M-AudioAIR 192|4 USB-C Audio Interface for Recording, Podcasting, Streaming with Studio Quality Sound, 1 XLR in and Music Production Software

I bought this interface in January 2021. I have used it for for guitars plugged directly into the interface, and I have used it with Shure SM57 and SM58 microphones. I have been very happy with the sound quality, the ease of use, the reliability, and pretty much everything else about this interface. I have moved it all over my house and taken a few places in my backpack with no problems.I bought this interface because I wanted something that would be easy to adjust while playing a guitar or keys in low lighting. The Air interface has a giant knob to control the monitor volume, and the input knobs are easy to see and far enough apart that I can grab one without bumping the other. Everything is very spread out, and I can do what I need to do without thinking too much about the interface.I am going to upgrade to an interface with two mic inputs in the next few months. I have looked at the Air 192|6, which has two mic inputs, but am still undecided. I have been happy with the 192|4, but the new Focusrite 2i2 has some cool features and the UA Volt comes with a lot of good plugins. The Air interfaces come with some nice plugins, but they are the same ones you get for free with pretty much every other MIDI controller: MPC Beats (always free), Ableton Live Lite, Mini Grand, DB33, etc. I'd be way more excited if their interfaces came with a choice of a free plugin, because Air makes a lot of amazing effects and instruments.On a side note, if you a just getting into music production and MIDI controllers, I can't recommend Ableton Live Lite enough. It's a great choice for newbies, because there are so many how-to videos on YouTube.TLDR: this a very solid interface that does everything well

updated review:After working with M-Audio support, I was given an RMA to return the faulty interface, they didn't just replace the interface but they actually sent me an entire new vocal studio pack even though I only sent in the faulty part. Replaced unit is working great so far.old review:Things were ok for the first things months although after about a month, you had to have the mic gain to the max to get any sound from the mic - and yes with phantom power on. Then suddenly the Windows machine no longer sees the usb device, and the power light on the M-Audio AIR doesn't come on ... but phantom power does. Tried another port and another cable and it seems to have a failed usb and is just passing through power.

Users with poor reviews seem to be suffering from user error. My model worked perfectly fresh out of the box. Just as well, I decided to update the drivers. The drivers clearly state your PC must be restarted to work and be active. There are currently (as of 4/26/2022) no drivers specifically for Windows 11, however, the Windows 10 (64-bit) drivers worked perfectly for me. Zero knob wobble, tight and smooth knobs. Smooth switch for phantom power. Tight connectors with zero wobble.The drivers actually enabled 32-bit, which is incredible for specific audio needs to avoid losing data. My PC is a Ryzen 5 5600x, so Ryzen systems are, in fact, perfectly fine. I have Windows 11 Pro, and the Windows 10 Drivers are excellent and hassle free. The software subscriptions are all optional via their website, so you do not receive ANY bloatware or unwanted apps. There are 2 included USB cables; 1 usb-c to usb-c and 1 usb-c to usb-a. I am using a different branded usb-c cable rated for 100W, so the claim that a "usb 3.1" cable will not work is false. The audio quality of 32-bit 192,000 Hz is phenomenal.I purchased this unit, marked as "USED" from Amazon Warehouse. The item came re-packaged in a general brown cardboard box, with all items sandwiched between two styrofoam blocks. All items were included, and the item is apparently brand new (cellophane still in tact on face). I am ecstatic to have purchased this item for $72.64 instead of the full $119.00; what an absolute bargain. Would recommend for an initial audio interface; I wanted a MOTU M2, but this was nearly 1/3 the cost.