M-Audio AIR 192|4 is a 2-channel audio interface in the new AIR 192 series. It is a unique, beautifully designed audio interface with functional features. This audio interface gives you a crisp studio-quality recording with its simple and easy-to-use features. You can 2 channels at once with its dedicated balanced combo input, and an instrument input that provides an accurate live guitar or bass representation when plugged directly into the interface.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Simple and beautiful design
- It provides Quality sound
- Durable, rigid and sturdy
Cons
- A minimal set of inputs and outputs- best for personal use.
- Noticeable record delays
- Not portable-large and relatively heavy
With the M-Audio AIR 192|4 you get a 0.9 kg audio interface. When compared with other under $200 interfaces, it is not the lightest or most portable device with a 204 × 70 × 152 mm dimension. However, you get a dynamic audio interface-great for personal use, whether you plan to record on a microphone or plug in a guitar.
Its 24-bit/192kHz “pristine” A/D converters give you a reliable studio-quality recording. With a round trip latency of only 2.59ms, its direct monitoring features help reduce latency.
It also has a balanced XLR Microphone input with +48V switchable phantom power. We found that its balanced TRS line input allows for connecting a MIDI recording software, in case you are looking to add more creativity to your recording. Its low-noise preamp ensures the best sound from your microphones and captures a great audio performance.
One impressive feature a lot of music producers enjoy from this audio interface as it gets you recording as fast as possible – the production software packages. It includes;
Ableton lives lite, Pro tools first, Avid effects, and AIR Music Tech Creative functions Collection. And it works on Windows 32- or 64-bit or Mac OS X 10.8 or newer.
Controls
All the knobs on the glossy aluminum plate finishing have a rubber ring that covers them. It gives you a smoochy smooth and comfortable feel while operating this device.
On the surface of the M-Audio AIR 192|4, you’ll see that the headphone volume control knob is separate from the monitor volume. The audio interface has a rather large monitor volume control knob, but it feels great when operating it.
The 30mW per channel headphone output is conveniently located at the front of the device along with a 6.3mm instrument input for connecting your guitar and a +48V phantom power switch.
Even though this device has minimal inputs and outputs, it is pretty functional. The design and placement of each button, knob, and input on this device are convenient and well-thought-out.
On the other side of M-Audio AIR 192|4, you’ll find 2 balanced channels(Main outputs L and R) interface inputs for external recording. And also the USB-C to USB-B port.
Sound quality
We liked the sound of Crystal brand preamps, what you get is a clean, transparent, and low-noise audio recordings. Though the sound is a bit low with average headphones, we got a crisp sound quality with super quality headphones.
Video
M-Audio AIR 192|4 has a build quality built to last. It has an inbuilt Crystal preamp that gives you low-noise and transparent recording quality. It also has a reduced round-trip latency, great for recording the guitar. The software is great to get started recording.