This is a list of USB, FireWire, and PCIE audio interfaces that I have tested for Linux compatibility. Some work, some kinda work, and some technically function if you squint a little.
Additionally, I have measured the round-trip latency for those interested in monitoring post-effects audio in real-time.
USB
- Apogee ONE (2009)
- Behringer FCA1616
- Digidesign Mbox 2 Mini
- Douk Audio U2 USB
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo (Gen3)
- MOTU M4
- PreSonus ioStation 24C
- US-TASCAM 16X08
FIREWIRE
- Apogee Duet (2007)
- Behringer FCA202
- Behringer FCA1616
- Digidesign Digi 003R
- Focusrite Saffire Pro 40
- M-Audio 2626
- MOTU 828
- MOTU 828MKII
- MOTU 828 MKIII
- MOTU Traveler MKI
- Phonic Firefly 202
- Presonus Firestudio 26×26
- TASCAM FireOne
PCI/e
ROUND-TRIP LATENCY BENCHMARKS
While many kinds of audio metrics exist, one useful and well-understood metric is round-trip latency; the time it takes for an audio signal to enter the input of a device, get processed, and exit the output.
USB INTERFACES
FIREWIRE INTERFACES
PCI/e INTERFACES
TESTBENCH
CPU | AMD Ryzen 5600G |
RAM | Corsair Vengeance LPX 16GB |
Motherboard | MSI B550-A PRO |
GPU | NA |
Storage | Silicon Power 256GB NVMe |
PSU: | EVGA 600 B1 |
Firewire: | StarTech PEX1394B3 |
Network: | Mellanox MCX311A-XCAT CX311A |
OS: | Debian 12 (Bookworm) |
Kernel: | 6.1 RT |
Desktop: | XFCE 4.18 |