
Too Many Audio Interfaces? Here's How to Choose the Right One
Discover the key factors to consider when selecting an audio interface that fits your needs.
Last updated 3 weeks ago. Automatically generated content.


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The connection type of an audio interface determines how it connects to your computer or device, affecting data transfer speed and compatibility. Choosing the right connection type is crucial for ensuring seamless integration with your existing setup and optimizing audio performance.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
USB
Typical price
120.– to 400.–Widely compatible with most computers and devices, offering easy plug-and-play operation.
Ideal for home studios and beginners due to its affordability and widespread use.
Bestseller
Thunderbolt
Typical price
1600.– to 3900.–Provides high-speed data transfer, reducing latency and increasing performance.
Best suited for professional studios requiring fast processing and high-resolution audio.
Bestseller
PCI-Express
Typical price
1200.– to 1400.–Installed directly onto a computer's motherboard, offering the fastest data transfer speeds.
Recommended for advanced users who need maximum performance and low latency in a fixed setup.
Bestseller
Audio inputs determine the types of devices you can connect to your audio interface, influencing the versatility and functionality of your setup. Choosing the right inputs is crucial for ensuring compatibility with your existing equipment and future-proofing your studio or recording setup.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
XLR/6.3mm combo (2x)
Typical price
140.– to 340.–Combines XLR and 6.3mm jack inputs, allowing connection of different microphones and instruments.
Offers flexibility and convenience, making it ideal for home studios and musicians with diverse gear needs.
Bestseller
MIDI (1x)
Typical price
140.– to 400.–Provides one MIDI input for connecting keyboards or other MIDI-capable devices.
Essential for digital music production, enabling integration with synths and controllers.
Bestseller
XLR (2x)
Typical price
170.– to 550.–Features two XLR inputs, typically used for microphones and professional audio equipment.
Ensures high-quality audio capture, suitable for vocal recordings and podcasting.
Bestseller
6.3 mm jack (2x)
Typical price
160.– to 550.–Includes two 6.3 mm jack inputs for instruments like guitars and keyboards.
Great for musicians focused on instrument recording, providing straightforward connectivity.
Bestseller
The number of inputs on an audio interface determines the number of devices or instruments you can connect simultaneously for recording or playback. It's crucial for deciding how complex your audio setup can be, affecting both the flexibility and scalability of your recording environment.
Popular options
1 - 2
Typical price
89.– to 270.–Ideal for solo artists or podcasters needing basic recording capabilities.
Offers straightforward setup and portability, with enough connectivity for simple projects.
Bestseller
3 - 8
Typical price
190.– to 610.–Suitable for small bands or multi-instrument setups that require more input options.
Provides enhanced flexibility for recording multiple sources at once, accommodating dynamic sessions.
Bestseller
9 - 16
Typical price
400.– to 2900.–Designed for larger ensembles or complex studio environments needing extensive input capacity.
Enables detailed multi-track recording for professional-grade productions, supporting diverse audio sources.
Bestseller
Interface equipment determines the types of inputs and outputs available on an audio interface, impacting its versatility and compatibility with various audio sources and instruments. Choosing the right equipment is essential for ensuring seamless integration into your audio setup, enhancing recording and production quality.
Popular options (you can select more than one)
Microphone input
Typical price
130.– to 440.–Enables connection of microphones to the audio interface, essential for vocal and acoustic instrument recording.
Provides flexibility in recording setups, allowing for high-quality sound capture from different microphone types.
Bestseller
Phantom Power Supply
Typical price
130.– to 520.–Supplies power to condenser microphones and other devices requiring external power through the interface.
Crucial for using professional-grade microphones, ensuring optimal performance and sound clarity.
Bestseller
Guitar/Bass Input
Typical price
120.– to 400.–Includes dedicated inputs for directly connecting electric guitars and basses to the interface.
Facilitates easy recording of instruments without additional amplifiers, offering clean and direct sound quality.
Bestseller
Effects
Typical price
140.– to 1600.–Provides built-in digital effects like reverb, delay, or compression accessible through the interface.
Allows for real-time sound enhancement and creative audio manipulation during recording and playback sessions.
Bestseller
Choosing the right brand for audio interfaces can significantly affect the quality and reliability of your audio production. Renowned brands like Focusrite, IK Multimedia, and MOTU offer distinct features, ensuring a diverse range of options for both beginners and professionals.
Popular brands (you can select more than one)
IK Multimedia
Specializes in compact and mobile-friendly audio interfaces.
Ideal for musicians and podcasters seeking portability without sacrificing quality.
Bestseller
Focusrite
Known for its high-quality preamps and user-friendly design.
Great for home studios, offering excellent sound clarity and reliability.
Bestseller
MOTU
Offers robust interfaces with extensive connectivity options.
Perfect for professional studios needing versatile and high-performance solutions.
Bestseller
Audient
Esteemed for its premium build quality and pristine sound.
Suitable for users who prioritize sound fidelity and durable hardware.
Bestseller
M-Audio
Renowned for budget-friendly options without compromising on essential features.
Ideal for beginners and budget-conscious users entering the audio world.
Bestseller