Are you looking to either replace your audio interface? Or perhaps you’re a first time buyer looking for a product that will allow you to begin recording for the first time?
Either way, if you’re looking to buy an audio interface, you’re probably already overwhelmed with what the market has to offer.
With so many different manufacturers creating so many products, all of which seem to provide a similar service, choosing the correct product can seem overwhelming!
With all this choice, trawling through the internet to locate the best product for you seems impossible. Well, look no further.
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series is definitely the best product for anyone looking for a new audio interface.
Read on to find out why this is the product you’re looking for.
Overview
Although perhaps not the most attractive looking products, good quality, portable USB audio interfaces are one of the most important tools in recording and production setups.
Whilst larger products which require a lot more I/O are available, a smaller device like this one is well suited to those who favor a more streamlined setup, such as someone who only needs to record a guitar or vocal at any given time.
M-Audio have been making these products for years and are one of the most popular manufacturers of audio interfaces.
Their latest product, 2X2 and 2X2M, is a product you must consider if you’re looking to run a simple, portable setup without spending too much money.
Features
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series has a metal and plastic casing. This makes it sturdy and durable, making it a good choice if you’re planning to move it around, such as by taking it with you on journeys.
On the rear of the product a couple of combo XLR/Jack inputs. There are also stereo jack outs, meaning you can easily connect your speakers.
The model also features a 1X1 MIDI 1/0 which means you connect various devices such as your keyboard, synthesizer, or drum machine.
How Do You Connect M-Audio M-Track 2X2
The product also features a USB-C port which holds data and power. The product also comes with USB-C as well as regular USB cables which are supplied in the box.
This is useful, because USB-C will likely become commonplace going forward.
The front of the product features two instrument jack inputs, (although only two on the smaller model) meaning you can hook up your guitar.
On the front of the product you will find a headphone jack and a phantom power switch so you can connect a microphone without having to use bulky external power supplies at an extra cost.
There’s also a headphone volume control, as well as gain dials for each channel, and integrated level meters to measure the sound levels.
You can easily control the volume by using the large volume knob at the center.
There’s also a USB/direct monitoring dial, therefore you can set how you monitor the recordings. This also offers a zero latency monitoring option.
After you plug in the microphones, the LED meters allow you to be aware of the levels without requiring you to constantly look back at the DAW software, however, another few LEDs would have made for an even better and easier to use product.
Sound
In terms of the quality of sound, this product offers great value for money. Internally, the product is capable of producing 24-but, 192 kHz recordings.
This is higher than expected and better than many other small interfaces can provide, especially considering that this product is bus powered.
Wiring up mics or high impedance sources such as a bass or guitar is easy with this product, because it features both combo and line level inputs.
The visual and audible onboard monitoring also works really well. The M model also features MIDI ports. This gives the product the capability of being able to connect your MIDI gear to it.
This is only slightly more expensive than the non-MIDI version, and so you might want to opt for this version even if there’s any likelihood that you’ll be working with the hardware MIDI at any point, since it gives you that option if you need it.
Having been produced by M-Audio, who are used by both amatuer and professional music markets, you will be provided with a sophisticated level of service whilst being user-friendly and easy to use.
This means you can record high quality content without having put so much effort into understanding the technology you’re using, allowing you to focus mainly on the music.
All this means that this product is fantastic value, however M-Audio also provides a few other things at no extra cost, which make it an even better deal for your money.
With your purchase of the box itself, you’ll also get The AIR FX collection, Cubase LE, Strike and Xpand!2, all also from AIR.
This makes the M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series a fantastic product to opt for if you’re just starting out.
Rather than realizing you need to buy lots more products before you can start recording, and then having to buy all these products separately, you’ll have them all available from the start.
Even if you already have some of these things yourself, these are great quality products that are all compatible with this product, and so are worth trying out with your box.
Ease Of Use
This product is a great choice because it is so easy to set up. It is self explanatory to use.
You just take it out of the box, set it up, and get going, allowing you to get the creative juices flowing as soon as you receive it.
With everything you need being included with the product, such as the different types of USB cables as well as the Cubase LE, there’s no need to have to go out and buy more things before you can even start using the product.
You can start recording, using all the different features the product has to offer, instantly.
That’s what makes this product such great value for money, and what makes it such a good product for anyone: whether you’re an experienced recorder or just getting started, with this product you have everything you need right at your fingertips.
Price
This interface is fantastic value for money. With its plastic and metal casing, it is a sturdy product and will be durable.
Additionally, with all the extras that come included with it at no extra cost, you won’t have to spend a lot more after buying the product just to use it.
Since the product comes with a USB-C as well as the regular USB cables, it’s not going to age quickly, as you will still be able to use the product even though USB-C is becoming more commonplace as time goes on.
If you want to try out using a product like this but don’t have much experience, this is definitely a great place to start.
At a low price, you won’t kick yourself if you try it out, decide it’s not for you, and get less use out of the product than you might have hoped.
However, with its durable casing, the product will also last if it’s something you’re going to use time and time again, which is fantastic value for money.
Pros And Cons
Pros
- Durable, sturdy casing means the product will last
- The reasonable price makes the product great value for money
- The product comes with everything you need, so you won’t be shelling out for more things just to use the product
- Something you will still be able to use as technology advances and changes
Cons
- Whilst the LED meters allow you to be aware of the levels without the need of having to constantly refer back to the DAW software, another few LEDs on the meter ladder would have made this product even better
About M-Audio
This product is manufactured by M-Audio. With over thirty years of experience, having been founded in 1988, M-Audio is one of the most trusted names in music computer interface and studio integration solutions.
Since 2000 when the company first renamed itself from “Midiman” to “M-Audio”, the company has continued to grow with ever more sophisticated and trustworthy products.
Today, M-Audio offers the best products on the market to serve both amatuer and professional music markets.
This means their products are great whether you have a lot of experience with recording, or conversely are just starting out.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking for an audio interface, then this product is a fantastic product to opt for. At a great price, the product provides everything you might to start recording as soon as you have the product.
It provides many different features whilst still being easy to use, and comes with everything you need to start straight away.
It also has a durable casing that will last. Coming from the trustworthy manufacturers M-Audio, you can definitely trust that this product will be worth buying.
