January 2023
Audio Recording Interfaces: MetaRanking
This page highlights the aggregate summary of Audio Interface rankings posted by key online experts, as of January 2023.
Summary
Between 10 Jan 2023 and 10 Jan 2023, ReviewFinder team examined a total of 107 Audio Interface endorsements from 10 reputable publishers.
76 Audio Recording Interfaces were endorsed in total, only 21 made it into this month's ranking (ReviewFinder requires a minimum of 2 endorsements to be included).
As of 10 Jan 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. It is followed by Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII and PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 , with 5 and 4 expert endorsements respectively.
Brand breakdown
-
Focusrite:
13 Audio Interfaces
(#1 is Focusrite Vocaster One )
-
Universal Audio:
7 Audio Interfaces
(#1 is Universal Audio Volt 176 )
-
PreSonus:
6 Audio Interfaces
(#1 is PreSonus Studio 24c )
-
Audient:
5 Audio Interfaces
(#1 is Audient iD14 )
-
Apogee:
5 Audio Interfaces
(#1 is Apogee Duet 3 )
Price breakdown
At a glance - January 2023 Ranking
| Rank | Change | Price | Audio Interface |
We Rave You
|
EDM Sauce
|
WireRealm
|
Musician on a Mission
|
Sweetwater
|
Wirecutter
|
Consordini
|
Music Radar
|
Your Guitar Brain
|
Music Critic
|
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
1
|
- | Check price |
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
1
|
|
2
|
- | $2791 |
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII
|
2
|
-
|
1
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
1
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
|
3
|
- | $100 |
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
|
6
|
4
|
-
|
1
|
15
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
4
|
- | $499 |
Audient Evo 16
|
1
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
|
5
|
- | $230 |
Solid State Logic SSL2+
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
-
|
|
9
|
- | $169 |
UA Volt 2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
-
|
8
|
-
|
-
|
|
10
|
- | Check price |
Apogee Element 46
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
2
|
|
11
|
- | $248 |
Universal Audio Volt 276
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
3
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
12
|
- | $640 |
Apogee Duet
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
3
|
-
|
|
13
|
- | $288 |
Tascam US-2x2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
|
14
|
- | $595 |
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
|
15
|
- | $134 |
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
-
|
-
|
|
16
|
- | $129 |
Audient Evo 4
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
4
|
-
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
|
17
|
- | $470 |
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
5
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
9
|
|
18
|
- | $698 |
Audient iD44
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
|
19
|
- | $195 |
Steinberg UR22C
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
6
|
17
|
-
|
-
|
|
20
|
- | $279 |
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2×2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
12
|
-
|
-
|
11
|
-
|
-
|
|
21
|
- | $98 |
Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
8
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
|
22
|
- | $394 |
Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
10
|
-
|
-
|
14
|
-
|
-
|
|
23
|
- | $255 |
Audient iD14
|
9
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
16
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
|
24
|
- | $270 |
Motu M4
|
7
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
19
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
-
|
Sorted by price:
| Position in ranking | Price | Audio Interface |
|---|---|---|
| #21 | $98 | Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 [buy] [more info] |
| #3 | $99.99 | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 [buy] [more info] |
| #16 | $129 | Audient Evo 4 [buy] [more info] |
| #15 | $134 | Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #9 | $169 | UA Volt 2 [buy] [more info] |
| #1 | $188 | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 [buy] [more info] |
| #19 | $194.99 | Steinberg UR22C [buy] [more info] |
| #5 | $229.99 | Solid State Logic SSL2+ [buy] [more info] |
| #11 | $247.83 | Universal Audio Volt 276 [buy] [more info] |
| #23 | $254.99 | Audient iD14 [buy] [more info] |
| #24 | $269.95 | Motu M4 [buy] [more info] |
| #20 | $279 | Black Lion Audio Revolution 2×2 [buy] [more info] |
| #13 | $288 | Tascam US-2x2 [buy] [more info] |
| #22 | $393.83 | Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre [buy] [more info] |
| #17 | $469.99 | Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB [buy] [more info] |
| #4 | $499 | Audient Evo 16 [buy] [more info] |
| #14 | $595 | Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 [buy] [more info] |
| #12 | $639.99 | Apogee Duet [buy] [more info] |
| #18 | $698 | Audient iD44 [buy] [more info] |
| #2 | $2790.59 | Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII [buy] [more info] |
We ranked Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 #1 in January 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
Best Audio Interface for Beginners
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Uses a USB-C type cable instead of a normal USB cable, so it may not be easily compatible with older computers.
|
Music Critic
|
Pros
Comes equipped with a rugged metal unibody case for durability and aesthetic appeal.
A great make by one of the best in the business.
|
We ranked Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII #2 in January 2023 because:
- 5 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
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
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.
|
Music Radar
High-quality audio and DSP-powered plugins
|
Pros
Incredible audio quality
Superb UAD-2 plugins
|
Cons
Thunderbolt only at the moment
No MIDI
|
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 January 2023 ranking
We Rave You
EDM Sauce
WireRealm
Musician on a Mission
Sweetwater
Wirecutter
Consordini
Music Radar
Your Guitar Brain
Music Critic
We ranked PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 #3 in January 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.
EDM Sauce
|
Pros
Includes free downloading of more than 6 GB of third-party resources
Has high-performance instrument inputs
Features zero-latency monitoring
|
Cons
May face some compatibility issues with various software
|
Sweetwater
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
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
|
We ranked Audient Evo 16 #4 in January 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
EVO 16 makes recording easy, flexible and affordable – a really great product
|
Pros
Eight mic inputs with automatic gain option
Ultra sharp colour LCD screen
Excellent price
|
Cons
No USB powering or alternative powering options
|
We ranked Solid State Logic SSL2+ #5 in January 2023 because:
- 3 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
None to speak of at this price point
|
Music Radar
Get 'that SSL sound' at an amazing price
|
Pros
Great signal path for the money
The 4k button does add a 'sound'
Solid build quality
|
Cons
You might not like the RCA outputs
|
We ranked UA Volt 2 #6 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
Lovely high-end sound from a pair of low-priced interfaces
|
Pros
UA quality at an affordable price
Intuitive, easy to use, plug-and-play design
Great design
|
Cons
No scope for expansion beyond the limited I/O
|
We ranked Apogee Element 46 #7 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
World class sound in 12 inputs and 14 outputs
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
Only compatible with Mac and iOS devices.
|
Music Critic
|
Pros
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.
|
We ranked Universal Audio Volt 276 #8 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Does not include onboard DSP for UAD DSP-powered plugins; the Universal Audio Apollo Solo features onboard DSP
|
We ranked Apogee Duet #9 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
We ranked Tascam US-2x2 #10 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
The best audio interface for a home studio
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
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
|
Pros
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.
|
We ranked Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 #11 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
We ranked Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 #12 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
A compact, slick 2x2 audio interface at a competitive price
|
Pros
Super compact
Very slick and stylishly designed
Decent five-part input metering
|
Cons
No scaling on the controls
|
We ranked Audient Evo 4 #13 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
Two of the best compact audio interfaces around
|
Pros
Great, clean sound
Single dial makes it simple to operate
You’ll like the Monitor Mix solution
Sturdy build
|
Cons
No angled front
|
We ranked Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB #14 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Music Critic
|
Pros
Two Clarett Mic pres with lots of gains.
Low latency level.
Compatible with IOS and Windows.
|
We ranked Audient iD44 #15 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Music Radar
Fantastic sounding audio interface with some great added features
|
Pros
Superb sound quality at this price level and above
Insert send/returns and Audio Loopback are great features
Tough all-metal build
|
Cons
More analogue I/O would be nice
|
We ranked Steinberg UR22C #16 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
An all-around workhorse interface
|
Pros
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.
|
Cons
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
A rugged 2-in/2-out audio interface with Yamaha preamps
|
Pros
Built to last
Yamaha preamps
Built-in DSP processing
|
We ranked Black Lion Audio Revolution 2×2 #17 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Pros
USB interface with professional-grade AD/DA conversion and clocking
2 premium mic/line/instrument preamps offer exceptional audio capture
Cutting-edge Macro-MMC Clocking technology
Fully decoupled I/O and noise reducing PG-i technology
|
Cons
Software package not as comprehensive as some interfaces; to expand your production tool chest, explore the affordably priced Black Lion Audio Revolution 2×2 & iZotope Music Production Suite 4 Bundle from Sweetwater
|
Music Radar
This mid-priced interface runs rings around more expensive devices
|
Pros
Solid build quality
Clean interference-free audio
Extensive visual feedback
|
Cons
Fairly heavy
|
We ranked Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 #18 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Consordini
An optimal choice for singer-songwriters
|
Pros
Includes MIDI inputs and outputs to use with MIDI controllers, synths, and other MIDI compatible devices.
Hi-Z switch allows you to direct input record your bass and guitar.
Comes with Mackie’s DAW Essentials Collection of plugins and the Tracktion T7 DAW.
|
Cons
Could have a couple more connection options other than just USB 2.0 like USB-C or Thunderbolt.
Adds a little bit of warmth and coloration which could potentially be a con if you prefer more clean, transparent preamps.
|
Music Radar
A hard-wearing 2-channel interface with high audio quality
|
Pros
Up to 24-bit/192kHz operation
Robust build quality
MIDI input and output
|
Cons
Zero latency control affects monitor output
|
We ranked Focusrite Clarett+ 2Pre #19 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
None to speak of at this price point
|
Music Radar
Handy software control alongside a rock-solid audio performance
|
Pros
Crystal clear mic preamps with plenty of headroom
Air transformer input emulation
Useful JFET instrument inputs
|
Cons
Bus powering requires a 15W USB-C connection
|
We ranked Audient iD14 #20 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
None to speak of at this price point
|
We ranked Motu M4 #21 in January 2023 because:
- 2 independent experts mentioned it in their “best Audio Recording Interfaces” rankings.
Sweetwater
|
Pros
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
|
Cons
Not expandable via ADAT optical; shop MOTU interfaces with ADAT optical inputs
|