Bit OT: Best audio hardware for VO (for Premiere)

[DV_Chris]

I have a massive problem in Premiere but assuming that both programs use the same audio engine someone here might help me:

Unfortunately my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 does not work as expected. So I'm looking for a new audio hardware (internal or external) which works 100% reliable with Premiere Pro CC 2017. In principle I need just one high quality Mic input with phantom power. Should not cost more than $500. Thank you in advance for all inputs.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

There have been a lot of comments made about Focusrite products lately (especially the 2i2), which makes me wonder a bit...

If you want something really good that's well within your budget, then you need to look at something like the Audient iD-14. And this isn't just about the product - it's about support. Audient support is legendary - if you have any issues at all, they will go beyond the call of duty to sort you out. Yes I have some personal experience of this...

I cannot for the life of me think that this wouldn't work with Premiere - it has recent drivers for both Mac and Windows, and an optional firmware upgrade path. And the quality of the mic pre is exceptional - I have eight of these preamps in a box (an early ASP series), and can personally vouch for them.

https://audient.com/products/audio-interfaces/id14/id14-overview/

[Bob Howes]

The Audient Steve mentions is a very good choice.  I might add the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 to your shortlist as well.

However, before we go too far I like to ask you in what way the Focusrite isn't working as expected?  Driver issues?  Not enough gain for your chosen mic?  Something else?   The problems you're having might affect the choice of the replacement..

I'm not a great fan of Focusrite gear but a lot of people use their stuff and it usually works.

[SteveG_AudioMasters_]

I looked at the NI Komplete Audio 6 (in the flesh) and came to the conclusion that apart from anything else, it wasn't exactly an ergonomic design as it has knobs on two surfaces at right-angles to each other!

Strictly speaking, even closer to the original spec is Audient's iD4, which has fewer inputs, but just the same quality. The reason I suggested the iD14 though was because even though you are utterly convinced that you'll never need another input, Sod's Law has an amazing ability to strike just after you've purchased the single-channel version... and to be fair(?), Audient's mic pres are head and shoulders better than anything I've seen in a small box, unless you pay a heck of a lot more money for it. I mean, you could go for a Sound Devices MixPre, and also have some stunning preamps - but it blows the budget. Or a small RME Fireface - also awesome mic pres, but blows it by a similar amount.

Whilst I've mentioned the MixPre, I should also mention that this is a very good location device if you've got a laptop with you - with a little care, there's virtually nothing you'd ever need that it won't do - and it doesn't need an external power supply to run phantom power on the inputs either, which the Audient does, because their class-A devices are just slightly thirsty, But the results!

[Bob Howes]

I thought of mentioning RME as well but even the smallest is a fair bit above the stated budget.

As for the Native Instruments, I agree the ergonomics aren't very nice but, on the plus side, are very good pre amps that can handle even low output dynamics (often popular with Voice Over artists) with ease.  They also seem to have good reliable drivers.  (I should say I don't use one myself but a close friend in the recording business swears by them and, from the sound of his stuff that I've heard, they certainly do the job.

I'm still curious about what the original poster's problem with the Focusrite is though.  It might be that we can sort something out without a purchase--or need to recommend a higher budget--depending what the problem is.

[DV_Chris]

Thank you guys for all your suggestions.

Regarding the problem with the Focusrite in Premiere Pro CC 2017 when trying to do voice overs:

From time to time there is a delay, sometimes distortions and even a BSOD happened (driver irq not less or equal).

The machine is based an an i7-5930K CPU and has 32GB Ram and a GTX980Ti graphic card. So plenty of performance.

[Bob Howes]

Much as I'm not a big fan of the 2i2, there are thousands in use and this is the first time I've heard of this sort of problem.

If you haven't done so already, I'd download the latest driver and install/re-install it.  Also, I'd see if changing to a different USB port improves things.

You may still end up with a new interface but I'm not entirely convinced this is a hardware problem--and if it is, if it's less than a year old I'd be demanding a replacement from the supplier.

[Alan_Craven]

Focusrite released a new driver last December.  I am still using the previous driver with AA CS6, with no problems.  The new filename suggests that they have changed the format of the install package from that of earlier drivers.

Earlier Focusrite USB interfaces were susceptible to the USB port chosen - in particular those with a USB 1 interface would not work satisfactorily on USB2 ports - a USB3 port had to be used.  My 2i2 is happy on any port I choose, USB2 or 3, and Focusrite themselves make no mention of this as a potential problem any more