Best audio interfaces available for your music studio, for various budgets and purposes. The audio interface is an important part of any studio, including your home studio. When buying one, you need to consider the number of inputs/outputs it has, and how its going to be connected. Here we take a look at the best audio interfaces available on the market (USB, Thunderbolt and other variants).
Introduction
An Audio Interface (professional sound-card) enables your Computer to record & playback audio. You will need it if you want to do serious audio work on your computer.
It provides you with all the inputs and output audio / midi connections you need for your work, provides low latency sound recording and playback, and gives a great sound recording and playback quality.
Advantages of using an Audio Interface
Some of the features on a professional soundcard include:
- Low latency sound recording and playback
- Usually follows the ASIO protocol (suited for sound engineering and music software)
- Comes as external rack-mountable units which can be connected using USB 2.0/Firewire
- Large number of input and output connectors
- Hardware support for multiple input and output sound channels
- Higher sampling rates compared to a consumer sound-card
- Multi-channel data recording and real-time audio mixer and processor
Best Audio Interfaces
The audio interface is an important part of any studio, yet it can be confusing to buy one, assuming if you’re building a new studio or improving an existing one. There are different variants, for different types of studios.
A simple audio interface costing hundred bucks will be good enough for a simple bedroom studio, where you just need outputs for your studio monitors. However, for more demanding scenarios, you will need an audio interface with several INs/OUTs, and it can easily cost over a thousand dollars.
Go through the guide below to know more about choosing the right interface for your studio.
Things to look for in an audio interface:
- DAW Compatibility: Does it work with all the major DAWs (most of them do)
- Interface Connectors: USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire, PCIE (USB and Thunderbolt are more popular today)
- Number of Input/Output (I/O)
- Input Channel Types (Mic, Line in, etc).
- Form Factor (Desktop / rackmounted).
Music creation is increasingly becoming a shared experience, with several creative minds pitching in. That is the reason why musicians nowadays prefer interfaces with sufficient ins and outs to support such endeavors.
Best Desktop Interfaces
Presonus AudioBox (USB connection)
This audio interface comes bundled with Presonus Studio One Artist DAW.
- AudioBox USB – ([easyazon_link identifier=”B07BDNPC89″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Amazon[/easyazon_link] | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
- AudioBox 22VSL – ([easyazon_link identifier=”B005G6CZRE” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Amazon[/easyazon_link] | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
- Audiobox 44VSL – ([easyazon_link identifier=”B005WRQNR0″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Amazon[/easyazon_link] | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Why should you consider these?
Its perfect for beginners/ small home studios on a tight budget, who also want a bundled DAW with the audio interface.
Focusrite Scarlett (USB connection)
Scarlett Solo – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Scarlett 2i4 – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Scarlett 6i6 – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Scarlett 18i8 – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Why should you consider these?
Already own a DAW and just want the audio interface? This is perfect for beginner studios on a tight budget who just want the interface, and not the DAW.
Focusrite Clarett (Thunderbolt connection)
Clarett 2Pre – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Clarett 4Pre – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Why should you consider these?
Those who don’t need a lot of I/O’s (Ins/Outs). The quality is very good, the price is a bit high and will suit Studios of ALL levels.
Apogee (USB connection)
Apogee One – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Apogee Duet – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Apogee Quartet – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Why should you consider these?
These interfaces don’t come with many I/O’s (Ins/Outs). Will suit Intermediate (or beginner) studios that can afford the price tag.
NOTE: Apogee Duet and Quartet are “Mac Only” interfaces.
Avid (USB connection)
Pro Tools Duet – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Pro Tools Quartet – (Amazon | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Why should you consider these?
Perfect for Beginner/Intermediate studios who wish to use the industry standard Pro Tools DAW.
NOTE: Pro Tools Duet and Quartet work with both Mac as well as PC.
Universal Audio (Thunderbolt connection)
Apollo Twin SOLO – ([easyazon_link identifier=”B01MT537N1″ locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]B01MT537N1[/easyazon_link] | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Apollo Twin DUO – ([easyazon_link identifier=”B00I0RHU8K” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″ cart=”n”]Amazon[/easyazon_link] | zZounds | GuitarC | MusiciansF)
Why should you consider these?
Looks compact but offers pro studio quality features and sounds. Perfect for Intermediate/advanced studios.
Best Rackmounted Interfaces
Presonus
Focusrite
Apogee
Universal Audio
Antelope Audio
Audio Interface: Buying Guide
The digital Audio Interface is one of the most important part of your music recording setup, and a must if you want to record acoustics and vocals.
When you are thinking of setting up a computer based recording studio, how do you get the sounds in from various sources, and out of your computer to the various equipment?
This is where an audio interface comes into picture!
Every computer does have a sound card built in it for audio purposes, but you need to bear in mind that this is not designed for any audio or music production. That is the reason it is best to invest a decent audio interface.
With this equipment you can input and output sounds, into and out of the computer.You can get them as cheap as one fifty dollars and can go up to thousands of dollars.
Before we go into the details, a quick overview of the various types of Audio Interfaces that are available on the market and how they differ from one another.
Types of Interface Connectors in Audio Interfaces
The four common types of audio interfaces, depending on the way its connected (cable options commonly used) to the computer or other devices:
- USB: Commonly available on the cheaper home studio interfaces, slowest data transfer rate of all the options available.
- Firewire – More expensive, offers faster transfer rate (but many prefer the Thunderbolt nowadays).
- Thunderbolt – More popular today and is commonly seen in most new semi-pro interfaces, its faster than USB or Firewire.
- PCIE: Standard connection for professional interfaces, offers additional processing power and extremely fast data-transfer.
While the secifications might say that USB is the slowest of all the options, they are good enough for beginners and all their reording needs. Most home studios use USB interaces and it works perfectly fine for them.
So if you’re on a budget, go for USB.
Irrespective of what you choose, make sure your computer has the appropriate port to make the connection.
Key Features / Factors to Look For
Here’s what you should consider when buying a new audio interface.
- DAW Compatibility: Does it work with all the major DAWs? Most of them do work with the top DAWs.
- Interface Connectors: USB, Thunderbolt, Firewire, PCIE
- Number of Input/Output (I/O): The simple ones have 2-4 ins/outs whereas professional models have a lot more.
- Input Channel Types (Mic In, Line in, etc).
- Mic Input: To connect a mic the interface.
- Line Input: Requires an outboard mic preamp to be used as a mic channel.
- Optical Input: Sort of digital input that requires an outboard mic preamp, and digital converter w/ “optical out” to be used as a mic channel.
- Form Factor
- Desktop Interfaces: Smaller sized that can be placed on the desk next to your computer.
- Rackmounted Interfaces: Larger in size and mounted in a standard size rack unit.
What is Latency
For best experience, latency should be as low as possible. And what is Latency?
The time it takes the AD/DA converter to get the sound from the device to the computer, and then back to the monitor, is called latency.
The best digital audio interfaces will have the shortest latency time.
Audio Interface Performance Factors
Soundcards (audio interfaces) have what is called an AD/DA converter built into them. They convert Analog to Digital, to get the sound into the computer that you can process with effects. And, they convert the Digital to Analog, to get the sound from the computer to the monitor.
These take inputs form various instruments such as guitar or from mics and convert that audio signal, which is in the analogue format, into a digital format which the computer can process. On the other side, it sends out the sounds to the speakers so that you can monitor what you have produced.
So the advantage of having a audio interface over a built-in sound-card are these converters, Analog to Digital, and Digital to Analog, which are much better in these audio interfaces. The result is that you get a very good sounding mix that is far more accurate.
Drivers and DACs are the two components that have a major impact on the performance of your soundcards. The better the quality of these two things, the better the sound is going to be. These are one of the important reasons because of which the professional soundcards cost more than consumer soundcards.
Drivers are the software components that allow audio computer programs to talk to your soundcard; they come along with the card. The drivers basically manage the traffic of data between the CPU, DAC and the audio application as and when it is needed.
DACs are converters that are physically present on the soundcard. The converters job is to read the incoming analog waveform and transform it into digital data. This important process is known as sampling and it determines the quality of your recorded sound.
Once the digital data is on your computer, it is very easy to manipulate it in different ways and store it on your computer.
Limitations of Consumer Soundcards
Almost all computer motherboards have microphone and speaker jack built into them so that you can take inputs from a microphone or output the sound to speaker/headphones. But the problem is that these are good for regular use but are of very low quality to be used for music production. These are available by default on any computer but if you are serious about music recording, you will have to buy a dedicated sound-card.
With a brief background on the internals of a soundcard, you will agree that although most of the consumer soundcards that comes built-in with your computer can be used for audio playback and recording, these soundcards are not meant to be used for music production.
Some of the limitations of a consumer sound card include:
- High latency (delay in the reproduction of sound, between initiating a sound and hearing it)
- General sound quality is not great
- Low sampling rates (recording quality is poor)
- The drivers may not work with most of the audio recording software applications
- No MIDI port. You cannot connect external keyboards/synths
- It is intended for home and office entertainment use. The emphasis is more on playback and casual use
Soundcard vs. Audio interface
A sound card is a hardware that lets you record and playback audio. It sits inside the computer in a PCI slot and you connect all the cables at the back of this card.
Professional soundcards, also known as Audio interfaces, on the other hand has a box that sits outside the PC and a cable that is connected to the PC, either to the PCI card or to the USB/Firewire slot depending on the type of the interface.
The breakout box contains slots for all the input and output audio/midi connections.
Connecting your Sound Card
So how do you connect the soundcard to your computer? It can be done in either of these ways – PCI Interface, USB, Thunderbolt or Firewire.
Of these, only the PCI interface goes inside the computer, into the PCI slot. The earlier soundcards were available only in this type, and these soundcards could only be used with desktops.
The other types of interfaces (USB, Thunderbolt and so on) came into existence later, in order to make it easier for the end user to make the connection (and also because computers started having these ports – USB, thunderbolt, firewire).
These are external in the sense that the main box stays outside and a cable connects the box to the computer.
Firewire Audio Interfaces
FireWire audio interfaces are capable of sending multichannel digital audio in and out of your computer and also have very low latency. Check-out the best firewire audio interface models here.
Here are some important characteristics of Firewire audio interfaces.
- Easy to use with laptops and desktops
- Easier to install
- Faster compared to USB
- Some models can be powered firewire port itself, or even using batteries which makes them a really portable option.
The good thing about these products is that they are as good as the PCI ones and provides plenty of tracks for you to do serious work. Choose an expensive one with good DACs and Drivers and these interfaces are great fit for your studio.
In case your computer doesn’t have a firewire port, you’ll need to install a firewire interface by adding a PCI firewire card. But then if you have a really old computer, then this may not be a good choice as the busses on the motherboard may not be fast enough to be used for music production. If your computer already has a firewire port, then generally speaking it should be okay to use a firewire audio interface.
What is Firewire 800
The IEEE 1394 interface is a serial bus interface standard for high-speed data transfer that was developed in the early 1990s by Apple, who called it FireWire. It’s similar to a USB connector. The original version is now known as FireWire 400 and the more recent one is known as FireWire 800.
Most users used it initially to transfer raw digital video footage from a camera to PC, but it started getting popular in music production setups as well because of the high speeds.
Firewire 800 offers much faster data transfer, much greater than what firewire 400 & USB 2.0 offers. It also supports longer cable lengths without loss of signal. You get converters (basically a cable) that converts the Firewire-800 port to a Firewire 400, in case you have 400-compatible devices (it works at a slower connection speed though).
Thunderbolt Audio Interfaces
Thunderbolt (2.0) is basically a hardware port/interface that is a vast improvement on USB and Firewire. While the latest Firewire has an impressive bandwidth, Thunderbolt 2.0 offers a much higher data transfer speed.
It means Thunderbolt can transfer huge amounts of data from your audio interface to your laptop or computer, you can quickly record the clearest audio at extremely high resolution.
Zen Tour from Antelope Audio: Portable Thunderbolt – USB Interface
Studio equipment manufacturer Antelope Audio recently announced its latest portable interface called the Zen Tour. Key features include Thunderbolt and USB connectivity, 8 analog inputs and outputs, high-end DSP effects, hardware-based guitar amp/cab simulations.
Here’s what exciting about this product:
- The Zen Tour interface provides plenty of options for tracking several instruments simultaneously – It comes with 8 inputs, including 4 switchable Mic/Line inputs and 4 HiZ/Line inputs. It also includes digital ADAT & S/PDIF
- I/O for increased connectivity options.
- It features 8 outputs to enable an all-in-one workflow
- It comes with dual headphone outputs that allows two musicians (or a musician and engineer) to listen to the sound, without requiring any additional hardware.
- It features dual monitor outputs for A/B monitor switching, dual reamp outputs, and a talkback button on the front panel.
- Zen Tour has excellent DSP processing capabilities and comes with very low latency.
- Zen Tour interface allows innovative software-based hardware control, with its “impressive” touch screen, a handy mobile app, and a cross-platform software control panel.
- Another impressive feature is its networking and remote control implementations, which allows multiple users to access and manage Zen Tour features…from multiple computers in the same network, or using smart phone or tablet via iOS and Android mobile apps.
PCI Audio Interfaces
PCI / PCIe (PCI Express) is an internal card-based interface (you need to open up the CPU and insert this in one of the slots on the motherboard). These increase the speed a bit, and reduces latency as it bypasses some of the data conversion processes. Also, the cheapest PCI interfaces give a much better performance.
Much before USB, firewire, and thunderbolt were available, PCI audio interfaces were the most popular option available to users. PCI Express (short for Peripheral Component Interconnect Express), often abbreviated as PCIe or PCI-E, is a standard type of connection used by internal devices in a computer; it refers to the expansion slots on the motherboard (that accept expansion cards).
While computers may contain a mix of various types of expansion slots, today PCI Express is considered the standard internal interface. Most modern [easyazon_link keywords=”computer motherboard” locale=”US” tag=”keytarhq04-20″]computer motherboards[/easyazon_link] feature only PCI Express slots.
PCI / PCIe (PCI Express) audio interface goes inside of a computer in a slot on the motherboard, which gives it some advantages (as it bypasses few data conversion processes).
PCI was affordable and a much faster option in audio interfaces. The downside obviously is that you need to open your computer and install it, which can put-off a lot of users (especially the novices) and that is why other methods such as USB/firewire are so popular; there are many expert users who still use PCI interfaces.
Here are the highlights of these interfaces:
- This interface goes in the PCI slot of your computer, so you’ll need to open the computer and install this.
- Cannot use with laptop (you cannot open a laptop and insert it).
- Since it attaches to the PCI slot, it is also a fast method of getting audio in to your computer
- Reduced latency, better speed and bandwidth
- Designed to handle high track counts
PCI audio interface was the original way of getting audio into and out of a computer, until USB, firewire, Thunderbolt and other methods emerged.
Until a few years back, there were several affordable options available in PCI interfaces, but most beginners soon started preferring USB interfaces (for ease of use).
Today, PCI interfaces are not used much as the other types are easier to use and faster. Some experienced music producers, who understand technology thoroughly, still use these for their inherent advantages.
Choosing a Professional Audio Interface
You will need to select a soundcard depending on what sort of studio setup you want to have. You will have to make sure that the soundcard has inputs/outputs to connect to most of your gear. In general, the following are some of the instruments that you will need to connect to your soundcard.
- Microphones
- Control surface / mixer
- Audio speakers / Monitors
- Computer
Besides the above mentioned gear, most of the other things like compressors, gates, Reverb and other special effects can be used as software in your Computer; so you basically do not need connections for these.
The best audio interfaces let music professionals and hobbyists experience their sound in the highest possible quality, while keeping them focused on their creativity. These use state-of- the art mic preamps for incredible dynamic range and the lowest signal-to-noise ratio, the high-quality analog components gives you a professional audio performance which you usually find only in the most well-known studios.
Some interfaces provide dedicated buttons and knobs (its like having a mini-console on your desktop) that provides access to several functions right at your fingertips, even without touching the menu. You can press a button to select the talkback mic, turn the dedicated knob to hear more of the input signal, press a button to switch monitors, turn the volume level for headphones, etc.
Some audio interfaces also come with a lid, which prevents accidentally changing any of the settings.
Some of the major and popular manufacturers/brands of professional soundcards include Focusrite, Behringer, PreSonus, RME, Tascam, MOTU, PreSonus, MOTU etc.
If you are just getting started with music recording on your computer, the easiest option nowadays is to use a basic USB audio interface.
For better speed and response, and if your computer has a fire-wire port, you can consider a firewire interface.
You can get started with music production on your computer with these budget audio sound cards.
You may also need external Preamps to raise the level of your mic’s. Though most of the soundcards have built-in preamps, only the more expensive ones have really good preamps.
Recommended Products
PCI Audio Interfaces
PCI Audio Interfaces connect to a slot on your computer’s hardware. So you will have to open up your CPU and connect these audio interfaces. You can get some good inexpensive ones. However, a better option is to opt for a USB audio interface; they are easier to connect and get going.
USB Audio Interfaces
USB Audio Interfaces are much easier to connect to your computer. Earlier versions of these interfaces were a bit slow to respond and had latency problems but the recent crop of USB audio interfaces are quite responsive.
Apogee Duet 2 for Mac: Excellent audio interface for the Mac!
Behringer UCA222 U-Control: Inexpensive and does the basics pretty well.
Checkout the Focusrite range of USB Audio interfaces.
FireWire Audio Interfaces
FireWire Audio Interfaces are among the most responsive audio interfaces with almost no latency problems. Considered to be among the fastest in terms of data transfer!
Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 Firewire
Excellent interface with great mic preamps
Checkout the Focusrite range of Firewire Audio interfaces.
Audio Interface Accessories
Gator G-CLUB-DJ Bag for LPs and Laptop
A handy bag to carry all your recording stuff, including your laptop. Read more…
On-Stage Laptop Computer Stand
Want to accommodate your laptop onstage? Here is an easy way to do that. Read more…
SKB Studio Flyer Portable Laptop Studio Rack
Want a sturdy case that will safely hold all your important recording stuff while on the go? Check out this Portable Laptop Studio Rack. Read more…
iPad Stand, Kindle, Tablet, & eBook Holder
A cool multi-purpose stand that can hold a book, e-book reader or tablet. Read more…
MIDI Mobilizer
Now you can easily manage all your MIDI files using this device and your iphone or iPad. Read more…
Arturia AudioFuse Audio Interface
Arturia AudioFuse audio interface is a compact interface with top-class specifications and vast connectivity options. It’s design allows it to be used with just about any platform and any device. Its loaded with contemporary features and professional components – uses high quality hardware, offers unparalleled signal fidelity, and uses exclusive DiscretePRO preamps.
The AudioFuse seems very good for connectivity. AudioFuse can be used with a huge variety of platforms including Windows, Mac, iOS, Android and even Linux. You’ll also find all the connections you need: USB 2.0, ADAT in/out, word clock & S/PDIF in/out, RIAA phono/line inputs, speaker switching outputs A&B, two independent headphone outputs, channel inserts with guitar-reamping capabilities, MIDI in/out, and a 3-Port USB hub. It even features four power modes, so you can save laptop battery life when you’re on location.
See the Arturia site for details.
Closing Thoughts
Regardless of whether you’re working on a small project, or an amateur musician, or a pro, you’re going to need this piece of equipment. Most are quite easy-to-use and also come with preamps. Having good preamps in the audio interface means all your microphones will sound great, and you don’t even have to buy an external one. A good audio interface means you’ll hear things very clearly in your music, and the latency is going to be close to minimal. If you are serious about creating music, may be for film or TV, or if you are a popular DJ who plays across all genres of music, then a Digital Audio Interface is a must in your setup.
Useful Read/Links
How to choose the best audio interface
When to use a midi-interface
Interfaces for iOS devices
Focusrite Scarlett-2i2 USB Audio Interface
behringer-uca222 usb audio interface
Read more audio interface reviews
KeytarHQ editorial team includes musicians who write and review products for pianists, keyboardists, guitarists & other musicians. KeytarHQ is the best online resource for information on keyboards, pianos, synths, keytars, guitars and music gear for musicians of all abilities, ages and interests.
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