Review: AUDIOFUSE Audio Interface by Arturia

After waiting some good months for Arturia to launch their Audiofuse audio interface, we finally tested it, re-tested it and used it for many projects. Here’s what is our opinion about the Audiofuse, a very powerful, robust audio interface, ready for any situation.

For those who are at the beginning of their musical career, let me introduce what Audiofuse is, in simple words.

The Arturia AudioFuse is a USB 2.0 audio interface for Windows PC, Linux, Mac, Android and iOS, which is designed for both mobile and stationary use in the studio and comes with an amazing connection diversity, especially for its size.

Arturia is a company known especially for their software versions of popular hardware synthesizers launched over the time. At ProducerSpot we tested many of these software products, here are a few if you’re curious: Farfisa V, Piano V, Synclavier V, Modular V2, CS-80 and more – all included in V Collection bundle!

But an audio interface? Yes!

First impression

Audiofuse audio interface comes with the high-quality packaging which denotes the quality of its content, a premium audio interface made of quality materials that offer quality. The box is solid, it closes with a magnet side, looks like the ones of premium smartphones like Samsung or iPhone flagships.

So from the start, we realize we’re dealing with something of high quality.

The package also includes a useful handbook (each approx. 45 pages for English, French and Japanese, German as PDF download above), and a check card is included in foam with the serial number and a unlock code.

Under the foam, I can still find the power supply, two stereo Miniklinke on MIDI adapter, an individual certificate including measured values For the two microphone preamplifiers with DiscretePRO technology and a USB cable of the more specific type.

Arturia has redeveloped the DiscretePro technology from the ground to deliver a high standard with the best quality for the price.

Controls

Audiofuse comes with quite a lot of controllers and knobs, but they are all set very well at hand. It does not create the feeling of a crowded device. For each function, there is exactly one controller.

I come across 19 buttons, 6 rotary knobs, 18 Audiobooks, 4 USB connectors, 16 LEDs, 2 level displays, a power socket and a Kensington lock. And all this in a housing with a base of about 13 × 13 centimeters and a height between 4.5 and 6.5 centimeters.

All buttons of the AudioFuse can also be operated by software.

Its body is made of an aluminum block, with a brushed surface and the control knobs are made from plastic, but still feel good.

In addition to the case comes a completely black rubberized floor plate with a blue surrounding edge.

The AudioFuse is available in three colors “Space Gray”, “Classic Silver” and “Deep Black”.

Inputs and outputs

There are 4 analog inputs (2 phono / line (RCA), 2 Mic / Line / Hi-Z inputs (XLR / jack combi, unfortunately unsecured), ADAT In / Out (up to eight 2 analogue output pairs (Speaker A and Speaker B) as well as 2 headphone outputs (each with jack and mini-link, independently adjustable), or S / PDIF In / Out, MIDI In / Out (slightly unusual via jack adapter – and via USB) , 2 analogue inserts, a 3-port USB hub as well as Word Clock In / Out, and not forgetting the Groundlift.

For the two inputs on the AudioFuse, there is gain control, an eight-part level display with hold function as well as switch for phase reversal, -20 dB attenuation (pad), + 48V and a boost for the Hi-Z instrument mode.

Connectivity

The connection to Android can be made via an optional special cable; iOS requires the Camera Connection Kit.

Two XLR / jack inputs and two headphone outputs, each available as a large and small jack. Here, it was mainly the musicians and mobile recorders thought that you could simply plug guitar or a microphone quickly, without having to look long on the backside.

Let’s recap its main features:

• 24 Bit / 192 kHz
• A total of 14 input and output channels
• 2 Mic/line/instrument inputs
• 2 Phono/line inputs
• 4x Line outputs: 6.3 mm Thomann Jack (2x Speaker Out L/R Stereo)
• ADAT Input and output
• S/PDIF coaxial input and output
• Word clock input and output
• MIDI in/out
• 3-Port USB hub
• 2 Headphone outputs: 6.3 mm jack and 3.5 mm mini-jack stereo
• Talkback function with integrated microphone
• Direct monitoring
• 48V Phantom power
• Phase invert switch
• Separate master and monitor mix channels
• A/B Speaker selector
• DIM/mute/mono switch
• Aluminum housing
• Compatible with Thomann PC, MAC, iOS devices, Android, and Linux

Conclusion

It seems to me that Arturia simply wanted to think about everything. Because there is apparently no audio-capable operating system that can not communicate with the hardware. Very good!

With its comprehensive, flexible connection, routing – and monitoring capabilities, superior sound, and its elegant design, it is one of the first choice of serious amateurs, but also of studio professionals who liked it more compact design.

Arturia AudioFuse is available via the Arturia webshop for 599 Euro plus shipping costs.