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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Price breakdown
As can be seen in the chart below, lowest high-ranking audio recording interfaces start at $29 (Behringer U-Control UCA222) and go up to $3399 (Universal Audio Apollo x8p). Median audio interface costs $249.99 (Solid State Logic SSL2+).
$29
$3399

At a glance - September Ranking

Scroll horizontally to browse this ranking table
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.
-
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.
-
-
1
1
-
2
-
-
-
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
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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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4
-
-
-
-
-
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.
-
-
8
-
-
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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.
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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3
-
-
-
-
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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2
-
-
-
-
-
12
-
-
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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-
-
-
5
-
-
-
-
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.
-
-
-
-
-
-
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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-
-
-
-
5
-
10
-
-
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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-
9
-
-
-
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.
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-
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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-
-
-
-
-
-
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.
16
-
-
-
-
9
-
-
-
-
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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-
-
-
-
-
15
-
-
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.
19
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-
-
-
7
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-
-
-

; ; ;
#16 $99 Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2
#3 $99.99 PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
#7 $129 Audient Evo 4
#13 $177.66 UA Volt 2
#1 $188 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
#6 $249.99 Solid State Logic SSL2+
#22 $263.47 Motu M4
#11 $294.52 Universal Audio Volt 276
#21 $429.99 Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre
#15 $486.28 Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB
#20 $499 Audient iD14
#5 $549 Audient Evo 16
#14 $649 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
#19 $699 Audient iD44
#4 $899.10 Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
#2 $2790.59 Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII

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.
Critic endorsements:
Wirecutter

The best two-channel USB audio interface

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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.

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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WireRealm

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Your Guitar Brain

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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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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Solo Artists and Mobile Recording

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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.
Critic endorsements:
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.

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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WireRealm

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We Rave You

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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Solo Artists

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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

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.
Critic endorsements:
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

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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We Rave You

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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

May face some compatibility issues with various software

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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Solo Artists and Mobile Recording

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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.
Critic endorsements:
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

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

Top-quality mic preamps
Portable size
Channel DSP pairing

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.
Critic endorsements:
We Rave You

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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.
Critic endorsements:
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

None to speak of at this price point

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We Rave You

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Music Radar

The best for 'that SSL sound' at an amazing price

Great signal path for the money
The 4k button does add a 'sound'
Solid build quality

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.
Critic endorsements:
Wirecutter

A good choice for beginners

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Music Radar

The best compact interface

Great, clean sound
Single dial makes it simple to operate
You’ll like the Monitor Mix solution
Sturdy build

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.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

World class sound in 12 inputs and 14 outputs

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.

Only compatible with Mac and iOS devices.

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Music Critic

Editor's Pick

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.
Critic endorsements:
Sweetwater

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

Does not include onboard DSP for UAD DSP-powered plugins; the Universal Audio Apollo Solo features onboard DSP

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Wirecutter

A step-up model for pro-quality music production

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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.
Critic endorsements:
Your Guitar Brain

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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Solo Artists and Mobile Recording

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We ranked UA Volt 2 #11 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Wirecutter

If you need a built-in MIDI interface

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Music Radar

The best for high-end sound at a low price

UA quality at an affordable price
Intuitive, easy to use, plug-and-play design
Great design

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.
Critic endorsements:
Your Guitar Brain

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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Full Bands and Project Studios

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We ranked Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB #13 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
Music Critic

Two Clarett Mic pres with lots of gains.
Low latency level.
Compatible with IOS and Windows.

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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Solo Artists and Mobile Recording

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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.
Critic endorsements:
We Rave You

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Music Radar

The best compact 2x2 audio interface

Super compact
Very slick and stylishly designed
Decent five-part input metering

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.
Critic endorsements:
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.

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.

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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.
Critic endorsements:
Consordini

An all-around workhorse interface

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.

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Music Radar

The best for Yamaha preamps

Built to last
Yamaha preamps
Built-in DSP processing

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We ranked Audient iD44 #17 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

More analogue I/O would be nice

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Musician on a Mission

Recommended for Full Bands and Project Studio

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We ranked Audient iD14 #18 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

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We Rave You

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We ranked Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre #19 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

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

Bus powering requires a 15W USB-C connection

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We ranked Motu M4 #20 in September 2023 because:

  • 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best audio recording interfaces” rankings.
Critic endorsements:
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

Not expandable via ADAT optical; shop MOTU interfaces with ADAT optical inputs

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We Rave You

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