THE BEST AUDIO INTERFACES FOR HOME STUDIOS IN 2023
By: TailoredSonics, last updated: april 15, 2023
Creating music from the comfort of your own home has become increasingly popular in recent years, thanks to advancements in technology that have made recording equipment more accessible and affordable. One essential piece of equipment that every home studio needs is an audio interface, which connects your instruments and microphones to your computer and ensures high-quality sound recording. With so many options on the market, it can be challenging to choose the right one for your needs. In this blog post, we will compare and review the 10 best audio interfaces for home studios, taking into consideration factors such as sound quality, ease of use, and compatibility with different DAW software.
overall winner
specifications:
Inputs: 1x mic, 1x line/inst
Outputs: balanced TRS stereo pair, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Ableton Live Lite 10, Pro Tools First, Focusrite Red Plugin Suite, Softube Time & Tone Bundle, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, 3 month Splice sounds subscription
where to buy:
Pros:
cons:
+ Quality pre-amps
+ Stylish looks
+ Bundled with quality plugins
- Not the cheapest option
description:
As the simplest model in the series, the third-generation Scarlett Solo enables singer-songwriters to enjoy a reassuringly easy recording process. Equipped with powerful AD-DA converters with up to 24-bit/192kHz, Scarlett delivers the same professional sound quality across the entire third-generation range. It features a redesigned Scarlett microphone preamp: with optional Air mode to reproduce the Air effect of the original ISA microphone preamp from Focusrite, giving your vocal recordings a brighter and more open sound.
specifications:
where to buy:
cons:
Inputs: 2x mic/inst xlr,6.3mm combo
Outputs: balanced TRS stereo pair, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 96 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software including Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic Plug-In suite.
Pros:
+ Affordable
+ Two combo mic/instrument inputs make it versatile
+ easy to use
- limited number of inputs and outputs compared to other interfaces on this list
description:
If you're a musician, producer, or podcaster on a tight budget, the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is the perfect solution for you. This intuitive and compact audio/MIDI interface has all the right features for simple recordings: you can start making high-quality recordings at 24-bit/96kHz as soon as you connect it. Powered by USB, the AudioBox USB 96 is designed for mobile use and allows for easy recording. The front panel of the AudioBox USB 96 audio interface features two combo mic/instrument inputs, making it ideal for singer/songwriters, podcasters, and guitar or guitar/bass duos. Simply plug in a couple of mics and you have an easy-to-use stereo recording system. With a mix control, you can adjust the balance between the input signal and playback from your computer without any annoying delays. Additionally, there are a pair of balanced line outputs, an extremely loud yet crystal-clear headphone output, and MIDI I/Os for connecting your favorite synths or MIDI controllers.
specifications:
Inputs: 1x mic XLR, 1x 6.3mm Line
Outputs: unbalanced rca, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Monark, Replika, Phasis, Solid Bus Comp, Maschine Essentials, Ableton Live Lite 10, Komplete Start, $25 E-Voucher, Two month subscription to sounds.com
where to buy:
109.00 $
Pros:
cons:
+ Excellent bundled software
+ great build quality
- unbalanced rca
description:
NI don’t have the audio interface pedigree of some of the brands in this list, with just three I/O boxes amongst their current line-up of products – including the slightly higher spec’d Komplete Audio 2. This is no sub-par imitator though. As with pretty much all recent NI gear, the Komplete Audio 1 is well designed and sturdily built, offering features ideal for bedroom producers.
It benefits from being part of NI’s Komplete ecosystem too as the free software that comes bundled here includes an excellent plugin synth and a trio of effects that are arguably worth the price of entry alone. For producers just getting started, this is an excellent value package.
specifications:
Inputs: 2x mic/inst xlr,6.3mm combo
Outputs: balanced TRS stereo pair, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: none that we know of.
where to buy:
93.60 $
Pros:
cons:
+ very good price for what you get
+ phantom power
+ direct monitor button
- knobs feel cheap
description:
While it isn’t the perfect interface, the U-Phoria UMC202HD is hard to beat for its price. The unit boasts a solid performance, high-quality preamps, and a more than tempting price tag. The only bad thing to say is that the knobs feel a bit cheap, but for $90 we can live with that.
specifications:
119.99 $
Inputs: 1x mic/inst xlr,6.3mm combo / 1x 6.3mm
Outputs: balanced TRS stereo pair, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Pro Software - MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops, Creative FX Collection, Xpand!2, Mini Grand, and Revalver
where to buy:
82.40 $
Pros:
cons:
+ very good price for what you get
+ low distortion level
- cant connect line level and mic at same time
description:
The M-Audio AIR 192|4 is a versatile and portable audio interface that is perfect for home recording enthusiasts, podcasters, and musicians. It provides high-quality recording capability with a pristine sound that's perfect for your recordings. With two combo inputs, you can easily connect microphones, instruments, and line-level sources. The interface also features a Hi-Z input that allows you to record guitars and basses directly into your DAW. Additionally, it includes a 5-pin MIDI input/output to connect your MIDI devices. The AIR 192|4 also has a headphone output and a direct monitor switch that enables you to monitor your recordings without latency. You can use it with a range of recording software, including Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite, and MPC Beats, making it a flexible choice for any recording setup. With its compact and portable design, the M-Audio AIR 192|4 is an affordable and high-quality audio interface that can be taken anywhere.
specifications:
Inputs: 1x xlr, 1x 6.3mm Line
Outputs: balanced TRS stereo pair, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Traction music production software included
where to buy:
69.99 $
Pros:
cons:
+ phantom power
+ direct monitor button
- Zero latency control affects both monitor and headphone output.
description:
The Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 is a compact and affordable audio interface designed for home studio recording. It features a single XLR/TRS combo input and a dedicated Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording capability, and a headphone output with independent level control. It's compatible with a range of recording software, making it a flexible choice for any recording setup.
specifications:
Inputs: 1x mic, 1x inst
Outputs: Unbalanced RCA, headphone
Compatibility: PC, Mac
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Max resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: cubase AI, Cubasis LE
where to buy:
99.99 $
91.90 $
Pros:
cons:
+ Rugged metal build
+ phantom power
- Slightly heavy
- Outputs share a single level control
- Rca Outputs
description:
The UR12 audio interface combines a compact design with outstanding build quality, iPad support, and a premium D-PRE microphone preamp. The quality and features of the small UR12 are unique in the class of 2-in/2-out audio interfaces. High-quality 24-bit/192kHz converters provide professional-level audio quality, and thanks to the D-PRE preamp, your microphone recordings will have impressive detail, depth, and dynamics.