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So you’ve got a fast computer, a controller, some excellent mics, and a million ideas … but you won’t get far without a USB audio interface. Without something to convert analog into digital and vice versa, your studio will always be incomplete. Whether you’re just getting started or a seasoned pro; whether you’re looking for something to take on the road or hold down the studio; or whether you’ve got a tight budget or the sky’s the limit, there’s something for everyone. With that in mind, we’ve assembled a list of the best USB audio interfaces currently on the market.
- Best overall: Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
- Premium pick: Cranborne Audio 500R8
- Best compact: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core
- Best 2-in/2-out: UA Volt 2
- Best ultra-portable: Apogee Duet
- Best connectivity options: Arturia AudioFuse
- Best preamp: Solid State Logic SSL 2+
- Best wireless: iZotope Spire Studio
- Best budget: Presonus AudioBox Go
How we chose the best USB audio interfaces
It used to be that USB audio interface options were fairly limited. Either you bought the one relatively affordable one, or you winced in pain as you handed over your credit card for a pro-level unit. These days, thanks to affordable manufacturing and the popularity of home recording and music-making, there are plenty of high-quality and affordable digital audio interfaces on the market. Even the top players in the field, like Focusrite and Solid State Logic, now offer products within the reach of everyone. To narrow the many options down to this list, we looked at many factors, including cost, use-case scenario, connectivity options, and more. We then brought our own experience as experts in the field of music technology to bear and compared this to market response and critical consensus. With decades of collective experience writing about sound design technology and mix techniques for worldwide outlets, we feel confident that this list represents the best available for any and all users, whether you’re looking for an audio interface for Mac or an audio interface for PC.
The best USB audio interfaces: Reviews & Recommendations
You’ve bought a powerful digital audio workstation and a slew of top plugins. You’ve acquired excellent monitors and a pair of high-end mixing headphones. You’ve even snagged a well-equipped MIDI controller for playing notes and tapping out rhythms. Now you’re shopping for a USB recording interface, so keep your immediate needs in mind. If your goal is to record an entire band at the same time, you’re going to need a very different interface than if it’s just you and a single microphone. What’s your hardware situation like? If you plan to send audio out for processing in external hardware, you’ll need at least four outs (two for the monitors and two for the DAW’s master bus) or even a dedicated re-amping option. Finally, what’s your budget? As with anything else involving audio, budget as much as you comfortably can. It’s your music—make sure it’s the best quality it can be.
Best overall: Focusrite Clarette+ 8Pre
Best USB audio interface
It’s Got It All
Pros
- Plenty of connectivity
- Lovely preamps
- Analog Air circuit adds high-end sheen
Cons
- Mic pre gain could be louder
Why it made the cut: With tons of connectivity and spectacular mic pres, this won’t leave you wanting.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 18 (8 analog)
- Outputs: 20 (10 analog)
- MIDI: In/Out
Focusrite has been killing it lately. The brand has released a series of low-cost USB audio interfaces (the Scarlett line) that has become so popular, people tend to forget that Focusrite was originally a high-end outfit started by Rupert Neve (yes, the Rupert Neve, mixing console designer) to make mic preamps for mega-producer George Martin. This is not some Johnny-come-lately budget brand—Focusrite has serious market clout.
That clout and know-how are brought to bear in the Clarette+ series, a step up from the Scarlett line and, thus, a step up in quality. The plus symbol in the name refers to the Cirrus Logic converters now present in the three Clarette interfaces, including the 8Pre, our choice for best USB audio interface.
As the name suggests, the 24-bit/192kHz 8Pre has eight combo line/mic analog inputs, each with a Focusrite microphone preamp. Whether built into an interface or the mic itself, a preamp is a circuit that takes a microphone’s low-level output and amplifies it to line level. This company made them for the Beatles’ producer, which speaks to its quality. The preamps have +57dB of gain—a little limited, to be honest, but not a deal-breaker. They also include Focusrite’s famous analog Air circuit for adding sparkle and (wait for it) air at the top end.
The 1U-size rackmount unit has plenty more connectivity, including ADAT (expandable up to eight channels), S/PDIF, and MIDI in/out. There are two robust headphone outputs on the front, perfect for when you need to hand a pair of cans to a musician for tracking. Other pluses include an LED metering screen and the Focusrite Control app, which can be accessed from an iOS device, for getting under the hood.
Focusrite’s Clarette+ 8Pre is the perfect interface for home studios. It has tons of connectivity, a good price ($1,249.99 MSRP but cheaper on the streets), and all those pres. Your band will love you for it.
Premium pick: Cranborne Audio 500R8
Premium pick
Pros
- Tons of connectivity
- Incredible converters
- 500 Series chassis
Cons
- More machine than most will need
Why it made the cut: This USB audio interface has extra features you never knew you needed.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 28 (19 analog)
- Outputs: 30 (16 analog)
- MIDI: In/Out
Cranborne Audio is a relatively new, UK-based audio company. Not content to turn out just another studio-grade USB audio interface, the company decided to make the product that you never knew you wanted. The result is the 500R8, a top-of-the-line interface that is also a 500 Series module rack.
First things first. What’s a 500 Series rack? The 500 Series is a modular format for audio equipment developed by API in the 1970s. Think mic pres, compressors, and EQs, all 3U high (5.25 inches) with one slot equalling 1.5-inch wide. They’re not cheap but are arguably cheaper than buying full-size equivalents. Most 500 Series cases are self-contained units. Cranborne took this idea and married a 500 Series case to a USB interface. Brilliant.
The interface has a massive 28-in/30-out configuration capable of recording at 24-bit/192kHz, with both XLR and TRS analog module inputs and similar dual configurations for stereo output. Additional output includes S/PDIF in/out, ADAT (up to 16 ins and outs), MIDI in/out, plus several other studio-friendly connectivity options.
Its AD/DA converters are ridiculously good, with a 121dB signal-to-noise ratio and clocking of less than .5 picoseconds of jitter. Clocking refers to how stable the converters are when changing an analog signal into digital 1s and 0s. Sloppy clocking will result in jitter and a lack of clarity. Not a problem with the 500R8. Other features include a discrete analog summing mixer, zero-latency artist mixer for tracking, a fully featured monitor control section, two reference-grade headphone amps, and much more.
While the 500R8 is arguably more than most users will ever need, professional studios and hobbyists with deep pockets take note. At $2,130 MSRP, it’s actually a great deal for what it does. Of course, you still have to populate it with 500 Series modules, but that’s all part of the fun.
Best compact: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core
Best compact
Magical Mystery Zen Tour
Pros
- Onboard effects
- Unique connectivity options
- Antelope converters
Cons
- Expensive
- No MIDI
Why it made the cut: On-board Antelope effects help elevate this audio interface beyond the ordinary.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 18 (8 analog)
- Outputs: 26 (14 analog)
- MIDI: No
Generally, if you want professional-grade performance from a USB audio interface, there’s probably a rackmount unit in your future (see the Cranborne and Focusrite interfaces, above, for example). However, rackmount interfaces are not always desirable. They’re not portable and may require buying a rack to house them. For the best of both worlds—compact form factor plus top sound quality—we recommend Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core.
A sleek and sexy box with a touchscreen and large volume knob, the 24-bit/192kHz Zen Tour Synergy Core certainly looks the business. It has a well-thought-out layout as well, with four convenient instrument/line-in jacks on the front as well as two transformer-based re-amping outs for sending signal to a guitar amp or other hardware. Two headphone amps round things out. On the back are four combo microphone/line ins, a set of 1/4” line outs for monitoring, ADAT in/out, S/PDIF in/out, and an additional eight lines out available via 25-pin D-type connector. All line-outs are DC coupled so you can use them with modular synthesizer gear. That has to be a first.
You can’t talk about Antelope without mentioning its AD/DA converters. The company boasts artifact-free recording with up to 130dB of headroom. This, combined with ultra-clear mic pres, ensures pro-level recording quality anywhere you go. And yes, we do mean anywhere, as the desktop form factor makes Zen Tour Synergy Core as portable as it is powerful.
We haven’t mentioned the onboard DSP effects yet. The Zen Tour Synergy Core is one of a few USB audio interfaces with built-in effects, meaning you can record straight through them as if you had a room full of outboard gear at your disposal. It comes bundled with 36 Antelope effects ranging from preamps to compressors and can be expanded with additional effects, both Antelope and third party.
At $2,150, Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core is at the higher end of the price spectrum. There’s also no MIDI. But if you’re serious about recording vocals and instruments and want a compact desktop interface, this is one to put at the top of your Amazon Wishlist.
Best 2-in/2-out: UA Volt 2
UA Volt 2
Pros
- Clean, analog-like sound modes
- Compact design with integrated power supply
- Price
Cons
- May not have enough inputs for some uses
- No onboard DSP processing
Why it made the cut: The UA Volt 2 is an all-in-one recording toolkit for the traveling musician.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 2 analog
- Outputs: 2 analog
- MIDI: Yes
Universal Audio packed most of what we like about its pro-grade Apollo recording equipment into the Volt 2, an ultra-portable two-input USB audio interface. The box is only seven inches wide and weighs under one and a half pounds, so it’s easy to carry to and from a studio in a backpack. The Volt 2 needs to be connected to your computer using a USB-C cable, which supplies power in addition to data.
In our experience, the Volt 2 can create some surprisingly clean recordings, with analog-like warmth, detailed midrange, and no muddiness across the entire frequency spectrum. We were particularly pleased with its “vintage” mode, which flattens peaks to achieve a tube amp-like effect. This mode is available at the push of a button, which makes it easy to toggle on and off during recording.
Our qualms with the Volt 2 weren’t with its sound but rather its lack of onboard DSP (digital signal processing), which means you can’t natively use it with Universal Audio’s entire plugin library. Its relatively small set of inputs and outputs can also be a limiting factor, but that depends on what you plan on recording. The two-input, two-output setup is part of what allows the Volt 2 to be so svelte.
If you’re looking to start your first bedroom studio for velvety podcasts or need a way to create high-quality demos on the road, it’s hard to beat the Universal Audio Volt 2’s performance—especially for its sub-$200 price.
Best ultra-portable: Apogee Duet 3
Best portable
It Sparks Joy
Pros
- Great recording results
- Well-built
- Onboard DSP
Cons
- Pricey
- No MIDI
Why it made the cut: Apogee’s Duet 3 reduces connectivity to the essentials for an imminently portable device.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 4 analog
- Outputs: 2 analog
- MIDI: No
In 2007, Apogee helped redefine what a USB audio interface could be with the first Duet. Both portable and studio-ready, it was an instant hit. Dominated by a single large volume knob and with very little visible connectivity, it used minimalism to its advantage, predating Marie Kondo’s cry to jettison anything extraneous that didn’t spark joy. Now up to version 3, Apogee’s Duet still does a lot with very little—and sounds better than ever.
Connectivity is limited to the necessities. There are two 1/4-inch instrument inputs, two combination microphone/line inputs, and two balanced outputs. Looking at the unit, you’d be forgiven for wondering where the jacks are. They’re actually handled via breakout cables. This allows for standard connectivity while maintaining the Apogee’s lovely minimal aesthetic. A 1/8-inch headphone jack completes the package.
Duet 3 is more than just a pretty face, though. With its Apogee preamps with generous +65dB of gain and custom Apogee AD/DA converters, your audio is in good, 24-bit/192kHz hands.
With limited controls on the device itself, you’d probably think that this was handled by software, and you’d be right. Duet 3 includes the Apogee Control app for routing and setup. It also comes bundled with the Bob Clearmountain-approved Symphony ECS Channel Strip plug-in, which uses the interface’s internal DSP processor to allow for latency-free recording through EQ and compression.
The USB-bus-powered Apogee 3 isn’t cheap. At $649, it’s a price point above most interfaces with this amount of connectivity. Add the optional Dock for direct ins and outs, and the price increases by $149. However, this is far and away the best-sounding option when portability is your main concern.
Best connectivity options: Arturia AudioFuse Rev2
Best connectivity options
Jack Of All Trades
Pros
- Variety of connectivity
- They-thought-of-everything extras
- Portable
Cons
- Chunky look
Why it made the cut: Arturia packs an astonishing variety of connects into an interface with such a small footprint.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 14 (4 analog)
- Outputs: 14 (6 analog)
- MIDI: In/Out
Arturia made a name for itself with VST emulations of famous synthesizers and hardware effects. It’s also gotten into the hardware market itself recently, with several well-received synths, drum machines, and now USB audio interfaces. AudioFuse Rev2 is the second iteration of the French company’s debut interface, and it’s a doozy of a device, packed with more connects than ants at a picnic.
Don’t let the small footprint of the desktop-style AudioFuse Rev2 fool you—there’s a whole lot going on here. Front and center, there are two combo mic/line/XLR inputs plus two separate headphone jacks in both 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch configurations, meaning you’ll never have to dig around for a misplaced adapter again. Around the back is where the party is really happening, though. Let’s check the guest list. Two 1/4-inch TRS jacks, a grounded RIAA RCA pair for your turntable, S/PDIF I/O, ADAT I/O, MIDI mini jacks to be used with breakout MIDI DIN adapters, two sets of analog line outputs, an insert pair for re-amping, and even a three-port USB hub. Arturia really has thought of everything.
Audio quality is also up to snuff. The AudioFuse Rev2 uses in-house developed DiscretePRO preamps, AKM AD/DA converters and an anti-jitter system for accurate audio conversion, and a circuit that places line and preamp signals on separate paths with no attenuator.
There’s more, including immediate controls for monitoring, a built-in talkback microphone, numerous power modes to accompany the USB bus power, and portability. Some may not love the chunky, utilitarian look, but Arturia has done an admirable job of packing a lot of functionality into a very small package. If you like the options but want even more of them, level up to the AudioFuse Studio or 8Pre models.
Best preamp: Solid State Logic SSL 2+
Best preamp
Mana From Heaven
Pros
- Astonishing low price
- SSL pres
- Neutrik connects
Cons
- Headphone jacks in the rear
Why it made the cut: Solid State Logic finally brings its audio technology to the masses.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
- Inputs: 2 analog
- Outputs: 4 analog
- MIDI: In/Out
Few studio equipment manufacturers have achieved the kind of recognition that Solid State Logic enjoys. Known largely for its mixing consoles, the British company’s products have traditionally been out of reach of all except the biggest stars and professional studios. As with other top audio manufacturers, the lure of the consumer market was too strong to ignore, and SSL (as it’s often abbreviated) threw its top hat into the USB audio interface ring in 2020 with two products, the SSL and SSL+. Both have the same general circuitry, but the plus model has a few extras, which is why we’re recommending it.
The SSL+ is a solid, modern-looking interface with Solid State Logic-style knobs and easy-to-read LED meters. All connections are on the back, which is a shame, but it does add to the aesthetic appeal of the device. Taking a peek around the back, then, we’ve got two combination mic/line inputs, two 1/4-inch outputs, and—surprisingly—a set of RCA phono ins and outs. Two high-current NJM headphone amplifier outs plus MIDI I/O complete the package. (The non-plus SSL model does away with the RCAs, MIDI, and second headphone amp.)
Solid State Logic is famous for its circuitry, and here’s where the SSL+ (and SSL) shines. First, let’s talk about the mic pres. The device has class-leading preamps with +62dB of gain and an EIN (Equivalent Noise Input) of -130.5dBu, with a two-stage design with discrete low-noise transistors and ICs. It’ll handle gain-thirsty mics with aplomb. We dare you to find mic pres of this caliber anywhere near this price point. Things only get better when you engage the Legacy 4K analog enhancement circuit. Inspired by the company’s 4000-series consoles, this adds a lovely high boost and subtle harmonic distortion to the incoming signal.
At $289 for the SSL+, it’s incredible value for the money. In fact, it’s so cheap that you could get one just for the pres and 4K button and run it in aggregate with another, more connect-blessed device. And we haven’t even mentioned the high-quality Alps Pots, Neutrik connects, and bundled codes for two free SSL plugins to extend the range of the interface. Welcome to the consumer market, Solid State Logic.
Best wireless: iZotope Spire Studio
iZotope Spire Studio
Pros
- Battery powered
- Easy to use interface
- Built-in Mic
Cons
- Can’t be used with a PC or Mac
Why it made the cut: iZotope’s Spire Studio is a fully-featured wire-free hi resolution audio interface.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
- Inputs: 2 analog
- Outputs: 2 analog
- MIDI: No
The Spire Studio is an alternative to USB audio interface for folks who want to record on-the-go, or want the ultimate upgrade over their smartphone’s voice recording app. The interface can connect to a phone or tablet over Wi-Fi through an app available on iOS and Android. From there, you can use a mix of its Mic / Line In ports and built-in microphone to create live multitrack recordings. The Spire Studio even has a headphone jack, so you can listen to your recordings live.
Setting up the audio interface was relatively simple. We downloaded the app onto an iPhone, and walked through the streamlined process of pairing the two together wirelessly. If you’re comfortable pairing headphones to your smartphone or tablet, setting up the Spire Studio shouldn’t intimidate you. Once the two are paired, they’ll quickly reconnect to one another each time you turn the Spire Studio on.
Creating a recording with the Spire Studio was remarkably easy. There’s a giant recording button on top of the interface, and pushing on it once will start a new song. Hitting that button again ended the song. Pressing the record button restarted the same song, but allowed me to record a second track on top of it. Hitting the new song button (also on top of the Spire Studio) created a new project. It’ll take a couple of sessions to get used to, but the fact that the Spire Studio’s core recording functions are available without requiring you to reach for your phone is terrific.
iZotope’s Spire mobile app is a fully-fledged DAW, and you can use it to start recordings, add effects, import audio tracks from other apps—think Voice Memos on iOS—and finally export and share your completed track. We only scratched the surface of the app’s potential during our recording tests, but Spire will reward any musician with the tenacity to stick with it.
iZotope designed the Spire Studio with the next generation of musicians in mind. It’s a natural extension of folks recording demos in their bedroom on a phone. The interface cannot be connected to a Mac or PC, and it doesn’t have any USB ports, which can be a hindernance if you prefer a more traditional digital audio recording setup. That said, the freedom it offers mobile recorders cannot be overstated.
Best budget: PreSonus AudioBox GO
Best on a budget
Ready Set GO
Pros
- Lightweight and portable
- Fantastic price
- Direct monitoring
Cons
- Low gain for some mics
Why it made the cut: PreSonus’ tiny AudioBox GO delivers the goods at an incredible price.
Specs
- Audio resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
- Inputs: 2 analog
- Outputs: 2 analog
- MIDI: No
PreSonus’ now-discontinued AudioBox USB 96 was already an incredible bargain, but the company has outdone itself with the even more affordable AudioBox GO. $99.95 MSRP for a USB audio interface of this quality? It’s borderline absurd.
As with Focusrite, PreSonus offers products that run the gamut from studio-grade high-end to mass-market affordable. By borrowing some technology from the upper echelons of the product line, it can offer products that perform above their price range. The two-in/two-out GO is no exception, containing a PreSonus XMAX-L mic preamp that’s solid for this price range, although only +50dB of gain might be a turnoff for users of low-level dynamic microphones. The 24-bit/96kHz GO features a single combo mic/line port, a Hi-Z instrument jack, and two outputs.
The GO is small and lightweight, making it extremely portable. Easily move it from your desk to your bag and take it to the gig. It’s also USB bus-powered, which reduces cable clutter by nixing the need for a power cord. There’s even direct monitoring, meaning that you can hear exactly what you’re playing without any latency—essential for tracking to a DAW.
Whether it’s your first USB audio interface or a second for taking on the road, PreSonus’ AudioBox GO deserves your consideration. At this price, it’s a no-brainer.
Things to consider when shopping for the best USB audio interfaces
With such a wide variety of functionality available, it can be hard to know where to start your search for the ideal USB audio interface. Before taking the plunge, it can be helpful to make a list of your interface requirements.
How many ports do you need?
Audio interfaces generally start with two inputs and two outputs (for a stereo pair of speakers). If you plan to record multiple instruments simultaneously or monitor via more than just your speakers, you’ll need more ports.
What do you plan to record?
Different sources require different levels of input. Line-level recording is the baseline. Microphones will require a preamp to boost the signal, and some also need phantom power—an electrical signal to power the microphone. Guitars call for Hi-Z, or high impedance, inputs to bring up the signal to an acceptable level. Next, do you need MIDI ports? If your MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller or external MIDI instrument uses USB MIDI, you may not, but if you plan to work with any instruments requiring five-pin DIN MIDI ports and you don’t already own a separate MIDI interface, this will be necessary. Finally, some audio interfaces offer onboard effects processing, either digital or analog. In some cases, as with the Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core interface on this list, that’s one of its main selling points.
What are the benefits of having a USB audio interface?
The quality of your recorded audio will improve measurably when you upgrade from your computer’s built-in equipment. This is due to the DAC (digital audio converters) that interfaces use. While they vary in quality depending on the cost of the interface, even a budget model will be an improvement over the one in your computer. To make the best decisions regarding the mix and tonal balance of your music, you’ll need a solid set of studio-grade monitors (and/or mixing headphones) and an interface to supply them with a clean audio signal.
Another benefit of a USB audio interface is the headphone amp. The amp in an audio interface will be better quality and—crucially for those working with amplified instruments or drums—louder than the consumer-level one in your computer. Some interfaces even have more than one headphone amp, which is necessary for tracking vocals and instrument recording.
If you’ve ever tried to record audio into a digital audio workstation (DAW) without an interface, you may have noticed that playback and recording were off due to in-app latency. Some interfaces offer direct monitoring to correct this timing discrepancy. Lastly, many USB audio interfaces offer analog effects, digital DSP, or other kinds of tonal sweetening at the recording stage.
Do I need MIDI connectivity?
MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and is the language that synthesizers, drum machines, and controllers use to communicate with your DAW and each other. It’s not audio but a series of commands, a language that tells a note to play or a program or parameter to change. Traditionally, MIDI was transmitted via dedicated cables with a special five-pin DIN configuration. Nowadays, USB can also be transmitted over USB. In modern hardware-heavy studios, it’s common to have both USB and DIN MIDI devices. If your MIDI-equipped instrument or controller requires MIDI cables, you’ll need a MIDI interface.
MIDI interfaces come in two forms: dedicated, separate units or as part of an audio interface. If you need to use MIDI cables and you don’t already have a MIDI interface, you’ll need an audio interface with MIDI in/out.
FAQs
It’s safe to say that your audio interface will improve the sound quality of your music. This is related to the quality of the DACs (digital audio converters) it uses at the input and output stages. DACs convert analog audio into digital information that your computer can process and then turn it back into analog for monitoring. How accurate that conversion is depends on the sample rate and bit depth of the converters.
Sample rate refers to the number of samples of audio taken each second and is measured in kilohertz (kHz). Bit depth tells us how detailed each sample is. When talking about output, you generally want the most accurate representation of your music so that you can make informed decisions about the mix. How accurate that is also depends on your monitors and headphones, but good-quality DACs will give your speakers better audio to work with. At the other end, solid DACs will record audio more accurately.
A top microphone preamplifier (also called a mic pre) will improve the microphone’s sound by coloring it and emphasizing certain frequencies. Additional DSP (digital signal processing) and analog effects like compression can also affect sound quality.
How can a USB audio interface, like Focusrite’s Clarette+ 8Pre above, claim to have 18 ins and 20 outs when there aren’t nearly that many jacks on the device? The answer is ADAT and S/PDIF. Connect counts for audio interfaces include both analog and digital. Analog includes ports for line-level devices like synthesizers, instruments like guitars, as well as microphones. These signals get changed into digital information by converters inside the unit. Digital connects are a little different, though. The two main kinds of digital connections are ADAT and S/PDIF.
ADAT stands for Alesis Digital Audio Tape, and it started in the 1990s as an eight-track recorder that used S-VHS tapes. Yes, you read that right. While the original technology has fallen out of favor, the optical Lightpipe cable that Alesis developed to connect multiple ADAT recorders has continued to be used, thanks to its ability to transmit uncompressed 24-bit digital audio. Nowadays, the name ADAT refers to the multi-channel transfer protocol for audio interface expansion. For example, you could add an additional eight mic pres to the 8Pre’s onboard ones by connecting a compatible ADAT mic pre device. S/PDIF means Sony/Philips Digital Interface, which allows you to send uncompressed digital audio between two compatible devices, for example, two audio interfaces. S/PDIF uses either coaxial cables via RCA connections or a fiber optic cable with TOSLINK connectors.
In most cases, a USB 2.0 connection will have enough bandwidth for your audio interface. If you’re only recording a couple dozen tracks, you can capture 24-bit/96 kHz sound without any stumbles. Of course, the more tracks you require, the more you have to split the difference—double the tracks and halve the sampling rate to 48 kHz. But that’s a scenario where you’ve got upwards of 80 tracks, so most folks are probably in the clear.
A mic pre, or microphone preamplifier, is an amplifier that brings the gain of a microphone signal up to a level that your audio interface can use. Due to the nature of their construction, microphones tend to put out very low-level electrical signals. A mic pre will amplify this signal and, assuming it has enough gain, not introduce unnecessary noise or distortion. Mic pres can be transparent, preserving the signal from the microphone exactly as it is, or add “color”—small amounts of musically pleasing harmonic distortion.
This will depend on how many inputs and outputs it has, its maximum recording resolution, and other design features. Our recommendations range in price from under $100 to well over $1,000.
Final thoughts on selecting the best USB audio interfaces
- Best overall: Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
- Premium pick: Cranborne Audio 500R8
- Best compact: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core
- Best 2-in/2-out: UA Volt 2
- Best ultra-portable: Apogee Duet
- Best connectivity options: Arturia AudioFuse
- Best preamp: Solid State Logic SSL 2+
- Best wireless: iZotope Spire Studio
- Best budget: Presonus AudioBox Go
As you’ve probably gleaned by now, there are many, many options available when shopping for the best USB audio interface. As long as you stick with a known name, sound quality probably won’t be an issue. What you should pay attention to, then, are the number of inputs and outputs, the presence of MIDI connectivity, and—if it’s important to you—high-quality converters and mic pres. Buying a USB audio interface might not be as sexy as a new guitar or synthesizer, but a good quality interface can make a massive difference in your music.
