Discover the Best Audio Interface for home studio
1. Shure SM58-X2U
SM58 MIC WITH XLR-TO-USB PACKAGE
Flawless plug and play
Reviewed by Jim on B&H Photo Video
Wanted to start content creation on my mac with an XLR microphone. The x2u was immediately recognized as a mic, no config needed. It came packaged (too) securely. It's built solid, which may be a concern if you're using a cheaper mic arm that cant take the extra weight. Headphone jack on the side is actually way more convenient than the back of my computer! Only wish the gain dial had levels marked on it so I could keep it consistent between adjustments. ... More
good sound and simple setup
Reviewed by Harold on B&H Photo Video
I bought this to simplify my mic setup for meetings. I was using my Zoom H6 as a XLR-to-USB interface but got tired of having to set it up every time I wanted to use it. This powers on with the USB bus and is ready to go right away. I cannot use the headphone jack, unfortunately, because this is plugged into the back of a microphone base and the headphone jack faces down to my desk. Other than that, this is working perfectly and the sound seems better than through the H6. ... More
2. Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
I'm pleased thus far!
Reviewed by IntelleQt on Guitar Center
I've been running an old M-Audio AudioBuddy mic preamp into an M-Audio Delta 1010LT PCI interface for about a decade, with a Rode NT2 mic. I record hip-hop vocals, and I also produce beats. The Delta 1010LT works well for making beats, but the AudioBuddy was seriously lacking in quality/clarity for vocals. I was looking to take a significant step forward, finally. I stopped by a local Guitar Center, and I browsed the various interfaces available. I had been researching online for about a week. Unfortunately, GC doesn't carry Audient products, as I had been eyeballing the Audient iD22. The sales rep said the most popular interface in their store is the UA Arrow, but they were out of stock, and he said the next best thing (at least in popularity) is the Clarett 2Pre. We chatted for a while about it, and I spent some time looking into it online. I eventually made the purchase. I haven't utilized it to record a complete song at this point, but I have tested it out for the sake of ensuring that it's not defective in any way. I'm quite amazed at the clarity, the low noise even when the gain is cranked up, and the virtually nonexistent latency when tracking vocals! The software (Focusrite Control) that comes with it seems simple and straightforward, but I haven't done much with it beyond installing it. The vocals really stand out, and the interface seems to perform very well. I do believe the interface / software is set up out of the box for the "direct" monitoring capability. Also, I'm currently running a mid-2012 MacBook Pro (4GB RAM and an i5 CPU), recording in Reaper. Installation was a breeze on the Mac. Registration with Focusrite was extremely simple. I also downloaded a couple of plugins from Focusrite, using the bundle code that came with the interface - the EQ and compressor plugins are pretty nice. I would definitely recommend this interface to anyone on a modest budget, who is also looking for quality recording without spending a large amount of money! ... More
Clarett Converters are the best in this price range
Reviewed by Jordy from SomeKindaWonderful on Guitar Center
I just love it. The Red Plugin Suite along with that Focusrite classic sound makes my vocals sound as good as they've ever sounded. Thank you for recommendation Gina at Guitar Center Pasadena. Don't hesitate to buy one of these if you're looking for an amazing interface for an affordable price. Love it!!!!
3. Solid State Logic SSL2
2x2 USB Type-C Audio Interface
Absolutely Incredible
Reviewed by Nathaniel on B&H Photo Video
I can't say enough good things about this interface, it is crystal clear and is helping me produce high-quality music from my home studio. Understand that the 4k feature has nothing to do with a higher quality sound, it is actually a feature that models a vintage Solid State preamp. This plus a MXL 990/ Shure SM57 and you can record an album.
Great sounding interface!
Reviewed by Patrick M. on Reverb
I have owned lots of great interfaces over the years - if you only need a two input interface that is usb powered this has the sound of much more expensive gear. The 4K button adds the zing you’ll recognize in the tracks of hit records mixed on SSL boards. I use two SSL channel mic pres with black knob eqs as the front ends into the SSL 2 and always have the 4K buttons on. However, if on location recording with a laptop running protools the mic pres in the SSL2 are remarkably close to the channel strips in sound quality. Have owned this for several years now and the build quality has held up very well. Great SSL sound at a price point that is this affordable and highly portable too? Thank you SSL. ... More
4. Behringer U-Phoria Studio
Recording/Podcasting Bundle with Interface, Mic, and Headphones
5. Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core
4x8 USB Type-C Audio Interface
Top tier Interface!
Reviewed by Chris W on Guitar Center
Upgraded from a Motu M2 to this. The AD/DA has been a great upgrade to me. I can clearly hear the difference between the lows/mids and the sound stage. The preamps are full and clean. I was also looking at the BLA revolution 2x2 but I'm glad I went with this instead. With the FX available you cannot go wrong. The latency has been good tracking out of the DAW to FX. The only drawback I have at the moment seems to be some bugs in the software which I hope are ironed out in time. Also, AFX2DAW for the Zen GO on Windows/USB not available yet. Hopefully, they make it available. ... More
Well thought out interface
Reviewed by Tico B. on Reverb
The Zen go boasted some brilliant concepts that really appealed to me: DSP on the interface , zero latency effects monitoring, classic hardware emulation, etc… But what struck me when I first started using it was the improved sound quality, and how well the whole system is structured. The setup can be quite confusing, but when you get it up and running it feels well thought out, at the heart of it all is the mixer with some powerful routing capabilities. The software alone is worth the admission price, I like the way they haven’t simplified their controls— to me this would have had the reverse effect in the long run, your basically using the emulations how they were original used. Having the ability to bring the on board DSP effects in to my DAW is priceless, had I owned one of these before I think I would not have bought so many cpu hungry vst plug-ins. Antelope have made a device that is flexible, solid, mobile and pro-sumer, these are all the qualities I look for when I buy my gear, I think it is the most of all those given adjectives on my audio gear side. To say that I am now an Antelope fan is understatement, I have now purchased a modeling microphone from them as well. ... More
6. ART USB Dual Pre
2-channel Audio Interface
Solid Hardware that gets the job done
Reviewed by Gus Production Manager on B&H Photo Video
I'm a big fan of the ART Tech USB Dual Pre. We're using it currently as an interface for recording audio with our screen captures for software training and it really shines in this capacity. The audio is crystal clear and setup is brainless and painless!We'll tranisition it to field production in a couple months and see how it fairs outside the studio. It's a good size while not being terrible huge and it has some weight giving it a solid feel. It has solid connections as well as latency free recording which helps a lot when working with different talent and monitoring them in real-time or providing headphones while monitoring. It's a great cost effective solution for your recording needs in the field or in the studio. We're using 1 usb cable to power the unit, the mic (phantom power) and send the signal to the computer and no problems I've even plugged my guitar directly into it and had great results.Don't be a dummy and hook this thing up to a non powered USB hub and expect awesome sound. It will come close but you'll get some. Also know what you're plugging into. I've used this live into a board and it needs to be sent to a line level or gain will be introduced thus adding noise to the signal. As long as you know how to use it this thing will help you get your jobs done with less headache. ... More
Perfect for Small Recording Jobs
Reviewed by Small Town Music Man on B&H Photo Video
For the money, this is a great little system. It plugs right into my Windows Vista computer with no issues, and Audacity recognized it without any problem at all. So far I have not had any complaints about the headphones being too quiet like I read in some reviews. But I use small in-ear earbuds, which could make a difference. I also bought this to use as a preamp with my Canon T2i. I have not tried out that functionality yet, but others have had good success. The phantom power works great using USB. Using the 9 volt battery power source added a slight bit of noise to the headphones. I have not tried recording while using the battery to see if it puts noise in the recording signal. I have been using it with an AKG c1000s microphone and have gotten very good results. The phantom power works great! I don't have the power adapter to use it as a standalone box, but having the three power sources available is very convenient. I especially like the USB power option as I primarily bought it for use with my computer. I have been using it as an external sound card and the sound is great out of it. It has stopped working a couple of times, and I had to unplug the USB cable and replug it. I'm not sure if that's my computer's fault or the box's fault. I am very happy with my purchase. It's all I need to basic recording and you really cannot beat the price or the power for the size. ... More
7. Steinberg UR22mkII
USB 2.0 Audio Interface
Wow, dead quiet
Reviewed by dave the audio novice on Guitar Center
Before this I was using a scarlett 2i2 2nd generation interface. Let me tell you, this thing is dead quiet, unlike the scarlett, I was getting constant usb hum from my recording with the scarlett. I love the ur22, I can power it with a 5v, hence no power draw from computer usb, no noise. Recording will yield clean and clear audio, thick sounding, as opposed to the scarlett, which was sounding a little thin in comparison. I am keeping this and am selling the scarlett. which I used to love. ... More
Good interface for budget home studio
Reviewed by Ace on B&H Photo Video
This box is an upgrade from my presonnus audio box, I hate dealing with steinberg for anything because of poor customer service, needless to say I was shocked when I got this interface to work within 2 minutes of hooking it up, no hoops to jump through, no lengthy registration process, just plug n go. My system is a amd 8320 octocore processor/32 gb ddr3 1600, 2tb 7200rpm hdd, and stock amd r9 video card.i have everything hooked up to a pair job lsr305s.I use ableton live 9.5 and komplete 10, the box works great at 24/96000, eats up some extra cpu once you crank the resolution to 24/192,000, but that is to be expected I guess. Over all its a good buy, and it sounds better than any presonnus, or focusrite box I've tried. ... More
8. Steinberg UR12
Portable USB Interface
Top Quality Mic Pre
Reviewed by Thomas on Guitar Center
The mic pre in this unit is awesome. It's quiet and works beautifully with my TLM-103. I love the power options of using the USB2 interface OR using a micro USB connector with a USB charger. If you're using your iPad with this interface, you can use your Apple charger to power this interface while you input to your iPad. I've stopped using my Apogee One in favor of this unit due to the One having some occasional digital noise issues and what I felt was too tubby of a bottom end. The UR-12 is cleaner in A/B comparisons with the One. I am one happy UR-12 customer and HIGHLY recommend this interface. ... More
So far the UR 12 has been working great. The sound is clear
Reviewed by GooniTunes on Guitar Center
I use this for recording. I don't run it thru any tubes or anthing that isn't a plugin. Sounds great. Transportable and nice looking with a metal shell.
9. MOTU M4
4x4 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface
The perfect audio tool
Reviewed by Julio on B&H Photo Video
Hi people... this audio card is perfect, beautiful and have a good contruction, The sound is very similar to Scarlett but it have some details, digital meters, stereo spantion more open, These small details make a difference, the sound is soft and relaxed and allows you to make an exact mix. My advice: Some people have written in their reviews that when you put a microphone they turn off the 48 volts, please connect the USB c to the USB 3.0 port not to the 2.0 because the USB 3.0 has more power and can keep the 48 Volts. In case you have an advanced PC with direct C port on the motherboard you don't have this problem ... I hope this information helps you. ... More
Beyond expectations
Reviewed by Donald on B&H Photo Video
As a retired Audio Engineer and now (thankfully) back to exploring my own ideas I wanted to ditch the (usual) complex professional Mac Pro based modular system and work with a Mac Mini, a 4k monitor, a set of Genelecs with a sub, a USB based interface with Mac OS Core Audio and a USB keyboard... I wanted to take advantage of the abilities of the i7 processors to mitigate the need for racks of outboard gear, LOTS of wiring, huge mixers and patchbays for multi-track recording. I got what I wanted. 4 in. 4 out. Input trims with a ton of gain. A ton of headroom. Transparent. Quiet. Low latency. Great metering. Powerful headphone output. Small footprint. Inexpensive. What's not to love? ... More
10. Presonus Studio 1810c
18x8 USB Type-C Audio Interface
I love this audio card to death
Reviewed by Zaturdayz on Guitar Center
As a start up dj/musician I have been looking and looking for the best equipment to record my vocals/synths/drum machines, etc. and I have found that this audio card is one of my favorites. The versatility of its use's (whether it'd be the 4 outputs/inputs, the power of its internal processes, etc) makes it a great addition to my home studio. I only wish there weren't so many wires to power it and I wish it would be a bit smaller as one of my studio monitor has to sit on top of it, but I don't care, I love it. ... More
Presonus 1810C Awesome Interface and Software Package is Incredible
Reviewed by Tony M. on Reverb
I’m blown away by how good this interface, especially in it’s price range. The sound of it is very clean and warm. It’s like it’s not even there at all - just the sound of whatever I am playing or recording. The software package that is included is far-frigging-out! Studio 1 seems very impressive. I have much to lean, but it’s a very capable and fairly intuitive DAW. The extra plug-ins that they have included are awesome. You have to load all of those separately which is a PITA, but it is very much worth the effort. These are some really nice plug ins they have included. All in all I’m pretty in love with Presonus right now! Presonus 1810C is the bomb! ... More