Gearank

For many people, Roland isn't the first name to come to mind when deciding to get a USB Audio Interface. However, Roland released the Rubix series in 2018, to much critical acclaim.

It includes 4 mic preamps via 4 XLR/1/4" combo jacks and built-in compression to catch sudden peaks while recording.

Features:

• A/D Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHz
• Simultaneous I/O: 4 x 4
• Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line/Hi-Z), 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line)
• Outputs: 4 x 1/4", 1 x 1/4" Headphone out
• Computer Connectivity: USB 2.0
• MIDI: In/Out
• 4 x mic preamps
• Phantom Power: +48V
• Low latency monitoring
• Bundled Software: Tracktion 4

Pros

Users praise its solid build quality which, for the price, is to be expected. What delighted a lot of users was the compression as some have mentioned it was implemented well and prevents sudden spikes in gain that are a pain to remove during a mixing session.

Cons

Reports of a high pitched ringing noise when using higher gain settings was a common complaint from some users but this is because of the loopback direct monitoring feature. It feeds back if paired with software monitoring and should be switched off when not in use. For one user, noise was coming from a faulty unit which was promptly replaced.

Overall

The Roland Rubix 44 is another pebble in the pond that is USB Audio interfaces. While it does what so many others do, it adds compression, a great layout and solid build quality into the mix at not a lot of cash. Get it if you want an interface for live performance recording and need onboard compression preventing clipping.

Although this was previously on our recommended list, there are more highly rated options now available which you can see in our guide to The Best 4 to 16 Input USB Audio Interfaces.