An audio interface is a device that connects your audio source (such as a microphone, guitar, or keyboard) to your computer and converts the analog signal into digital data that can be processed, recorded, or streamed. A good audio interface can improve the sound quality, reduce latency, and offer more features and flexibility than your computer’s built-in sound card.
But how do you choose the best audio interface for your needs and budget? There are so many options available on the market, with different features, specifications, and prices. To help you out, we have compiled a list of the best audio interfaces in 2023, based on various criteria such as performance, compatibility, functionality, design, and customer feedback. Whether you are looking for a simple, affordable, or professional and powerful device, you will find something that suits you in this list.
Best Overall: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is one of the most popular and trusted audio interfaces in the world. It has a sleek and sturdy metal case, two high-quality mic preamps, two combo inputs for mic or instrument, two balanced outputs for monitors, a headphone output, and a USB-C port. It supports up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution and comes with a bundle of software and plugins, including Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First, and Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is easy to use, reliable, and versatile. It works with both Mac and PC and is compatible with most DAWs and streaming platforms. It delivers a clear and crisp sound, with low noise and distortion, and minimal latency. It is ideal for recording vocals, guitars, keyboards, or podcasts, as well as for mixing and mastering. It is also very affordable, costing only $90 at Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + High-quality mic preamps | – No MIDI input/output |
| + USB-C port | – No direct monitoring knob |
| + Software Bundle | – No pad switch |
Best for On-the-Go Overdubs: UA Volt 2
The UA Volt 2 is a compact and portable audio interface that offers a unique feature: it can run on batteries. This means you can use it anywhere, without needing a power outlet or a computer. You can connect it to your smartphone or tablet via Bluetooth, and use the UA app to record, edit, and share your music. You can also use it as a standalone device, and record directly to an SD card.
The UA Volt 2 has two Unison-enabled mic preamps, which emulate the sound and behavior of classic analog hardware. It also has two combo inputs for a mic or instrument, two balanced outputs for monitors, a headphone output, and a USB-C port. It supports up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution and comes with a collection of UA plugins, including the legendary 1176 compressor, the Pultec EQ, and the Marshall Plexi amp.
The UA Volt 2 is a powerful and convenient audio interface that lets you capture high-quality audio anywhere, anytime. It works with both Mac and PC and is compatible with most DAWs and streaming platforms. It delivers a warm and rich sound, with realistic analog emulation, and ultra-low latency. It is ideal for recording vocals, guitars, bass, or drums, as well as for overdubbing and adding effects. It costs $299 on UA’s website.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Battery-powered | – Expensive |
| + Bluetooth connectivity | – Limited inputs/outputs |
| + Unison technology | – Requires UA app |
Best for live streaming: Roland Bridge Cast
The Roland Bridge Cast is a dedicated audio interface for live streaming. It is designed to help you create professional and engaging live video content, with high-quality audio and video. It has a built-in camera, a ring light, a microphone, and a speaker, as well as a 7-inch touchscreen for easy control and monitoring. It also has two XLR/TRS combo inputs for external mic or instrument, two balanced outputs for monitors, a headphone output, and a USB-C port. It supports up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution and comes with a software suite that includes Roland Zenbeats, OBS Studio, and Restream.
The Roland Bridge Cast is a complete and easy-to-use audio interface for live streaming. It works with both Mac and PC and is compatible with most streaming platforms, such as YouTube, Twitch, Facebook, and Instagram. It delivers a clear and smooth sound and video, with low noise and latency, and adjustable settings. It is ideal for live-streaming Best Audio Interfaces music, gaming, podcasting, or vlogging, as well as for video conferencing and online teaching. It costs $300 at Sweetwater.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Built-in camera, light, mic, and speaker | – Bulky and heavy |
| + Touchscreen interface | – No battery option |
| + Software Bundle | – No SD card slot |
Best for Guitar: IK Multimedia iRig HD 2
The IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 is a simple and affordable audio interface for guitar players. It is a small and lightweight device that plugs directly into your guitar and connects to your computer, smartphone, or tablet via USB or Lightning. It has a 1/4-inch input for the guitar, a 1/4-inch output for the amp, a 1/8-inch output for headphones, and a switch for FX/Thru mode. It supports up to 24-bit/96kHz resolution and comes with a bundle of software and apps, including AmpliTube 4, AmpliTube for iOS, and Cubasis LE.
The IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 is a convenient and fun audio interface for guitar players. It works with both Mac and PC and is compatible with most DAWs and streaming platforms. It delivers a clean, dynamic sound, low noise and latency, and adjustable gain. It is ideal for practicing, recording, or performing guitar, as well as for adding effects and amp simulations. It costs only $70 at Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Plug and play | – No mic input |
| + USB and Lightning compatibility | – No phantom power |
| + AmpliTube bundle | – No MIDI input/output |
Best Budget: PreSonus AudioBox USB
The PreSonus AudioBox USB is a basic and cheap audio interface that does the job well. It has a solid and durable metal case, two Class A mic preamps, two combo inputs for mic or instrument, two balanced outputs for monitors, a headphone output, and a USB port. It supports up to 24-bit/48kHz resolution and comes with a bundle of software and plugins, including Studio One Artist, Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, and Ableton Live Lite.
The PreSonus AudioBox USB is a simple and reliable audio interface that works with both Mac and PC and is compatible with most DAWs and streaming platforms. It delivers a decent and balanced sound, with low noise and latency, and phantom power. It is ideal for recording vocals, guitars, keyboards, or podcasts, as well as for mixing and mastering. It is also very cheap, costing only $130 at Amazon.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| + Durable metal case | – No USB-C port |
| + Class A mic preamps | – No direct monitoring knob |
| + Software Bundle | – No pad switch |
Conclusion
These are some of the best audio interfaces in 2023 that you can buy right now. They all have different features, specifications, and prices, but they all share one thing in common: they can help you create and enjoy high-quality audio. Whether you are a beginner or a professional, a musician or a podcaster, a streamer or a listener, you will find an audio interface that meets your needs and budget in this list. So, what are you waiting for? Grab your audio interface today, and unleash your creativity and passion.
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