Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig Review: A Powerhouse Studio Interface For Any Gearaholic

All items in your studio break down into two categories: shiny and not-shiny. Shiny things are eye-catching gear, like a new modular synth or a MIDI controller with weighted keys. They give off the impression that you’re a pro.

On the other hand, there are the less flashy things: your ergonomic chair, monitor arm for better posture, and even your audio interface. These items may not grab attention but are crucial for success.

I learned this lesson too late in my career…

Six weeks ago, in fact, which is the exact moment when I switched from my UA Volt to the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig. The difference in sound quality amazed me, and it instantly made me regret not upgrading sooner if for no other reason than for the thousands of tiny details I have been missing over the last years of using my previous interface, one which, I may add, is one of the better-regarded interfaces in the game.

The Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig is a high-end interface designed for professionals, as reflected in its price. If you have a decent but not infinite budget to invest in the highest-grade studio gear, consider this review as a comprehensive way to fully understand its strengths and weaknesses and who it’s best suited for. There are only a handful of interfaces out there that are over $1k, and they each serve different types of people, which we’ll talk about later in this review.

But before diving into opinions and insights, let’s briefly discuss the product and its technical features.

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What Is The Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig?

The Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig USB Audio Interface is a 32×32 channel interface designed to cater to the extensive needs of audio producers seeking versatile connectivity and precise control. This device offers analog and digital inputs and outputs, including 16 analog TRS line-level and 12 outputs, dual ADAT I/O, and Word Clock I/O. Two front-facing combo jacks accept line, instrument, and XLR connections for direct input, along with a 5-pin DIN MIDI interface that supports In, Out, and Thru functionalities.

Additionally, it is equipped with a USB-A hub, facilitating the connection of other devices directly to the interface.

On the output side, the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig provides several unique features. It includes DC-coupled outputs, essential for controlling voltage-based instruments like Eurorack modules, offering precision and integration into a modular setup. The interface’s outputs can also be re-configured for tasks such as re-amping or alternate headphone outputs, providing flexible routing options crucial for complex production setups. This capability is managed through the AudioFuse Control Center software, which allows detailed control over routing and output configurations.

Moreover, the AudioFuse 16Rig can operate as a standalone unit, eliminating the need for a connected computer, which is ideal for live performance setups or when quick, computer-free configurations are needed. This feature extends to managing MIDI signals, making the AudioFuse 16Rig a comprehensive audio and MIDI routing solution in various scenarios. The internal clock and synchronization options, including Word Clock I/O, ensure tight integration with other digital audio equipment, maintaining consistent timing and sound quality across all connected devices.

Editor’s Choice Award

Last year, we rolled out the Editor’s Choice Awards, giving some of the most forward-thinking production gear the spotlight and credits it deserves. While you’ll see how much I fell in love with this particular interface throughout this article, know that Arturia created an industry-defining device with this one.

With more features and connectivity options that even a gear hog like myself knows what to do with, this is one of the best interfaces on the market today. Sure, it has a hefty price point. But after hearing the massive jump in audio fidelity and the number of quality-of-life features it brought to my studio and workflow, I truly do regret not making such an investment earlier in my career.

Congrats to Arturia for the award!

Now let’s dive into my hot takes and comments about the device.

What I Liked Most About The Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig

It’s Inputs, And Outputs Are A Gear Nerd’s Dream

As a professional gear reviewer and critic, I’ve picked up a lot of synths, pedals, effects, and gear that I LOVE using and that inspire me in my creative work. But nothing is LESS inspiring than having to patch in new cables, swap around cords, and do everything else when I simply want to hop between my Behringer and my Uno Synth Pro X.

I had a little cheap mixer, which caused slight distortion.

But this interface’s many inputs, outputs, and ports immediately remedied that.

I was legit astounded by the sheer number of things you can plug into it. There are a seemingly endless number of balanced inputs in the back for my pedals and stereo synths, a quarter-inch input for my Korg MS20 Mini or my newly acquired Trinity Digital Drum Synth, and XLR inputs on the front.

The list goes on and on.

Not only does this remove the need to rearrange my studio depending on which synths I’ll be using each session, but it also allows instant access to every synth in my arsenal (and even my mic) with just a couple clicks and flips of a switch.

I don’t mean to hyperbolize the matter or sound over dramatic, but the amount of inputs makes this interface an incredible piece of gear on its own. But we’re just getting started, so let’s keep pushing forward.

Even My Non-Producer Friends Can Hear The Sound Quality

I’ve built a cozy and uniquely lit studio for myself, and I hang out with guests and family in it whenever they come over for dinner or movie nights.

While I’ve used a couple of different interfaces throughout my time producing, my gear collection and ambient lighting around the studio have always caught the attention of my non-musical friends. The sound of the room was never what made their eyes light up, despite being professionally treated, with professional monitors and a sub and everything.

I just assumed it was cause they don’t spend hours a week producing, mixing, critically listening to music, and pouring over record label demos like I do for work. But this interface was the first time my non-producers or non-engineer friends came over and specifically commented on how amazing the room’s sound was, asking what I did to the studio to upgrade the quality so much.

This is coming after I use Universal Audio’s Volt series, which, as I’ve said before, is a fantastic line of interfaces in its own right.

Not To Sound Dramatic, But They Thought Of Everything…

The number of inputs and outputs mentioned above is the bell-of-the-ball feature of this interface no doubt. But there are a ton more quality-of-life baked into this interface, too, that let you know that the Arturia team truly did think of everything a gear-obsessed music producer like myself would need in such a device. Let’s unpack some of the best ones.

The USB Hub(s)

One of the coolest ones is including a USB hub port on the back of the device!

I love my M2 MacBook, but it only has two USB-C ports, which is incredibly limiting and forces me to be very strategic about how I chain things together and what devices get which port. The fact that the interface, which I always prioritize as plugging directly into my computer, can then include a USB hub to plug in my MIDI keyboards and other devices simplifies everything from cable management to deciding what goes where.

It has another USB port on the front, which I just realized I needed prepping for a DJ gig over the weekend. The convenience of instantly managing my different USB sticks from the front of the interface made this a total breeze.

Rack Mounts

Another cool and uncommon feature is that they’ve made it rack-mountable!

As you can see from the pictures I’ve taken of the synth, I don’t rely on rack mounts, but many of our readers would consider this a highly appealing feature worth mentioning.

Its Routing Options

Finally, it’s also worth noting that the accompanying software is really powerful for customizing how all your gear interacts and speaks with each other (and this is coming from a guy who usually hates accompanying software and supporting apps).

It makes patching my different synths to varying combinations of guitar pedals as easy, inspiring, and creative as all the synth selections I mentioned above.

What I Wasn’t Crazy About

It’s An Unconventional Size

I found a pretty ergonomic and accessible way to position the interface in my studio. Still, the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig is much larger and more cumbersome than many other interfaces on the market. I’ve never had an interface upgrade necessitate an entire studio rearrangement, but this one certainly did.

Still, the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig is large enough to allow me to find a new and improved space for my MIDI keyword, which is now even easier to play as it rests on the interface directly in front of me. The studio rearrangement was a step back and three steps forward for me personally, but I did want to mention the interface size, as it’s much larger than what most would consider the industry standard for such a device.

I Wish There Were An XLR Input On The Back

I wish there was an XLR input on the back of the interface to plug in my mic and have it out of sight and out of mind. I have the mic cable tucked around the back and, when needed, can plug it into one of the two frontally located inputs, so it’s only a tiny extra step, but it was worth mentioning.

They did this because this interface seems to be designed primarily for synth collectors and not so much for vocalists.

Every other interface I’ve had puts its XLR inputs on the front, so this isn’t a negative or even a hurdle I had to deal with. It’s more of a missed opportunity from my perspective.

Who Is The Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig For?

Gear Addicts

I mentioned this above, but after being a gear collector and hardware critic for several years, I’ve collected an arsenal of almost every type of gear you could imagine. I’ve got mono synths, stereo synths, guitar pedals, sequencers, vocal processors, etc… Oh, and my Fender Strat, of course, which I’ve had for over two decades (it would be mad if it knew I omitted it from the roundup).

The sheer number of inputs that the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig has means that almost every piece of gear I use, even VERY semi-consistently, can be plugged in, attached, and ready for action all at once. Your toolkit will no longer be capped by the number of jacks your interface has or by the amount of time you’re willing to invest swapping cables around (and the loss of “flow” such tediums run you the risk of).

Small (Yet Mighty) Studios

Arturia’s interface is a fantastic main-brain audio hub for smaller studios’ recording bands and tracking larger projects.

The number of inputs allows you to track an entire band simultaneously, and the complex routing options centered around the accompanying software allow great mixing and tracking flexibility.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig is more than just a collection of inputs and outputs. It’s a versatile tool that enhances studio setups. Arturia designed this interface with producers in mind, providing plenty of ports for various equipment. It helps producers switch between instruments smoothly, avoiding technical issues. Features like a USB hub and rack-mount ability show Arturia’s commitment to meeting producers’ needs.

The AudioFuse 16Rig not only offers practicality but also improves sound quality. It enhances the listening experience in any studio with its high audio fidelity. This interface suits anyone serious about creating an efficient audio production environment. Arturia’s focus on functionality and sound quality makes the AudioFuse 16Rig a top choice for music enthusiasts.