Before talking about the features or specifications, this Scarlett 2i4 is very similar to the Scarlett 212, except it has 2 additional line outputs, and 2 additional balanced outputs Not only does this make it an ideal, high-quality device for recording, but also live performance. Mac Mac 10.10 and onwards / Connectivity via USB.
Up next, we have a mac only interface and this thing is extremely powerful. It’s a 2 x 6 thunderbolt connection and the audio conversion is quite telling at 24-bit/192 kHz for some of the clearest, zero-latency sound possible right now. All of the interfaces should work with both Mac OS and Windows, but I’ll mention if that’s not the case or if there have been any issues. Most are USB 2.0 but there are a couple that use USB 3.0. For podcasting and solo recording for most people, I would recommend starting in the ‘2×2’ section. 10 Best Audio Interfaces for Home Studio 2019 – Producer’s Buying Guide In this guide we’ll take a look at some of the best audio interfaces for home studio recording and music production. Quick answer: if your home studio setup utilizes mainly USB connections, the Steinberg UR28M is your best bet overall. The MOTU 828x gives you 28 inputs and 30 outputs in one audio interface that connects to your computer, Mac or PC. Fitted with one of the cleanest pre-amps you can find in an audio interface, the mic channels features pre-converter sends for you to work with outboard processing as well, should you prefer.
Here’s a list of some of the best audio interfaces to get for playing and recording guitars through a Mac or PC computer.
This is more of a “starter” list for home studio recording than a “best of” list covering every possible scenario. Obviously some professional audio interfaces sell for several thousand dollars, but you don’t need something with a gazillion inputs and outputs if you’re just recording a direct input guitar signal or a mic’d amp.
Last year when I first started getting into home recording, I had no idea what exactly was required to play and record guitars using a computer.
It turns out the #1 most important thing to start with is an audio interface.
An audio interface lets you connect guitars and microphones to a computer via USB or Firewire, and there are some PCI and thunderbolt interfaces as well.
USB audio interfaces have become the most common in recent years, and they’re also quite affordable.
You definitely want to get a proper audio interface for recording and monitoring because a computer’s sound card and line input aren’t nearly good enough. You need something with a proper Hi-Z input for guitars.
You can get a cheap Behringer interface for as little as $30. But you’re better off buying something better from the get-go because an audio interface is an integral part of audio production.
A number of brands have problems running at low latency and that’s a problem because it’s very important to avoid any extra delay when it comes to recording guitars. The 2nd gen Scarlett interfaces are the best low cost interfaces with low latency.
A $99 Scarlett Solo is going to be a good entry-level interface at the very minimum. If you can afford to spend a little bit more, in the $250 range, you can get something with more inputs and outputs and some extra features like the Roland QuadCapture.
If money is no object just save yourself the trouble and get an RME audio interface. Many consider RME’s interfaces “the best” when it comes to recording guitars, with super low latency, reliable drivers, and crystal clear output. However, RME stuff isn’t cheap. Their entry-level model, the Babyface Pro, sells for $750.
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You can also use a DI box to connect a guitar to a computer, like the Radial Pro48, but that’s only part of the equation because an audio interface is still needed. DI boxes are nice for getting a clearer sound and for splitting signals (like listening through an amp while DI recording on a computer), but they aren’t required.
If you’re getting an audio interface for playing and recording guitar with a computer, you’re also going to need a set of studio monitors or a good pair of headphones. Plus here’s a list of some of the best free and paid guitar amp sims to get started.
Best Guitar Audio InterfacesRME Babyface Pro Audio Interface
The RME Babyface Pro is widely regarded by professionals that know what they are talking about as one of the best portable audio interfaces currently available for guitars. I wouldn’t know because I’m neither rich nor a professional but I’d suggest looking into it if you want a high-end audio interface because people rave about RME. 🙂
Quality: up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
I/O: 12 x 12 Other: four analog inputs, four analog outs, ADAT/SPDIF, MIDI port, 48V phantom power, relay-driven PAD, low latency AD/DA converters. Included Software: TotalMix software, with some included effects, available for Windows, Mac OS X, and iOS. Price: $749 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a really good mid-level audio interface for recording guitars and vocals. The signal is very clear, it has solid build quality, and it comes with a good software bundle. You want to avoid the 1st gen 2i2 and Solo units for guitars because they don’t have enough headroom for active/hot pickups; the 2i4 and higher up models add a pad button to remedy this and the 2nd gen Scarlett models have 8dB extra headroom so it’s not a problem anymore with them.
Quality: up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
I/O: 2 x 2 Other: Dual XLR/TRS connectors, phantom power, direct monitor, halo light indicators, low latency. Included Software: Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack with 12 stompbox pedals and Ableton Live Lite 9, Focusrite Control, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 2GB of Loopmasters samples. Price: $149
See my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review for more information and a video demo.
Steinberg UR22MKII 2-Channel USB Interface
The Steinberg UR22MKII is another popular model in the “affordable” category for beginners. Steinberg interfaces have a solid reputation and a lot of positive reviews. Their drivers are known for being pretty good but the latency isn’t quite as low as Focusrite’s interfaces.
Quality: up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
I/O: 2 x 2 Other: 2 XLR/TRS connectors, MIDI in and out, Hi-Z switch for input 2, phantom power, compatibility with Windows, OS X and iPad. Included Software: Cubase AI and Cubasis LE. Price: $139 Behringer UCA202/UCA222 Audio Interface
The Behringer UCA202 and the nearly identical red version with some extra software, the U-CONTROL UCA222, are among the least expensive audio interfaces that’ll you find on the market capable of recording and playing guitar through a PC or Mac computer. One way to get started if you can’t afford to spend $100 on something better.
Quality: up to 16-bit, 48 kHz
I/O: 2 x 2 Other: RCA inputs and outputs (need adapter to connect guitar), S/PDIF optical output, no drivers required. Included Software: KRISTAL Audio Engine, Audacity, energyXT2. Price: $29
Building your own home recording studio requires a lot of work. You’ll need to soundproof your room and carefully choose (and invest in) important sound equipment such as microphones, studio monitors, and essential hardware — like an audio interface.
An audio interface is basically the hardware that is responsible for getting sound in and out of your computer, as well as in your speakers for music playback and mixing. Technically speaking, it converts analog signals into digital audio information, so as to maintain the quality of your audio better than the sound cards on your computers can.
Another benefit of using an audio interface is that it allows multiple channels of input and output for recording vocals and instrumentals, sometimes up to a full band. Because of its dedication to recording more professional audio, most audio interfaces are built with preamps for cranking up the mic signal for recording and eliminating audio delays, interference, and jitters.
Bottom line is, you’ll need a reliable audio interface for recording and monitoring production-quality audio in your home studio. To help you choose the best one for your needs, we’ve listed down some of the best (and most popular) audio interfaces on the market today.
Best Audio Interfaces
Whether you’re looking for a USB or Thunderbolt audio interface, you’re sure to find one that will fit your studio recording needs from our list below.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22, (Shop Now)
First on the list is the incredibly affordable and portable Behringer U-Phoria UMC22. At way below $50, this audio interface is capable of helping you record and deliver professional quality audio with its 2-channel USB interface—a mic/line XLR input that allows you to plug in your mic and other audio devices and a 1/4-inch instrument DI for your guitar or bass.
Built into this prized Behringer equipment are the Direct Monitor switch for zero-latency direct monitoring, as well as the switchable +48-volt phantom power and Midas microphone preamp technology for compatibility with dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. It’s a great starting interface for aspiring musicians and podcasters, plus it won’t break the bank.
Key Specifications:
Lexicon Alpha, (Shop Now)
The Lexicon Alpha is another low-priced audio interface that many beginners and professionals are raving about, primarily because this small, powerful device has 4 inputs (one XLR mic, two TRS, and one high impedance). And because it’s so affordable, it lacks phantom power and MIDI in/out for your microphone and MIDI controller.
Then again, if you’re looking for a cheap, starter interface that can do what more the more expensive ones can—like record multiple vocal and music inputs, latency-free monitoring and recording, professional audio-to-digital and digital-to-audio conversion, and more—the Lexicon Alpha is worth every penny. It comes with free plug-in software, too.
Key Specifications:
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, (Shop Now)
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is another widely-known audio interface that features 2 inputs, 2 outputs, and professional quality 24-bit sampling rate of up to 96kHz. Its dual mic inputs offer switchable phantom power, 60dB of gain that also serves as 1/4-inch inputs via combo jacks, stereo main outs, and a headphone output.
Recording Interface For Macbook Air
This small, portable 2×6-inch device is surprisingly capable of high-resolution recording, operates on USB bus power, offers MIDI in/out for keyboard or MIDI controllers, and even comes with the Studio One 3 Artist software. The Audiobox USB 96 works great for both Mac or Windows computers.
Key Specifications:
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre, (Shop Now)
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre utilizes fast Thunderbolt technology to connect to a compatible Mac or Windows computer, which explains the price jump from usual USB interfaces. This ensures extra-low, round-trip latency, at the very least.
In addition, the Clarett 2Pre comes with the brand’s high-quality Clarett preamps and “Air” effect, multiple Focusrite software programs (including the Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite), and a total of 10 inputs and 4 outputs for recording and mixing even more vocals and instruments, making it ideal for more advanced music production.
Key Specifications:
Audio Interface For MacApogee Duet, (Shop Now)
For those looking for the highest quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog audio conversion and premium preamps in a small and sleek packaging, then the Apogee Duet is an ideal choice. Despite this USB interface being incredibly compact, it offers 2 inputs and 4 outputs, 2 high-gain mic preamps, phantom power, and high-quality conversion of 24-bit/192kHz.
But it’s coolest feature is its full-colored OLED display that conveniently indicates the current status of your inputs and outputs, and many other functions like metering, input grouping, muting, phantom power, and Soft Limit. For increased versatility that’s fitting for professional sound engineers and musicians, this upgraded version has added compatibility with Mac and iOS devices aside from Windows 10 operating systems.
Key Specifications:
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII DUO, (Shop Now)Recording Interface For Macbook
Photo by: Universal Audio
As an aspiring producer, musician, sound engineer, or podcaster, you may have probably already heard of the Mac-compatible Apollo Twin USB DUO. It’s worth exactly the same as this Apollo Twin MkII DUO, and features a lot of the same types of qualities like the high-quality conversion, low-latency audio even with high track counts, two microphone preamps that utilize Unison Technology, high impedance (Hi-Z) input, and many more.
Best Audio Interface For Mac Home Recording
The most noticeable differences are the Twin MkII DUO‘s 2 additional outputs (for a total of 6), Thunderbolt interface, and overall improvement in audio power, conversion, and monitoring.
Best Guitar Recording Interface
Key Specifications:
Audio Interface For Macbook Pro
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