USB Audio Interfaces that can act as a mixer (w/o using a DAW)

[StudioES]

The higher-end MOTUs can act as a basic digital mixer for jamming with hardware. No need for a DAW to route the audio. Does anyone know if the M4 or M6 have this functionality? Or the Arturia MiniFuse 4, or the UA Volt series? The NI Komplete Audio 6 can’t.

[Tchu]

Arturia Audiofuse 16Rig.

A standalone audio tool

For DAWless jamming or live performances, AudioFuse 16Rig just works. The interface can pass audio and MIDI signals even without a computer connected, with a low-latency MIDI-controllable internal mixer. You can even save configuration presets for easy stitching between setups.

[dtr]

RME interfaces.

[StudioES]

Thanks guys, I wish I could afford an Audiofuse or RME interface.

Does anyone know if MOTU has a ‘clean-all’ tool to remove their software completely from a PC? Registry entrees, etc. Revo-Uninstaller left a lot of MOTU files. Windows is no longer able to see my MOTU Audio Express, so either I figure out what’s wrong, or I buy a new interface.

Thanks in advance.

[d4ydream]

@StudioES

Does anyone know if the M4 or M6 have this functionality?

They do not. I have an M6 and an Ultralite mk5. The ULmk5 uses Cuemix from either my desktop or iPad. You can set and save profiles from either. You need Cuemix though to set everything up.

[StudioES]

Thanks for the info, I’ll keep that in mind. The Ultralite mk5 is high on my wishlist.

[obscurerobot]

@StudioES

Does anyone know if the M4 or M6 have this functionality?

Nope, the M series are just basic audio interfaces with excellent converters.

I was mistaken, the M series will work as a very basic mixer without a host:

USB Audio Interfaces that can act as a mixer (w/o using a DAW)

Yes. Stand-alone operation With a standard USB-C power adapter, the M4 can be used as a stand-alone preamp and basic mixer, with no host computer required. Simply engage the monitor button for all four inputs (and 48V phantom power, if needed) and adjust the preamp gain as needed. Connect the main outs to any line level destination, such as a PA or patch bay. That’s from the Motu website but I confirm that it works.

Source: I’ve had an M4 since they were released and just added an 828mk3 for digital mixing duties.

[StudioES]

Thanks. Are you using Windows? How stable are their Windows drivers? I’m a bit weary of going MOTU due to Windows not seeing my Audio Express any longer…

[CCMP]

Tascam Model 12 or 16?

They are exactly what you describe…

[StudioES]

I forgot about the Tascam Model 12. Has MIDI I/O too. Thanks for the reminder.

[qqq]

Keith McMillen K-Mix definitely can do this.

iConnectivity interfaces (Audio 4+ for example) can also be set up to do routing without a computer. Its very basic but you can at least control input/output levels. The routings can be configured inside the unit.

[tdwash]

I can’t speak for the whole line, but the Volt 476p works as a mixer without being connected to the computer.

[d4ydream]

@StudioES

Thanks. Are you using Windows? How stable are their Windows drivers?

My ULmk5 has been stable in both Windows 10 and 11 for the 10 months or so I’ve had it.

@StudioES

I’m a bit weary of going MOTU due to Windows not seeing my Audio Express any longer…

Is it perhaps a driver age thing? I know Windows Driver Signing bullshit has tried to piss on my parade a few times. I had to disable Secure Boot in the BIOS to bypass that warning and get the drivers installed (Not for MOTU stuff. Just older stuff in general). I think my A&H P5 was the last thing to give me driver signing issues.

[icaria36]

Also this: Audient evo 16 - new audio interface

[StudioES]

Thanks qqq, I’ll have to read up on the K-Mix. I don’t have much room on my desk for a bigger interface, so that’s a consideration.

iConnectivity Audio4C would be great (I can use my iPad too), but that software routing matrix looks daunting. When I had a bigger setup I used the iConnectMIDI4+ and it only being able to store 1 profile inside was a buzz kill.

Thanks tdwash, I’ll have to find the manuals for the Volt series.

d4ydream, that sounds promising for the ULmk5. I don’t think it’s a Windows Driver Signing issue, it installs without any complaints, but I can’t use it as the main interface for Windows, but I can use its ASIO driver in Ableton Live. Go figure. So Live can see the Audio Express ASIO driver, but Windows can’t see it.

Thanks Icaria36, I’ve heard good things about the Audient interfaces.

I’m thinking that maybe the mixer requirement is not too important, plus I recently upgraded to Live Suite so maybe I can just have Live open all the time. Plus I no longer have a lot of hardware.

[antimaitre]

in a pinch, i’ve used a behringer umc1820 interface as a crude ‘mixer’ (without a computer connected).

[tymon]

DJ mixers with audio interfaces built in. Rocking at xone px5 here.

[jox]

Sounddevices MixPre (with musician Plugin), mostly used as audio recorder, but also works very well as USB interface. very flexible for various setups, but more on the expensive side…

[Enrico_Pallazzo]

Use a mixer, simple as that

[StudioES]

Thanks antimaitre, plus the UMC1820 is pretty inexpensive. Another option.

tymon, Thanks, that’s a nice mixer. Too big though. Wow, your last post was 10 years ago!

jox, those Sounddevices boxes are nice! A bit too costly for me at the moment.

Thanks Enrico, I don’t have the real estate for a mixer.

I’m using an $80 Presonus Audiobox USB96 for the time being, and the sound quality kinda stinks. No low lows and no high highs. Sounds kinda muddy. Plus the inputs bleed into its outputs. But it’s rock-solid. Maybe Presonus’ Studio series should be on my shopping list. Software stability is crucial. Good converters for the money leads me to the MOTU M4. Decisions, decisions.

I appreciate everyone’s input. Keep 'em coming!