Top rated Audio interfaces
Here’s a ranking of the top rated Audio interfaces. To give you a quick overview, we’ve added the most important information about each product. This page always stays fresh and updates automatically.
1. Focusrite Scarlett solo 3rd gene
As the simplest model in the series, the Scarlett Solo of the third generation offers singer-songwriters a refreshingly 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 the Gain Halos make it easy to read the input level. The balanced outputs of the Scarlett Solo are hum-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 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 iPad Pro models with USB-C. Setup and operation are incredibly simple: just plug the device in, launch your favorite music app, and enjoy the sound of Focusrite wherever you are.
2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – 4th Generation
The Scarlett 2i2 – 4th Generation Audio Interface from Focusrite is an 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 connections to instruments such as 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 a user-friendly setup and compact design, this interface is perfect 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.
3. Focusrite Scarlett Solo – 4th Generation
The Scarlett Solo – 4th Generation Audio Interface is the ideal solution for all songwriters looking for 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. 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. Audient Evo 8
Work smarter, not harder. The EVO microphone preamp offers 4 inputs, 2 pairs of speaker outputs, and two separately adjustable headphone outputs, ensuring seamless connectivity in the project studio, rehearsal room, or on stage. New is the Smartgain mode, which automatically adjusts the microphone levels. This allows you to focus on creativity while avoiding annoying clipping and distortion. The loopback function enables simultaneous recording of the computer output along with the microphones, making it ideal for podcasters and streamers. Thanks to high-quality AD/DA converters, recordings with a dynamic range of 113 dB are captured in detail in any DAW. Monitor mixes through headphones or connected active studio monitors are also easily achievable due to the extremely low latency. The intelligent multifunctional knob for adjusting the recording and playback channels significantly enhances the workflow. For direct guitar or bass recordings, a JFET instrument input is available. The 4 XLR combo jacks provide stable 48-volt phantom power and connection options for microphones and line-level sources. The EVO 8 is compatible with all major audio software and plugins and comes with a collection of professional software that provides everything needed to start home recording.
6. Elgato Wave XLR MK.2
The Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 is a USB audio interface and DSP mixer combination designed for professional content creation and streaming applications. This successor to the original Wave XLR offers 80 dB of ultra-quiet gain with Clipguard technology to prevent distortion, making it suitable for a wide range of microphones, including dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. The device features built-in DSP effects with an integrated mixer for real-time audio processing without taxing the computer's CPU. Key features include a touch-sensitive mute button with LED feedback, 48V phantom power for condenser microphones, a 3.5mm headphone output with a separate volume control, and a high-quality analog-to-digital converter with 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution. The Wave XLR MK.2 connects to the computer via USB-C, measures 12.5 cm in width, 8.5 cm in depth, and 4.5 cm in height, with a weight of approximately 450 g. Its compact design features a sturdy aluminum casing with a matte black finish. The interface is compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS 10.15 or newer, requiring no additional drivers for basic use. The integrated mixer software allows control over gain, monitoring mix, and effects including high-pass filter, noise reduction, and compressor. This audio interface is particularly suited for podcasters, streamers, and speakers who need clean audio recording with minimal latency and convenient hardware control.
7. ESI Audiotechnik Midimate Ex
The MIDIMATE eX is a straightforward USB 2.0 MIDI interface for Mac and PC, operating with up to 32 input and output channels. It reliably provides 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. 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 transmitted signals to the MIDI input of your software. When connected to a MIDI input, you can send MIDI data to the connected device through your software's playback function. The MIDIMATE eX is powered via the USB port, eliminating the need for an additional power supply. It also 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 as well as Mac OS X.
Details:
- USB MIDI interface
- No driver installation required
- 2 MIDI connectors that can 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. IK Multimedia iRig HD 2
With the iRig HD 2, IK Multimedia has released the next generation of the best-selling digital guitar interface, the iRig HD. Continuing its mobile success story for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC, the 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface offers impressive sound quality for practicing, performing, or recording anytime and anywhere. Like its predecessor, the iRig HD 2 features a high-quality, adjustable instrument/HiZ input (6.3 mm jack). New features include a headphone output (3.5 mm jack) with volume control and 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 performances. 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 attaching to a standard microphone stand are also included.
9. RØDE Ai-1
The RØDE AI-1 audio interface is equipped with incredible technology to ensure that recordings through your computer are easy to achieve, versatile, and sound great. The AI-1 features a single input socket, a Neutrik combo jack, which accommodates both a 3-pin XLR connector (found on most microphones) and a 6.3mm jack used for most electric instruments like guitar and bass. Layering or recording multiple tracks is a breeze: just connect, adjust the levels, and you're ready to go. The AI-1 not only sends crystal-clear audio signals to your computer software but also delivers unmatched sound through headphones, thanks to its discreet studio-quality headphone amplifier and level control.
10. Roland Um-One Mk2
Compact, practical, and fast, the affordable UM-ONE mk2 offers powerful FPT processing for minimal latency and precise timing. It is powered via USB and is compatible with Macs, PCs, and now also with the iPad using an additional Apple Camera Connection Kit. Features include data flow indicators for both MIDI In and MIDI Out, convenient built-in USB and MIDI cables, and USB power supply.
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