Audio interfaces are the backbone of any recording setup, transforming analog signals into digital audio with clarity and precision. Whether you’re a home studio enthusiast, a content creator, or a professional musician, the right audio interface can elevate your sound quality and streamline your workflow. With features ranging from pristine preamps to versatile connectivity, there’s a model out there for every need and budget.
We want your input! Cast your vote for the best audio interfaces and share your experiences in the comments. Whether you swear by a specific model or have tips for first-time buyers, your feedback helps others make informed decisions in their audio journey.
1. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
3.0 Audio Interface.
10-in/6-out.
24 Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converter.
2 Unison microphone preamps.
Built-in talkback microphone.
2. RME Babyface Pro FS
USB 2.0 audio interface.
12-in/12-out.
24 bit / 192 kHz.
2 digitally controlled microphone preamp.
Ample analog, digital, and MIDI connectivity.
288-channel mixer with 46-bit internal resolution.
Each channel boasts latency-free processing, including a 3-band EQ, low-cut filter, reverb, and echo.
Includes a premium plug-in bundle with Scuffham S-Gear, Brainworx bx_opto, and Brainworx bx_masterdesk, plus trial versions of Modartt Pianoteq 6, GG Audio Blue 3 Organ, and Gig Performer.
3. RME Fireface UCX II
USB 2.0 audio interface.
24 Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converter.
20 Input and output channels.
2 digitally controlled microphone preamps.
Ample analog, digital, MIDI, and word clock connectivity.
Mixer with 20 input, 20 software playback, and 20 hardware output channels.
Each channel boasts latency-free processing, including a 3-band EQ, low-cut filter, echo, reverb, compressor, expander, and auto level.
3-month subscription to Antares Autotune Unlimited.
4. Audient iD4 MKII
USB-C Audio Interface.
24 bit / 44.1 - 96 kHz.
High-performance converters with 120dB of dynamic range.
Analog Inputs: 1 x 1/4" (instrument), 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line).
Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/R).
Includes Audient ARC download software package.
Product variations: iD14 MKII, iD24, iD44 MKII.
5. Motu M4
USB-C audio interface.
4-in/4-out.
24-Bit/192 kHz AD/DA converter.
2 microphone preamps with individual gain and phantom power.
Loopback for live streaming and podcasting.
Includes MOTU Performer Lite, Ableton Live Lite, and 6 GB of loops and samples.
6. RME Fireface UFX III
USB 3.0 Audio Interface.
94-in/94-out for massive-sized applications.
24-bit / 192kHz AD/DA converter.
4 upgraded mic/line preamps.
8 TRS line inputs bolstered by 2 XLR outputs and 6 TRS outputs.
128 channels of MADI.
Internal DSP provides 188 channels of EQ, 188 channels of dynamics processing, a reverb/delay bus, and automatic mic gain.
Comes with RME's DigiCheck tool, iZotope Ozone 10 Elements, S-Gear Guitar Amp Sim, Brainworx bx_opto and bx_masterdesk, and Antares Auto-Tune Unlimited.
7. Neumann MT 48 U
USB 2.0 Audio Interface.
High-precision AD converters dynamic range of 136dB.
2 low-noise mic preamps with up to 78dB of gain.
2 line/instrument inputs yield true reference-quality sound.
4 analog outputs for monitoring and patching in outboard gear.
Built-in DSP provides a fully parametric 4-band EQ, dynamics processor, and reverb.
8. Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre
USB-C Audio Interface.
24/192 conversion and sync.
Flexible I/O with ADAT input for expansion of up to eight more inputs.
4 Clarett mic preamps.
Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 4 x 1/4" (line).
Analog Outputs: 4 x 1/4" (line).
Digital Inputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF), 1 x Optical (ADAT).
Digital Outputs: 1 x Coax (S/PDIF).
Headphones: 2 x 1/4".
3-month Avid Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite, Hitmaker Expansion Bundle.
Product variations: Clarett+ 2Pre, Clarett+ 8Pre, Clarett+ OctoPre.
9. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
Audio interface with USB-C connection.
24-bit / 192 kHz.
120dB of dynamic range.
4th-generation microphone preamp.
XLR Mic input + 6.3mm jack Line/instrument input.
2 line outputs: 6.3mm jack + Stereo headphone output: 6.3mm jack.
Includes a 3-month Pro Tools Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and the Hitmaker Expansion software bundle.
Product variations: Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen, Scarlett 16i16 4th Gen, Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen, Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen.
10. Motu 828
USB 3.1 Audio Interface.
Resolution: 24 bit / 192 kHz.
28-in/32-out interface with 2 banks of optical I/O, plus word clock and MIDI.
High-resolution (480 x 128) 3.9" LCD color display.
Dynamic range line inputs: 120 dB.
Built-in 24-channel digital mixer with 8 stereo buses and onboard DSP effects.
Wi-Fi control from Mac, PC, or iOS device.
Includes MOTU Performer Lite and Ableton Live Lite, plus over 6GB of loops, samples, and 1-shots.
11. Universal Audio Volt 476P
USB-C audio interface.
4-in/10-out.
24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion.
Built-in microphone preamps with vintage mic preamp mode.
Built-in 1176-derived analog compressor with 3 presets.
Includes UA’s LUNA software and a generous cache of plug-ins and virtual instruments.
Product variations: Volt 176, Volt 2, Volt 276, Volt 476, Volt 1, Volt 4.
12. Audient EVO 16
USB 2.0 Audio Interface.
24-in/24-out.
24-bit/96kHz AD/DA converters supplies crystal-clear audio with 121dB of dynamic range.
8 analog Evo mic preamps.
Includes monitor control, audio loopback, and a word clock output.
Smartgain automatically analyzes your input signals.
Intuitive Motion UI control system with high-resolution TFT-LCD screen.
Software mixer with extremely low latency.
Product variations: EVO 4, EVO 8.
13. iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U
USB Live Playback audio / MIDI interface.
24 Bit / 96 kHz AD/DA-converter.
12 balanced, panel-mounted XLR outputs with integrated phantom power protection.
OLED touchscreen.
Comprehensive MIDI over USB, 5-pin DIN, and Ethernet.
14. Presonus Studio 24c
USB-C Audio Interface.
2 Front combo inputs Mic/Line/Inst.
2 Balanced TRS main outputs.
24-bit/192kHz digital resolution.
2 XMAX L mic preamps.
Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS (main out), 4 x 1/4" (line out).
Inc. Presonus Studio One Artist Software + Studio Magic Plugin-Suite (Ableton - Live Lite, Arturia - Analog Lab Lite 3 and more).
Product variations: Studio 68c, Studio 1824c.
15. SSL 2+ MKII
USB-C Audio Interface.
32-Bit / 192 kHz AKM AD/DA converter.
Two microphone preamps in 2-stage design.
120 dB dynamic range.
Dual auto-detect instrument DI inputs.
Dual high-current headphone outputs.
Including SSL Production Pack with Ableton Live Lite, SSL Vocalstrip & Drumstrip, AAS Session Bundle, Mixbus 10, BFD Player + Pop Essentials LE, AmpliTube 5 SE, Native Instruments: Hybrid Keys & Komplete Start, Celemony Melodyne Essential, Loopcloud Samples.
16. Behringer UMC404HD
USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI interface.
24-Bit/192kHz resolution.
Midas-designed mic preamps.
Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR/TRS Combo, 4 x 1/4" (Inserts).
Analog Outputs: 6 x 1/4", 2 x XLR (main out), 2 x Dual RCA Stereo.
Headphones: 1 x 1/4".
Product variations: UMC202HD, UMC204HD, UMC1820.
17. Neve 88M
USB 3.0 Audio Interface.
2 Mic/line/instrument preamps based on the 88RS console.
Up to 24 bit / 192 kHz.
Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line).
Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (Monitor), 2 x 1/4" (Thru).
18. Steinberg UR44C
USB 3,0 Audio Interface.
32-bit/192kHz.
4 Combination XLR/TRS inputs.
4 Class-A D-PRE microphone preamps.
Latency-free DSP-supported monitoring with REV-X reverb, channel strip and guitar amp classics.
Includes power supply and Cubase AI DAW software, Cubasis LE DAW app for iPad and Steinberg Plus.
Product variations: UR22C, UR24C.
19. Universal Audio Volt 2
USB Audio Interface.
24 Bit / 192 kHz AD/DA converter.
Built-in microphone preamps.
Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/instrument).
Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" (L/R).
Includes UA’s LUNA software and a generous cache of plug-ins and virtual instruments.
20. Arturia MiniFuse 4
USB-C Audio Interface.
24 bit / 192 kHz.
Analog Inputs: 2 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 2 x 1/4" TRS.
Analog Outputs: 4 x 1/4" TRS.
Includes Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, Pre 1973, Rev PLATE-140, Delay TAPE-201, Chorus JUN-6 and NI Guitar Rig LE, 3-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited and Splice Creator Plan.
Product variations: MiniFuse 1, MiniFuse 2.
21. M-Audio M-Track Solo
USB Audio Interface.
Resolution: 16 Bit / 48 kHz.
Analog Inputs: 1 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 1 x 1/4" (line/instrument).
Analog Outputs: 1 x Dual RCA Stereo.
Includes software package as download: MPC Beats, Revalver - 2x amps, 3x cabs, 3x mics, 3x effects.
Product variations: M-Track Duo.
22. Presonus Quantum HD8
Rackmountable USB-C Audio Interface.
Conversion with up to 32-bit/192 kHz.
8 MAX-HD preamps with 75 dB gain each.
Auto Gain function matches gain levels for your mic or instrument signal.
Analog Inputs: 8 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 2 x 1/4" (instrument).
Analog Outputs: 2 x 1/4" TRS, 10 x 1/4" TRS (line).
Universal Control App guarantees comprehensive control over interface capabilities.
Includes 12 months Studio One+ with access to Studio One Professional Edition, add-ons and more, plus a perpetual licence for Studio One Professional.
Product variations: Quantum HD2, Quantum ES2, Quantum ES4.
23. RME Digiface USB
USB Portable Digital Audio Interface.
Sample frequencies from 28 kHz up to 200 kHz.
32 Input/34 output channels.
TotalMix Software: 2244 Channel mixer with 46 bit internal resolution.
Digicheck analysis and metering software.
Product variations: Digiface Dante, Digiface AVB, Digiface Ravenna.
24. Sound Devices MixPre-6 II
Portable audio recorder with USB audio interface.
32-bit/192kHz converters.
Dynamic range: 142 dB.
Kashmir microphone preamp with 76 dB gain.
Analog Inputs: 4 x XLR-1/4" combo (mic/line), 1 x 1/8" (aux/mic).
Analog Outputs: 1 x 1/8" (stereo out).
Wireless control via iOS device and Wingman app.
Product variations: MixPre-3 II, MixPre-10 II.
25. Antelope Orion 32+ Gen 4
128-Channel Thunderbolt / USB Audio Interface.
AD/DA converter with up to 130dB dynamic range at 24bit / 192kHz.
4th generation Antelope 64-bit clocking technology.
4x 32-channel zero-latency stereo mixers.
128 I/O channels of 24-bit, 192kHz audio via Thunderbolt 3.
32 I/O channels of 24-bit, 192kHz audio via USB 2.0 / 3.0.
128 I/O channels via optical MADI with up to 48kHz.
32 Analogue line inputs: 4x DB25.
32 Analogue line outputs: 4x DB25.
26. Avid MBOX Studio
USB-C 2.0 Audio Interface.
With max. resolution 24 bit / 192 kHz and up to 21 inputs and 22 outputs.
4 High-quality combined preamps for microphone and instrument signals.
DSP-based monitor mixer with switchable soft limiter and parametric 4-band channel EQ per input as well as reverb and delay.
Inc. Pro Tools Studio Perpetual license, Sibelius Artist annual subscription (one-year licence), Ignition Pack 3, MBOX Control application.
27. IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo
Audio Interface for iPhone, iPad, Android, Mac and PC.
AD/DA conversion: 24bit / 48kHz
2 Combined mic / instrument inputs via combination jacks.
Line outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack balanced, max. Output level: 16 dBu / 600 ohms.
2 microphone preamplifiers with individually adjustable gain and phantom power.
Product variations: iRig Pro.
28. Tascam US-16x08
USB 2 Audio Interface.
Up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution.
8 Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps.
Analog Inputs: 8 x XLR, 2 x 1/4" (line/instrument), 6 x 1/4" (line).
Analog Outputs: 8 x 1/4" (line).
Compressor and 4-Band-EQ in each input channel of the DSP mixer.
Product variations: US-2x2HR, US-4x4HR.
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