September 2023
Audio Recording Interfaces: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of audio recording interfaces rankings posted by key online experts, as of September 2023.
Summary
On 5 Sep 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 103 audio interface endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
74 audio interfaces were endorsed in total, only 20 made it into this month's ranking. (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included)
As of 5 Sep 2023, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 takes the cake as the most critically-acclaimed audio interface with 6 expert endorsements. 3 experts out of 6 recommended it as the '#1 audio interface' this month.
Brand breakdown
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Focusrite: 13 audio interfaces
(#1 is Focusrite Scarlett 2i2)
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Universal Audio: 7 audio interfaces
(#1 is Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII)
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PreSonus: 6 audio interfaces
(#1 is PreSonus AudioBox USB 96)
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Audient: 6 audio interfaces
(#1 is Audient Evo 16)
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Apogee: 5 audio interfaces
(#1 is Apogee Duet)
Price breakdown
At a glance - September Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Audio Interface |
Sweetwater
|
Wirecutter
|
Consordini
|
WireRealm
|
Your Guitar Brain
|
We Rave You
|
Music Critic
|
Music Radar
|
EDM Sauce
|
Musician on a Mission
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | $188 |
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is a versatile and reliable device with low latency levels, upgraded preamp design, and a new Air mode that enhances high-end detail, making it a great choice for solo artists and mobile recording.
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-
|
1
|
2
|
3
|
1
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
2
|
- | $2791 |
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII is a versatile and high-quality audio interface suitable for professional recording studios, home studios, and musicians who demand the best in preamp quality, offering a range of input and output options for recording and playback, extremely low latency levels, and powerful DSP processing capabilities.
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-
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
-
|
2
|
-
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-
|
-
|
8
|
|
3
|
- | $100 |
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a versatile and reliable audio interface with low latency, high-quality mic preamps, and compatibility with almost all recording software, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and other audio professionals.
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
1
|
|
4
|
- | $899 |
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X audio interface is highly praised for its versatile input/output options, low latency, top-notch preamp quality, powerful DSP processing capabilities, and compatibility with various software and operating systems, making it a recommended choice for home studios, project studios, and professional recording environments.
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $549 |
Audient Evo 16
The Audient Evo 16 audio interface is a versatile and powerful tool with eight high-quality EVO Mic Preamps, an Ultra-Low Latency Software Mixer, and compatibility with most popular DAWs, making it an excellent choice for home recording studios, podcasters, and musicians.
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|
6
|
- | $250 |
Solid State Logic SSL2+
The Solid State Logic SSL2+ audio interface is a versatile and high-quality option for musicians, podcasters, and content creators, offering a range of input and output options, high-quality preamps, low-latency input monitoring, and powerful digital processing tools.
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
7
|
- | $129 |
Audient Evo 4
The Audient Evo 4 audio interface is a versatile and affordable device with high-quality preamps and converters, low latency levels, and compatibility with various operating systems and DAWs, making it an excellent choice for musicians and podcasters looking to improve their home recording setup.
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-
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4
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | Check price |
Apogee Element 46
The Apogee Element 46 is a versatile and reliable audio interface with world-class mic preamps, low latency, and minimal round-trip latency, making it a great choice for musicians, podcasters, and other content creators who need to monitor their recordings in real-time.
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-
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-
|
8
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-
|
-
|
-
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2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
11
|
- | $295 |
Universal Audio Volt 276
The Universal Audio Volt 276 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality option for recording and playback needs, offering a range of input and output options, vintage and 76 compressor buttons, and a class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion.
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9
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | Check price |
Apogee Duet
The Apogee Duet audio interface is a versatile and high-quality tool for musicians, podcasters, and content creators, offering low latency levels, transparent preamps, built-in DSP processing, and compatibility with popular DAWs.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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3
|
-
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-
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-
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-
|
10
|
|
13
|
- | $178 |
UA Volt 2
The UA Volt 2 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality device with low latency, two preamps based on the classic Universal Audio 610 tube preamp, and essential audio software, making it a reliable option for recording musicians, podcasters, and streamers.
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-
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2
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-
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-
|
-
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-
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-
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12
|
-
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-
|
|
14
|
- | $649 |
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality product that offers 18 inputs and 20 outputs, low latency, transparent preamps, and a range of plugins for professional recording and production needs.
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
|
6
|
|
15
|
- | $486 |
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB audio interface is a versatile and powerful tool for recording and producing music, featuring two ultra-low noise Clarett mic preamps/instrument inputs, four balanced outputs, and a headphone output with a dedicated gain control, making it ideal for home recording studios, podcasting, and live streaming.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
|
16
|
- | $99 |
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is a versatile and high-quality 2-channel audio interface suitable for musicians, producers, and audio engineers, offering reliable preamp quality and low-latency performance for recording and monitoring without any perceptible delay.
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-
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-
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-
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-
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-
|
5
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-
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10
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-
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-
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|
17
|
- | Check price |
Tascam US-2x2
The Tascam US-2x2 audio interface is a versatile and reliable device with exceptional preamps, making it an excellent investment for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who need a reliable and versatile audio interface for high-quality recordings.
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-
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-
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9
|
-
|
-
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-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
18
|
- | Check price |
Steinberg UR22C
The Steinberg UR22C audio interface is a versatile and high-quality device suitable for a range of recording and playback needs, featuring a range of input and output options, MIDI input and output, zero-latency monitoring with built-in effects, and two D-Pre Class-A preamps on each input channel.
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
17
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $699 |
Audient iD44
The Audient iD44 audio interface is a versatile and powerful device with 20 input and 24 output channels, low latency levels, and high-quality preamps, making it ideal for professional recording studios, home studios, and musicians who demand high-quality sound during their recordings.
|
-
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-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
11
|
|
20
|
- | $499 |
Audient iD14
The Audient iD14 audio interface is a versatile and high-quality device suitable for a range of recording and playback needs, featuring two Class-A microphone preamps, a JFET instrument input, and two pairs of balanced outputs, as well as an 8-channel ADAT input for expanding inputs.
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16
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-
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-
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-
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-
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9
|
-
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-
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-
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-
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|
21
|
- | $430 |
Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre
The Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre audio interface is a versatile and powerful device with exceptional preamps, low latency, and a range of input and output options, making it ideal for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require high-quality audio recording and production capabilities.
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
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-
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-
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15
|
-
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-
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|
22
|
- | $263 |
Motu M4
The Motu M4 audio interface is a versatile and reliable 4x4 USB-C interface suitable for a wide range of recording and playback needs, with low latency levels, clean and transparent preamps, and strong compatibility with various operating systems and major DAWs, making it an excellent choice for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who require a reliable and affordable audio interface with advanced features.
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19
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-
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-
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-
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-
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7
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-
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-
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-
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-
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We ranked Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 #1 in September 2023 because:
- 6 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 3 experts ranked Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 as #1.
Consordini
The best budget audio interface
|
Extremely low latency guaranteed with the Direct Monitor circuit.
New “Air” button for adding brightness and openness.
Wired to protect against power surges that could damage the interface.
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Uses a USB-C type cable instead of a normal USB cable, so it may not be easily compatible with older computers.
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Music Critic
Best Overall
|
Comes equipped with a rugged metal unibody case for durability and aesthetic appeal.
A great make by one of the best in the business.
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We ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII #2 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 2 experts ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII as #1.
Consordini
The ultimate best audio interface in 2023
|
Built-in microphone for talkback when in the studio.
Comes with the Realtime Analog plugin bundle which has all you will need for basic mixing.
With Unison technology you can achieve high quality emulation of classic tubes, preamps, guitar amps, and microphones.
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UAD plugins are ones you will have to pay for if you want more than just the Realtime Analog bundle.
Apollo audio interfaces are easily some of the most expensive ones on the market, this one is no exception.
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Methodology: combine opinions of key experts
Identify Experts
We identify key publishers and experts that consistently review and recommend audio recording interfaces.
Capture Rankings
For each publisher we find a currently recommended "top 10" list of audio recording interfaces, it must be updated in the last 9 months.
Aggregate Rankings
We put all those lists together and aggregate them. The more frequently a product is recommended, the higher it is in our ranking
Experts chosen for September 2023 ranking
Sweetwater
Wirecutter
Consordini
WireRealm
Your Guitar Brain
We Rave You
Music Critic
Music Radar
EDM Sauce
Musician on a Mission
We ranked PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 #3 in September 2023 because:
- 4 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 as #1.
Sweetwater
|
Value-packed interface perfect for beginners
Includes Studio One Artist DAW
2 combo inputs accommodate mics and instruments
5-pin MIDI I/O for connecting older MIDI devices
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Channels share phantom power; for individual phantom power, check out the MOTU M2 in this article
Headphone jack is located on the back; the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo has a front-panel headphone jack
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EDM Sauce
|
Includes free downloading of more than 6 GB of third-party resources
Has high-performance instrument inputs
Features zero-latency monitoring
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May face some compatibility issues with various software
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We ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin X #4 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin X as #1.
Sweetwater
|
2 Unison preamps allow you to track through models of the industry’s most legendary hardware
Integrated talkback for easy communication and slating takes
Ultra-fast Thunderbolt 3 connectivity provides less than 2ms of latency and ample expandability
Includes a premium plug-in suite of 5 award-winning UAD plug-ins, along with the Realtime Analog Classics plug-in bundle with accurate emulations of vintage analog hardware
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Limited to two Unison preamps; can be expanded by cascading multiple Apollo units via Thunderbolt
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Music Radar
The best for audio quality and DSP power
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Top-quality mic preamps
Portable size
Channel DSP pairing
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No thunderbolt cable included
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We ranked Audient Evo 16 #5 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
- Out of those, 1 expert ranked Audient Evo 16 as #1.
Music Radar
The best for easy recording
|
Eight mic inputs with automatic gain option
Ultra sharp colour LCD screen
Excellent price
|
No USB powering or alternative powering options
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We ranked Solid State Logic SSL2+ #6 in September 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Legendary SSL sound for your home or portable studio with 2 class-leading microphone preamps
4K Legacy mode imparts 4000 series analog console sound
SSL Native software bundle with Vocalstrip 2 and Drumstrip
Solid build quality, with heavy-duty chassis, Neutrik connectors, and Alps pots
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None to speak of at this price point
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Music Radar
The best for 'that SSL sound' at an amazing price
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Great signal path for the money
The 4k button does add a 'sound'
Solid build quality
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You might not like the RCA outputs
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We ranked Audient Evo 4 #7 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best compact interface
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Great, clean sound
Single dial makes it simple to operate
You’ll like the Monitor Mix solution
Sturdy build
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No angled front
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We ranked Apogee Element 46 #8 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
World class sound in 12 inputs and 14 outputs
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The most high tech interface on this list with virtual control software and hardware remote controls.
Thunderbolt multi unit support for using multiple interfaces on the same computer.
Has a ton of great sounding inputs and outputs and the ability to connect to external devices.
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Only compatible with Mac and iOS devices.
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Music Critic
Editor's Pick
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12 in x 14 out Thunderbolt audio I/O box, so that you can plug in as many instruments as you want.
This device comes with a 48v phantom power so that you can easily connect instruments, microphones, and line-level devices.
It also has 4 analog inputs and the best mic preamps.
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We ranked Universal Audio Volt 276 #9 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
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Top-flight analog circuitry and class-leading 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion
Selectable Vintage Preamp Mode employs solid-state electronics for tube-like dynamic saturation and clipping
Convenient input metering makes setting levels a piece of cake
Built-in 1176-derived analog compressor with 3 expert presets
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Does not include onboard DSP for UAD DSP-powered plugins; the Universal Audio Apollo Solo features onboard DSP
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We ranked Apogee Duet #10 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
We ranked UA Volt 2 #11 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for high-end sound at a low price
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UA quality at an affordable price
Intuitive, easy to use, plug-and-play design
Great design
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No scope for expansion beyond the limited I/O
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We ranked Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 #12 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
We ranked Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB #13 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Two Clarett Mic pres with lots of gains.
Low latency level.
Compatible with IOS and Windows.
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We ranked Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 #14 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best compact 2x2 audio interface
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Super compact
Very slick and stylishly designed
Decent five-part input metering
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No scaling on the controls
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We ranked Tascam US-2x2 #15 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
The best audio interface for a home studio
|
Rugged metal housing for taking it on the road, it can stand up to rough handling very well.
Fits well in a home studio due to its compact size and very low self noise.
Comes with Cubase LE software.
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Best for ensembles or singer songwriters, so do not expect to record a large group unless you are using a condenser for a room mic.
Needs special drivers to be installed before using it.
|
Music Critic
|
XLR 1/4" combination input jacks to give you maximum sound quality.
This sound card has zero-latency.
Angled design and aluminum body make it easier for desktop visibility.
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We ranked Steinberg UR22C #16 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
An all-around workhorse interface
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ASIO, Core Audio, and WDM compatible.
Comes with Cubase AI and Cubase LE for iOS devices.
Has MIDI inputs and outputs for use with external hardware or transferring notes to a DAW.
|
The maximum headphone volume is a bit low.
The mic preamp is a bit weaker than others, so make sure you power it through the DC.
|
Music Radar
The best for Yamaha preamps
|
Built to last
Yamaha preamps
Built-in DSP processing
|
We ranked Audient iD44 #17 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
The best for extra features
|
Superb sound quality at this price level and above
Insert send/returns and Audio Loopback are great features
Tough all-metal build
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More analogue I/O would be nice
|
We ranked Audient iD14 #18 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
2 Audient Class A console mic preamplifiers with +48V phantom power
JFET instrument input accurately reproduces your guitar, bass, or keyboard signal
High-performance converters with 120dB of dynamic range
8-channel ADAT optical input lets you expand to a total of 10 channels
|
None to speak of at this price point
|
We ranked Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre #19 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
2 ultra-low noise Clarett+ mic preamps
Air circuit engages an analog model of classic transformer-based ISA mic pre
Upgraded 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion
ADAT optical, for expansion of up to 8 additional input channels
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None to speak of at this price point
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Music Radar
The best for software control
|
Crystal clear mic preamps with plenty of headroom
Air transformer input emulation
Useful JFET instrument inputs
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Bus powering requires a 15W USB-C connection
|
We ranked Motu M4 #20 in September 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology delivers 120dB of dynamic range and superb audio quality
Optimized drivers yield round-trip latency as low as 2.5ms at 24-bit/96kHz with a 32 sample buffer
Full-color LCD screen supplies convenient front-panel metering
2 great-sounding microphone preamps with individual gain and phantom power
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Not expandable via ADAT optical; shop MOTU interfaces with ADAT optical inputs
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