9 Best USB Audio Interface

Depending on the type of music you want to create, you may write, record and publish albums without using anything other than a computer. But if you only use a computer, you will be somewhat limited.

If you want to add real-world instruments or voices to your computer's recordings, you'll need an audio interface to record them. The USB audio interface can cost you a lot of money, but depending on your needs, affordable options are also worth considering.

1. Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB

1. Reference price: $ 659.99 (15,252,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 1

Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB is the successor to the original 4Pre version, only Thunderbolt. This model can work with either USB-C or Thunderbolt ports as well as older USB 3.0 ports. This makes it a great option if you need flexibility for your computer.

This model has a mic preamp with Focusrite's famous Air circuit. In addition to 4 preamps, you get an additional 4 line-in jacks, plus optional S / PDIF I / O and ADAT, for a total of 18 inputs and 8 outputs.

2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo

1. Reference price: $ 599 (13,843,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 2

Putting the terms 'solo' and 'twin' in the same product name seems confusing, but don't worry, the article will explain it to you. The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo is aimed at singers / songwriters but has two mic / line preamp. This provides an input for the voice and an input for the instrument you choose.

You also get a plugin package to make the sound more sweet. Features classic UAD hardware simulation features like LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQP-1A, along with some Softube plugins like Amp Room Essentials. This model even comes with notable features like the built-in talkback mic, which is great for starting a home studio.

3. M-Audio M-Track 8X4M

1. Reference price: $ 279 (6,436,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 3

Combining the features of audio interface with the appearance of a compact mixer, M-Audio M-Track 8X4M provides you with a variety of inputs. You get 4 1/4 inch and XLR combined TRS inputs, 2 instrument inputs, plus 2 line-level input inputs.

Unlike some of the other options on this list, you even include the Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software. This package is compatible with Ableton Live Lite, Eleven Lite and Pro-Tools First M-Audio Edition, along with a collection of plugins and audio.

4. Studio PreSonus 24c 2 × 2

1. Reference price: $ 139.95 (VND 3,230,000)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 4

If you're just starting out, you might not need all the features and input of some of the other interfaces on this list. In that case, the two-input PreSonus Studio 24c 2 × 2 is enough for you to use at a basic level, but it doesn't immediately reach the limit when you have greater ambition.

This model includes both USB-A and USB-C cables, making it extremely compatible. It even has MIDI I / O features, allowing you to use MIDI-capable hardware to control the electronic aspects of your music, without having to use a separate USB MIDI controller.

5. AX I / O

1. Reference price: $ 344.69 (7,955,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 5

So far, the interfaces on this list are aimed at general recording. This is great if you record something about everything, but if your main focus is the guitar, the AX I / O may be all you need.

This device has a combination of 1/4 inch TRS and XLR inputs, in addition to 4 outputs. It also supports some guitar software, with few options included in the package.

6. TASCAM-16 × 08

1. Reference price: $ 299.95 (6,922,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 6

So far, even interfaces with a higher number of inputs have targeted smaller projects. What if you want to record for your entire band but don't have the budget for a studio? In that case, TASCAM-16 × 08 might be what you are looking for.

The device is equipped with 8 XLR micro inputs on the front, plus 8 TRS inputs on the back. This number is enough to record live concerts and more, as long as you have mic and other equipment to provide it. The first two channels even support live streaming tools for use with amp emulators.

7. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2

1. Reference price: $ 249 (5,747,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 7

Visually, Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 seems to be similar to the other interfaces on this list. Looking at the hardware, that's true. However, if you include the included software, this option targets DJs and songwriters who compose more electronic music.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 also has very good performance. No bulky power supply means all you need is this interface and a laptop to write, record and do things you want anywhere.

8. Audient iD4 USB

1. Reference price: $ 199 (4,593,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 8

Audient iD4 USB helps you get started with the essentials. You get a Class A preamp mic and JFET Digital Interface (DI) input to plug instruments directly.

Looking at the outputs, it's quite simple. You get 1/4 inch headphone jack and 1/8 inch headphone jack. It may seem a little, but that's because this interface only focuses on providing a few features, due to the sound quality of mic preamp and DI.

9. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd generation)

1. Reference price: $ 109 (2,512,000 VND)

9 Best USB Audio Interface Picture 9

Focusrite Scarlett Solo offers a single XLR microphone preamp and 1/4 inch TRS input that can work for a line-in input or plug in instruments directly.

For output, you have a 1/4 inch headphone jack on the front. You will also find a set of stereo RCA jacks on the back. These are great things to plug into a stereo or speaker. This interface works by bus, but still provides phantom power (the power supply method often used in professional audio systems) to work with condenser microphones (capacitive microphones). It also works as well as a headphone amp, although more energy-intensive headphones can be difficult.

If you are planning to buy an interface for recording music, chances are you already have some songs already. Audio interface is not just for recording the sound of instruments and voices. If you're looking to start a podcast, you'll also need an audio interface. This is true unless you use a micro USB, which already has its built-in interface.

 Videos Focusrite Scarlett Solo Review With Demo