A great audio interface is the gateway to professional sound. Whether you’re recording vocals, tracking guitars, producing electronic music, or podcasting, the right interface ensures crystal-clear audio and smooth workflow. With so many options, ranging from beginner-friendly units to professional studio gear, we’ve put together some of the most popular models. Now it’s your turn: cast your vote, see how others have voted, and share your experience with your favorite interface!
1. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
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. Motu M4
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. 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.
11. 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.
12. iConnectivity PlayAUDIO1U
13. 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.
14. Neve 88M
15. 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.
16. 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.
17. Universal Audio Volt 2
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. 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.
20. RME Digiface USB
21. Tascam US-16x08
22. 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.
23. 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.
24. Behringer UMC404HD
25. 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.
26. 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.
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. 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.
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Everything You Need to Know About Audio Interfaces.
An audio interface is the bridge between your instruments, microphones, and your computer. It converts analog signals into digital audio (and vice versa), allowing you to record and monitor with professional quality. For musicians, producers, and podcasters, a reliable audio interface is one of the most important investments you can make.
Key functions of an audio interface:
Analog-to-digital conversion (ADC) – Captures sound from mics or instruments and converts it to digital signals for your DAW.
Digital-to-analog conversion (DAC) – Sends audio back to your headphones or monitors with high clarity.
Preamps – Provide clean gain for microphones and instruments.
Connectivity – XLR, line inputs, instrument inputs, and outputs for monitors and headphones.
Low latency monitoring – Lets you hear yourself in real-time while recording.
Things to consider when choosing an audio interface:
Number of inputs/outputs – Solo artists may only need one or two, while bands or producers might need multiple.
Connection type – USB interfaces are the most common, while Thunderbolt offers ultra-low latency and faster performance.
Preamps & converters – Higher-quality components mean cleaner recordings.
Software bundles – Many interfaces come with DAWs, plugins, or virtual instruments included.
Portability – Some models are compact and bus-powered, ideal for mobile recording setups.
Why an audio interface matters:
A dedicated audio interface drastically improves sound quality compared to a computer’s built-in sound card. Clean gain for microphones, accurate playback through studio monitors, and reliable connectivity make it essential for professional and home studios alike.
At the end of the day, the best audio interface depends on your needs, budget, and workflow. Whether you want a portable solution for quick recordings or a powerhouse interface for full productions, there’s a perfect option out there.
This list will help you see which audio interfaces other musicians and creators trust most, making it easier to choose the one that fits your recording journey.
