Written by: Mark Abell
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2M USB Computer Interface ($149, m-audio.com) comes bundled with an array of recording software. Cubase LE AI Elements 9 ($99.99) from Steinberg is the most useful program in the suite. Cubase LE 9 is comparable to Pro Tools in its versatility and in its complexity, though I prefer Garage Band for its simplicity and ease. They have also bundled virtual instruments with the Air Creative FX Collection–the Mini Grand, Xpand!2 sound generation engines, and the Ultimate Virtual Drummer from Strike.
The most exciting aspect of the 2X2M is the ability to record in 24/192. That is 24-bit, 192 kHz, which is the standard for the new hi-res recordings, though I wouldn’t necessarily go that high.
Cubase LE 9 is well-equipped for this task. If you produce a podcast or performance in 24/96, which is the highest Cubase allows, your podcast will have greater fidelity than anything currently in the iTunes Music Store. To do this, select Project Setup, and go to the 9th column and 10th columns down, which say Sample Rate and Bit Rate, respectively–from there, change the sample rate to 96kHz and Bit rate to 24-bit and Voilà.
The two criteria that will be most instrumental in generating a good sounding recording are to properly monitor your levels (see Steinberg’s tutorial https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rhgwbbV8QLU) and to use a good mic–for this I recommend the MXL 770 X Microphone package with Shock Mount and integrated pop-filter.
While GarageBand seems easier to use, Cubase LE 9 is a formidable contender.
The ability to record a string of podcast content, clip out the bad-parts for do-overs and paste in the re-takes is incredibly convenient. While most audio editing programs can handle that task, Cubase LE 9 is jam-packed with filters that allow you to customize your sound. To name a few, there’s templates for clean electric guitar with vocals, distorted electric guitar with vocals, Hip-Hop/R&B vocals, and Bright Vocals, among others.
The build quality is very good for the price. The large center dial is rubberized and the four knobs for Input 1, Input 2, USB/Direct, and Headphones are soft plastic, which is permissible. If the unit was more expensive, I would expect for all the knobs to be rubberized. Meanwhile, the metal sides and underbody give the 2X2M a feeling of solidity.
Its specifications are up to date–gone are the days of the MicroUSB jack, as the 2X2M uses USB-C which is the same jack as the new Samsung Galaxy S8. The Interface connects to your laptop or desktop via an included USB-C to USB cable. A USB-C to USB-C cable is also included and the 2X2M can be connected to any new Android phone.
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2 USB Computer Interface gives musicians the ability to produce extremely high quality recordings at high sample and bit rates. The fact that it comes bundled with Cubase LE AI Elements 9, one of the best recording suites next to Pro Tools, and is also inexpensive makes it a definitive buy.
