So you’re looking to solidify your studio with an audio interface? To us, this is one of the most important parts of making music and we ...
So you’re looking to solidify your studio with an audio interface? To us, this is one of the most important parts of making music and we consider it to be the star on top of the christmas tree. Without an audio interface, you simply can’t record optimally. Your gear is basically missing half of its power without one of these in your studio. They help us with sound quality, phantom power and amplification, more overall control of our gear, organize all of our inputs and outputs into one device, and lastly make the concept of latency disappear. As opposed to our top 10 best studio monitors article featuring some popular brands among the industry, audio interfaces come in all shapes, sizes and brands. We highlight the top 10 best audio interfaces available today and give you some info to help ease your shopping adventures.
What is an audio interface?
An audio interface is a device which connects your various audio equipment to your computer (microphones, guitars, studio monitor speakers, etc). They can provide phantom power to amplify your microphones, hook up any MIDI device you’ve got, and use an XLR port for a microphone. Audio interfaces convert the analog information into digital signals for your computer to recognize and lay down into your songs. Ultimately, it helps get you that studio-quality sound that helps separate you from the newbies. Relying on consumer-grade sound cards in your PC or Mac isn’t ideal as it often gives us interference and delays in sounds. Audio interfaces are the standard sound card for any type of studio.
The benefit of having an audio interface in your set up is night and day, as it not only helps organize your different devices into one machine going straight to your computer but it helps with a lot of the latency or “lag” most users experience when connecting straight to your computer via USB. These are typically labeled as ‘external sound cards’ but audio interface is the correct term.
Once I hooked up mine up, the headache immediately went away because I was not only more organized but was able to record in a more quicker, realistic manner. My workload decreased, my songs got better and my overall creativity shot through the roof. Lastly and most importantly, the quality of my recording tracks increased dramatically – microphones were more clear, guitars crisp, and the overall sound I heard was better for mixing.
How to choose your audio interface
- What is your budget? Most of these are relatively affordable, but you can always go higher for some powerful features.
- What type of connectivity? You can either go the more popular USB route, FireWire or even advanced Thunderbolt.
- How many inputs and outputs will you need? This is something to really take into consideration not only for now but the future as well. A lot of musicians who record multiple instruments at once need numerous inputs and outputs to handle all of the equipment.
- Is there a software bundle you need? Some of these come with virtual instruments, effects, and even digital audio workstations. Is that important to you?
When it comes to the best audio interface, it really depends on a few factors. We’d love to give you a straight answer, but it is too dependent on a lot of elements you must take into consideration when shopping for the device. It depends on what you need.
We’ve seen audio interfaces go within price ranges from $30 to $2,000. Your budget is obviously a huge part of your shopping choice, but what about the other questions, such as connectivity with a Mac or PC, how many ins, outs, XLR, 1/4″ ports and the like are available with the particular interface you’re looking at? Do you need MIDI in and out on it for your MIDI controllers? How do you want it to be powered? Do you want more than two inputs and outputs altogether? Will you be recording instruments simultaneously, or one at a time? Keep these in mind while shopping!
For some more info, check out the choosing your audio interface article by Sound On Sound magazine or Sweetwater’s audio interface buying guide.
Our picks for top 10 best audio interfaces
The following is our list of top 10 best audio interfaces for both Mac and PC. Do some sifting through as we provide the retail price for your budget, the compatibility in terms of connectivity, how many inputs and outputs, as well as overall features for comparing. We tried to cover all ranges, all connectivity as well as I/O options. Let us know which one you ended up going with/already have!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Compatible with: Mac, PC, all hardware
- USB connectivity
- A/D resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
- Inputs: Two XLR/TRS combo
- Direct monitor control on front panel (switch between headphones)
- Comes with Ableton Live Lite and Scarlett bundle (processors, effects)
- For only a few more bucks check out their Scarlett Studio Audio Bundle (comes with a mic, headphones, and the interface)
- Check prices and reviews of the Scarlett 2i2: US | UK
This is one of the most popular audio interfaces out there. This interface by Focusrite is best for home and semi-pro studios (I have two friends who make music full-time that use this). The scarlet 2i2 gives us a great quality microphone pre-amp, a very rugged build for stability as well as portability, and quite a few selections for ins and outs. The ‘2i2’ name basically means that it has two inputs and two outputs, as well as two pre-amps built-in. Highly talked about this is the amp quality, compared to mechanisms found in a lot of condenser and ribbon mics and more expensive interfaces. Just a simple interface for a great cost — one of the most popular choices out there. Another huge plus with this one is that it comes with Ableton Live Lite, a very popular digital audio workstation among music heads. If you’re looking for a software to start recording with or merely want to make the change over, Ableton coming along with the package makes this a must. USB powered here, although it doesn’t have any MID ins or outs which bums me out but there are ways around that. You can also check out the Focusrite Saffire Pro interface which is a step up (has some MIDI ins and outs, FireWire connectivity) but is about $100 more. There’s also a ton of other Scarlett models that pertain to ins and outs, too.
Behringer UCA202
Compatible with: Mac and PC
- High-resolution 48 kHz conversion
- No drivers necessary — USB powered and connectivity
- Stereo headphone output
- Free editing software (nothing crazy) – KRISTAL Audio Engine and Audacity
- Check prices and reviews of the UCA202: US | UK
Behringer audio equipment gives us the definition of a budget audio interface here. This is straight to the point and it’s powered via USB with no external power supply needed, great for portability. The resolution goes up to 48 kHz so in terms of conversion it is solid for the price. There’s just no XLR or TRS inputs here…standard RCA ins (which can be converted with proper cables) while giving us a headphone jack and volume control. Also comes with a bundle of free software worth checking out. I’d recommend grabbing this you’re on the go and need a simple digital converter, otherwise continue reading on.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin
Compatible with: Mac only
- 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
- Headphone and guitar input on front
- Preamp/monitor switches
- Dedicated master volume knob
- 2 XLR/TSR mic ins
- Realtime UAD Processing
- Comes with plug-in bundle (analog classics)
- Two mic/line pre-amps
- Thunderbolt connection
- Check prices and reviews of the Apollo Twin: US | UK
This thing is extremely powerful. It’s a 2×6 thunderbolt and the audio conversion is quite telling at 24-bit/192 kHz for some of the clearest, zero-latency sound possible right now. It’s got real-time UAD processing so the tracking with compressors, EQ’s, and amps for various instruments is the real deal. It’s only compatible with Mac but it’s one of the best out there — Universal Audiobrings us quality builds that’ll last you a very long time, so this is an investment. Here’s a coolvideo on the Apollo Twin interface. You’ll need a thunderbolt cable for this, but it’s worth it if you’re going the full 9.
M-Audio M-Track Plus
Compatible with: Mac and PC
- 24-bit / 48 kHz digital audio processor
- Very little latency when monitoring
- Solid aluminum build
- 2 XLR inputs, 2 balanced 1/4″, MIDI in and out
- Selectable phantom power
- Headphone out on front
- Comes with Pro Tools and Ignite by AIR
- Check prices and reviews of the M-Track Plus: US | UK
This is a very solid interface in terms of build and overall supply of necessary ins and outs, as M-Audio gear usually brings to the table. It’s USB powered and offers great phantom power for microphones and guitars, has insert jacks on each channel, and lastly comes with Avid Pro Tools Express and Ignite creation software by AIR. If you’re looking for a good software combo this is great, otherwise it’s still a solid audio interface as it offers us the essentials: 2 XLR, 2 TSR and MIDI ins/outs…what else do you need? Unless you’re using and recording multiple instruments at a time, anything else is rather unnecessary. A very solid audio interface for those looking for only a few ins and outs. Also check out our review of their M-Audio M-Track QUAD audio interface for a step up.
PreSonus AudioBox
Compatible with: PC and Mac
- Rugged steel build
- Combo XLR mic/balanced 1/4″ input
- 48 volts of phantom power
- 24-bit resolution and 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sampling rate
- Midi IN\OUT
- USB 2.0 port
- Check prices and reviews of the Audiobox: US | UK
Another 2×2, more simple and budget-friendly audio interface here. PreSonus gear has a very positive reputation around the equipment world and the AudioBox is a favorite interface among many. You get two very high quality pre-amps built-in, a nice small steel build, as well as two MIDI int/outs on the front. The back has your TSR ins, a USB port for power and connectivity as well as a left and right stereo inputs. Lastly, a headphone jack (on the back) although I usually like these on the front, but oh well. As it’s more budget-friendly, it isn’t recommended for those with instruments that need more than around 35 decibels of gain or headphones above 100 in impedance. Keep this in mind as the power is great for a $100 audio interface but it isn’t jam-packed. This is great for those on a budget and need the standard capabilities of an interface. Check out our reviews on their latest models, the AudioBox iOne and AudioBox iTwo if you’re looking for some different alternatives.
Apogee ONE
Compatible with: Mac only
- A/D and D/A conversion: 44.1/48 kHz 24-bit
- Single input channel
- Internal condenser microphone
- XLR microphone pre-amp
- Encoder knob (gain control, output level control)
- Maestro software included
- Check prices and reviews of the ONE: US | UK
Apogee electronics brings us one of the best audio interfaces for Mac. It’s rather simplistic in terms of connectivity, but the reason it’s at such a high cost is because of the amp. It goes up to 63 dB which is pretty high for its size. Another plus is the 48 volt phantom power but it also has a built-in condenser microphone if you think you’ll be using it for that. You can merely mount it and use it as a mic while having an audio interface at hand. It doesn’t have any MIDI ins or outs or even XLR ports but it does give us a 1/8″ for headphones. What most people do is use a converter cable which can be plugged in to an external microphone, MIDI keyboard or controller, etc. Check this one out as it gives us a bit of a different spin to audio interfaces.Although it’s two times the price, also check out the Apogee Duet audio interface for some power if you’ve got the dough. We review their new Avid Pro Tools Duet by Apogee as well, which is a new interface out that’s been paired up by both companies for a new spin on the interface.
Avid MBox + Pro Tools Express
Compatible with: Mainly built for Mac, but can with Windows 7 and 8
- Two XLR mic/line combo inputs
- Two 1/4″ DI inputs
- Stereo S/P/DIF digital in and out
- MIDI in and out (1×1)
- Monitor control
- Dedicated volume knob
- Built-in guitar tuner
- Comes with Pro Tools Express
- Check prices and reviews of the Mbox: US | UK
If you want Pro Tools and one of the biggest industry standards out there, we recommend going with this. Avid‘s bundle is a bit more expensive than the budget-friendly audio interfaces we’ve listed thus far but it’s very worth your money if you’re interested in investing in a DAW software that many call it the best — the golden Pro Tools. The Mbox is a very solid interface not just because it is Pro Tools’ sidekick — it comes with 4×4 channels if ins and outs (two XLR mic/line combos, two 1/4″ inputs and outputs, as well as a headphone out and MIDI ins/outs). Phantom power of the standard 48 volts for your condenser microphone, has a nice soft-clip limiter and if you play the guitar, it’s got a built-in tuner with some on-board effects. A nice package if you’re looking for a big punch. Great for semi-pro, budget-friendly studios.
Lexicon Alpha
Compatible with: Mac and PC
- 44.1kHz to 48kHz sample rates
- Record up to two tracks at once
- Inputs: One (1) XLR, Two (2) TRS, One (1) Hi-Z
- Two TRS & RCA outs
- USB powered
- Headphone output on back
- Low-noise mic pre-amp
- Comes with Cuba LE4 and their Pantheon reverb VST
- Check prices and reviews of the Alpha: US | UK
Sleek and stable. This interface by Lexicon Pro has a lot of positive reviews and for good reason. At only $100 retail (listed for a bit lower on some sites), it’s got one XLR mic, two TRS and one Hi-Z input. The only thing we’re missing here is the lack of phantom power as well as MIDI in and out, but if you don’t need these the price of this is a steal, especially for the audio quality for under $100. What’s highlighted with this is the low latency giving you no delays with recording, pretty much the benchmark of an interface so if that wasn’t possible we wouldn’t even list it here. This is basically a solid audio interface for recording instruments that don’t need phantom power as well as hooking up some studio monitors to your rig. It’s perfect if you’re OK with switching cables to different equipment when recording, such as between a guitar and a keyboard. Pretty decent software included as well with Cubase LE 4 and their Lexicon Pantheon VST reverb plug-in.
Mackie Onyx Blackjack
Compatible with: Mac and PC
- Two Onyx mic pre-amps
- Amps go up to 60 dB
- High-headroom design
- USB powered
- Separate studio monitor/headphone outputs
- Comes with Tracktion 3 production software
- Check prices and reviews of the Onyx Blackjack: US | UK
Mackie equipment is more tailored to DJ’s, but this audio interface is very solid for the price, giving us two high-quality Onyx mic pre-amps that are very powerful. Gives us some distortion protection due to its high-headroom design. Great zero-latency recording but what stands out to us is the amp gain control: great for electric guitars and dynamic microphones. You can crank each line in (1 and 2) up to 60 dB, turn up the phantom power to max on the monitor or phones, as well as have even more controls on the front. Standard ins and outs with two XLR and TSR. A step up from a lot of audio interfaces due to its high-quality amps. One of the best audio interfaces in our opinion. We recommend this for those who need powerful amplification.
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
Compatible with: Windows and Mac
- 24-bit/96 kHz processor
- MIDI in and out
- 2 balanced mic/line/instrument XLR
- 2 balanced line 1/4″ TRS
- 4 balanced analog outputs 1/4″ TRS
- Two mic inputs
- Headphone output
- 48 volts of phantom power
- Direct monitoring with mono input switch
- LED status lights
- USB powered
- Check prices and reviews of Komplete: US | UK
We’re huge fans of Native Instruments equipment and software, and this is a competitor to the Avid bundle we’ve listed previously. The Komplete Audio package is very powerful, mostly because of the software that it comes with — Cubase LE 6 (a solid DAW), Traktor LE 2 andKomplete Elements, giving you over 1k VST’s and effects. As far as connectivity goes, you’ve got some decent plugs — 2 balanced XLR’s, 2 balanced 1/4″ TRS, four balanced outputs, a MIDI in/out, and it’s USB powered for hassle-free hook ups with a dedicated volume knob up to for convenience. This is an all around great package to look at if you’ve got the dough, especially if you’re looking to add some instruments and effects to your arsenal as well. The sound quality is very clear and reliable in terms of latency reduction. A little cheaper than Avid’s bundle but you get Cubase instead of Pro Tools.
