If you’re on the hunt for a quality audio interface for your home studio, look no further. In this post, we’ll discuss some of the best options on the market and offer a few tips to help you choose the right one for your needs. Whether you’re a producer, songwriter or engineer, getting the best sound quality possible is essential – and that all starts with picking out the right audio interface.
Top 3 Audio Interfaces 2023
Best Audio Interfaces for Home Studio
These are our top picks for the best audio interfaces for home studios at different price points:
1. SSL 2+
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Having been founded in 1969 SSL is definitely a seasoned company. They are well known for their mixing consoles especially the legendary 4000 SL and were the first company to sell a mixing console in the UK.
If you’re looking for an affordable way to get the ‘SSL sound’, then the SSL2+ is worth considering. It’s a compact interface with pro features and connectivity, and it promises to bring the feel of recordings made in expensive studios within reach of everybody.
The main difference between the SSL2+ and the standard SSL2 is that the former adds two outputs to the latter’s 2-in, 2-out configuration. MIDI In/Out and an additional independent headphone out are also included, which is great news for anyone who wants to be able to monitor different mixes simultaneously.
There’s also a 4k button which adds some extra presence and high-end zing (and, more importantly, makes you feel that little bit more professional!) All in all, if you’re looking for an affordable interface with plenty of features, the SSL2+ is definitely worth checking out.
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2. Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
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Focusrite’s Scarlett USB interfaces have always offered a winning combination of great sound quality and audio flexibility, and the third generation units continue that tradition. All of the units in the range have received physical and technical upgrades, including improved preamps with up to 56dB of gain, balanced connectivity throughout, and the inclusion of Focusrite’s ISA transformer preamp emulation option (Air).
The bus-powered Scarlett 4i4 gives you 2 mic/line/instrument inputs with gain, 2 line-level TRS inputs, and 4 TRS outputs. It also supports Focusrite’s Control software for easy monitoring and routing of audio signals. The Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen is a USB audio interface that is designed for home studio use. It features two award-winning Scarlett mic preamps, as well as four analog line outputs and two headphone outputs. It also has MIDI in and out ports, making it the perfect audio interface for those who want to record more than just vocals.
The 3rd Gen Scarlett 4i4 is a great audio interface that is perfect for home recording and it comes at a very competitive price point. If you’re looking for a high-quality, affordable audio interface, the Scarlett 3rd Gen series is definitely worth checking out.
3. Audient iD4 MkII
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Audient’s iD4 MkII is a top-of-the-line 2+2 USB interface that won’t break the bank. If you’re looking for an audio interface with high-quality components but don’t want to spend a fortune, then the Audient iD4 MkII is definitely worth considering.
The product is easy to set up and use, with legible controls. It also offers excellent sound quality that will please even veteran recording engineers. The microphone pre-amp included is highly versatile and can be used with both dynamic and condenser microphones. Additionally, the instrument level DI works ideally for plugging in your guitar or bass.
Audient keeps things clean and organized by powering the audio interface through USB-C. Additionally, the main outputs for your speakers as well as dual headphone outputs are easy to use and extremely handy. We love all of the small touches that Audient put into this device – it’s easily one of the best choices available in its price range.
4. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo
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The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is a versatile USB audio interface. It’s equipped with two XLR/TRS combo inputs, allowing you to connect both microphones and instruments. Additionally, it features two TRS outputs for connecting speakers or monitors. Plus, there’s a 1/4″ headphone jack and MIDI in and out port for even more flexibility.
The Komplete Audio 2 not only comes with the Native Instruments Komplete 12 Select software bundle, but it also includes 11 premium quality software instruments and effects. This makes it the perfect audio interface for anyone who wants to create professional music in their home studio.
The Komplete Audio 2 is a fantastic audio interface for those interested in recording from home. You won’t find many options that are better priced and it offers impressive build quality–totally worth the purchase.
5. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2
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The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is a versatile USB audio interface. It’s equipped with two XLR/TRS combo inputs, allowing you to connect both microphones and instruments. Additionally, it features two TRS outputs for connecting speakers or monitors. Plus, there’s a 1/4″ headphone jack and MIDI in and out port for even more flexibility.
The Komplete Audio 2 not only comes with the Native Instruments Komplete 12 Select software bundle, but it also includes 11 premium quality software instruments and effects. This makes it the perfect audio interface for anyone who wants to create professional music in their home studio.
The Komplete Audio 2 is a fantastic audio interface for those interested in recording from home. You won’t find many options that are better priced and it offers impressive build quality–totally worth the purchase.
6. Audient Evo 4
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The Audient Evo 4 features two mic preamps that have won awards. Its converter technology provides 113db of dynamic range with very low noise and distortion figures.
The interface also packs intelligent mic preamps that set their own levels with Smartgain this makes it easy to use for beginners. Along with a powerful range of professional features, the Evo 4 is an entirely new way of recording audio.
Overall, the Audient Evo 4 is one of the best audio interfaces for a home studio as it offers professional-grade features and sound quality. Its ease of use and compact design makes it a great option for those who are just starting out in the world of home recording.
7. MOTU M2
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The MOTU M2 is equipped with ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology for an amazing 120 dB dynamic range on its main outputs. Additionally, the preamp circuits deliver 129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs, making it ideal for capturing and monitoring audio without any distortion.
Furthermore, the M2 provides exceptional speed for monitoring live inputs through your computer. Thanks to MOTU’s USB drivers that are expertly engineered, you can enjoy class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms latency (round trip at 96 kHz with a 32 sample buffer).
The M2 is the only audio interface with an LCD featuring clear level meters for all inputs and outputs, so you can easily achieve optimum recording and mixing levels. With this professional-grade volume control and feedback, you’ll be able to create the perfect sound for your needs.
8. Steinberg UR22C
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The Steinberg UR22C audio interface can connect it to any computer or iPad with ease, and its input selection includes two combo XLR/TRS inputs and two combo TRS/TS inputs- allowing you to use balanced or unbalanced inputs interchangeably.
The UR22C won’t disappoint with its two Class-A D-PRE microphone preamps for a clean, dynamic sound. For the musically inclined, it also comes with MIDI input and output capabilities as well as Cubase AI software – one of the most popular music production software available.
If you’re someone who wants to dive right into music-making, then this audio interface is perfect for you. It comes with a free copy of the Performer Lite software, which contains over one hundred virtual instruments.
9. IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo I/O
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The iRig Pro Duo I/O is a great choice for anyone looking for an affordable yet high-quality audio interface. It offers two channels of 96kHz/24-bit recording, making it ideal for capturing both vocal and instrumental performances.
The unit features two combo XLR/TRS inputs, which allows you to connect microphones, guitars and other instruments. It also has two outputs, which makes it perfect for connecting to studio monitors or PA systems. The iRig Pro Duo I/O is also compatible with iOS devices, so you can take it with you wherever you go.
The iRig Pro Duo I/O can be bus-powered or operate using two AA batteries and is compatible with Mac, PC, iOS and Android. With that in mind and the included large software package, this interface might be just what you need if you want to record while on the go or in your home studio.
Best High-End Interfaces
10. RME Fireface UFX II
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The RME Fireface UFX II is a high-end audio interface that is designed for professional use. This unit’s channel count is also impressive: 12 analog, 16 ADAT, and 2 AES for 30 inputs and 30 outputs. With this interface you will be able to record up to 30 simultaneous tracks at 24bit/192kHz resolution.
It comes with the TotalMix FX software included which you can use to monitor your inputs, create zero latency mixes, or record them directly from within your DAW. The Fireface UFX II offers the best sound quality possible due to its high end internal components such as the A/D and D/A converters.
With it’s high amount of I/O options this interface is a perfect choice for professional projects. It has extremely low latency performance and offers simple setup, great sound quality and it is very compact. If you’re looking for an audio interface that is incredibly versatile, sounds great and has cutting-edge features, then this might be the right choice for you.
11. Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core
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Zen Tour is an impressively powerful and compact audio interface that delivers both flexibility and sonic finesse. It comes with Antelope’s renowned Synergy Core DSP engine, which allows you to run complex simulations and effects processing without sacrificing any audio quality.
This unit has 4 combo mic/line inputs with 65dB of gain, 4 instrument/line ins, 8 line outputs, 2 stereo headphone outputs, 1 stereo monitor output, and 2 preamp outs. It is also digitally expandable with an additional 10 digital ins and 10 outs using ADAT & S/PDIF (up to 48kHz). As a finishing touch, an integrated talkback microphone allows you to easily communicate with musicians.
The Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core allows you to record and monitor your music using any number of professional quality I/O formats. This interface is perfect for those who appreciate the high-quality sound and dependable performance.
12. Steinberg AXR4U
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Steinberg has been a leader in the music production industry for many years now, with products ranging from virtual instruments to audio interfaces. The Steinberg AXR4 is an excellent option for recording at home, as it offers high-quality AD/DA converters and boasts a high level of connectivity.
The Steinberg AXR4 has 4 microphone inputs that are all equipped with quality AXR Hybrid Preamps with Rupert Neve Design Silk. The AXR4 series’ industry-leading converters provide outstanding sound quality, thanks to a 384 kHz sampling rate and 32-bit resolution.
The Steinberg AXR4 has an excellent build design that includes metal chassis construction with rock solid knobs and buttons. This durable build means you can record in even the most challenging environments. It will be ready when you are!
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Best Audio Interfaces: Frequently Asked Questions
Why is an audio interface important?
Well, the sound card in your studio computer/laptop is ideal for listening to music, watching movies, Youtube, and Skype. However, it will give you an absolute nightmare if you think of recording your music solely through it.
Microphone inputs from any real-world source including guitars, keyboards, and your voice will be affected by radio and electromagnetic interference, latency, and jitter on the way in and out of the computer thereby resulting to poor quality records and performances.
So unless you’re not after anything serious, you require a professional audio interface for studio-quality sounds. Needless to say, even an inexpensive audio interface like Behringer U-control delivers 100x better sounds than your computer’s built-in audio.
Do you need an interface?
It is a very good idea to purchase an audio interface if you’re serious about recording. The interface will provide you with the connectivity that you’ll need in order to connect your studio equipment together. If you need to record vocals, instruments and other audio sources in your home studio, then you’ll need a USB audio interface.
They offer extremely high sampling rates and bit depths, which ensures that you get the best possible sound quality. Lots of professional producers use them too because they can give you a much more dynamic sound than your computer’s sound card.
How many inputs and outputs does my audio interface need?
The number of inputs you’ll need on your audio interface will depend on the type of music being produced as well as how many instruments or microphones will be recorded at one time. Most interfaces have 2-4 inputs, which is typically sufficient for home studios. On the other hand, if you want to record a band or multiple vocals at once, you’ll need an interface with more inputs.
Additionally, most audio interfaces come with 2-4 outputs which is often enough for home studios. Although, if you’re wanting to send your mix to external speakers or create true headphone mixes, look for an interface with even more outputs.
Do I need MIDI in-out?
If you want to use virtual instruments while recording, then an audio interface with MIDI support is a wise investment. MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) is a protocol used for controlling electronic musical instruments such as keyboards and synthesizers. By having both MIDI in and out ports, you can take full advantage of these types of devices during your recordings.
What is low latency recording?
Latency is how long it takes for the signal from an instrument to reach your ears – and if there’s too much delay between this and what you’re hearing, it can be a problem. If you experience this, then a low-latency interface is a great idea – they have a very small delay between the audio signal and what you hear.
What is DSP and do I need an audio interface it?
An audio interface with DSP is a great choice because it can help to manage the task of sound processing. This is especially helpful if your computer’s processing power is not up to par. Additionally, many audio interfaces with DSP also offer effects such as reverb and compression. This can be very helpful in creating a polished sound for your recordings.
How much should I expect to pay for an audio interface?
Audio interfaces are available at a wide range of prices, but you can expect to pay between £50 – £1000 for one. Cheap audio interfaces tend to have cheaper components and therefore average sound quality, whereas more expensive interfaces usually have better components and superior sound quality and additional features.
What are the most popular audio interface brands?
You can’t go wrong with an audio interface from Focusrite, Tascam, SSL, MOTU, Presonus, Apogee or Universal Audio. They’re all popular brands that offer a wide range of interfaces designed for different budgets and levels of experience. So whether you’re just starting out or you’re a pro producer, you’ll be able to find the perfect audio interface for your needs.
Final Thoughts
With such a wide array of audio interfaces on the market, it can be tough to decide which one best suits your needs and budget. To ensure you purchase the right interface for both your requirements and wallet, consider what type of equipment you want to connect, whether MIDI or DSP is necessary, and if the latter, how much processing power is needed. By taking these factors into account before making a purchase, you’ll be able to find an audio interface that will give you the best possible results when recording.
For more information on audio interfaces check out the Audio Interface Buying Guide.
Last update on 2022-12-11 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
