Top rated Audio interfaces
Here's a ranking of the top rated products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. Focusrite Scarlett solo 3rd gene
As the simplest model in the series, the third-generation Scarlett Solo offers singer-songwriters a reassuringly straightforward recording process. Equipped with powerful AD-DA converters up to 24 Bit/192 kHz, Scarlett delivers the same professional sound quality across the entire third-generation series. It features a revamped Scarlett microphone preamp with an optional Air mode to reproduce the air effect of Focusrite's original ISA microphone preamp, giving your vocal recordings a brighter and more open sound.
The instrument input, with plenty of resistance and headroom, allows you to record guitars and basses without clipping or unwanted distortion, while you can easily read the input level on the Gain halos. The balanced outputs of the Scarlett Solo are noise-free when connected to balanced studio monitor inputs, ensuring you can always count on perfect audio playback. The Scarlett Solo is built for the rigors of touring and connects directly to your Mac or PC via a USB cable; no external power supply is needed. The interface comes with all the necessary software tools to get you started, including two fully stocked DAWs: Ableton Live Lite and a three-month Avid Pro Tools subscription.
Scarlett Solo is officially supported for use with USB-C iPad Pro models. Setup and operation are incredibly simple: just plug in the device, launch your favorite music app, and enjoy the sound of Focusrite wherever you are.
2. Steinberg UR22C Green
The UR22C allows you to record and compose music on a computer or iPad in studio quality. Its state-of-the-art features include SuperSpeed USB 3.0, an integrated DSP, and power supply via USB 3.0 or USB-C devices. Selected components and advanced connectivity, along with flexible input and output options, make the UR22C a fully-fledged mobile production platform.
• 32-Bit Integer / 192 kHz USB 3.0 audio interface with USB-C
• 2 Class-A D-PRE microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power
• 2 analog XLR/TRS combo inputs (Hi-Z switch on input 2 for electric guitar) and 2 line outputs (1/4" TRS)
• Latency-free DSP-supported monitoring with REV-X reverb, channel strip, and guitar amp classics (also included as VST 3 and AU plugins) with monitor mix control and mono switch
• USB 3.0 power supply via USB (optional power supply required for USB 2.0)
• MIDI input and output
• Sturdy metal housing
• Includes Cubase AI DAW software as a download version for Mac and PC and Cubasis LE DAW app for iPad
• dspMixFx editor software for Windows, macOS, and iOS for use with any popular audio software
• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS.
3. Steinberg UR22C
The UR22C allows you to record and compose studio-quality music on a computer or iPad. The state-of-the-art equipment includes SuperSpeed USB 3.0, an integrated DSP and power supply via USB 3.0 or USB-C devices. Selected components and advanced connectivity as well as flexible input and output options make the UR22C a fully-fledged mobile production platform.
4. Audient Evo 4
Evo is the new brand of the British audio specialist Audient. It combines a quarter of a century of experience in audio design with innovative new technology to enable users to produce smarter and faster. Whether you're recording the latest track, producing a beat or creating a podcast, Evo 4's advanced and versatile features allow you to turn ideas into reality quickly. As a novelty Evo 4 has a Smartgain mode that automatically adjusts the level of the microphones. This allows you to concentrate on your creativity while avoiding annoying clipping and distortion. The loopback function makes it possible to record the computer output simultaneously with the microphones. Ideal for podcasters and streamers.
Clean, warm and precise, the Evo preamps have a 58 dB gain range and get the best out of any microphone. Thanks to the built-in high-performance converters, the 113 dB dynamic range allows the recordings to reach any DAW with great detail. Even monitor mixes via headphones or connected active studio monitors can be realized effortlessly due to the extremely low latency. The intelligent multi-functional knob for level adjustment of the recording and playback channels is an enormous workflow facilitator. A JFET instrument input is available for guitar/bass direct recording. The 2 XLR combo jacks provide a stable 48 Volt phantom power and offer connections for microphones and line level sources. Evo 4 is compatible with all major audio software and plug-ins and comes with a collection of professional software that provides everything you need to get started with home recording.
5. MOTU M2
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in numerous high-class audio interfaces, the M4 delivers an impressive 120 dB of dynamic range at its main outputs. Top-tier ESS converters are also present on the headphone outputs, which feature separate headphone amplifiers. The crystal-clear preamp circuits achieve a measured -129 dBu EIN value on the microphone inputs, allowing you to record audio with unblemished authenticity. The M2 offers high speed for monitoring live inputs (microphone, guitar, or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's specially designed USB drivers that enable class-leading, extremely low 2.5 ms round-trip latency (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer). Please note: the MOTU M4 is Class Compliant, meaning that generally no driver installation is required on Mac computers. However, MOTU has programmed a high-speed driver that, once installed, allows for significantly faster latency than conventional Class Compliant interfaces. When recording and mixing, achieving optimal levels is paramount. The M2 is the only audio interface in its class with a full-color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Utilize the professional volume control and feedback to fine-tune your sound perfectly. The M2 drivers provide convenient loopback channels to your host computer, allowing you to easily combine computer audio with live microphone and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix in real-time. Streaming and podcasting have never been easier or of higher quality than today.
6. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – 4th Generation
The Scarlett 2i2 – 4th Generation Audio Interface from Focusrite is a highly advanced solution for artists and producers who require top-notch audio quality. With two ultra-low-noise microphone preamps and an impressive dynamic range of 120 dB, this interface delivers the clarity and detail found in professional studios. The integrated Hi-Z and high-quality line inputs allow for seamless connection to instruments like guitars and synthesizers. The Auto Gain and Clip Safe features ensure that levels are always optimally set, allowing users to focus on their creativity without worrying about technical details. The Scarlett 2i2 comes with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything needed to produce and release music. With user-friendly setup and a compact design, this interface is ideal for mobile recording and home studios.
- Ultra-low-noise microphone preamps for clear recordings
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe for optimal level control
- Includes Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle for comprehensive production tools
- USB-C connection for fast and reliable connectivity
- High audio resolution of 24-bit and sample rate of 192 kHz for professional sound quality.
7. ESI Audiotechnik Midimate Ex
The MIDIMATE eX is a straightforward USB 2.0 MIDI interface for Mac and PC, capable of handling up to 32 input and output channels. The MIDIMATE reliably delivers perfect MIDI timing at an outstanding price-performance ratio. This 1.9 m long interface cable is an adapter cable that enables communication between a computer and any MIDI device with MIDI input or output. For this purpose, the MIDIMATE eX is equipped with two MIDI connectors, each of which can be used independently as an input or output. When connected to a MIDI output of an external MIDI device, such as a MIDI keyboard, the MIDIMATE sends the signals received to the MIDI input of your software. If the MIDIMATE is connected to a MIDI input, you can send MIDI data to the connected device using the playback function of your software. The MIDIMATE eX is powered via the USB connection, eliminating the need for an additional power supply. Additionally, the MIDIMATE provides 5V power to the connected device directly through the USB-MIDI cable. The MIDIMATE eX works with USB 3.0/2.0/1.1 on Mac and PC, and is compatible with Windows XP/Vista/7/8.1/10 and Mac OS X.
Details:
- USB MIDI interface
- No driver installation required
- 2 MIDI connectors that can each operate independently as input or output
- USB connection
- Cable length: 1.9 m
- Powered via USB
- Provides 5V power to connected MIDI devices (Power over MIDI)
- Suitable for Mac and PC.
8. Focusrite Scarlett Solo – 4th Generation
The Scarlett Solo – 4th Generation Audio Interface is the ideal solution for all songwriters seeking a high-quality and user-friendly device. With two inputs and outputs, it allows for easy connection of a microphone and guitar to create studio-quality recordings. The converters offer a dynamic range of 120 dB, which is also used in renowned studios worldwide. The Air mode ensures that vocals and guitars stand out in the mix, giving recordings a special presence and richness.
Highlights:
- Industry-leading software and a large collection of plugins for recording, mixing, and mastering
- Proven Easy Start Tool from Focusrite for a quick setup
- Independent volume control for the headphone output.
9. Elgato Wave XLR
Wave XLR is a compact USB interface that gives your microphone superpowers – with features you won't find in standard audio interfaces. These include special Clipguard technology to prevent distortion, a capacitive mute button, and direct integration with the custom Wave Link mixing software. You can even swap out the front panel and knobs.
If you don't want to give up your XLR microphone anymore, Wave XLR is just right for you, as this compact USB interface empowers your microphone.
Wave XLR combines several devices into one and offers features that you won't find in regular audio interfaces: special anti-distortion technology, a capacitive mute button, direct integration with the custom mixing software Wave Link, and an interchangeable front panel.
Give your microphone the necessary boost without an external preamp. With ultra-low noise gain of up to 75 dB, you can be heard loud and clear even with a notoriously insensitive microphone, while 48 volts of phantom power brings condenser microphones to life.
Now you don't have to keep an eye on the level while you're live, nor try to correct distorted audio in post-production. When the input level peaks, the special Clipguard technology immediately routes the sound to a second, lower-volume signal path. This way, you get clean audio – no matter how loud you scream.
10. IK Multimedia iRig HD 2
With the iRig HD 2, IK Multimedia has launched the next generation of the best-selling digital guitar interface, the iRig HD. This 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface continues IK Multimedia's mobile success story for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. Like its predecessor, the iRig HD 2 features a high-quality, adjustable instrument/HiZ input (6.3 mm jack) and delivers impressive sound quality for practicing, performing, or recording; anytime and anywhere. New features include a headphone output (3.5 mm jack) with volume control, as well as an output (6.3 mm jack) for connecting to a guitar amplifier or PA system. A THRU/FX switch allows either the processed or direct signal to be sent to the audio output during live performance. Additionally, the package includes a free download of the full version of AmpliTube 4, the industry-leading guitar and bass amp modeling solution for iOS, Mac, and PC. AmpliTube 4 boasts a vast, expandable collection of ultra-realistic digital models of some of the most famous amplifiers and stompbox effects of all time from manufacturers like Fender, MESA/Boogie, Ampeg, Orange, and artists like Jimi Hendrix or Slash. For stage use, a handy clip and Velcro strap for attachment to a standard microphone stand are included in the package.
