If you’re planning to record podcasts, voiceovers, or music requiring crisp, high-resolution audio, the first thing you’ll need is an audio interface. An audio interface allows you to connect inputs like microphones, guitars, and vocals to your digital audio workstation (DAW) and listen to them through output devices such as monitors and speakers.
With so many audio interfaces on the market, each offering various features, it can be challenging to choose the right one. So, how do you determine which audio interface best suits your needs and studio setup?
In this buying guide, we’ll help you identify what kind of audio interface you need and why. We’ll also list the top 9 audio interfaces available, share our experiences with them, and highlight their pros and cons. By the end of this guide, you’ll have a clear understanding of which audio interface is the best fit for your recording needs. Read on to find out more and make an informed decision.
Roundup of the Best Audio Interfaces
Overall Best USB Audio Interface | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 |
Best for Professional Use | Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO |
Best for Value | Universal Audio Volt 2 |
Best Budget Option | Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface |
Best for Features | Motu M2 |
Best for Compact Design | Arturia MiniFuse 1 |
Best for Premium Quality | Apogee Duet 3-2 Channel USB Audio Interface |
Best for Durability | Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 USB Audio Interface |
Best for Beginners | Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface |
Do I Need an Audio Interface for Music Production?
Yes, you need an audio interface for music production. Audio interfaces take signals from microphones and instruments and convert them into a format that your computer and software can read.
There is a discernible variation in the sound produced when you use an audio interface. An audio interface is a must if you wish to record instruments like guitar or piano into your computer program. Having an audio interface is also necessary if you want to connect your computer to studio monitor speakers.
In addition, you need an audio interface if you desire superior audio quality throughout the music production process. For example, we can compare the audio interface to a sound card, except an audio interface is for meeting the needs of audio professionals such as producers, DJs, and musicians.
Things to Consider When Buying an Audio Interface
Keep these seven considerations in mind when searching for the ideal audio interface.
1. Inputs and Outputs
Ensure the audio interface you choose has all the necessary inputs and outputs. If you’re a singer-songwriter, a single mic preamp and a direct input might suffice. For larger studios, you’ll need enough line-level inputs and outputs to handle outboard effects. Digital inputs like S/PDIF or ADAT can also expand your interface’s capabilities for bigger recording sessions.
2. Budget
Budget is a crucial factor when building a music studio. While everyone wants the best quality at the lowest price, sometimes spending a bit more upfront can yield better long-term rewards. Investing wisely can provide you with a more durable and versatile audio interface.
3. Build Quality
Consider the build quality of the audio interface. Look for interfaces with a metal chassis and sturdy knobs, as they are more resistant to damage. Good tactile feedback from knobs and switches enhances your user experience, making daily operations more enjoyable and reliable.
4. Features
Key features to look for include monitor controls and low latency mixing. These features ensure performers can hear themselves without delay, and the mixing engineer can easily manage the mix.
User-friendly software for routing and DAW control is also essential for efficient session setup and management.
5. Sound Quality
The sound quality of your interface is paramount. Check the manufacturer’s specifications for low Total Harmonic Distortion plus Noise (THD+N) and a high dynamic range. A wider dynamic range and accurate frequency response ensure your interface handles both loud and quiet signals effectively, providing clear and precise audio.
6. Portability
If you need to move your setup frequently, consider the portability of the audio interface. Lightweight and compact interfaces are easier to transport and set up in different locations, making them ideal for mobile recording sessions or live performances.
7. Compatibility
Make sure the audio interface is compatible with your computer’s operating system and DAW software. Some interfaces may offer additional compatibility with mobile devices, which can be useful for on-the-go recording. Ensure drivers and software updates are readily available to maintain smooth operation with your current setup.
Top 9 Audio Interfaces on the Market
After extensive research, we’ve created a list of the top audio interfaces, including USB audio interfaces on the market today, suitable for use in every recording environment, from professional studios to at-home setups, from complete audio novices to seasoned pros.
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Overall Best USB Audio Interface
What Impressed Us
- High-quality microphone preamps with ultra-low noise
- Auto-gain and clip-safe features for optimal recording levels
- Air modes enhance sound quality
- Hi-Z guitar inputs and super-high-quality line inputs
- Competitive pricing
What Disappointed Us
- Limited to two inputs and two outputs
- May not be suitable for larger recording setups
We chose the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as the overall best audio interface because of its exceptional performance, reliability, and value. It’s a favorite among musicians and producers for its superior sound quality and ease of use, making it perfect for both beginners and professionals.
The Scarlett 2i2 excels in overall use, providing high-quality audio recording and playback. It features two high-headroom instrument inputs, allowing you to connect your guitar or bass directly.
The two balanced line inputs are perfect for connecting synthesizers, drum machines, or any other line-level source. Additionally, it has two Scarlett mic preamps with a switchable Air mode to give your vocal recordings a brighter and more open sound.
Other aspects that make the Scarlett 2i2 stand out include its solid build quality and compact design, making it highly portable. It’s also budget-friendly, offering professional-grade features at an accessible price point.
The interface is compatible with both Mac and PC, and it integrates seamlessly with popular DAWs. With its low latency and high-resolution audio, the Scarlett 2i2 ensures that you capture every detail of your performance.
In conclusion, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an outstanding audio interface for overall use. Its combination of quality, features, and affordability makes it the top choice for anyone looking to enhance their recording setup.
View on Amazon: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO
Best for Professional Use
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with low noise floor
- Advanced DSP engine for real-time plugin processing
- Includes a range of high-quality software plugins
- Robust and durable build
- Excellent for professional music production and recording
What Disappointed Us
- High price point, making it inaccessible to some users
- Requires a Thunderbolt cable, which is not included
- No MIDI interface
We chose the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO as the best for professional use because of its industry-leading audio quality and extensive feature set. This interface is a favorite among professional musicians and producers for its superior performance and versatility.
The Apollo Twin X DUO stands out with its high-quality Unison preamps and real-time UAD processing, allowing you to record with near-zero latency using Universal Audio’s acclaimed plug-ins. This makes it perfect for professional recording, mixing, and mastering.
Its premium build quality and intuitive interface ensure a seamless workflow in any professional studio environment.
In addition to its professional-grade features, the Apollo Twin X DUO offers two combination inputs, a high-impedance instrument input, and multiple line outputs. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows, and its portable design makes it ideal for studio and mobile use. The superior sound quality and robust construction make it a worthy investment for professionals.
In conclusion, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO is the best choice for professional use, offering unmatched audio quality and features that meet the demands of the most discerning audio professionals.
View on Amazon: Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO
3. Universal Audio Volt 2
Best for Value
What Impressed Us
- High-quality conversion and vintage tonal option
- Compact and bus-powered design
- Affordable price point
- Includes MIDI in and out, phantom power, and instrument input
- Direct monitoring and shared headphone amp
- Good sound quality with a balanced signature
What Disappointed Us
- Limited to two inputs and two outputs
- No onboard DSP processing for Universal Audio plugins
The Universal Audio Volt 2 stands out as the best for value because it combines high-quality audio performance with an affordable price. We selected this interface for its excellent balance of cost and features, making it accessible to a wide range of users.
The Volt 2 offers studio-quality sound with its vintage mic preamp mode, which brings warmth and character to your recordings. It’s equipped with two analog inputs and outputs, MIDI connectivity, and a direct monitor switch, providing everything you need for a versatile recording setup. The interface’s high-quality components ensure clear and detailed sound capture.
This interface is budget-friendly without compromising on quality. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and iPad, offering great versatility. The solid build and compact design make it portable and easy to use in various recording environments.
In summary, the Universal Audio Volt 2 is the best for value, providing professional-grade features at a price that fits within most budgets. It’s an excellent choice for those seeking quality and affordability.
View on Amazon: Universal Audio Volt 2
4. Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface
Best Budget Option
What Impressed Us
- Extremely affordable price point
- Compact and lightweight design
- Easy to use with intuitive controls
- Good sound quality for home recording
- Supports phantom power
What Disappointed Us
- Noise floor can be an issue, especially with quiet sources
- Limited to 48kHz A/D resolution
We selected the Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface as the best budget option due to its affordability and solid performance. This interface is ideal for beginners and hobbyists who need a reliable yet cost-effective solution for recording.
The UMC22 offers one Midas-designed mic preamp and one instrument input, delivering clear and clean sound. Despite its low price, it provides 48 kHz resolution for high-quality recordings. The direct monitoring feature allows for latency-free tracking, which is crucial for achieving professional results.
The interface’s simple design and easy setup make it perfect for those new to recording. It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows, ensuring broad usability. Its compact size and lightweight construction make it highly portable, while the durable build ensures longevity.
In conclusion, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 is the best budget option, offering essential features and reliable performance at an unbeatable price. It’s a great starting point for anyone looking to get into recording without a significant investment.
View on Amazon: Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface
5. Motu M2
Best for Features
What Impressed Us
- High-quality, low-noise preamps with individual phantom power and monitoring buttons.
- Loopback facility for easy recording of PC audio and microphone.
- DC coupled outputs for Eurorack compatibility.
- Jack and RCA outputs.
- Power switch.
- High-quality, low-noise preamps.
- Includes a lite version of MOTU’s Digital Performer software and other bundled software.
What Disappointed Us
- Only one USB-A to USB-C cable included.
- No mixing, routing, or monitoring software included
The Motu M2 shines as the best for features, offering a comprehensive set of tools for advanced recording needs. We chose this interface for its superior functionality and high-performance capabilities, which cater to both beginners and professionals.
The M2 features ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology, providing exceptional audio quality with ultra-low latency. It includes two mic preamps with individual gain controls, phantom power, and a robust metering system. The loopback function is ideal for live streaming and podcasting, making the M2 incredibly versatile.
In addition to its extensive features, the Motu M2 offers two XLR/TRS combo inputs, MIDI I/O, and main outputs. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS, ensuring flexibility across different platforms. The solid build quality and sleek design enhance its portability and durability.
In summary, the Motu M2 is the best for features, combining advanced technology with user-friendly controls to meet diverse recording needs. Its comprehensive feature set makes it a valuable tool for any recording setup.
View on Amazon: Motu M2
6. Arturia MiniFuse 1
Best for Compact Design
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality with clear preamps and good dynamic range
- Compact and portable design
- Well-designed construction with metal chassis and rubberized knobs
- Includes a robust software bundle with Ableton Live Lite, Guitar Rig 6 LE, and other plugins
- Loopback functionality for recording and streaming
- Good driver performance and compatibility with various recording platforms
What Disappointed Us
- Basic control software
- A little on the light side, but still solidly built
- A bit generic in terms of design
The Arturia MiniFuse 1 is the best for compact design due to its small footprint and high-quality performance. We selected this interface for its portability and ease of use, making it perfect for mobile recording setups.
The MiniFuse 1 offers one mic/instrument input with a high-quality preamp and 48V phantom power. Despite its compact size, it provides excellent audio fidelity with a 110dB dynamic range. The USB-C connectivity ensures fast and reliable data transfer, enhancing its usability.
This interface’s lightweight and durable construction make it easy to carry and use anywhere. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS devices, providing flexibility for different recording scenarios. The included software bundle adds value, offering various tools for music production.
In conclusion, the Arturia MiniFuse 1 is the best choice for those seeking a compact yet powerful audio interface. Its portable design and high-quality performance make it ideal for on-the-go recording.
View on Amazon: Arturia MiniFuse 1
7. Apogee Duet 3-2 Channel USB Audio Interface
Best for Premium Quality
What Impressed Us
- Exceptional sound quality with high-fidelity conversion
- Portable and compact design for easy mobility
- Zero-latency monitoring for real-time tracking
- Compatible with multiple platforms (iOS, Mac, and Windows)
- High-quality preamps with ample gain for various microphones
- Includes advanced software and plugins for enhanced recording
What Disappointed Us
- High price point may be out of reach for some users
- Limited to two inputs, which may not be suitable for larger recording setups
The Apogee Duet 3-2 Channel USB Audio Interface is the best for premium quality due to its superior sound and elegant design. We chose this interface for its high-end components and professional-grade performance, suitable for serious musicians and producers.
The Duet 3 features Apogee’s renowned AD/DA converters and mic preamps, delivering pristine audio quality. It includes two inputs and four outputs, with touch-sensitive controls and an OLED display for easy operation. The onboard DSP allows for zero-latency monitoring with effects, enhancing the recording experience.
This interface’s sleek and compact design makes it both stylish and portable. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows, and the included Apogee Control software provides comprehensive control over the interface’s functions. The build quality is exceptional, ensuring durability and longevity.
In summary, the Apogee Duet 3-2 Channel USB Audio Interface is the best for premium quality, offering unmatched audio performance and a sophisticated design. It’s an excellent choice for those who demand the best in their recording equipment.
View on Amazon: Apogee Duet 3-2 Channel USB Audio Interface
8. Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 USB Audio Interface
Best for Durability
What Impressed Us
- High-quality Onyx mic preamps with excellent fidelity and headroom
- Robust, compact design with ergonomic features
- Compatible with both Mac and PC computers
- Supports major DAW software
- Includes bundled Tracktion 3 software
- High-end AD/DA converters for accurate sound reproduction
What Disappointed Us
- No S/PDIF digital input
- Limited to two channels
The Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 USB Audio Interface stands out as the best for durability. We selected this interface for its rugged construction and reliable performance, making it ideal for both studio and mobile recording.
The Onyx Producer 2-2 features two Onyx mic preamps with 48V phantom power, providing high-quality audio capture. It includes MIDI I/O, making it versatile for various recording setups. The interface supports high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz recording, ensuring detailed and accurate sound.
This interface’s robust metal chassis ensures it can withstand the rigors of frequent use and travel. It’s compatible with Mac and Windows, and its straightforward design makes it easy to use. The Onyx Producer 2-2 offers excellent sound quality and reliability, making it a trusted choice for many users.
In conclusion, the Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 is the best for durability, offering a solid build and dependable performance. It’s perfect for those who need a rugged interface that can handle tough conditions.
View on Amazon: Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 USB Audio Interface
9. Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface
Best for Beginners
What Impressed Us
- Excellent sound quality
- Easy to use with a minimalist design
- Affordable price
- Good latency performance
- Innovative Smartgain mode
What Disappointed Us
- Plastic casing may not be as durable as metal-enhanced alternatives
- Limited gain control and no peak indicator
- No knobs or volume controls protruding from the sides
The Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface is the best choice for beginners due to its user-friendly design and high-quality performance. We chose this interface for its intuitive controls and excellent sound, making it easy for new users to get started with recording.
The EVO 4 features two EVO mic preamps and high-quality AD/DA converters, providing clear and detailed audio. The Smartgain feature automatically sets the input levels, simplifying the recording process. It also includes loopback functionality for streaming and podcasting.
This interface’s compact and lightweight design makes it highly portable. It’s compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS, offering flexibility for different recording environments. The build quality is solid, ensuring long-term use.
In summary, the Audient EVO 4 is the best choice for beginners, offering an easy-to-use interface with high-quality sound. Its intuitive features and portability make it an excellent starting point for anyone new to recording.
View on Amazon: Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface
Frequently Asked Questions About Audio Interfaces
To get more inputs on audio interfaces, you can:
Make use of a mixer with audio interface features
A StudioLive would undoubtedly suffice, but unless you also use it for performances, it could be overkill for a home studio.
Aggregate interfaces
Integrate a second interface with your current setup. Core Audio makes it simple to group interfaces on a Mac, whereas Windows’ ASIO is unreliable for this purpose. It means that you must rely on Windows’ built-in drivers. While Core Audio is widely supported, the newer WASAPI drivers offer almost as low latency. You will have to use the more cumbersome and antiquated drivers in this case. It’s also inconvenient to use separate applets to manage each interface, and you’ll need to give up an existing USB port to accommodate it.
Add an optical interface
Adding an optical interface is the best method to increase the number of inputs on your audio interance. This method is compatible with both Mac and Windows. For example, if you record at 44.1 or 48 kHz, you may add an extra 8 inputs per ADAT optical port, making this a very convenient solution. (You can only record four channels at once using 88.2 or 96 kHz, and certain audio interfaces aren’t backward-compatible with optical audio at higher sample rates.)
A dedicated audio interface is not strictly necessary for recording, but we recommend it for those who want to achieve the highest possible quality in their recordings. It may include capturing sound from instruments, vocals, or other sources.
Many professional recording studios and sound reinforcement systems employ the larger Focusrite Pro devices as audio interfaces. Focusrite and Focusrite Pro are two independent branches of the same company that provide high-quality audio interfaces for different audiences.
Yes, audio interfaces substantially impact sound quality, especially in terms of the recording process. So, for example, if you have an audio interface, you can record at a high sample rate and bit depth, giving you a much higher resolution than is typically available.
Final Words
We hope you find this guide useful. Based on our analysis, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 and the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO stand out as the top choices.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 offers high sound quality, low latency, and a user-friendly setup, making it an excellent all-around option for various recording needs. Its versatility and durable build make it a reliable choice for both beginners and experienced users.
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO excels with its superior sound quality and real-time UAD processing, ideal for professionals. It provides advanced features and robust construction, ensuring top-notch performance for demanding recording sessions.
We were happy with the quality and performance of both interfaces. They cater to different needs, ensuring you have great options whether you’re a beginner or a professional.