Guide - How to Choose an Audio Interface.
How to find the perfect audio interface for your studio. The definitive guide.
Deciding on an audio interface can be quite tricky sometimes. Especially now that there are tons of options to choose from.
The easiest way to start would be to decide on the number of inputs and outputs you want on your interface. It may be a bit more difficult than it seems so let’s break it down.
Check out your gear and count the number of inputs you need. If you are using an instrument in mono instead of stereo because you’re lacking inputs consider counting 2 inputs for this one. It’s a shame to not take advantage of a stereo synth. Once you’ve sorted this out it’s time for step number two.
Are you planning to expand? Do you actually need an input for that Squier Stratocaster you barely used last year? Are you comfortable swapping instruments on your interface or do you want everything plugged in at all times? Getting a unit with more inputs and/ or outputs will cost you more. Getting a unit with less will drive you crazy if you need to unplug and plug your instruments every time you want to record. So answer those questions wisely.
How many outputs and/ or headphone outs do you actually need? Do you need a second headphone out to record with some friends? Are you planning to take multiple outputs and route them to a mixer for mixing and EQ? Do you want to run your instruments into each other to use filters and effects? Are you using external effects like guitar pedals that you want to have on a separate input? Outputs are just as important as inputs so be careful not to ignore them.
So now that you have everything written down and you’re confident about your choices let’s see some recommended options for you. Here, we’re going to sort our Top 10 by price to fit your budget. Let’s do this!
Bedroom producer
For the average - just starting out - bedroom producer, things are quite simple. Your first essentials will be a laptop, a basic audio interface, a MIDI controller, headphones, monitors, and possibly a microphone. If you also play an instrument, like let’s say the guitar, we need to make sure you can record everything at the same time.
So, your options listed by price would be:
M-Audio M-Track DUO
M-Audio has made a comeback to the audio interface market with the very affordable M-Track Duo. It is a straightforward two-channel sound card with all the basic functionalities you will need.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
The bedroom studio industry standard. Two quality inputs and two outputs for monitoring are all you need. You can connect your mic and your instrument and start jamming right away.
Universal Audio Volt 276
Volt by UA is a brand new addition to the market. Universal Audio decided to release a more affordable option for people that want to get a UA interface but cannot justify paying extra for an Apollo Twin. The Volt 276 features a 76 style compressor (based on the amazing UA 1176 Compressor) and a Vintage preamp mode to spice up your sounds.
Arturia AudioFuse Rev2
If you want - and can afford - something high-end, then Arturia has the perfect solution. AudioFuse is a fully-featured, two-channel interface with four outputs made to last. You can plug in anything and have amazing sound quality, monitor with a different set of speakers for A/B testing, it is ADAT expandable, and more. Definitely a top-tier option.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin USB Duo Heritage
If you not planning to make any compromises, the Apollo Twin X by Universal Audio is the most high-end interface for a small studio setup. High-quality inputs, great build quality, and a powerful DSP processor for latency-free recordings via emulations of classic compressors, EQs, Amps, etc.
An all-around solid purchase if budget is not an issue.
Home Studio with lots of hardware gear
Once you start growing your synth collection, the first thing that happens is that you run out of instrument inputs. And the second thing that happens, is that you never upgrade your interface and you fight with cables.
To solve that here are our options for a larger setup:
Behringer UMC1820
When you need a lot of inputs and outputs but are also on a tight budget, the best option is by Behringer. The UMC1820 has 8 inputs with Midas preamps and 10 outputs. And you can always get a second one as it is also ADAT compatible.
Tascam US-16x08
Another great budget option would be the Tascam 16X08. It has 16 (!) inputs and 8 outputs that seem more than enough for most studios.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
By no surprise, Focusrite is once again on this list with the big brother of the 2i2 Scarlett. They’re the same interfaces, but with more inputs and outputs. 8 ins and 10 outs to be exact. Great value for money for sure!
Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre
A very similar option would be the Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre. Same inputs and outputs (8 ins & 10 outs) with ADAT expandability with the quality that you get with all of Arturia’s products.
Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
Here we have Focusrite’s premium option. The Clarett 8Pre is very similar to the Scarlett but if you are looking for the maximum sound quality, minimum latency, and beautiful preamps it is worth the upgrade.
Bonus Tip: You’ll probably need a Patchbay
Patchbays are a very misunderstood piece of gear that most people can get their heads around. What it simply does is that it allows you to re-route your signal path just by using the connections on the front. You must connect all the inputs and outputs of your instruments, effects, and interface and then you just choose where you want your signal to go.
For example, let’s say you want to run your electric guitar through your synth’s filter and then to a reverb pedal. You simply take your guitar output from the front of the patchbay, plug it in the synthesizer’s input, and then take that output and put it in the reverb’s input. Lastly, take the reverb’s output and choose one of your interface’s inputs on your patchbay. And that’s it!
At first, it sounds pretty complicated but once you understand the process and practice it you will be amazed at how powerful it can be! It basically turns your studio into a modular instrument!
Let’s see some Patchbay options for you to choose from:
Rean NYS SPP-L1
Behringer PX3000 Ultrapatch Pro
Samson S-Patch Plus 48-Point Balanced Patchbay
ART P48 48-Point TRS Patchbay
Editor’s picks
For a small setup, I would recommend going for the Universal Audio Volt 276. It is a solid, affordable option with some bonus features you cannot get with other options of this price range.
For a big setup, I would recommend getting a Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen and a Behringer PX3000 Ultrapatch Pro. They’re both great for their money and you can always expand if you double up the Scarlett and the Patchbay.
Conclusion
Your audio interface is the center point of any studio. And it’s a piece of gear that you don’t get to replace or upgrade very often so choose wisely, think of your needs in advance, and get the best value for money interface you can. Your future self will thank you.
