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. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. 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.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. M-Audio Air 192-6
2-In/2-Out USB Audio MIDI Interface. 24-Bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring. High-speed USB connection for the fastest data transfer, with a latency of only 2.59 ms. Transparent Crystal preamps and high-precision A/D converters for unparalleled audio recording quality. 2x XLR/TRS combo inputs or TRS instrument inputs. 5-pin MIDI input/output for connecting nearly any external MIDI device. Sturdy metal housing, large knob for easy volume control. Crystal preamps with high-quality components. M-Audio's engineers designed the Crystal preamps to provide you with a transparent, low-noise preamp that delivers the best possible sound from your microphones and captures your performance exactly as you envision it. The AIR 192-6 features flawless A/D converters for digital audio recordings with 24-bit resolution and explosive dynamic range, capturing every nuance of your performance. Hear your performance instantly. When recording, you want to focus on capturing the perfect moment and getting the best results. You don’t want to be hindered by clicks, pops, or latency. The AIR 192-6 not only has a high-speed USB connection for the lowest round-trip latency (2.59 ms) between your computer and hardware but also includes a zero-latency monitor mix control for direct monitoring of the source inputs. Latency-free.
9. M-Audio AIR 192|8
With the AIR 192|8, you can create 24-bit/192kHz studio-quality recordings using an intuitive and easy-to-use audio interface. The flexible inputs of the AIR 192|8 allow you to record up to two channels simultaneously. Its two dedicated XLR/TRS combo inputs feature a switchable -10dB microphone pad, along with two brand new TRS instrument inputs that have specially designed gain and impedance stages, enabling the most precise reproduction of a guitar or bass connected directly to the interface. The two TRS and four RCA outputs with USB direct control and Direct Mono/Stereo switch provide a variety of output options for connecting external equipment such as DJ mixers or studio monitors. The headphone output with independent level control, USB direct, and switchable 1/2 or 3/4 source selection switches is ideal for separately monitoring cue mix, submix, or main mix. MIDI In and Out ports are available for connecting synthesizers, sequencers, and external MIDI devices. The AIR 192|8 features flawless A/D converters for digital audio recordings with 24-bit resolution and explosive dynamic range, capturing every nuance of your performance. You don’t want to be hindered by clicks, pops, or latency. The AIR 192|8 not only has a high-speed USB connection for the lowest round-trip latency (2.59 ms) between your computer and hardware but also offers zero-latency monitor mix control for directly hearing the source inputs. Latency-free.
10. M-Audio AIR 192|14
With the AIR 192/14, you can create 24-bit/192kHz studio-quality recordings using an intuitive and easy-to-use audio interface. Behind its sleek, professionally crafted metal housing with a large central knob, the AIR 192/14 houses our exclusive, low-noise Crystal™ preamps and flawless A/D converters to deliver the best audio performance in its class. The AIR 192/14 features four XLR+6.3mm TRS combo inputs, two 6.3mm line inputs, and two brand new 6.3mm instrument inputs, which have specially designed gain and impedance stages for the most accurate reproduction of guitars or basses plugged directly into the interface. The AIR 192/14 has two stereo 6.3mm main outputs and two assignable 6.3mm outputs. Two musicians can each receive their own separate mix during recording, thanks to the two 6.3mm headphone outputs with independent source and level control. The AIR 192/14 connects to a Mac or PC using one of the two included cables via a standard USB or USB-C port. This lightning-fast USB connection, combined with the USB/Direct balance knob, allows for latency-free monitoring of your inputs and simplifies the recording process. The overall combination of professional audio performance, user-friendly features, and the included AIR Series software package makes the AIR 192/14 an incredibly versatile and powerful audio interface that keeps you in control of every recording session.
