Audio interfaces are one of the most crucial parts of the home studio. Sin a good interface, we will not get the sound we expect. Neither to record nor to monitor. Therefore, to exploit your productions, you first need a good audio interface. In this article, I am going to show you the 12 best audio interfaces that you can find for the home studio. I’m going to limit myself to one interface per brand to show as much variety as possible. In the end, I’m going to show the aspects you should consider in any audio interface.
Clarification: It is not a hierarchical list, they are only ordered to have a way of presenting the interfaces.
Table of Contents
Best Audio Interfaces Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Motu M2EVO 4M-Audio AIR 192 | outputsDevice compatibilitySoftware includedQuality of preampsSample rate and bit depth: important?Dynamic range
Best audio interfaces: Final thoughts
Best Audio Interfaces
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scartlett 2i2 is an audio interface that stands out for its incredible preamps that allow incredible recordings with low noise. Its key features are:
- Two inputs with preamp and two outputs for monitors.
- 24-bit/192kHz converters that ensure sound with great detail and clarity.
- The dynamic range of this interface is excellent.
- The build quality of Its materials feel very solid.
The third generation of this interface comes with a function called “Air” that gives brightness to voices and instruments. The technical explanation is that it increases the high frequencies and adds a little harmonic distortion, so use it with care when recording. A very extensive software package is included. Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, Softcube Time, Focusrite Red 2 and 3, Tone Bundle. Very complete. Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Motu M2
Motu is a Cambridge-based company that has been manufacturing audio equipment since 1984. The Motu M2 is a very robust two-input and two-output interface that stands out for its features:
- 24-bit/192 kHz converters.
- Super clean preamps with a very low noise level.
- Very high dynamic range (120dB), one of the highest compared to the rest.
- MIDI connection.
Its indicators on the LCD screen show the level of the inputs and outputs, which in addition to being beautiful, help measure the audio. A small detail that I love about this interface is that it has a power button on and off. off. Almost none have it!, and it’s great to leave it connected to the PC all the time via USB and not have to disconnect it. It comes equipped with a suite of software that includes Ableton Live Lite, Motu Performer Lite and more than 6 GB of loops! and samples! (yes, we all love samples). Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
EVO 4
EVO is an Audient brand that makes very interesting audio equipment. The EVO 4 is a very affordable interface that offers how much it has to offer:
- 2 inputs / 2 outputs.
- 2 preamps that produce a very clean and warm sound.
- Dynamic range of 113dB.
- Smartgain function.
This smartgain function is super interesting, since when you activate it, it automatically adjusts the optimal gain level on the channel to avoid clipping. I love it. It has a fairly minimalist design, quite different from the rest, which goes perfectly with modern desktops. The EVO 4 Comes with the ARC software suite: Cubase LE and Cubasis LE 2, Retrologue 2, Waldorf Edition 2 LE, 2GB of loopmasters loops, Torpedo Wall of Sound, M-Tron Pro LE and some free courses. That is to say… quite complete. Interfaces like this are usually more expensive, but it remains very affordable. Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
M-Audio AIR 192|4
M-Audio is a brand that doesn’t need much introduction, we all know this amazing brand. But M-Audio’s biggest achievement with the AIR 192 is the super low noise “Crystal” Preamps. This new interface has great features for its low price:
- 1 line input + 1 XLR/TR input with preamp and 2 TRS outputs.
- 24-bit/192kHz converters.
- Well built metal case.
In addition, it has a high-speed USB-C connection to ensure a very fast connection with a latency of only 2.59ms. A large amount of software is included, from Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First to a large collection of plugins vst of effects and instruments and loops. Adding everything it offers, its price really is a bargain. Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
SSL 2+
SSL 2+ is an audio interface with some pretty innovative features. Its “Legacy 4K” mode is based on the 4400 series to give greater color and power to recordings. In reality, what this mode does is add harmonic distortion and increase the treble frequencies, achieving that characteristic sound (something very similar to Focusrite’s Air function). So, apart from this function, these are its notable features:
- 24-bit/192 kHz conversion.
- 2 inputs and 4 outputs with a very flat response.
- 2 SSL Preamps with a very low noise level.
- MIDI connection.
- SSL Production Pack software.
Its design is quite comfortable for working on the desk, since it has all its controls on the front panel and the connections on the sides. Perhaps its price is a little high compared to the rest, but it is a good board.Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Behringer UMC404HD
We all know Behringer, the famous German audio equipment manufacturer. Well, one of their equipment that you won’t believe exists is the UMC404HD. My surprise is because it includes too many inputs in such a low price . But these are all its features:
- 4 XLR/Line inputs and 4 TR/RCA outputs + two main
That is, what stands out the most is that it has 4 inputs and also outputs, and its price is the same as one with 2. Then, the quality of its preamps is very good and with very low noise. The only thing What is medium weak is the dynamic range of 100dB, which is quite low for an interface, but for the price it is considerable. If you have a band and want to record up to 4 instruments or microphones at the same time, this is the right option. Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Audience iD4
The Audient iD4 is an interface with a compact and modern design that offers us a powerful solution. Its features are the following:
- 1 mic input with preamp + 1 line input (instruments).
- 2 line outputs.
- USB 3.0 (featured but only in the MKii version).
- Robust metal design.
- Very clean preamps with low noise.
Another feature that stands out about this insert is that in addition to being compatible with Windows, it also works with iOS (although you have to buy the adapter separately). Otherwise, they have a very good dynamic range (120dB) and about very good low noise preamps.Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Steinberg UR22C
Steinberg is the famous company known for having made the Cubase DAW. Of course, it is also expected that they make audio interfaces. And the UR22C is a very good audio interface that gives us:
- 2 inputs with Hi-Z switching and 2 line outputs.
- 2 D-PRE class A preamps.
- 32-bit/192 kHz conversion (went to the next level).
- MIDI connections.
- Works with Windows, Mac and iOS.
- USB 3.1 for a super fast connection.
That is to say, it is a very complete interface. And at a good price.In addition, as you can imagine, the Cubase AL and Cubasis LE software for iPad is included.Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Komplete Audio 2
Kompete Audio 2 is an interface from Native Instruments, the creator of the famous Kontakt plugin (they did more things, but we all know Kontakt). This interface with a compact and attractive design has the following features:
- 2 inputs and outputs.
- Powered by USB 2.0.
- Collection of software included: Ableton Live, Maschine Esentials, Monark, Phasis, Replika, Komplete Start and Solid Bus Comp.
It is a simple but effective interface.
Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Zoom U-22
IF you are a solo artist and plan to record only 1 channel at a time, you can consider the Zoom U-22. This small interface offers good quality at an affordable price:
- A preamp with good performance.
- Records in 24-bit and 96kHz sampling rate.
- Works with Windows, Mac and iOS (with the adapter).
- Includes Ableton Live 9 Lite.
Technically, they promote it as having two inputs, but in reality one of them is the XLR/Line for microphones or instruments, and the other is a mini-plug that only serves to connect music from the mobile. So Yes, it has two inputs, but you will only use one of them to record. It is difficult to get it in stock, but it is sometimes available in some stores. Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Presonus Studio 24c
Presonus is an incredible brand that produces audio software and equipment. Many of their equipment offer very good quality at a good price, like the Studio 24c:
- 2 inputs with pre plus 2 outputs
- XMAX-L preamps that work very well.
- MIDI in-out connection
- USB-C connection
- Includes the Presonus Studio One Artist DAW
It is another alternative that you can consider in this list. Compare prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Tascam US 4x4HR
The Tascam US 4x4HR is the evolution of the US 4×4, since they made some modifications and now it is “High Resolution”. This is an interface with 4 inputs and 4 outputs ideal for recording bands with up to four instruments/ mics at the same time. It is a very good option with many channels at a moderate price. The new features of this interface are:
- Now records in 24-bit/192kHz.
- A new improved design (that looks great).
- Compatible with Windows, Mac and iOS.
- MIDI Connection
- USB-C
The truth is that it is a fairly complete interface for bands and at a good price that is worth considering. You can compare the prices on Amazon / Thomann.
Audio interfaces: What to consider?
So, what exactly should you consider in an audio interface? In this list we mention the best audio interfaces that can be found on the market, but there are a few factors that you should look at to choose the right interface for ti.Next, I will explain in detail the main points to see before purchasing an interface.
Type of connections
The first factor to take into account is the type of connections. These are the types of connections that you can find in the interfaces:
- XLR: It is the type of connection used for microphones.
- Line/Plug: At the inputs, they are used for instruments, and at the outputs, for studio monitors.
- RCA: Some interfaces come with output RCA for studio monitors.
- MIDI: Connection with any type of MIDI instrument such as MIDI keyboards. Please note that this is the “DIN” type input with five pins. Many MIDI instruments simply connect with USB to the PC.
- USB vs USB-C: Lately, the new interfaces come with USB-C for better connection to the PC, but anyway, they come with a USB-C to USB cable so it works with any computer.
So, when purchasing an interface, make sure it has all the types of connections you are going to use.
Number of inputs and outputs
The second factor linked to the first is the number of connections that the interface has. Generally, they are listed as follows:
- 1×2: 1 input, 2 outputs
- 2×2: 2 inputs, 2 outputs
- 4×4: 4 inputs, 4 outputs
If you are a solo artist, you can easily buy one with just one input. For most home studios, a two-input interface is ideal since we rarely record more than that at a time. But if you plan to record in If you play several instruments at the same time with your band, you should check one of the 4 inputs. Make sure you check carefully what each input and output refers to, because sometimes they promote an input that is of very little use for recording, such as the mini -plug.
Device Compatibility
Almost all interfaces are compatible with Windows and Mac. That is fixed. But, some new interfaces are also being compatible with iOS devices such as iPhones and iPads. None come with the required adapter (Camera Connection Kit), and generally require external power via batteries or USB. Unfortunately, very few are compatible with Android for now.
Software included
This may be an underrated point, but it’s an important one. Many interfaces come with DAWs and plugins that are actually worth a lot of money. This can help you save budget on DAWs and VST plugins.
Preamp quality
Preamps are a key factor in choosing the interface. They are responsible for amplifying the signal of condenser microphones to an optimal level for recording. If you want to have good recording quality with your microphones, then you should look for good quality preamp
Sample rate and bit depth: important?
Getting into a more technical aspect, we enter the sampling frequency and bit depth.
The sampling frequencies that come with the interfaces are: 44.1, 48, 96, 192 kHz.
We have explained in another article in more depth what sampling rate means, but to simplify, it is the number of audio samples that are taken in one second. The greater the number of samples, the better the precision. But, taking into account that the human hears up to 20kHz, doubling the amount makes sense by a theorem (up to 44.1kHz), but beyond that it is quite debatable. The new interfaces come with up to 192 kHz, but it is not as common to use. What is The important thing to consider is the bit depth, as this is the size of each individual sample. By definition, the higher the better. So a 24 bit one will be better than a 16 bit one.
Summary: what values are optimal?
- Sample Rate: At least 44.1 kHz.
- Bit Depth: At least 24 bit.
Dynamic range
Dynamic range is a factor you should also take into account.
What does it mean?
Dynamic range is the difference between the lowest and highest level of noise. A higher dynamic range will mean that you can record higher volume levels without noise.
What are the optimal values?
- 100dB: It is the minimum necessary to record without noise.
- 110 or 120dB: They are ideal values to record without any noise.
Best Audio Interfaces: Final Thoughts
In this list, we mention the best audio interfaces on the market. But of course, as I clarified at the beginning, it is not a hierarchical list. Leave your vote for the best interface!