Arturia AudioFuse Studio Rev2 Review: One-Box Studio Hub
Arturia's AudioFuse Studio Rev2 refines its 18x20 desktop interface with optimized DiscretePRO preamps and an upgraded Bluetooth module. Full specs, price, and verdict.
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Arturia has refreshed its flagship desktop interface. The AudioFuse Studio returns as a Rev2 edition with optimized preamps and an updated Bluetooth module, while keeping the pristine conversion and deep connectivity that made the original a studio favorite. It sells for 999 EUR and remains an 18-input, 20-output USB-C hub aimed at the center of a serious recording setup.
At a glance: 999 EUR, 18x20 USB-C audio interface, four optimized DiscretePRO preamps, 24-bit conversion up to 192 kHz, 8-channel ADAT, and an upgraded Bluetooth receiver. The Rev2 revision tightens preamp distortion and modernizes wireless streaming, but the core design and feature set carry over from the well-regarded original.
What is the AudioFuse Studio Rev2?
The AudioFuse Studio is Arturia's top desktop interface, a metal-chassis unit built to be the only box between your microphones, instruments, outboard gear, monitors, and computer. Where many desktop interfaces give you two inputs and a headphone jack, this one offers a full monitoring section, multiple speaker sets, two independent headphone outputs, and enough digital expansion to grow with a studio. Rev2 is an iteration rather than a redesign: Arturia optimized the preamps for lower total harmonic distortion and swapped in a better Bluetooth module, then left the proven layout alone.
What is new and what carries over
Optimized DiscretePRO preamps
The headline change is the preamps. The AudioFuse Studio Rev2 uses four optimized DiscretePRO preamps tuned for even lower distortion, feeding a clean analog path with a very low equivalent input noise figure of -129 dBu and up to 78 dB of gain. That gain range matters in practice: it's enough to drive a quiet ribbon or dynamic mic like an SM7B without a separate booster. Each input has mic, line, and instrument circuits, plus analog insert points for patching outboard compressors or EQs.
An upgraded Bluetooth module
Rev2 adds a better Bluetooth receiver that now supports AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency. The practical uses add up fast. You can stream a reference track wirelessly to your monitors, pull audio from a phone or tablet straight into a channel in your DAW, or run the interface as a standalone Bluetooth monitor controller with no computer running.
Connectivity that carries over
The rest of the feature set is intact, and it's the real reason to buy. You get eight analog inputs, with inputs five and six switchable to an integrated phono and RIAA preamp for sampling vinyl. Outputs include four line outs and two aux or reamping outs, with speaker A/B switching and a talkback mic. Digital expansion covers 8-channel ADAT input and output at up to 96 kHz, plus S/PDIF or Word Clock, so you can add more preamps or lock to a larger rig. There is MIDI in and out and a three-port USB 2 hub built in. Routing and monitoring are configured in the AudioFuse Control Center software.
AudioFuse Studio Rev2 specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Type | Desktop USB-C audio interface, 18 in / 20 out |
| Preamps | Four optimized DiscretePRO, mic/line/instrument, four analog inserts |
| Conversion | 24-bit AD/DA up to 192 kHz |
| Analog inputs | 8 total; inputs 5-6 switch to integrated phono/RIAA preamp |
| EIN / gain | -129 dBu EIN, up to 78 dB input gain, 119 dB dynamic range |
| Outputs | 4 line outs, 2 aux/reamp outs, speaker A/B, 2 independent headphone outs |
| Digital I/O | 8-channel ADAT in/out to 96 kHz, S/PDIF or Word Clock in/out/thru |
| Wireless | Bluetooth with AAC, aptX, aptX HD, aptX Low Latency |
| Other | MIDI in/out, talkback mic, 3-port USB 2 hub |
| Bundle | AudioFuse Creative Suite, 11 Arturia plugins |
| Size / weight | 73 x 265 x 160 mm, 1.6 kg |
| Price | 999 EUR |
How it compares to a UA Apollo
The natural rival at this price is a Universal Audio Apollo. The choice comes down to one question: do you want connectivity or onboard DSP?
| Arturia AudioFuse Studio Rev2 | Universal Audio Apollo x4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Onboard DSP | None | UAD DSP for real-time plugins |
| Analog inputs | 8 (plus phono preamp) | 4 Unison preamps |
| Digital expansion | ADAT in and out, S/PDIF, Word Clock | ADAT in, optical |
| Bluetooth | Yes, aptX HD and Low Latency | No |
| Extras | Phono preamp, talkback, USB hub | UAD plugin ecosystem |
| Street price | 999 EUR | Around 999 EUR |
The Apollo wins if you want to track through UAD plugins at near-zero latency and buy into that ecosystem. The AudioFuse Studio wins on raw connectivity, more analog inputs, the phono preamp, and wireless streaming. For a comparable but more affordable Arturia-adjacent setup, the Universal Audio Volt range covers the budget end, and our best audio interfaces guide sets it against the wider field. If the format is new to you, start with understanding audio interfaces.
Who the AudioFuse Studio Rev2 is for
This is for the producer or engineer building a hybrid studio around one interface. If you track bands, run outboard gear, switch between multiple monitor sets, sample vinyl, and want everything in a single desktop unit, very little else packs this much in. It pairs naturally with an Arturia controller like the MiniLab 37 for a tidy desk. It's not the pick if your priority is tracking through onboard effects, or if two inputs already cover your needs and 999 EUR is better spent elsewhere.
How much does the AudioFuse Studio Rev2 cost?
The AudioFuse Studio Rev2 is 999 EUR, and it includes the AudioFuse Creative Suite, a bundle of 11 Arturia plugins that spans preamps, compressors, delays, reverbs, and the Analog Lab Intro instrument. Check your region for local pricing and current promotions.
See price at ArturiaFAQ
What is new in the AudioFuse Studio Rev2?
The Rev2 edition optimizes the four DiscretePRO preamps for lower total harmonic distortion and adds an upgraded Bluetooth module with AAC, aptX, aptX HD, and aptX Low Latency support. The connectivity, conversion, and layout carry over from the original AudioFuse Studio.
Should I upgrade from the original AudioFuse Studio?
Probably not for the changes alone. Rev2 is a refinement rather than a new feature set, so existing owners gain cleaner preamps and better wireless, but not a transformed interface. It's most compelling for new buyers.
Does the AudioFuse Studio Rev2 have onboard DSP?
No. Unlike a Universal Audio Apollo, it doesn't run plugins on internal DSP. It relies on your computer for processing, which keeps the design simpler and the routing flexible, but means no near-zero-latency plugin tracking.
What is included in the box?
Alongside the interface you get the AudioFuse Creative Suite, which is 11 Arturia software titles including the newly added Comp DIODE-609 and Analog Lab Intro. The unit also ships with an individual performance certificate.
