Arturia has released AudioFuse Studio Rev2, a 2nd gen of its 18-in/20-out audio & MIDI interface with optimized preamps, USB-C, and more.
In 2017, Arturia released its first audio interface, the AudioFuse. It arrived two years late, after being originally announced at NAMM 2015. A feature-richer, larger version, the AudioFuse Studio, followed in 2019.
In a first revision, they changed the micro USB port to USB-C. After years on the market, it is now getting an upgrade. Arturia released the AudioFuse Studio Rev2 today.
Arturia AudioFuse Studio Rev2
AudioFuse Studio Rev2 is the second generation of its USB audio interface. Like the original AudioFuse Studio, the Rev2 offers up to 18 inputs and 20 outputs, including eight analog inputs bundled in a robust metal desktop chassis.
At its core are 24-bit latest-generation AD/DA converters at up to a 192 kHz sampling rate. Connections are distributed across both the front and the rear.
On the front, you have four mic/instrument/line sockets with optimized preamps with DiscretePRO® technology (-129dBu EIN, 119dB dynamic range, dedicated hands-on controls).
Each unit provides a super-low Equivalent Input Noise (EIN), a huge 78dB gain range, and +18dBu headroom—to capture every
subtle detail, from heavy drums to the quietest signals.
Turned once, you have four additional line inputs with inputs 5-6 communtable to phono RIAA preamp. It also has four analog inserts (channels 1-4) and two AUX/guitar reamping outputs.
Digital Connectivity & Software
On the front, you also have two independent stereo headphone outputs, both 6.35 and 3.5mm TRS, with independent sources, controls, and metering.
Digital connectivity is a lot onboard. It includes eight digital ADAT inputs/outputs up to 96kHz, SPDIF, Word Clock, MIDI IN and OUT on 3.5mm TRS, and a USB-C port.
Bluetooth is still available but now comes with an upgraded Bluetooth® audio receiver, supporting aptX©, aptXTM HD, aptXTM Low Latency, and AAC©
It also has advanced monitoring capabilities, including the ability to drive two speaker sets and dual independent outputs.
AudioFuse Studio Rev2 comes bundled with the AudioFuse Creative Suite, an collection of software effects and instruments featuring titles from the acclaimed FX Collection:
Analog Lab Intro, Pre 1973, Pre V76, Pre TridA, Comp FET-76, Comp DIODE-609, Delay TAPE-201, Filter MINI, Rev PLATE-140, Chorus JUN-6, and Phaser BI-TRON.
Finally, it also has a 3-port USB hub with MIDI support. The first port provides 120 mA, while the other two provide 1A.
The included AudioFuse Control Center software lets you control all channels from your computer.
First Impression
The AudioFuse Studio Mk1 was a solid audio interface with plenty of options, but the micro-USB connection on the 2019 version was anything but amazing. Already with the first review, that issue was a thing of the past—which was a welcome change.
Now, in Rev2, they improved the interface further, and in a good way. It’s great that Arturia is continuing the Studio interface. I wonder whether it has a loopback function; they didn’t mention it.
The Arturia AudioFuse Studio Rev2 is now available for $999/989€. AudioFuse Studio Rev1 is now 799€.
More information here: Arturia
Available from my partner
Thomann
Interesting features, but X32 Rack is cheaper and doubles as a mixer with very flexible routing. If they provided the FULL software fx suite, then this would probably make sense as a product, but instead again they use the hardware as a hook to sell you more software. Arturia business decisions regarding user experience always have that bad smell of greedy moneymakers. Also while the hardware products are in fact very nice designs they always have problems with firmware, many users of their devices can confirm. I predict many problems with the first two or three batches of this product, must be tested really thoroughly by independent journalists!
“I predict many problems with the first two or three batches of this product, must be tested really thoroughly by independent journalists!”
Or tested by yourself. Since you’re making such a loud point here, you might check it out too, take a detailed look, and let us know. Otherwise, I can’t tell if you’re just trolling or if you actually know it. Commentators should be held to equally high standards 😉 Cheers to the man with the millions of different usernames.
No, commenters should not be “held to equally high standards”. That’s the whole point of having journalism. Seems extremely defensive to accuse them of trolling just because they gave an opinion.
The user is a returning writer and always tries to explain me what journalist should do etc. Each time, the reaction was more negative then positive towards my work or that of others.
Why bother? Let the troll, troll
I like having a good atmosphere. Plenty of other platforms let you do that.
I am not sure the information provided here is correct. The Audiofuse Studio from 2019, which I own and is still sold by Thomann ( you also provided the link) already has USB C, not micro USB.
indeed they changed from micro USB to USB-C in 2020
I own the Rev1. Great user interface and great sound, but there are hardware or firmware bugs (poor standby management : can destroy speakers). I hope they have fixed them in the Rev2
Its a pet peeve of mine how audio interface manufacturers pull this marketing thing about putting 18-in/20-out right on the box when in reality you’re looking at a desktop unit that physically lacks the hardware to hit those numbers out of the box.
Sure, it’s nice to know the architecture has expansion headroom for the future, but stretching the spec sheet to include potential ports that require entirely separate equipment not included in the box feels genuinely disingenuous. It masks the true footprint of the hardware behind a technicality.
If you actually want to hit the 18/20 channel count that the product name boldly advertises, you have to invest another $400 to $800 in an external 8-channel ADAT pre-amp (like a Behringer ADA8200 or Audient ASP800) just to populate those optical ports and make the math on the box a reality. You’re essentially paying for a capability you can’t even use until you buy someone else’s gear.
At least the Tascam Model 12, for instance, which completely avoids this issue by tying its channel counts directly to the physical inputs and outputs built right into the chassis. What you see on the front panel is literally what you get to route into your DAW.
I get what you’re saying, but this is the standard for 30 years, and everybody with a little experience understands these numbers including the digital in/out. Digital in/out are not just expansions, they are legit connections, especially if you have instruments with digital outs, a mixer with ADAT out, an older interface that can work as a converter, if you need to sync audio interfaces for aggregate devices and so on.
I was working at a retailer for over 10 years. I don’t remember one instance that someone complained it was misleading. And they complained alot 🙂
Yeah I know. I’ll stick to recommend mixers with audio interface built in like the Model 12/LiveTrak L6. Saves me a whole conversation about adat, converters, expansions and such lol. Cheers!