug my Shure SM57 into, and I don't hear any noise or buzz of any kind when monitoring my microphone with my headphones.I also have to have the gain all the way up for my SM57 to be loud enough, and even then I'd like it to be a little louder. But even with the gain all the way up there's no noise or buzz of any sorts.I tried plugging a guitar into it but I didn't switch it from line to guitar mode, so maybe that's why it didnt sound very good. I'm too lazy to test it again right now.When you get the gain knob to 90% and greater, the gain gets extremely sensitive. 95% - 100% is a huge jump in loudness. I've seen other people say that too, so I'm not sure why it does that.I don't require the phantom power for anything so I can't comment on that.When plugging my headphones into it to use it on my computer, it seems like it alters the sound compared to when I just plug my headphones directly into my computer, and I don't like it as much, so I don't use it for that.The direct monitoring is good though, no latency or anything. I'm not sure if the monitoring knob is sensitive like the gain because I have no reason to turn it that high.

Nice one, i got some noise but, it's okey by its price!

Excelente

My USB mixer finally gave up the ghost, and I needed a decent interim interface that I could use as main, and later, as a backup. I have other M Audio gear, and given the price and my intended purpose for this, I figured I'd give this a go. Bottom Line Up Front, it is better than "okay", but not "great".Straight to the pros and consPros:::Well laid out and doesn't require a manual to use (unless this is your first interface).::Pots feel smooth and consistent.::Toggle switches for mic/line feel nice, and are intuitively placed.::Not intrusive on the desk (except for the input cables. More on that later).::Lightweight... which is also a con in some cases.::Good sounding, clean circuits.::Inexpensive.::Flawless operation and plays very nice with my other equipment.Cons:::Too light; the front inputs constantly move the unit out of place, owing to the cable movements any time you move your instrument or mic.::All plastic. Some might like it, but I am not a fan.::When mic'ing with a phantom powered condenser, it seems under driven. In order to get a good level in my DAW, this thing needs cranked way up. It would be nice if the middle position was closer to 0db than it is to whatever the heck minimal value that it's at.::The feet are a circular foam affair, as opposed to something with more grip, like rubber. The issue here is that the unit slides all over the place. All the foam seems to do is quiet down its placement. Other than that, it may as well be an air hockey puck.::Perplexing design choices, such as the phantom power light being on top, as opposed to next to the switch, which is on the front.If they had thrown this in an aluminum case, angled the controls (even slightly), had optional rear inputs instead of (or in addition to?) fronts, and got a little more oomph out of the 48v circuit, I would have paid much, much more for it. Also, they could have kept it box shaped (but a bit taller), and instead of pots, used sliders with LED volume indicators. Or small pots. Whatever, as long as the controls are visible in a dimly lit room, and preferably from the front; these are not. To that end, this is the 21st century; we have cool stuff. Things like buttons and switches with micro LEDs built in. Something as simple as on-switch or on-button LEDs to indicate position, would have made the unit more aesthetically pleasing, and more functional in more scenarios.I get that this is a budget unit, but M Audio is an established company with legit equipment, and a good reputation. So why be this mediocre about an interface? They could have picked a dozen different designs, but instead, chose to make it dimly lit, and very average.Despite the niggles, I have to say that I do really like the sound... which.... let's be honest, is all that really matters. Whether you share my personal nitpicks or not, it is factually a good sounding interface, performs well, and fits any budget.Verdict: If you spend more than 4 hours a day producing or recording, I would recommend it as a backup interface, or as a temporary interface. I am glad that I have it as a backup, but I would much rather use a rack mount interface as my main. For someone that spends less time than that, or has no 48V requirements, this would probably be pretty close to perfect. So for what its worth, I don't regret the purchase, and still must recommend it, if only because it sounds good.- 1 star because this is the only interface that I have ever owned that had volume output issues on the mic.- 1 star for the other cons listed above.