In this roundup, we picked the best Mac and PC Thunderbolt and USB audio interfaces.
If you’re a bedroom producer, your most important piece of recording equipment is
most likely your audio interface.
Interfaces allow you to accurately listen to your music, track instruments and vocals.
So, in today’s video I’ll be reviewing the top 7 Best Audio Interface.
I made this list based on my personal opinion and I tried to rank them based on their quality,
durability, customer reviews, and more.
If you want to know about the best pricing and more information, you can check the description
links below.
Number 7 in my list is IK Multimedia IRIG Pro Duo USB audio interface.
Another software company ventures into the audio interface market (and of course offers
bundled software to up-sell at a later stage).
Don't be put off by the size of this interface; it comes with Jordan Rudess' blessing, and
if it's good enough for him to use on the road, it's worth considering for anyone making
music on the move.
This unit is designed for the mobile musician, not as a serious desktop contender.
It's battery-powered and small enough to take up an unassuming amount of space in your backpack
or gig bag.
There are two microphone and line combo inputs, complete with Class-A pre-amps, and phantom
power so you can still work with your favorite condenser microphone.
On the output front, you have two 1 to 4" TRS sockets and a 3.5 millimeter headphone
jack.
Data is transferred via a Mini-DIN socket, and IK Multimedia helpfully includes cables
to connect to lightning, USB-C, and USB-A ports.
So whether you're recording on to an Android device, or Mac or PC you'll be able to get
up and running straight out of the box.
Connection to MIDI is (sort of) provided via 2.5 millimeter Input or Output jacks.
Thankfully the breakout cables are included so there are no hidden costs to connect a
synth to your rig.
Power comes from an option of two AA batteries, USB bus power (via the mini-DINN), or a 9
Volt DC power supply, which is sold separately.
Some musicians have bemoaned the fact that if you're using the Pro Duo with an iPad you
need to purchase a 'power bridge' in order to prevent battery drain on the iPad.
So if you are planning on using this as a live solution, be aware!
Number 6 in my list is Audient ID14 USB Audio Interface.
Yes, I know I said the 7 best audio interfaces, but Audient is a bit of a disruptor in the
audio field, and it would be remiss of me not to give them a shout-out.
Also, they're a British brand so I feel obliged to honor the flag.
Don't be fooled by the simple-looking design of this box.
Its gunmetal housing hides a whole bunch of features that would be at home in any project
studio or mobile recording rig.
A handy 1 to 4" jack on the front panel allows you to easily plug an instrument in, and around
the back, you'll find two XLR 1 to 4" connections.
These inputs are supplemented by the 8-channel ADAT optical input, also housed on the rear
side, giving the user plenty of options for additional preamps.
In addition to the main speaker outputs, there are also further two line outs for creative
routing or additional monitoring.
The USB 3.0 connection provides bus power and data transfer speeds that rival The Flash,
and an included USB-C connector cable makes the unit compatible with many tablet devices.
Finally, my favorite feature on this interface is the ability to use the large volume knob
on the top of the unit to tweak and control multiple DAW and plugin parameters via Audient's
Scroll Control virtual scroll wheel.
It's not a replacement for a real control surface, but a handy addition for the mobile
user.
Number 5 in my list is Native Instruments Complete Audio 6 MK2.
Native Instruments has long been known for its impressive software line.
Then came the midi controllers, and now they're dabbling in the world of audio interfaces.
The Audio 6 is one in a series of complete Audio boxes, with varying degrees of connectivity.
Touted as being compatible for both stage and studio due to its size and rugged build,
this simple-looking audio interface is both affordable and versatile.
The MK2 is bus-powered, so you won't need to find a spare socket to plug it in, but
you will need a free USB port.
The two front-facing ports are microphone and line inputs, and of course, there's phantom
power available if you need it.
Two more line inputs are around the back, along with the stereo digital input or output,
four balanced line outputs, and MIDI input or output.
There's the option to use a direct monitoring system so you can record with no latency.
The downside of this is you won't have the benefit of hearing any onboard processing
you have set up in your DAW.
For the price though that's to be expected.
The two headphone outputs have independent level controls, and the 4 line outs mean you
can utilize some external processing if you want it.
But since Native Instruments aren't well known for being audio processing pioneers, what
pushes this model on the best buy list?
For me, it's the plethora of software that comes with the box.
Number 4 in my list is Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface.
For musicians looking for the best audio interface under $100, this Behringer will give you a
run for your money.
Small but mighty is the secret to this entry-level audio interface, which can record at up to
24-bit or 192 kilo Hertz resolution.
The front panel houses most of the gubbins on this unit, while the rear of the box has
the single Left or Right out, USB connection, and oddly the +48V phantom power.
I have to admit this makes it a bit of a faff to engage the phantom power when other units
have a button on the front panel.
But again, the UM202 leaves the building for less than a Benjamin, so some compromises
have to be made.
Back to the front.
Two combo inputs have individual gain controls, and a pad button each.
The single headphone output can make use of the direct monitor button to provide latency-free
input monitoring.
An LED light indicates power (drawn from the USB connection), and another indicates the
+48 Volt power is on (so you don't have to peer around the back to check I guess).
The included software is limited to Tracktion for a DAW, and 150 downloadable instrument
and effect plug-ins.
Honestly this is not a great selling point.
If you're on a budget you're probably better off trying out Reaper for a DAW, and making
use of the gazillion free (but good) plug-ins out there for sounds and effects.
Software bundle aside, while this is a simple piece it's perfect for the singer and songwriter
looking some home recording on a limited budget.
Number 3 in my list is Focusrite Scarlett 18I20 USB Audio Interface.
Sticking with the sexy red theme but this time for folks who need more input channels.
Like the Universal Audio unit further up the page, this Focusrite unit boasts enough input
and output capability to make it a worthwhile consideration for the project studio.
The front panel of this rack-mount unit houses two combo inputs, a dedicated power switch,
headphone sockets and controls, input settings for all 8 channels, and an eight-channel LED
bar-graph display.
The rear of the unit is where more of the grunt work happens.
A further six microphone or line inputs sit next to a generous ten-line output, giving
you plenty of options for additional preamps, external signal processing, or monitoring
options.
There's also MIDI input or output, a word clock connection, S/PDIF input or output,
and optical inputs and outputs.
These optical connections mean a studio can really bump up its recording and mixing capabilities
with an additional microphone.
Other features that make this a contender for the crown of the best audio interface
include a built-in talkback mic, independent level controls on the headphones, and low
latency monitoring.
Add two virtual loop back inputs to make streaming, podcasting, and sampling super easy, and for
the price, this is an amazing piece of kit.
The 18I20 comes with the same software collection as the 2I2, but at this level, it's unlikely
to be a deciding factor when choosing between audio interfaces.
Number 2 in my list is Pre-Sonus Studio 68C USB Audio Interface.
This compact little gem from Pre-Sonus is ideal for project studios, small bands, or
producers, with digital and MIDI connections, and a tasty software bundle to boot.
The front interface includes two microphone or instrument line connections, with a further
two around the back.
These are all powered by X-Max preamps which provide plenty of headroom and just the right
amount of warmth to add sweetness to your recordings.
Additional front panel controls include the headphone volume, main volume, and an A and
B button for switching between monitor mixes.
The metering display is a great size for keeping an eye on your input and output levels - something
that is often missing from smaller desktop interfaces.
The rear of the unit has four line outputs for those of you who may want to take advantage
of external effects processing, or need that extra monitoring flexibility.
It's also where the headphone jack lives, which isn't the most useful positioning for
use in a live situation.
Digital and MIDI connection is via a single serial connector.
Breakout cables are included but you can only run MIDI or S/PDIF, not both together, since
there's only one connection.
Power is also connected at the rear as you'd expect, with a 12 Volt DC supply, and USB-C
connects you to your DAW.
The Studio 68 is compatible with Apple's Silicon-based Macs and iOS devices, meaning it's great for
plugging into your iMac for recording sessions, or for capturing a podcast in your iPad mini.
The ubiquitous software bundle comes with the 'Artist' edition of Studio One, a Studio
Magic plug-in suite, and a collection of other effects that are compatible with any DAW.
If you're crafty you can bag a package on Amazon which includes cables, headphones,
pop filter, and boom arm.
Number 1 in my list Focusrite Scarlett 2I2 3rd Generation USB Audio Interface.
Focusrite have a history of making best-selling products, and this third-generation model
is one of the most popular audio interfaces on the market today.
It's not hard to see why, with its sleek red exterior, combo inputs, and magic 'air' button.
It's pretty rugged too so you can use it as a mobile rig.
The front of this USB interface houses the two combo inputs along with a headphone output,
volume and gain controls, phantom power switch, and direct monitor button.
Also on this panel is a magic 'Air' button.
Modeled on Focusrite's ISA console transformer this effect gives your recordings a brighter,
more open sound.
Around the back, you'll find the USB-C connection, from which the unit draws power, and the solitary
Left or Right out.
This coupled with the single headphone jack, and limited input options mean that while
the quality of sound is great, this interface is more suited to the solo musician or bedroom
producer.
There's also no MIDI or digital connectivity on this model.
A redeeming factor is the support for iPad Pros via the USB-C port, making it a handy
unit for budding podcasters, or singer-songwriters who like to find their inspiration on the
fly.
There's also a decent bunch of software that comes with the unit, including Focusrite native
and 3rd party plug-ins, Ableton Live Lite, and a 3-month subscription to Splice and Avid
Pro Tools.
Despite the limited in or out capability, the price makes the Focusrite 2I2 a solid
contender for musicians who need a simple audio interface solution that delivers quality
results.
Alright guy’s this was our today’s video, if you find this video helpful for you, than
like the video and if you come to our channel first time, than hit the subscribe button
for our amazing upcoming videos.
Be sure to check out the links in the description for the updated price of all products discussed
in this video.
Hope you have a great day and see you soon in the next video.