An audio interface serves as the crucial link between your instruments or microphones and your computer, ensuring accurate and high-fidelity audio recording and playback. It acts as the gateway for your music, transforming analog signals into digital data that can be manipulated, mixed, and mastered with precision.
With a plethora of audio interfaces available on the market, it can be overwhelming to choose the perfect one for your specific needs. That’s where we come in. We have carefully curated a list of five exceptional audio interfaces that not only offer superior sound quality but also provide a range of features to enhance your music production experience.
From renowned industry leaders to innovative newcomers, these audio interfaces have been selected based on their reliability, versatility, and overall performance. Whether you are recording vocals, guitars, or electronic instruments, these interfaces have the capability to capture every nuance of your sound and deliver exceptional results.
Join us as we explore each audio interface in detail, highlighting their standout features, audio quality, connectivity options, and compatibility with popular recording software. We will provide insights into how these interfaces can elevate your music production game and help you achieve a professional-level sound.
So, if you’re ready to take your music to the next level and ensure it sounds better than ever before, let’s dive into our list of five remarkable audio interfaces.
Number 1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a popular USB audio interface that is well-suited for home recording, podcasting, and live streaming. It features two mic/line/instrument inputs, two headphone outputs, and a monitor output. The 2i2 also comes with a suite of software, including Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Control, and the Hitmaker Expansion.
The good bits:
- The Scarlett 2i2 has two of the best-performing mic preamps in the Scarlett range, with switchable Air mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound.
- The high-impedance, high-headroom instrument inputs allow you to record guitar or bass without any clipping or unwanted distortion.
- The 2i2 is equipped with high performance 24-bit/192kHz AD-DA converters, ensuring that your recordings will sound their best.
- The Scarlett 2i2 is easy to use and set up, making it a great choice for beginners.
The not so good bits:
- The 2i2 doesn’t have any MIDI ports, so you’ll need a separate MIDI interface if you want to connect a keyboard or other MIDI device.
- The headphone output is a bit weak, so you may need to use an external amplifier if you want to get loud levels.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a great audio interface for home recording, podcasting, and live streaming. It’s easy to use, sounds great, and comes with a lot of software.
Number 2. Universal Audio Volt 2
The Universal Audio Volt 2 is a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface that is designed for beginners and home studio musicians. It features two Class-A mic preamps with built-in vintage emulation, as well as a high-impedance instrument input. The Volt 2 also has a headphone output, a monitor output, and a built-in talkback mic.
The good bits:
- The Volt 2’s mic preamps are some of the best in its class, offering clear, detailed sound with plenty of gain.
- The built-in vintage emulation is a great way to add character to your recordings.
- The Volt 2 is easy to use and set up, making it a great choice for beginners.
- The Volt 2 comes with a suite of software that includes Ableton Live Lite, UAD Console, and Volt 2 Collection.
The not so good bits:
- The Volt 2 doesn’t have any MIDI ports, so you’ll need a separate MIDI interface if you want to connect a keyboard or other MIDI device.
- The headphone output is a bit weak, so you may need to use an external amplifier if you want to get loud levels.
The Universal Audio Volt 2 is a great audio interface for beginners and home studio musicians that offers clear, detailed sound, built-in vintage emulation, and a suite of software.
Number 3. Audient EVO 4
The Audient EVO 4 is a 2-in/2-out USB audio interface that is designed for home recording, live streaming, and podcasting. It features two award-winning EVO mic preamps, high-performance converters, and a range of professional features, including Smartgain, loopback, and monitor mixing.
The good bits:
- The EVO 4 has excellent sound quality. The mic preamps are clean and transparent, and the converters deliver accurate sound reproduction.
- The interface is packed with features. In addition to the mic preamps, the EVO 4 also features 48V phantom power, line and DI inputs, a headphone output, and a MIDI in/out port.
- The EVO 4 is easy to use. The interface is well-designed and intuitive, and the included software makes it easy to get started recording.
The not so good bits:
- The EVO 4 is not the most portable interface. It is a bit bulky and heavy, so it may not be the best choice for traveling musicians.
- The EVO 4 does not have MIDI out. This may be a limitation for some users who need to connect to external MIDI devices.
The Audient EVO 4 is a great audio interface because it offers excellent sound quality, a range of professional features, and a user-friendly interface. It is also affordable and portable, making it a great option for home recording, live streaming, and podcasting.
Number 4. PreSonus Studio 24c
The PreSonus Studio 24c is a 2×2 USB-C audio interface that is perfect for musicians, podcasters, and content creators who are looking for a high-quality, portable recording solution.
The Good bits
- The Studio 24c features two XMAX-L mic preamps that provide clear, transparent sound with plenty of gain.
- The interface supports up to 192 kHz/24-bit audio resolution, so you can capture your recordings in the highest possible quality.
- The Studio 24c is bus-powered, so you don’t need to worry about carrying around an external power supply.
- The interface comes with a license for PreSonus Studio One Artist, a powerful DAW that makes it easy to record, mix, and master your music.
The Not So Good bits
- The Studio 24c doesn’t have any MIDI ports, so you won’t be able to connect a MIDI keyboard or controller.
- The interface’s headphone output is a bit weak, so you may need to use an external headphone amp if you’re using high-impedance headphones.
The PreSonus Studio 24c is a great audio interface because it combines high-quality sound, portable design, and easy operation at an affordable price. The XMAX-L mic preamps provide clear, transparent sound with plenty of gain, and the interface supports up to 192 kHz/24-bit audio resolution. The Studio 24c is also bus-powered, so you don’t need to worry about carrying around an external power supply. And with a license for PreSonus Studio One Artist included, you can start recording, mixing, and mastering your music right away.
Number 5. RME Babyface Pro FS
The Babyface Pro FS is a popular choice for professional audio engineers, producers, and musicians. It is powered by RME’s SteadyClock FS technology, which provides ultra-low jitter and high jitter immunity. The interface also features two high-quality microphone preamps, two instrument inputs, and a variety of digital I/O options.
Good bits
- Excellent sound quality: The Babyface Pro FS is known for its superb sound quality. The microphone preamps are particularly well-regarded, and the overall signal path is very clean and transparent.
- Portable design: The Babyface Pro FS is a very portable audio interface. It is small and lightweight, and it can be powered by a USB bus. This makes it a great choice for traveling musicians and producers.
- Powerful features: The Babyface Pro FS has a wide range of features that make it a powerful audio interface. These features include TotalMix FX, a powerful digital mixer, and RME’s proprietary drivers.
Not so good bits
- Price: The Babyface Pro FS is a relatively expensive audio interface. However, its high build quality and excellent sound quality justify the price tag for many users.
- Lack of MIDI ports: The Babyface Pro FS does not have any dedicated MIDI ports. This can be a limitation for some users, but it is not a deal-breaker for everyone.
The RME Babyface Pro FS is a great audio interface for a variety of users. It is perfect for professional audio engineers, producers, and musicians who demand the best possible sound quality. It is also a great choice for traveling musicians and producers who need a portable and powerful audio interface.
