These are the audio interfaces that I have used to livestream and create my music.
I want to go over features important to me and my workflow and to share my findings with you. There may be software workarounds for some of the missing features, but I tend to stay away from any additional 3rd party software that adds possible instability, an extra layer of complexity to a streaming setup, and additional latency. Latency is a slight delay that affects recording in the box (computer) with guitar amp simulators plugins, drum software, and keyboard virtual instruments.
General Features (that I’m looking for)
- Stable drivers with low latency (5ms or less total latency)
- DSP for a professional mix during a live streaming. Channel EQ, Compression, and send effects like delay and reverb
- Loopback to capture desktop and application audio that output to channels 1 and 2 for live streaming using OBS and video conferencing software
- Firmware updates to add new features over time
Wish List
- Elgato Stream Deck integration or built in customizable controls that can be programmed to improve workflow
- Brickwall limiter on the main output bus to keep a live stream from clipping with minimal additional latency
- A bus compressor to glue the mix on the main bus for live streaming
- Easy to use auto ducking to lower music anytime a person speaks, then raises it when that person finishes
I’m looking for a setup geared towards a solo content creator that is easy to use, and yet flexible enough to streamline the workflow of live streaming, making videos, and recording music.
MOTU Ultralite MK5
Benefits
- Rock solid drivers
- Low latency
- Loopback functionality
- Basic DSP for compression and reverb
- Mic Preamp gain: +74 dB
- Line Output 21 dBu
- Consistent firmware updates
- Great support so far
Drawbacks
- Limited DSP but this could be improved with firmware updates
- Reverb is not a send effect which is not ideal for live streaming when you want to mute the mic because the reverb is still being sent to the main output
https://motu.com/en-us/products/gen5/ultralite-mk5/
You can check out my “Create” playlist if you want to hear what the MOTU Ultralite sounds like.
Latency Test Results
Universal Audio Arrow (Now the Apollo Solo)
Benefits
- Solid drivers
- Low latency
- Loopback
- DSP in the console app for mixing live
Drawbacks
- Not enough inputs and outputs at this price range. More inputs and outputs would be a big investment.
- No Insert effects on the main bus like limiting and bus compression for live streaming (This might be possible using a virtual bus but I haven’t tested this out yet)
- The add on effects are pricey (unless you get them on sale)
https://www.uaudio.com/audio-interfaces/apollo-solo.html
You can listen to my song “Ghost” if you want to hear what the Universal Audio Arrow sounds like.
Latency Test Results
Behringer XR18
Benefits
- Really good DSP effects for live streaming at this price point
- Descent drivers
- Loopback capability within the mixer
- XR18 Analog I/O latency is 0.8 ms including all channel and bus processing, excluding insert effects
- Limiter and bus compression on the main output bus for a great live stream sound!
Drawbacks
Higher latency for streaming and recording.
Behringer Wing
- Slightly better USB latency (not tested yet)
- Behringer Wing Analog I/O latency (console input to output) 1.0 ms
- Bus compressor models like SSL and Neve
A streamlined Behringer audio interface with low latency that has all the digital mixer functionality of the Wing would be perfect for live streaming.
https://www.behringer.com/product.html?modelCode=0605-AAD
You can listen to my Twitch Streams to hear what the XR18 sounds like
Latency Test Results
Line 6 Helix
Benefits
- Fantastic guitar amp simulation
- Firmware updates and features added even years after purchase!
Drawbacks
- Higher latency
- No loopback functionality
- Could use additional DSP power for the newer effects blocks
Latency Test Results
Rode Rodecaster Pro 2
Benefits
- Built for live streaming with effects, routing, and flexible options
- Consistent firmware updates
Drawbacks
- High latency because the audio is routed through an operating system built on the linux platform that introduces latency that is not reported by the DAW
- Lower Line Output of 4 dBu (compared to 20 dBu of other interfaces)
RØDECaster Pro II: Developer Update
This interview talks about how the architecture for the RØDECaster Pro II is built on the linux platform and that it is effectively a computer that can be fully configurable. This explains why the RØDECaster Pro II is so flexible but also why the additional latency is not reported by the DAW.
RME audio interfaces with TotalMix
Benefits
Best low latency performance, solid drivers, and basic DSP.
Drawback
TotalMix loopback functionality does not have virtual channels so you lose the ability to record with your first two hardware channels which are typically the MIC 1 and 2 preamps during a live stream.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Benefits
Simple interface that has descent latency performance.
Drawback
No DSP for advanced mixing and effects.
No loopback (other versions offer loopback).
Latency Test Results
Final Thoughts
I’d love to see an audio interface that is designed for music artists that embrace live streaming and other future mediums used to express their art.
If you would like to support my work, please listen to my music at afteraudio.com.
I hope this helps you create.