With an audio interface, a home studio can be built. The inputs and outputs needed to connect audio devices like microphones and instruments to our computer are provided by this crucial piece of kit. It’s challenging to select the top audio interfaces because there are so many options. A modest variety is included on this list to help with the decision. The Top Audio Interface Options for 2023.
An audio interface is what?
For recording and playback, we connect hardware called an audio interface, typically over USB, to our computer. An XLR input, a preamp to increase the mic-level signal, a headphone amplifier/output, and two speaker monitor outputs are all included in a basic device.
The idea of analog to digital conversion (ADC) and processing those signals from digital back to analog (DAC) is one of the fundamental ideas underlying an audio interface. Instantaneously, everything takes place across a binary stream of 0s and 1s connected to our computer.
The interface performs the task of once more transforming the now-digital data into an analog signal while we are within the DAW, which plays through our headphones or speakers.
Audient iD4 MkII
A powerful and portable interface, the Audient iD4 is made to offer high-quality recordings. It provides a JFET instrument input and a single Class-A microphone preamp, recording audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. For excellent recording and playback quality, Audient uses class-leading conversion. The iD4 also comes with an insanely good 600 headphone amplifier to drive even the most expensive headphones.
Universal Audio Volt 2
A powerful and portable interface, the Audient iD4 is made to offer high-quality recordings. It provides a JFET instrument input and a single Class-A microphone preamp, recording audio at up to 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. For excellent recording and playback quality, Audient uses class-leading conversion. The iD4 also comes with an insanely good 600 headphone amplifier to drive even the most expensive headphones.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD
The U-Phoria series is made accessible by Behringer in a number of configurations, offering customers some of the best value at this time. The 202 is made up of two mic preamps created by MIDAS that have Neutrik combo connectors for mic, line, or Hi-Z inputs. Given its low cost and portability, this straightforward gadget offers excellent conversion and resolution (24-bit/192 kHz).
Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core
The U-Phoria series is made accessible by Behringer in a number of configurations, offering customers some of the best value at this time. The 202 is made up of two mic preamps created by MIDAS that have Neutrik combo connectors for mic, line, or Hi-Z inputs. Given its low cost and portability, this straightforward gadget offers excellent conversion and resolution (24-bit/192 kHz).
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4
The Scarlett series from Focusrite is one of the most well-known in the entry-level interface market. The 2i2, one of the best-selling audio interfaces ever built, is a favorite with new users. The 4i4, which has two microphone preamps, two line inputs, four line outputs, MIDI in and out, and a sparkling Air control that amplifies the preamps’ glistening top-end for more color, is included here. A Scarlett, whether the 4i4 or another model from the portfolio, is a great choice for beginners.
PreSonus Studio 26c
Universal Audio’s rack-mount “x”-series interfaces are some of the best of the best. The 18-in/24-out Thunderbolt 3 x8 includes four Unison-enabled microphone preamps allowing users to record and print through analog emulations of classic preamps and effects in real-time. Support for 7.1 monitoring, built-in talkback, dual headphone outputs, and 6-core DSP round out several major inclusions that this professional interface offers.
Audient EVO 16
Audient continues to innovate with powerful, futuristic-looking interfaces that challenge the norm. What do you get when you combine eight EVO preamps, two JFET instrument inputs, industry-leading conversion, eight line outputs, and ADAT? A verifiable workhorse interface capable of tackling even the biggest projects. You’d be hard pressed to find this level of features and quality anywhere else at the EVO 16’s price point. The Top Audio Interface Options for 2023.
