M-Audio AIR 192|4 review

Today, we’ll be reviewing the M-Audio AIR 192|4 audio interface.

As far as entry-level, budget-friendly interfaces are concerned, this one seems like a solid choice.

Let’s take a deeper look.

Our verdict on the M-Audio AIR 192|4 4.8

For what it is, the AIR 192|4 is a great interface with solid preamps, great recording quality, and a fairly pleasing layout.

For the novice, there’s not much more to ask for (besides maybe another XLR/TRS combo input instead of the instrument input).

I/O and controls 4.0

On the front panel, you’ll notice a direct instrument input, a 48 V phantom power switch, as well as a quarter inch headphone jack.

The rear panel has a single TRS/XLR input, two balanced TRS outputs, and a USB-C port.

Frustratingly, the instrument input has no option to be raised to line level, meaning that if you’d like to connect line-level and a microphone at the same time – you can’t.

For the novice, this might not be such a huge issue, but for any serious recording engineers, this might be enough to take this interface out of the running.

The top panel is fairly straightforward to navigate. On the left side, you’ll find gain controls for both the combo and instrument inputs.

Each channel has its own LED step display to help with gain staging. Although, they aren’t very accurate, and you’ll most likely resort to using the meters in your DAW.

There’s a large master control knob in the center of the panel, to the right of which are dials for direct monitoring and headphone volume control.

The direct monitoring control allows you to hear either what’s coming in through your DAW, your direct input, or a blend of the two.

Cheaper interfaces tend to not have this feature, so we found it a nice touch.

Recording quality 5.0

The M-Audio AIR 192|4 performs exceptionally well, with 24-bit depth and a sample rate of 192 kHz. The reported frequency response is 10 Hz to 20 kHz, and is fairly flat.

There is a slight drop off at 20 Hz by about a decibel, but things remain neutral up until 65 kHz when we see another drop off in the high end.

The AIR 192|4’s mic input also has a very low distortion level. Any distortion is practically inaudible and not an issue.

Preamps 4.0

M-Audio has been adamant on the strength of its Crystal mic preamp’s performance. Advertising them as completely transparent, and not coloring the sound of your recordings in any way.

We’re more than happy to say that we found this to be not far from the truth.

They are indeed neutral, however, the dynamic range leaves a bit to be desired and is outclassed by several other interfaces in the same price range.

So while your recordings will sound accurate to the original performance, it might be in your best interest to grab an external preamp for quieter takes, and carefully check your levels for the louder ones.

At home/studio 3.5

It performs well enough to be considered for at home recording. Although the lack of being able to switch the instrument input to line is a big let down.

This interface is great for people looking for 192 kHz playback, and not much more.

Mobile recording 4.5

You could feasibly use this as a mobile recording device considering how small and lightweight it is.

Build quality 4.5

Weighing at 2 lbs and wrapped in solid metal, the AIR 192|4 is chunky, solid, and seems fairly durable enough to take a healthy beating.

Pro tip: If you want to extend the life of your recording equipment by a few years, don’t swing a crow bar at it.

Software bundle 3.5

The AIR 192|4 comes with a modest but respectful software bundle, offering you access to Ableton Live Lite, and 20 effect plug-ins.

Compared to other audio interfaces

Here are some alternatives to consider against the M-Audio AIR 192|4 USB audio interface.

You can also check out our picks of the best budget audio interfaces and the best audio interfaces under $200.

M-Audio AIR 192|4 vs. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

If you can manage to spend a little bit more cash, you’ll get the same performance out of a better looking interface.

Plus, you’ll get Focusrite’s signature AIR mode preamps which will give your recordings a bit of color.

Check out our Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen review

M-Audio AIR 192|4 vs. PreSonus AudioBox iOne

If you’re in need of MIDI I/O, get the Audiobox. Not much more to say otherwise.

Check out our PreSonus AudioBox iOne review

M-Audio AIR 192|4 vs. Steinberg UR12

The Steinberg offers just about everything that the M-Audio does except it’s a bit uglier, and doesn’t have a direct monitor control to blend between your DAW and direct input. Get the M-Audio.

Check out our Steinberg UR12 review

M-Audio AIR 192|4 vs. Audient EVO 4

The M-Audio is better for at home, but the EVO 4 is better for mobile recording. Either is a good option depending on your needs.

Check out our Audient EVO 4 review

Who is the M-Audio AIR 192|4 best suited for?

To be frank, as far as recording engineers are concerned, this interface will really only benefit the novice until they outgrow it.

Otherwise, people in film or gaming might benefit from this if they need a device with 192 kHz playback and nothing else.