One of the best USB audio interfaces for 2023

So that you’ve received a quick laptop, a controller, some glorious mics, and 1,000,000 concepts … however you gained’t get far with no USB audio interface. With out one thing to transform analog into digital and vice versa, your studio will at all times be incomplete. Whether or not you’re simply getting began or a seasoned professional; whether or not you’re in search of one thing to tackle the street or maintain down the studio; or whether or not you’ve received a decent finances or the sky’s the restrict, there’s one thing for everybody. With that in thoughts, we’ve assembled an inventory of the most effective USB audio interfaces presently in the marketplace.

How we selected the most effective USB audio interfaces

It was once that USB audio interface choices have been pretty restricted. Both you acquire the one comparatively inexpensive one, otherwise you winced in ache as you handed over your bank card for a pro-level unit. As of late, because of inexpensive manufacturing and the recognition of residence recording and music-making, there are many high-quality and inexpensive digital audio interfaces in the marketplace. Even the highest gamers within the subject, like Focusrite and Solid State Logic, now provide merchandise inside the attain of everybody. To slim the various choices right down to this record, we checked out many components, together with price, use-case situation, connectivity choices, and extra. We then introduced our personal expertise as consultants within the subject of music expertise to bear and in contrast this to market response and important consensus. With many years of collective expertise writing about sound design expertise and blend strategies for worldwide retailers, we really feel assured that this record represents the most effective out there for any and all customers, whether or not you’re in search of an audio interface for Mac or an audio interface for PC.

One of the best USB audio interfaces: Evaluations & Suggestions

You’ve purchased a strong digital audio workstation and a slew of high plugins. You’ve acquired glorious screens and a pair of high-end mixing headphones. You’ve even snagged a well-equipped MIDI controller for enjoying notes and tapping out rhythms. Now you’re purchasing for a USB recording interface, so preserve your quick wants in thoughts. In case your objective is to document a complete band on the similar time, you’re going to want a really completely different interface than if it’s simply you and a single microphone. What’s your {hardware} state of affairs like? When you plan to ship audio out for processing in exterior {hardware}, you’ll want at the very least 4 outs (two for the screens and two for the DAW’s grasp bus) or perhaps a devoted re-amping choice. Lastly, what’s your finances? As with the rest involving audio, finances as a lot as you comfortably can. It’s your music—make sure that it’s the very best quality it may be.

Greatest general: Focusrite Clarette+ 8Pre

Why it made the minimize: With tons of connectivity and spectacular mic pres, this gained’t go away you wanting.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 18 (8 analog)
• Outputs: 20 (10 analog)
• MIDI: In/Out

Professionals

• Loads of connectivity
• Beautiful preamps
• Analog Air circuit provides high-end sheen

Cons

• Mic pre achieve might be louder

Focusrite has been killing it recently. The model has launched a collection of low-cost USB audio interfaces (the Scarlett line) that has change into so widespread, folks are likely to overlook that Focusrite was initially a high-end outfit began by Rupert Neve (sure, the Rupert Neve, mixing console designer) to make mic preamps for mega-producer George Martin. This isn’t some Johnny-come-lately finances model—Focusrite has critical market clout.

That clout and know-how are delivered to bear within the Clarette+ collection, a step up from the Scarlett line and, thus, a step up in high quality. The plus image within the title refers back to the Cirrus Logic converters now current within the three Clarette interfaces, together with the 8Pre, our selection for finest USB audio interface.

Because the title suggests, the 24-bit/192kHz 8Pre has eight combo line/mic analog inputs, every with a Focusrite microphone preamp. Whether or not constructed 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 stage. This firm made them for the Beatles’ producer, which speaks to its high quality. The preamps have +57dB of achieve—somewhat restricted, to be sincere, however not a deal-breaker. In addition they embrace Focusrite’s well-known analog Air circuit for including sparkle and (anticipate it) air on the high finish.

The 1U-size rackmount unit has lots extra connectivity, together with ADAT (expandable as much as eight channels), S/PDIF, and MIDI in/out. There are two sturdy headphone outputs on the entrance, excellent for when you have to hand a pair of cans to a musician for monitoring. Different pluses embrace an LED metering display and the Focusrite Management app, which could be accessed from an iOS system, for getting beneath the hood.

Focusrite’s Clarette+ 8Pre is the proper interface for residence studios. It has tons of connectivity, a very good worth ($1,249.99 MSRP however cheaper on the streets), and all these pres. Your band will love you for it.

Premium decide: Cranborne Audio 500R8

Why it made the minimize: This USB audio interface has additional options you by no means knew you wanted.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 28 (19 analog)
• Outputs: 30 (16 analog)
• MIDI: In/Out

Professionals

• Tons of connectivity
• Unimaginable converters
• 500 Sequence chassis

Cons

• Extra machine than most will want

Cranborne Audio is a comparatively new, UK-based audio firm. Not content material to end up simply one other studio-grade USB audio interface, the corporate determined to make the product that you just by no means knew you needed. The result’s the 500R8, a top-of-the-line interface that can be a 500 Sequence module rack.

First issues first. What’s a 500 Sequence rack? The five hundred Sequence is a modular format for audio gear developed by API within the Seventies. Assume mic pres, compressors, and EQs, all 3U excessive (5.25 inches) with one slot equalling 1.5-inch broad. They’re not low cost however are arguably cheaper than shopping for full-size equivalents. Most 500 Sequence instances are self-contained items. Cranborne took this concept and married a 500 Sequence case to a USB interface. Sensible.

The interface has an enormous 28-in/30-out configuration able to recording at 24-bit/192kHz, with each XLR and TRS analog module inputs and comparable twin configurations for stereo output. Extra output contains S/PDIF in/out, ADAT (as much as 16 ins and outs), MIDI in/out, plus a number of different studio-friendly connectivity choices. 

Its AD/DA converters are ridiculously good, with a 121dB signal-to-noise ratio and clocking of lower than .5 picoseconds of jitter. Clocking refers to how steady the converters are when altering an analog sign into digital 1s and 0s. Sloppy clocking will lead to jitter and a scarcity of readability. Not an issue with the 500R8. Different options embrace a discrete analog summing mixer, zero-latency artist mixer for monitoring, a totally featured monitor management part, two reference-grade headphone amps, and far more.

Whereas the 500R8 is arguably greater than most customers will ever want, skilled studios and hobbyists with deep pockets take be aware. At $2,130 MSRP, it’s truly a terrific deal for what it does. In fact, you continue to must populate it with 500 Sequence modules, however that’s all a part of the enjoyable.

Greatest compact: Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core

Why it made the minimize: On-board Antelope results assist elevate this audio interface past the peculiar.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 18 (8 analog)
• Outputs: 26 (14 analog)
• MIDI: No

Professionals

• Onboard results
• Distinctive connectivity choices
• Antelope converters

Cons

Typically, in order for you professional-grade efficiency from a USB audio interface, there’s most likely a rackmount unit in your future (see the Cranborne and Focusrite interfaces, above, for instance). Nevertheless, rackmount interfaces aren’t at all times fascinating. They’re not moveable and will require shopping for a rack to deal with them. For the most effective of each worlds—compact type issue plus high sound high quality—we advocate Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core.

A glossy and horny field with a touchscreen and enormous quantity knob, the 24-bit/192kHz Zen Tour Synergy Core actually seems to be the enterprise. It has a well-thought-out format as nicely, with 4 handy instrument/line-in jacks on the entrance in addition to two transformer-based re-amping outs for sending sign to a guitar amp or different {hardware}. Two headphone amps spherical issues out. On the again are 4 combo microphone/line ins, a set of 1/4” line outs for monitoring, ADAT in/out, S/PDIF in/out, and an extra eight strains out out there by way of 25-pin D-type connector. All line-outs are DC coupled so you need to use them with modular synthesizer gear. That must be a primary.

You may’t discuss Antelope with out mentioning its AD/DA converters. The corporate boasts artifact-free recording with as much as 130dB of headroom. This, mixed with ultra-clear mic pres, ensures pro-level recording high quality wherever you go. And sure, we do imply wherever, because the desktop type issue makes Zen Tour Synergy Core as moveable as it’s highly effective.

We haven’t talked about the onboard DSP results but. The Zen Tour Synergy Core is one of some USB audio interfaces with built-in results, that means you possibly can document straight via them as in case you had a room filled with outboard gear at your disposal. It comes bundled with 36 Antelope results starting from preamps to compressors and could be expanded with further results, each Antelope and third celebration.

At $2,150, Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour Synergy Core is on the increased finish of the value spectrum. There’s additionally no MIDI. However in case you’re critical about recording vocals and devices and need a compact desktop interface, that is one to place on the high of your Amazon Wishlist.

Greatest 2-in/2-out: UA Volt 2

Why it made the minimize: The UA Volt 2 is an all-in-one recording toolkit for the touring musician.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 2 analog
• Outputs: 2 analog
• MIDI: Sure

Professionals

• Clear, analog-like sound modes
• Compact design with built-in energy provide
• Worth

Cons

• Might not have sufficient inputs for some makes use of
• No onboard DSP processing

Common Audio packed most of what we like about its pro-grade Apollo recording gear into the Volt 2, an ultra-portable two-input USB audio interface. The field is just seven inches broad and weighs beneath one and a half kilos, so it’s simple to hold to and from a studio in a backpack. The Volt 2 must be related to your laptop utilizing a USB-C cable, which provides energy along with information. 

In our expertise, the Volt 2 can create some surprisingly clear recordings, with analog-like heat, detailed midrange, and no muddiness throughout the complete frequency spectrum. We have been notably happy with its “classic” mode, which flattens peaks to realize a tube amp-like impact. This mode is obtainable on the push of a button, which makes it simple to toggle on and off throughout recording. 

Our qualms with the Volt 2 weren’t with its sound however somewhat its lack of onboard DSP (digital sign processing), which suggests you possibly can’t natively use it with Common Audio’s complete plugin library. Its comparatively small set of inputs and outputs can be a limiting issue, however that relies on what you propose on recording. The 2-input, two-output setup is a part of what permits the Volt 2 to be so svelte. 

When you’re trying to begin your first bed room studio for velvety podcasts or want a method to create high-quality demos on the street, it’s onerous to beat the Common Audio Volt 2’s efficiency—particularly for its sub-$200 worth.

Greatest ultra-portable: Apogee Duet 3

Why it made the minimize: Apogee’s Duet 3 reduces connectivity to the necessities for an imminently moveable system.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 4 analog
• Outputs: 2 analog
• MIDI: No

Professionals

• Nice recording outcomes
• Effectively-built
• Onboard DSP

Cons

In 2007, Apogee helped redefine what a USB audio interface might be with the primary Duet. Each moveable and studio-ready, it was an prompt hit. Dominated by a single giant quantity knob and with little or no seen connectivity, it used minimalism to its benefit, predating Marie Kondo’s cry to jettison something extraneous that didn’t spark pleasure. Now as much as model 3, Apogee’s Duet nonetheless does rather a lot with little or no—and sounds higher than ever.

Connectivity is proscribed to the requirements. There are two 1/4-inch instrument inputs, two mixture microphone/line inputs, and two balanced outputs. Wanting on the unit, you’d be forgiven for questioning the place the jacks are. They’re truly dealt with by way of breakout cables. This enables for traditional connectivity whereas sustaining the Apogee’s beautiful minimal aesthetic. A 1/8-inch headphone jack completes the bundle.

Duet 3 is greater than only a fairly face, although. With its Apogee preamps with beneficiant +65dB of achieve and customized Apogee AD/DA converters, your audio is in good, 24-bit/192kHz arms.

With restricted controls on the system itself, you’d most likely suppose that this was dealt with by software program, and also you’d be proper. Duet 3 contains the Apogee Management app for routing and setup. It additionally comes bundled with the Bob Clearmountain-approved Symphony ECS Channel Strip plug-in, which makes use of the interface’s inner DSP processor to permit for latency-free recording via EQ and compression.

The USB-bus-powered Apogee 3 isn’t low cost. At $649, it’s a worth level above most interfaces with this quantity of connectivity. Add the elective Dock for direct ins and outs, and the value will increase by $149. Nevertheless, that is far and away the best-sounding choice when portability is your major concern.

Greatest connectivity choices: Arturia AudioFuse Rev2

Why it made the minimize: Arturia packs an astonishing number of connects into an interface with such a small footprint.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 14 (4 analog)
• Outputs: 14 (6 analog)
• MIDI: In/Out

Professionals

• Number of connectivity
• They-thought-of-everything extras
• Transportable

Cons

Arturia made a reputation for itself with VST emulations of well-known synthesizers and {hardware} results. It’s additionally gotten into the {hardware} market itself lately, with a number of well-received synths, drum machines, and now USB audio interfaces. AudioFuse Rev2 is the second iteration of the French firm’s debut interface, and it’s a doozy of a tool, full of extra connects than ants at a picnic.

Don’t let the small footprint of the desktop-style AudioFuse Rev2 idiot you—there’s a complete lot occurring right here. Entrance and heart, there are two combo mic/line/XLR inputs plus two separate headphone jacks in each 1/4-inch and 1/8-inch configurations, that means you’ll by no means must dig round for a misplaced adapter once more. Across the again is the place the celebration is actually taking place, although. Let’s verify the visitor record. Two 1/4-inch TRS jacks, a grounded RIAA RCA pair to your turntable, S/PDIF I/O, ADAT I/O, MIDI mini jacks for use with breakout MIDI DIN adapters, two units of analog line outputs, an insert pair for re-amping, and even a three-port USB hub. Arturia actually has considered every little thing.

Audio high quality can be as much as snuff. The AudioFuse Rev2 makes use of in-house developed DiscretePRO preamps, AKM AD/DA converters and an anti-jitter system for correct audio conversion, and a circuit that locations line and preamp alerts on separate paths with no attenuator.

There’s extra, together with quick controls for monitoring, a built-in talkback microphone, quite a few energy modes to accompany the USB bus energy, and portability. Some could not love the chunky, utilitarian look, however Arturia has accomplished an admirable job of packing plenty of performance into a really small bundle. When you just like the choices however need much more of them, stage as much as the AudioFuse Studio or 8Pre fashions.

Greatest preamp: Stable State Logic SSL 2+

Why it made the minimize: Stable State Logic lastly brings its audio expertise to the plenty.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/192kHz
• Inputs: 2 analog
• Outputs: 4 analog
• MIDI: In/Out

Professionals

• Astonishing low worth
• SSL pres
• Neutrik connects

Cons

• Headphone jacks within the rear

Few studio gear producers have achieved the type of recognition that Stable State Logic enjoys. Recognized largely for its mixing consoles, the British firm’s merchandise have historically been out of attain of all besides the largest stars {and professional} studios. As with different high audio producers, the lure of the buyer market was too robust to disregard, and SSL (because it’s usually abbreviated) threw its high hat into the USB audio interface ring in 2020 with two merchandise, the SSL and SSL+. Each have the identical common circuitry, however the plus mannequin has a number of extras, which is why we’re recommending it.

The SSL+ is a strong, modern-looking interface with Stable State Logic-style knobs and easy-to-read LED meters. All connections are on the again, which is a disgrace, nevertheless it does add to the aesthetic enchantment of the system. Taking a peek across the again, then, we’ve received two mixture 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 full the bundle. (The non-plus SSL mannequin does away with the RCAs, MIDI, and second headphone amp.)

Stable State Logic is legendary for its circuitry, and right here’s the place the SSL+ (and SSL) shines. First, let’s speak concerning the mic pres. The system has class-leading preamps with +62dB of achieve and an EIN (Equal Noise Enter) of -130.5dBu, with a two-stage design with discrete low-noise transistors and ICs. It’ll deal with gain-thirsty mics with aplomb. We dare you to search out mic pres of this caliber wherever close to this worth level. Issues solely get higher if you have interaction the Legacy 4K analog enhancement circuit. Impressed by the corporate’s 4000-series consoles, this provides a beautiful excessive enhance and delicate harmonic distortion to the incoming sign.

At $289 for the SSL+, it’s unbelievable worth for the cash. In truth, it’s so low cost that you could possibly get one only for the pres and 4K button and run it in mixture with one other, extra connect-blessed system. And we haven’t even talked about the high-quality Alps Pots, Neutrik connects, and bundled codes for 2 free SSL plugins to increase the vary of the interface. Welcome to the buyer market, Stable State Logic. 

Greatest finances: PreSonus AudioBox GO

Why it made the minimize: PreSonus’ tiny AudioBox GO delivers the products at an unbelievable worth.

Specs

• Audio decision: 24-bit/96kHz
• Inputs: 2 analog
• Outputs: 2 analog
• MIDI: No

Professionals

• Light-weight and moveable
• Improbable worth
• Direct monitoring

Cons

PreSonus’ now-discontinued AudioBox USB 96 was already an unbelievable discount, however the firm has outdone itself with the much more inexpensive AudioBox GO. $99.95 MSRP for a USB audio interface of this high quality? It’s borderline absurd.

As with Focusrite, PreSonus presents merchandise that run the gamut from studio-grade high-end to mass-market inexpensive. By borrowing some expertise from the higher echelons of the product line, it may well provide merchandise that carry out above their worth vary. The 2-in/two-out GO is not any exception, containing a PreSonus XMAX-L mic preamp that’s strong for this worth vary, though solely +50dB of achieve is likely to be a turnoff for customers of low-level dynamic microphones. The 24-bit/96kHz GO incorporates a single combo mic/line port, a Hello-Z instrument jack, and two outputs.

The GO is small and light-weight, making it extraordinarily moveable. Simply transfer it out of your desk to your bag and take it to the gig. It’s additionally USB bus-powered, which reduces cable litter by nixing the necessity for an influence wire. There’s even direct monitoring, that means you could hear precisely what you’re taking part in with none latency—important for monitoring to a DAW.

Whether or not it’s your first USB audio interface or a second for taking up the street, PreSonus’ AudioBox GO deserves your consideration. At this worth, it’s a no brainer.

Issues to contemplate when purchasing for the most effective USB audio interfaces

With such all kinds of performance out there, it may be onerous to know the place to start out your seek for the best USB audio interface. Earlier than taking the plunge, it may be useful to make an inventory of your interface necessities.

What number of ports do you want?

Audio interfaces usually begin with two inputs and two outputs (for a stereo pair of audio system). When you plan to document a number of devices concurrently or monitor by way of extra than simply your audio system, you’ll want extra ports. 

What do you propose to document?

Completely different sources require completely different ranges of enter. Line-level recording is the baseline. Microphones would require a preamp to spice up the sign, and a few additionally want phantom energy—{an electrical} sign to energy the microphone. Guitars name for Hello-Z, or excessive impedance, inputs to deliver up the sign to an appropriate stage. Subsequent, do you want MIDI ports? In case your MIDI (Musical Instrument Digital Interface) controller or exterior MIDI instrument makes use of USB MIDI, it’s possible you’ll not, however in case you plan to work with any devices requiring five-pin DIN MIDI ports and also you don’t already personal a separate MIDI interface, this will probably be crucial. Lastly, some audio interfaces provide onboard results processing, both digital or analog. In some instances, as with the Antelope Audio Zen Tour Synergy Core interface on this record, that’s considered one of its major promoting factors.

What are the advantages of getting a USB audio interface?

The standard of your recorded audio will enhance measurably if you improve out of your laptop’s built-in gear. That is because of the DAC (digital audio converters) that interfaces use. Whereas they range in high quality relying on the price of the interface, even a finances mannequin will probably be an enchancment over the one in your laptop. To make the most effective choices concerning the combo and tonal steadiness of your music, you’ll want a strong set of studio-grade screens (and/or mixing headphones) and an interface to produce them with a clear audio sign. 

One other good thing about a USB audio interface is the headphone amp. The amp in an audio interface will probably be higher high quality and—crucially for these working with amplified devices or drums—louder than the consumer-level one in your laptop. Some interfaces even have multiple headphone amp, which is important for monitoring vocals and instrument recording. 

When you’ve ever tried to document audio right into a digital audio workstation (DAW) with out an interface, you could have seen that playback and recording have been off on account of in-app latency. Some interfaces provide direct monitoring to right this timing discrepancy. Lastly, many USB audio interfaces provide analog results, digital DSP, or other forms of tonal sweetening on the recording stage.

Do I would like MIDI connectivity?

MIDI stands for Musical Instrument Digital Interface and is the language that synthesizers, drum machines, and controllers use to speak along with your DAW and one another. It’s not audio however a collection of instructions, a language that tells a be aware to play or a program or parameter to alter. Historically, MIDI was transmitted by way of devoted cables with a particular five-pin DIN configuration. These days, USB can be transmitted over USB. In trendy hardware-heavy studios, it’s frequent to have each USB and DIN MIDI gadgets. In case your MIDI-equipped instrument or controller requires MIDI cables, you’ll want a MIDI interface. 

MIDI interfaces are available two types: devoted, separate items or as a part of an audio interface. If you have to use MIDI cables and also you don’t have already got a MIDI interface, you’ll want an audio interface with MIDI in/out.

FAQs

Closing ideas on choosing the right USB audio interfaces

As you’ve most likely gleaned by now, there are lots of, many choices out there when purchasing for the most effective USB audio interface. So long as you stick to a identified title, sound high quality most likely gained’t be a difficulty. What it’s best to take note of, then, are the variety of inputs and outputs, the presence of MIDI connectivity, and—if it’s vital to you—high-quality converters and mic pres. Shopping for a USB audio interface won’t be as horny as a brand new guitar or synthesizer, however a very good high quality interface could make an enormous distinction in your music.

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