Top 10 Audio Interfaces of 2021
Choosing the right audio interface is an extremely daunting but important task for any musician or audio worker. Audio interfaces provide access to higher quality recording and a wider range of inputs. Things recorded without an audio interface run off of a computer’s sound card. These are typically not as powerful and can’t capture sound quite as accurately. Many audio interfaces have unique features and plugins to enhance your audio recording experience. Here are the top 10 Audio Interfaces of 2021.
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a high-performing audio interface at an affordable price. It typically ranges from $160 – $200 and packs a punch with its 24-bit/192 kHz bit depth and sample rate. This interface has two mic preamps, two mic and line dual inputs, and a left and right line output. It connects with USB-C and runs on bus power. There’s also the inclusion of the Air button, a feature originally built into their ISA preamp. This button adds more clarity to higher frequencies and brightens up sound.
This audio interface is absolutely perfect for independent musicians and professional musicians alike and is one of the absolute best on the market. It can be easily plugged into a laptop for music creation on the go. I personally use the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 at the moment, and it has yet to lead me astray. It benefits from its sleek and beautiful design for anyone who’s also into aesthetics, and it’s a great piece of tech for anybody working with audio.
2. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The Presonus Audiobox USB 96 is another popular audio interface on the market ranging from around $80 – $100. It records up to 24 bit/96 kHz. There are 2 mic preamps, 2 mic/instrument dual inputs, 2 analog outputs, and MIDI I/O input and outputs. USB-C connection is utilized, and it includes bus power. It has +48 volt phantom power to fit all of your condenser mic needs.
This interface definitely does the job right with maximum affordability. It is perfect for any new musician or podcaster looking for a cheaper option. It’s also extremely portable, allowing you to take your studio wherever you go. Many people boast the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 as their absolute favorite audio interface.
3. Audient iD4 MkII
The Audient iD4 is around $200. It provides 24 bit/96 kHz.This interface has 1 renowned class A Audient mic preamp, a mic/line input, an instrument input, dual headphone outputs, and left and right line outputs. The new MkII has a bus-powered USB-C connection, and it is fully compatible with IOS devices. It also includes a scroll control feature, allowing the volume knob to become a virtual scroll wheel.
The Audient iD4 MkII is an affordable device with tons of useful tricks up its sleeve. It’s another great choice when it comes to power and portability. Its converters make the sound as succinct and clear as you need to make precise musical decisions.
4. Audient Evo 4
The Audient Evo 4 is a well-rounded device, perfect for the eclectic audio and multimedia creator and producer. It’s definitely good for anyone who makes content that requires audio coming from a computer. It also has a function to automatically set input levels and make jumping into music creation a bit quicker.
The Audient Evo 4 is an affordable audio interface that can typically be found new at around $130. It delivers a bit depth and sample rate of 24bit/96kHz and includes 2 mic and 1 instrument preamps, 1 Instrument input, 2 mic/line inputs, 1 headphone output, left and right analog outputs, and bus-powered USB-C connectivity. The Evo 4 can record audio from your computer, making it perfect for live streaming and recording podcasts with others from afar.
5. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII is a powerful audio interface costing about $799. It has a 24bit/192kHz bit depth and sample rate with 2 mic/line inputs, 1 instrument input, 2 line outputs, left and right monitor outputs, and 1 headphone output. This interface includes thunderbolt connectivity. There’s the option of a UAD-2 quad-core model packing all the power you need to run the most complex plug-ins and emulations. It comes with the LUNA Recording System for Mac which seamlessly integrates with the apollo interface, providing latency so low it’s pretty much not there.
Though it may seem a bit pricey, the Universal Audio Apollo MkII is an extremely powerful device marketed with powerful software. It includes tons of UAD plugins out of the box and is perfect for any serious music creator working off of a mac. It’s easy to integrate as your studio grows and can always provide additional I/O and DSP power.
6. Steinberg UR22C
The Steinberg UR22C is another affordable audio interface priced at around $189.99. It has a bit depth and sample rate of 32bit/192kHz. This device has two preamps, two mic and instrument inputs, left and right analog outputs, a headphone output, and USB-C connectivity with the ability to use bus power. It also includes MIDI I/O input and outputs.
This interface was created with compatibility in mind and can work with pretty much any recording setup. It’s affordable and comes with simple production software Cubase AI. It provides affordable and professional recording anywhere and any time.
7. Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
At about $179.99, the Mackie Onyx Producer is another affordable option in terms of audio interfaces. It records at 24bit/192kHz and makes use of 2 mic preamps, 2 mic and instrument
inputs, a headphone output, left and right line outputs, MIDI I/O input and outputs, and USB-B connectivity with bus power. The Onyx Producer 2.2 comes with comprehensive DAW software Tracktion T7. It includes zero latency and digital routing.
This audio interface has crystal clear sound and premium analog circuitry, and it isn’t going to break the bank. This is another good option for those new to audio recording and production with its portability, pricepoint, and included software. The Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2 is a sleek model for anyone also wanting aesthetic value in their setup.
8. PreSonus Studio 192
The PreSonus Studio 192 ranges from around $499.99-$799.99. It has a bit depth and sample rate of 24bit/192kHz. There are 2 preamps, 2 mic/instrument inputs, 2 line inputs, 4 TRS outputs, left and right main outputs, a headphone output, coaxial input and outputs, and ADAT input and outputs. This interface uses USB-B connectivity. It’s compatible with most recording software available on Windows and Mac.
The PreSonus Studio 192 is great for you and a small band to get amazing quality. It has a wide range of inputs and outputs. It also provides professional sound with no latency and will work
nicely with any recording setup. This audio interface is another portable option, allowing you to set up your studio absolutely anywhere you might need it. It’s a powerful interface that is definitely worth the price.
9. Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD can be found at around $135-$180. This audio interface records at a resolution of 24bit/192kHz. It has 4 mic preamps, 4 mic/instrument inputs, 4 inserts, 6 line outputs, 2 stereo RCA outputs, a headphone output, and MIDI I/O input and outputs. It uses USB-B connectivity and comes with the Tracktion 4 DAW.
Affordability and the number of inputs and outputs make the Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD a great Audio Interface option. It also utilizes zero-latency monitoring for clean recording. This interface packs a serious punch for its price.
10. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
The price of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is typically about $549.99. Its resolution is 24bit/192kHz. There are 8 preamps, 8 line inputs, 10 analog outputs, 2 headphone outputs, 2 digital inputs, 2 digital outputs, and MIDI I/O input and outputs. It connects through USB-C and is made to be mounted on a rack.
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a perfect option for anyone starting their very own studio. It has tons of inputs and outputs to work with a variety of instruments and musicians all at once, even with multiple drum kit inputs. This interface is an absolutely wonderful studio starter.
Top 10 Audio Interfaces of 2021
All of these audio interfaces have their pros and cons. The world of audio interfaces is wide, and there’s bound to be an option perfect for you. Some interfaces are better for the traveling musician, whereas others might be perfect for the stay-at-home podcaster. There are also options for anyone looking into creating their very own studio. Whatever interface you choose, you can make sure it’s the absolute right fit for you. Do you know your audio interface match yet?
