Audient EVO 4

With such an abundance of simple audio interfaces around, Jon Musgrave is interested to find out if this new one from Audient has anything special to offer

KEY FEATURES I/O: 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 with Type-C USB connector, 2 combi connector mic and line inputs, 1 Hi-Z instrument input SAMPLE RATE: 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96kHz, Smartgain feature, Software selectable loopback option, DIMENSIONS: 140x 67x 67mm, WEIGHT: 0.36kg

Audient have already applied their extensive analogue circuitry knowledge to a number of well respected desktop USB audio interfaces. Their latest project, EVO, aims for even simpler, more compact audio interfacing and includes two options, EVO 4 (2-in/2-out) and EVO 8 (4-in/4-out), and it’s EVO 4 that I have on trial.

EVO 4 has a rather attractive cuboid design with a single instrument input and single headphone output on the front face (both ¼” jacks), and two combi (XLR/TRS) mic/line inputs and a pair of balanced outputs (¼” TRS jacks) on the back. The top face has a large encoder-style knob flanked by six backlit soft buttons and the bottom face includes a couple of desktop protector pads.

EVO more fun

EVO 4 is USB bus-powered and class compliant and connects via a Type-C USB connector. It also works with iOS devices, though you’ll need pass-through power for all but the latest models. There’s also a basic app that assists with firmware upgrades and lets you select an internal loopback option, handy if you need to record the outputs or reroute them to another application.

Out of the box, EVO 4 feels solidly made and has a tactile matte black finish. At 360 grams it’s pretty light and it’s also compact enough to slip easily into a small satchel or holdall. The only thing I’d say is that once it’s loaded up with cables, its small footprint and light weight don’t anchor it particularly well on your desktop.

Thanks for your inputs

Down the left are the input selectors (1 & 2), 48V phantom power and the green automatic gain option (Smartgain). Meanwhile, on the right-hand side are selectors for Output Volume and Monitor Mix – the latter provides zero latency monitoring. The buttons work in conjunction with the large encoder knob which has a halo of LEDs to show current knob position. When you’re not changing levels, the halo acts as a level indicator for the selected function. The backlit input selectors also flash red for overload.

Once you get beyond the basic functions, EVO 4’s soft buttons incorporate a number of great features. For example to mute the inputs or the outputs you simply hold down their respective buttons for a second, meanwhile holding down both input buttons links the two together. Phantom power can be assigned independently to each input, which is a nice touch, and when you hold down the zero latency Monitor Mix button it provides control of the headphone panning. EVO 4’s Smartgain option is also very easy to use, providing a great way to set gain if you’re in a rush.

Sonically I found EVO 4 to be pretty good, and even though the digitally controlled gains do impart tiny clicks as you change settings this isn’t unusual and is pretty inconsequential. It’s worth noting inserting the headphones mutes the rear monitor outputs, and also that the instrument input overrides the mic input. Again, neither is unusual but may not suit everyone.

EVO 4 is a very accomplished device that does exactly what it sets out to do, sounds good, is a doddle to use and offers a level of flexibility missing on considerably more expensive units.

EVO 4’s Smartgain option is also very easy to use, providing a great way to set gain if you’re in a rush