It is one thing to record a song, and it is another thing to record a great song. Recording a great song with a computer requires using great devices. Among devices needed to record great music, is an audio interface. An interface helps ensure that every tiny detail of sound made while making the music, gets recorded. Without those tiny details recorded, your music ends up coming out poor, and you likely do not want that.
There are so many audio interfaces out there, but we would like to save you the stress of testing them one-by-one, by providing this content. This article presents you some of the best audio interfaces we have out there. Get ready to dive in.
Best Audio Interface 2023
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best products you can get when you have a tight budget. This audio interface is a product of the trusted Focusrite studio equipment maker, and as a result, the quality was not sacrificed, even though it comes at a cheap price.
The machine has just two inputs, both of which can be used for TRS or XLR musical tools. If you just plan on using this for personal purposes, you could plug in your mic in the first input port, and a musical instrument in the second. On the other side of the interface are a USB port and a set of stereo outputs.
- 2 analog inputs
- 24-bit/94kHz
- USB
- TRS/XLR
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Works with most computers
- Simple set up
- Supports DAW
Cons
- MIDI devices not supported
2. Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is another budget-friendly audio interface. While the Scarlett 2i2 interface is of better quality than this product, it is still what I would consider second-best, among all other budget-friendly audio interfaces in the market. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD has inputs similar to that of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, and it is very portable. The audios produced by this equipment, are 24-bit/192kHz audios.
- 24-bit/192kHz
- USB
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Compact
- Beginner-friendly
- Good audio quality
- Cheap
Cons
- Poor Windows 10 support
- Poor DAW support
3. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
When it comes to getting the best audio interface for personal use, in a situation where the money is not a problem, then the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is one of the interfaces you should consider. This machine produces sound quality much better than any of the two listed above, and also has support for more than two inputs. The machine is capable of being used with a total of 18 devices, an amount we definitely can not consider too small for personal use.
- 24 bit/192kHz
- 10 outputs
- 8 inputs
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Very low latency
- Sufficient inputs
- iOS control
Cons
- Driver problem may arise
4. PreSonus Studio 192
The PreSonus Studio 192 is another cool audio interface and competes in the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20’s category. It is an audio interface for personal use, and when money is not a problem. This machine has support for a total of 6 analog inputs and 8 analog outputs. It furthermore has a USB 3.0 port which is a very nice thing to have in this kind interface. While the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is no pushover, the PreSonus Studio 192, however, has one nice thing, its 8 XMAX preamps can be controlled remotely.
- 2 headphones support
- 8 analog outputs
- 6 analog inputs
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Great multiple channel handling
- Built-in microphone
- USB 3.0
Cons
- MIDI not supported
- Poor latency
5. Focusrite Clarett 8PreX
When it comes to the professional realm, the respected sound equipment company, Focusrite, still has something to offer. When looking for a professional audio interface, you should consider the Focusrite Clarett 8PreX.
First, it is important to note that this machine requires two racks, and this should not come as a surprise considering the fact that it is meant for professional work. The interface furthermore, has a total of 26 inputs and 28 outputs. As a professional product, the interface comes with an app which you could use to control it.
- 28 outputs
- 26 inputs
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Great audio quality
- Low latency
- iOS support
Cons
- Limited monitoring
6. PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL
Some people do not really need epic audio interfaces, what they need is a USB audio interface. If you happen to be one of those people, then this product is probably meant for you. The PreSonus Audiobox 1818VSL is a USB audio interface which does as much great recording job as it can while trying not to be too expensive. The interface has a total of 18 inputs and 18 outputs, and this can not just be considered too small, considering its price.
- 18 outputs
- 18 inputs
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Good preamps
- Easy setup
- Cheap
Cons
- Can’t be used a standalone interface
- 1 headphone output
7. RME Fireface UCX
The RME Fireface UCX is another great audio interface, and probably what you would like if you happen not to like the RME Fireface UCX. This device produces much better sound quality, compared to the RME Fireface UCX. And as expected, it is more expensive. The machines may look old-fashioned, but it is a real deal.
- 6 outputs
- 4 inputs
- MIDI
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- USB/Firewire compatible
- iPad compatible
- Remote control
Cons
- 1 headphone output
- Two mic preamps
8. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo
When you desire a Thunderbolt audio interface, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo is an interface you could turn to. This product is pretty good. It was designed for users of the Mac. Rather than having its controls in the front, the machine has its controls on its top. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo supports as much as 3 analog channels and 8 digital channels.
- Made for Mac users
- 8 digital channels
- 3 analog channels
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Epic sound quality
- Real-time monitoring
- Simple
Cons
- No Thunderbolt cable
9. Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre is another great Thunderbolt audio interface, and also an alternative to the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo. This audio interface is compact but requires an external power source. It features two inputs which are carefully positioned in its front, and these inputs have their individual controls.
- 10 inputs
- MIDI
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- Great sound quality
- iOS support
- Easy to use
- Fast
- Compact
Cons
- Requires external power source
10. Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
The Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2 happens to be a product we could not just leave out of this article. The machine happens to be too great for its price. The interface is capable of recording audios with quality as high as 24-bit/192 kHz. In addition, it is capable of successfully getting clear signals in and out of your DAW. Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2 supports the monitoring of input signals, and this monitoring is not crappy monitoring.
- 2 analog outputs
- 2 analog inputs
- USB 2.0
Price: View on Amazon
Pros
- 24-bit/192 kHz sound
- Great build quality
- MDI input/outputs
Cons
- Zero-latency control impacts headphone output