Hi,

I realize "which audio interface?" is popular topic so my apologies if I'm skewing the signal to noise ratio by starting a new thread on this!

I'm an on again off again one-man-band classic rock bedroom guitar player/composer/engineer/producer/etc who is in the "on again" phase and really enjoying myself lately.

I've got an older iMac (late 2013) running High Sierra with Logic Pro X. It's a rock and I have no current plans to upgrade. I bought a PreSonus AudioBox iTwo a couple years ago for $100ish and thus far it's worked fine. Stupid simple (plug it in and it works) and the price was right.

I've been bit by the bug lately and am wondering if a more expensive (better) audio interface would offer me a noticeable improvement in sound quality for both recording (guitar only) and playback. I realize to some degree sound quality is subjective - what I'm looking for is an improvement that would be noticeable and beyond debate for most.

My needs are simple - one input. Headphones and studio monitor outputs. Ideally I'd like the instrument input (guitar jack) to be on the front. Ideally I'd prefer not to introduce any complexity with regards to another software console etc although this isn't a deal breaker. Latency isn't an issue for me (at least it hasn't been) so my only real reason to spend some dough would be to get better sound quality. I should note that I'm not unhappy with the current sound but know that it can be better (cleaner/sharper). I don't mind having a power brick (doesn't need to be powered by USB/Thunderbolt) as it will live on my desk. Either USB or Thunderbolt (2) connections would be fine.

I spent a lot of time looking at the UAD, RME, Audient, MOTU, Focusrite, PreSonus, etc., offerings and each brand has a model which fits my price range but many seem overkill (more inputs/outputs or software consoles included) although I'm still open to most of them at this point. I'm willing to spend upwards of 700/800 (maybe more) if the sound improvements merit.

The choices are plentiful. After doing what seems like too much research I keep coming back to the following:

Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB 10-In/4-Out Audio Interface. Price ($359.99) is great and Focusrite seems to be a popular choice. Lots of reviews out there speak to the good sound quality but will it really be a major upgrade?

PreSonus Quantum 2 22x24 Thunderbolt 2 Low-Latency Audio Interface Price is near the top of where I want to land ($599) and it claims to have a great sound. For some reason it's not sold anymore on some major sites (Sweetwater) and doesn't seem to get much attention on this site (relative to other options) which makes me wonder.

Will either of those units give me a "Whoa!" moment or do I need to look at something else?

Thanks!

Yes, a big difference in preamp quality and stereo image/width. If you want a noticeable difference, I'd go to $900+ range. Every preamp in the interface raises the cost of materials, better AD/DA raises the price, clocking etc. With that in mind, if you dont need much I/O, Apollo Twin X seems like an obvious choice that will be a significant improvement in both preamps and conversion.

As fate would have it the price dropped to $809 on Amazon and B&H just about an hour ago so I'll have a UAD Apollo Twin X DUO in my studio/office tomorrow. With cables and tax I'm in for under a grand. Thanks for pushing me over the edge

It's not cheap but I don't want to spend 400 or 500 and not see much difference - hopefully this will impress!

They are excellent interfaces! You will definitely be impressed over the one you're replacing.

They are the standard. A list producers and engineers are recording hits through them everyday.

Nice! Congrats!

Let us know how you get along with it.

And don't forget our forums where LOTS of great users share tips and tricks etc. www.uadforum.com

Thanks!

After a delay in shipping and a delay because I purchased the wrong cable - I was finally able to get it plugged in and setup with my Mac. I was prepared to have some buyers remorse (after all - you can buy a pretty decent amp for 900 these days) but I have to say it doesn't dissapoint.

It sounds much smoother, really clean, more analog if that makes sense, really professional. It's almost like everything has more depth. Really Great! The PreSonus didn't sound bad but after spending a couple hours with this I could never go back. I was never too happy with the amp sims in Logic Pro X but I need to revisit them now as this changes everything.

Now I need to stop myself from buying the Lexicon 224 plugin before my wife kills me.

Cheers!

Thanks for the report, and I'm glad to hear you're enjoying your purchase!