Top rated Audio interfaces
Here's a ranking of the top rated products in this category. To give you a quick overview, we've also added some key information about the products.
1. IK Multimedia iRig 2
IRig 2 is the successor to the popular and best-selling classic among guitar interfaces for iOS. It features a mini-jack input for guitar, bass, or other instruments and a mini-jack output for an external amplifier. With the help of a dual-mode switch, you can select the signal path between direct (Thru) and "effect" (FX) through the Amplitube app (or others). A thumb wheel controls the input level. iRig 2 is compatible not only with iOS devices but also with Android products that comply with the CTIA/AHJ standard.
Summary:
Instrument input (6.35 mm mono jack) | Amp output (6.35 mm mono jack) | Headphone output (3.5 mm stereo jack) | Input impedance: 380 kOhm | Gain control knob | FX / THRU switch | iOS 4.3 and higher | Compatible with Android devices with CTIA/AHJ standard | Compatible with Mac computers (late 2008) | Frequency response: 20 Hz-20 kHz +/- 0.2 dB | Includes AmpliTube FREE for iOS and Android (download) | Dimensions: 72 x 39 x 21 mm | Weight: 43 g.
2. IK Multimedia iRig HD 2
With the iRig HD 2, IK Multimedia has launched the next generation of the best-selling digital guitar interface, the iRig HD. This 24-bit/96 kHz audio interface continues IK Multimedia's mobile success story for iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Mac, and PC. Like its predecessor, the iRig HD 2 features a high-quality, adjustable instrument/HiZ input (6.3 mm jack) and delivers impressive sound quality for practicing, performing, or recording; anytime and anywhere. New features include a headphone output (3.5 mm jack) with volume control, as well as an output (6.3 mm jack) for connecting to a guitar amplifier or PA system. A THRU/FX switch allows either the processed or direct signal to be sent to the audio output during live performance. Additionally, the package includes a free download of the full version of AmpliTube 4, the industry-leading guitar and bass amp modeling solution for iOS, Mac, and PC. AmpliTube 4 boasts a vast, expandable collection of ultra-realistic digital models of some of the most famous amplifiers and stompbox effects of all time from manufacturers like Fender, MESA/Boogie, Ampeg, Orange, and artists like Jimi Hendrix or Slash. For stage use, a handy clip and Velcro strap for attachment to a standard microphone stand are included in the package.
3. Steinberg UR22C
The UR22C allows you to record and compose studio-quality music on a computer or iPad. The state-of-the-art equipment includes SuperSpeed USB 3.0, an integrated DSP and power supply via USB 3.0 or USB-C devices. Selected components and advanced connectivity as well as flexible input and output options make the UR22C a fully-fledged mobile production platform.
4. Steinberg UR22C Green
The UR22C allows you to record and compose music on a computer or iPad in studio quality. Its state-of-the-art features include SuperSpeed USB 3.0, an integrated DSP, and power supply via USB 3.0 or USB-C devices. Selected components and advanced connectivity, along with flexible input and output options, make the UR22C a fully-fledged mobile production platform.
• 32-Bit Integer / 192 kHz USB 3.0 audio interface with USB-C
• 2 Class-A D-PRE microphone preamps with +48 V phantom power
• 2 analog XLR/TRS combo inputs (Hi-Z switch on input 2 for electric guitar) and 2 line outputs (1/4" TRS)
• Latency-free DSP-supported monitoring with REV-X reverb, channel strip, and guitar amp classics (also included as VST 3 and AU plugins) with monitor mix control and mono switch
• USB 3.0 power supply via USB (optional power supply required for USB 2.0)
• MIDI input and output
• Sturdy metal housing
• Includes Cubase AI DAW software as a download version for Mac and PC and Cubasis LE DAW app for iPad
• dspMixFx editor software for Windows, macOS, and iOS for use with any popular audio software
• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and iOS.
5. Audient Evo 4
Evo is the new brand of the British audio specialist Audient. It combines a quarter of a century of experience in audio design with innovative new technology to enable users to produce smarter and faster. Whether you're recording the latest track, producing a beat or creating a podcast, Evo 4's advanced and versatile features allow you to turn ideas into reality quickly. As a novelty Evo 4 has a Smartgain mode that automatically adjusts the level of the microphones. This allows you to concentrate on your creativity while avoiding annoying clipping and distortion. The loopback function makes it possible to record the computer output simultaneously with the microphones. Ideal for podcasters and streamers.
Clean, warm and precise, the Evo preamps have a 58 dB gain range and get the best out of any microphone. Thanks to the built-in high-performance converters, the 113 dB dynamic range allows the recordings to reach any DAW with great detail. Even monitor mixes via headphones or connected active studio monitors can be realized effortlessly due to the extremely low latency. The intelligent multi-functional knob for level adjustment of the recording and playback channels is an enormous workflow facilitator. A JFET instrument input is available for guitar/bass direct recording. The 2 XLR combo jacks provide a stable 48 Volt phantom power and offer connections for microphones and line level sources. Evo 4 is compatible with all major audio software and plug-ins and comes with a collection of professional software that provides everything you need to get started with home recording.
6. Audient EVO 16
Eight award-winning EVO preamps and advanced converter technology ensure that everything you do sounds better. Additionally, intelligent microphone preamps with Smartgain automatically adjust their levels, along with the completely new, groundbreaking Motion UI control system and enough I/O power to handle even the largest sessions. The EVO 16 is a true studio powerhouse, designed from the ground up to make recording easy. With the eight sonically impressive EVO preamps, you can enhance your audio performance. The analog microphone preamp is based on 25 years of experience in microphone development and is designed to deliver the most accurate, cleanest, and truest representation of your audio data, no matter what you are recording.
7. Audient Evo 8
Work smarter, not harder. The EVO microphone preamp offers 4 inputs, 2 pairs of speaker outputs, and two separately adjustable headphone jacks, ensuring seamless connectivity in the project studio, rehearsal space, or on stage. New is the Smartgain mode, which automatically adjusts the microphone levels. This allows you to focus on creativity while avoiding annoying clipping and distortion. The loopback function enables simultaneous recording of computer output along with the microphones, making it ideal for podcasters and streamers. Thanks to high-quality AD/DA converters, recordings with a dynamic range of 113 dB are captured in detail in any DAW. Monitor mixes through headphones or connected active studio monitors are also easily achievable due to the extremely low latency. The intelligent multifunctional knob for adjusting the recording and playback channels significantly streamlines the workflow. For direct guitar or bass recordings, a JFET instrument input is available. The 4 XLR combo jacks provide stable 48-volt phantom power and connection options for microphones and line-level sources. The EVO 8 is compatible with all major audio software and plugins and comes with a collection of professional software that provides everything needed to get started with home recording.
8. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – 4th Generation
The Scarlett 2i2 – 4th Generation Audio Interface from Focusrite is a highly advanced solution for artists and producers who require top-notch audio quality. With two ultra-low-noise microphone preamps and an impressive dynamic range of 120 dB, this interface delivers the clarity and detail found in professional studios. The integrated Hi-Z and high-quality line inputs allow for seamless connection to instruments like guitars and synthesizers. The Auto Gain and Clip Safe features ensure that levels are always optimally set, allowing users to focus on their creativity without worrying about technical details. The Scarlett 2i2 comes with a comprehensive software suite that provides everything needed to produce and release music. With user-friendly setup and a compact design, this interface is ideal for mobile recording and home studios.
- Ultra-low-noise microphone preamps for clear recordings
- Auto Gain and Clip Safe for optimal level control
- Includes Hitmaker Expansion Software Bundle for comprehensive production tools
- USB-C connection for fast and reliable connectivity
- High audio resolution of 24-bit and sample rate of 192 kHz for professional sound quality.
9. MOTU M2
Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC technology found in numerous high-class audio interfaces, the M4 delivers an impressive 120 dB of dynamic range at its main outputs. Top-tier ESS converters are also present on the headphone outputs, which feature separate headphone amplifiers. The crystal-clear preamp circuits achieve a measured -129 dBu EIN value on the microphone inputs, allowing you to record audio with unblemished authenticity. The M2 offers high speed for monitoring live inputs (microphone, guitar, or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's specially designed USB drivers that enable class-leading, extremely low 2.5 ms round-trip latency (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer). Please note: the MOTU M4 is Class Compliant, meaning that generally no driver installation is required on Mac computers. However, MOTU has programmed a high-speed driver that, once installed, allows for significantly faster latency than conventional Class Compliant interfaces. When recording and mixing, achieving optimal levels is paramount. The M2 is the only audio interface in its class with a full-color LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Utilize the professional volume control and feedback to fine-tune your sound perfectly. The M2 drivers provide convenient loopback channels to your host computer, allowing you to easily combine computer audio with live microphone and/or guitar inputs to stream the combined mix in real-time. Streaming and podcasting have never been easier or of higher quality than today.
10. Focusrite Scarlett Solo – 4th Generation
The Scarlett Solo – 4th Generation Audio Interface is the ideal solution for all songwriters seeking a high-quality and user-friendly device. With two inputs and outputs, it allows for easy connection of a microphone and guitar to create studio-quality recordings. The converters offer a dynamic range of 120 dB, which is also used in renowned studios worldwide. The Air mode ensures that vocals and guitars stand out in the mix, giving recordings a special presence and richness.
Highlights:
- Industry-leading software and a large collection of plugins for recording, mixing, and mastering
- Proven Easy Start Tool from Focusrite for a quick setup
- Independent volume control for the headphone output.
