TEST: ESI Maya 22 USB

 If any product segment has exploded in recent years, it is the field of small and micro interfaces. Due to the also explosively increased computing capacities of current notebooks, the purely stationary recording operation is by no means the rule in the budget studio sector anymore. Instead, today's sound engineers like to take a laptop with an interface and some cables under their arm to record the first demo steps on HD in the rehearsal room of the upcoming ambitious band.

Since, in addition to good technical values and compact dimensions, more and more visually attractive attributes are finding their way into the personal value mirror, today's manufacturers have to pay tribute to this if they don't want to get lost in the large range of competitors. Similar thoughts must have crossed the minds of ESI Audiotechnik GmbH, which has launched the ESI Maya 22 USB, an extremely compact stereo interface that visually resembles the market leader in recording notebooks from Cupertino. The number 22 in the product name already tells us the primary application of the product, which can be well described with 2 times input meets 2 times output.

Construction

From the basic values, the ESI Maya 22 USB is a USB 2.0 audio interface, which works on a sample rate of 96 kHz with a word width of 24 bit, whereby the sample rate can also be reduced to 48, respectively 44.1 kHz. Primarily aluminum was used for the casing of the innards, while smaller areas were covered with high-quality plastic. With a weight of only 250 grams and dimensions of 102 mm x 36 mm x 90 mm, the product seems virtually predestined for mobile use. The fact that the ESI Maya 22 USB receives its power via the USB socket also contributes to the transportability.

In general, the interface has no physical controls and is more of an AD/DA converter. For signal input, there are one L/R RCA, one XLR combo jack and one high-impedance Hi-Z jack as input, as well as a stereo headphone and L/R jack as monitor output.
jack as monitor output. In order to be able to use condenser microphones as well, a push switch is located next to the combo jack, which can be used to activate the commercially available 48V phantom power. A green LED provides information about the operating status. The high-impedance input and the combo jack can be used simultaneously if required.

In terms of delivery, the company ESI is spartan, only a USB cable and a simple manual is included with the product. The PC is the only area of application; iOS and the like unfortunately cannot satisfy the voltage requirements of the ESI Maya 22 USB.

As drivers, the standards in the form of ASIO 2.0, MME, WDM, DirectSound, DirectWIRE for PC and Core Audio for Mac OSX are used, whereby the Class Compilant driver is provided for Apple. It is still recommended to install the included software panel, since only this software allows access to internal settings like direct monitoring. Although the interface has only been visually reduced to the most necessary, the input selection is also determined here. If you choose the assignment microphone and Hi-Z, the microphone is only transmitted on the left channel, the high-impedance input only on the right channel.

Practice

With regard to the product's field of application, you should of course consider in advance which control options you need to demand from the interface for optimal use. If you frequently readjust the level, the software solution of the ESI Maya 22 USB is already a bit exhausting, but if you use the product with an analog mixer, you have an adjustment-proof interface that gets by with minimal dimensions.

What generally diminishes the very good overall impression a bit is the fact that the headphone output and the monitor outputs can only be adjusted together in their volume. It is questionable whether a small control could have been installed here, since the dependency of the two outputs in terms of volume can possibly lead to performance losses in practice.

In terms of sound, however, the ESI Maya 22 USB is quite respectable for the price, even though you should not expect absolute high-end quality from the built-in preamp. The line input leaves a consistently good impression, which processes all common signals flawlessly with a neutral basic sound. There are also no complaints in the microphone area, even though you have to make slight concessions in terms of resolution and coloration in direct comparison to the next higher price category.

However, it is also obvious that you won't make any recordings that will later be released on a professional record production with an interface in the street price range of less than 100 Euros. For the demo area or however in the speech use the ESI Maya 22 USB leaves however a really good impression.


Conclusion

With the ESI Maya 22 USB is an interface on the market, which shines with good values at a low price. The workmanship of the product is very good, the optics high-quality, the weight almost ridiculously low and the dimensions pleasantly small. Especially in mobile use, the product can fully play out its aforementioned strengths and will find its primary field of application in the demo or podcast area.

Those who can live with the slight limitations of the dependency in terms of output volumes should risk a look at the product, especially since the sonic aspect of the product deserves an in-depth study of the silver disc.


Additional Informations:

- ESI Audio is a Germany-based company that specializes in manufacturing high-quality audio products such as audio interfaces, MIDI controllers, studio monitors, and headphones. ESI Audio is known for its innovative and state-of-the-art products, which are designed to meet the needs of musicians, producers, and sound engineers.

History and Background

ESI Audio was established in 2003 by Claus Riethmüller, a musician and sound engineer, who was passionate about creating a company that would redefine the audio solutions market. Claus Riethmüller started the company with the goal of providing professional and affordable audio products for musicians, producers, and sound engineers.

Over the years, ESI Audio has grown to become one of the leading manufacturers of audio products in the world, with a reputation for producing high-quality and innovative products that are designed to meet the needs of both professionals and beginners in the audio industry.

Products

ESI Audio offers a wide range of products that are designed to meet the needs of musicians, producers, and sound engineers. Some of their most popular products include:

Audio Interfaces: ESI Audio produces a range of audio interfaces, including the U24 XL, the U22 XT, and the GIGAPort HD+. These audio interfaces are designed to provide high-quality audio recording and playback capabilities for musicians and producers.

MIDI Controllers: ESI Audio offers a range of MIDI controllers, including the M8U XL and the M4U XT. These MIDI controllers are designed to provide musicians and producers with intuitive control over their digital audio workstations (DAWs).

Studio Monitors: ESI Audio produces a range of studio monitors, including the nEar05 eXperience and the nEar08 eXperience. These studio monitors are designed to provide accurate and detailed audio playback, making them ideal for mixing and mastering.

Headphones: ESI Audio offers a range of headphones, including the uniK 05+ and the uniK 08+. These headphones are designed to provide high-quality audio playback, making them ideal for recording, mixing, and mastering.

All of ESI Audio's products are designed to provide high-quality audio performance, with a focus on affordability and ease-of-use. ESI Audio's products are used by musicians, producers, and sound engineers around the world, and are known for their reliability and durability.

Innovation

ESI Audio is known for its innovative approach to audio solutions. The company is constantly pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the audio industry, with a focus on developing new technologies that can improve the audio experience for musicians, producers, and sound engineers.

One example of ESI Audio's innovation is their use of Class-A preamps in their audio interfaces. Class-A preamps are known for providing high-quality audio performance, with a warm and natural sound that is ideal for recording vocals and acoustic instruments. ESI Audio's use of Class-A preamps in their audio interfaces has set a new standard for audio quality in the industry.
Another example of ESI Audio's innovation is their use of DSP (Digital Signal Processing) technology in their studio monitors. DSP technology allows ESI Audio's studio monitors to provide accurate and detailed audio playback, with a focus on eliminating any distortion or coloration in the sound. This makes ESI Audio's studio monitors ideal for mixing and mastering, as they provide a clear and accurate representation of the audio.

Community and Support

ESI Audio is committed to supporting its customers, with a focus on building a strong community of musicians, producers, and sound engineers. The company offers a range of resources and support, including:

Online Forums: ESI Audio's online forums provide a platform for musicians, producers, and sound engineers to connect with each other to share their experiences.


- Audio Interfaces: A Crucial Tool for Professional Audio Production

An audio interface is a device that connects a computer or other digital audio device to external audio equipment such as microphones, instruments, and speakers. It is a crucial tool for professional audio production, providing high-quality recording and playback capabilities for musicians, producers, and sound engineers.

In this article, we will discuss the different types of audio interfaces, their features and benefits, and some factors to consider when choosing an audio interface for your professional audio needs.

Types of Audio Interfaces

There are several types of audio interfaces available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. The most common types of audio interfaces include:

USB Audio Interfaces: USB audio interfaces are the most popular type of audio interface, and are typically used by musicians and producers who require a portable and easy-to-use solution. These interfaces typically connect to a computer via USB, and provide high-quality audio recording and playback capabilities.

Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces: Thunderbolt audio interfaces are designed for professional use, providing high-speed data transfer and low latency for recording and playback. These interfaces typically connect to a computer via Thunderbolt, and are ideal for high-end audio production.
PCIe Audio Interfaces: PCIe audio interfaces are designed for use in desktop computers, and provide high-speed data transfer and low latency for recording and playback. These interfaces typically connect to a computer via PCIe, and are ideal for professional audio production.

FireWire Audio Interfaces: FireWire audio interfaces are an older type of interface that provides high-speed data transfer and low latency for recording and playback. However, they are less common today due to the prevalence of USB and Thunderbolt interfaces.

Features and Benefits of Audio Interfaces

Audio interfaces offer several features and benefits that are crucial for professional audio production. Some of these include:

High-Quality Audio Recording and Playback: Audio interfaces provide high-quality recording and playback capabilities, with a focus on accuracy and detail. This is essential for producing professional-quality audio recordings.

Low Latency: Audio interfaces provide low latency, which is crucial for musicians and producers who require real-time monitoring and recording capabilities.

Versatility: Audio interfaces are versatile, and can be used with a wide range of external audio equipment such as microphones, instruments, and speakers.

Multiple Inputs and Outputs: Audio interfaces typically provide multiple inputs and outputs, which is essential for recording and mixing multiple audio sources.

Factors to Consider When Choosing an Audio Interface

When choosing an audio interface, there are several factors to consider, including:
Budget: Audio interfaces can range in price from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars. It is important to choose an interface that fits within your budget, while still providing the features and capabilities that you need.

Number of Inputs and Outputs: The number of inputs and outputs that you require will depend on your specific audio production needs. For example, if you are recording a band, you may need an interface with multiple inputs to accommodate all of the instruments.

Compatibility: It is important to choose an interface that is compatible with your computer and other digital audio equipment.

Sample Rate and Bit Depth: The sample rate and bit depth of an interface determine the quality of the audio recording and playback. It is important to choose an interface that provides high sample rates and bit depths for professional-quality audio production.

Conclusion
In conclusion, an audio interface is a crucial tool for professional audio production, providing high-quality recording and playback capabilities for musicians, producers, and sound engineers. There are several types of audio interfaces available on the market, each with its own set of features and benefits. When choosing an audio interface, it is important to consider your budget, the number of inputs and outputs that you require, compatibility, and sample rate and bit depth. With the right audio interface, you can take your audio production to the next level