The UltraLite-mk4 is a good half-rack MainStage audio interface. You can fit two of these side by side for a redundant rig, or swap one out for one of MOTU’s half-rack MIDI interfaces. If you’re looking for a half-rack 8-channel audio interface, the MOTU UltraLite-mk4 is pretty much the only decent option. For the price of one RME Fireface 802, you can buy the 8-channel Zoom UAC-8 audio interface and a decent PA system. If you’re looking for an eight output interface, definitely consider the UAC-8.
Similar to the UAC-2, the UAC-8 also has lower latency compared to MOTU and RME’s offerings. The UAC-8’s rear panel features eight line outputs and MIDI I/O. The Zoom UAC-8 is a good MainStage audio interface for extended I/O situations. The two models share the same all-metal design and high quality conversion, and the UAC-8 is rack-mountable in a 1U rack space. The Zoom UAC-8 is essentially a UAC-2 with more I/O. In addition to the six line outputs, the UC features MIDI I/O via a breakout cable, word clock for syncing, and various digital connectivity options. The Fireface UC’s rear panel is jam-packed with connectors and ports. The Fireface UC is a popular audio interface for MainStage on Broadway shows. It’s compact form factor (two Fireface UC units can be mounted into a 1U rack space side by side) and super low latency performance makes it a popular audio interface for high end productions.
The RME Fireface UC is a professional audio interface with six line outputs. There is also a USB-A port for connecting external MIDI interfaces and peripherals.
For example, the two USB-B ports allow you to connect the audio interface to two different hosts (Mac, iPad, etc.), and it’s even possible to route audio between the two devices. The rear panel on the iConnectAUDIO4+ has a bunch of stuff you won’t see anywhere else.
The iConnectAUDIO4+ is powerful audio and MIDI interface for MainStage.
The interface’s iConfig software also allows for complex audio and MIDI routing that isn’t available on any other audio interface in this price range. The iConnectAUDIO4+ is a great sounding and highly flexible 4-channel audio interface with built-in MIDI I/O. 4 – 6 Outputs iConnectivity iConnectAUDIO4+ Channel expansion is also possible via 8-channel ADAT.
The Babyface Pro is an exceptionally crafted unit, and MIDI I/O is available via a breakout cable. There’s little reason to spend more money on the RME Babyface Pro when the Zoom UAC-2 performs so well, but I felt compelled to include an offering from RME because they’re the gold standard. RME Babyface Pro The RME Babyface Pro is a popular MainStage audio interface with industry-leading drivers. Lastly, the UAC-2 also has a dedicated DC 5V power port. There is a class compliant mode switch if you wish to connect the UAC-2 to an iOS device. The Zoom UAC-2’s rear panel features MIDI I/O and two 1/4″ TRS outputs. The Zoom UAC-2 is a low-latency interface for MainStage. Just how good are the drivers? The UAC-2 managed to edge out the RME Babyface (a $750 audio interface) in my tests. In addition to its superb build quality, With its highly-optimized audio drivers, the Zoom UAC-2 is a super fast low-latency audio interface. Zoom’s new line of audio interfaces is quickly becoming an industry favorite. The Steinberg UR22mkII is a great budget interface for MainStage. The UR22mkII also features a dedicated 5V DC power port, which is more reliable than USB bus power. The MIDI IN on the UR22mkII can also be used with a MIDI Solutions Footswitch Controller to increase the number of pedal inputs in your rig. This feature is especially useful if you prefer connecting your controller over MIDI instead of USB. Unlike Focusrite’s two output offerings, the UR22mkII is a 2-channel audio interface that also offers built-in MIDI I/O. This is the one to get if you’re on a tight budget. The Steinberg UR22mkII is the best budget audio interface for MainStage on the market. In each category, you’ll find the best audio interfaces in various price ranges. I’ve broken up the recommendations below into four categories - 2 line outputs, 4 – 6 line outputs, 8 line outputs, and 16+ line outputs.
Through my work on Broadway and beyond, I’ve had the opportunity to test out many different audio interfaces for live performance in MainStage.įor me, a MainStage audio interface must have the following features - great sound quality, built-in MIDI I/O, stable and optimized driver performance, and high quality construction. There are dozens of companies and hundreds of models to choose from. Finding the best audio interface for MainStage can be challenging.