M-Audio M-Track 2x2 C-Series Interface Review / Explained

Today we’re looking at an entry level interface from M-Audio, the M-Track 2x2 C Series. This interface costs around $100, records up to 24-bit 192kHz, has relatively low latency, gain of +60 to +65 dB (guessing), mixing dial to mix between zero latency monitoring and computer playback, and amazing dials.

Buy the M-Audio M-Track 2x2 (Amazon)

Buy the Rode NT1 Kit (Amazon)

00:00 - Intro / Pricing
00:28 - Setup / Testing Parameters
00:46 - What’s in the Box
01:08 - Build Quality
01:39 - Walkthrough of Features
03:01 - Specifications
03:18 - Preamp Gain Noise Test
04:10 - Dynamic Mic Test
04:38 - Latency Test
05:38 - Instrument Input (D.I.) Test
06:18 - Pros & Cons
07:41 - Recommendation
08:28 - Outro

NOTE (FULL DISCLOSURE): If you purchase an item using my amazon link, it provides me a small referral fee. For more info check my FAQ page links below.

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[m.a.watersmusic]

bought the 2x2m as my second ever interface (only been recording less than a year) and find it to be very good build wise, but i do have some issues with the preamps they just seem really noisy and the gain knobs are not very sensitive, i can have a mic plugged in and find im not getting much if any signal at all until im about 3/4 the way turned up and then it suddenly jumps from quite to really loud and the noise floor is awful, i mean the noise could be my mics, the leads or maybe just something else in my set up but i own a lot of mics from cheap to about mid range and its a problem with all of them and i know a few other people have had a similar problem with this interface, just thought id drop this on here as it could be a helpful insight from someone whos had this interface for about 6 months but like i said i dont really know or understand much about recording so i assume its something wrong on my end and not the interface. great video and keep up the good work i love watching your reviews and base a lot of my purchases off of them!

[LianExfeind]

You're doing really great and entertaining tests!
Also: Very cool that you credit other guys, when you learned something useful from them. Nice!

[thexugmedia]

He’s using the microphone that I really want for Christmas, the nt1 and the ai1 kit

[Laiqul]

Hi, i have a USB mixer alctron mx4, which don't have the nob to choose between direct monitorin and computer monitoring/playback, the case is, i wanna monitor FL studio which i've applied effect to it, but i just hearing the direct one, Can i do something to monitor that FL studio out ?

[Danielsworlds]

Man for $100 this blows a lot of the other cheeper interfaces out of the water. Added to wishlist

[GanRPG]

I recently got my own nt1 microphone and was considering getting this interface. You've convinced me man.

[GUTTAH]

Subscribed!
I know this video is a year old but it’s still relevant.. I’ve been piecing my home studio together and as I been using the iRig Keys IO 25 and wanted more control of my interface. So I watched videos after videos and after watching yours I had to have this joint. Picked one up on offer up and I’m so happy I did. I appreciate your approach and gained a new viewer.

[musicbymicelf]

when is it best to have the direct / usb balanced as opposed to just having the USB? For mixing do I want to have the monitors being mixed in?

[minimumviablepizza]

Just wanted to drop a comment that I bought a 2x2m when it came out and it's still kicking on just fine today on Windows 11 with my AT2020. Had zero issues. Have run it on Ableton, Reason, and Pro Tools. The big knob is still totally fire. Are there better units today? Maybe. But if it ain't broke don't fix it and in 10 years from now musos will probably think it's vintage. 😅

[renloris]

Don't know why I felt the need to help sort out the English subtitles for a video reviewing audio interface, something you need to hear to understand the content, but hopefully it'll be helpful in some way. Great video man, and you're 100% right about how gosh darn cool it looks.

[briantejares]

M-Audio M-Track 2X2M or Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 (2nd Gen)?

[ChaoticEnigma]

I was waiting for this one. Glad it lived up to expectations.

[chordkeys]

If you are looking to get M track 2x2 in 2019, go for it. I think m audio may have fixed little problems people are complaining about. I bought a scarlet 2i2 2nd gen and it was rubbish. I bought the m track 2x2 because I was using an m track mkii. the m track mkii used to crash my windows, hence the reason for shopping around for a new one.


I risked getting another m audio product becuase the m track mkii did excellently well except for giving my PC BSOD.
I just got the 2x2 and trust me, it is a great interface expecially for windows PCs that have low specs, you are better off with m audio than the scarlett with its more weird problems. The scarlett is probably more suited to apple machines

[slaycg]

Seems like a good choice honestly. I mean I'm not looking for anything pricey and assuming hardware is all roughly equivalent at the price point then I think the design sets it apart; this can sit on a desk for example and the dials are facing upwards for appraisal rather than requiring you to tilt the device or lean away from your mic.

[a-dawgkitsandtutorials]

Might just be me but here are the issues I've had with it in the 2-3 years I've had it:
- since it's slanted upwards at the back, the USB C cable would disconnect with a little movement
- i always get a ton of latency when I try to record guitar or vocals
- switching the audio output in my daw from the interface to my laptop soundcard and back will cause the daw to crash

[michaelrcm]

actually, the interface supports 192kHz/32Bits. since i updated the software there was the setting for that.

[JeitiMusic]

I recently bought this thing but I haven't gotten anything of not stable with the Mic recordings too much hiss sounds, and the output is not stable it's even low so I really dont know what I got into your help please

[hubhub]

I just bought a Pyle PMX44T (sending it back) and I just ordered this one, and from your review this should've been my first choice.

[FilmDat]

Have had one for a year now. It’s great for voice recordings and such, but when producing music in let’s say Ableton I think it has some flaws. For some reason the headphone volume is either way too low or get’s these weird “crackling” sounds, no way how to improve this. Have never had this with NI or Focusrite cards.

[AntanyKnows]

Scarlett solo studio bundle or the m-audio 2x2 studio bundle?