Your First Audio Interface? Our Prime 5 Picks for 2025
Searching for the most effective audio interface cash should purchase in 2025? We’ve acquired you lined.
On this information, we run you thru our greatest audio interface picks for each funds bracket.
So whether or not you’re simply getting began with music manufacturing, or trying to improve your studio with the most recent tech, this information ought to give you an ideal start line.
Let’s discover ????
So… What's an Audio Interface?
Earlier than we get began, let’s make clear what an audio interface is. As a result of chances are high you won't even want one…
An audio interface is a tool that bridges the hole between devices, microphones, audio system, and so forth., and your pc.
With out getting too technical, an audio interface can convert an analog sign (from a microphone for instance) right into a digital sign that your pc understands. Let’s say you need to document your self singing. Likelihood is you gained’t be capable to join your mic to your pc – that’s the place an audio interface is available in.
However do you even want an audio interface to start out with?
Do I want an audio interface…?
Listed here are a number of questions you possibly can ask your self earlier than going out and spending your hard-earned money:
- are you planning on recording devices (an electrical guitar or a synthesizer for instance)?
- are you planning on utilizing a microphone in your music manufacturing (to document vocal samples or an acoustic guitar)?
- do you've studio screens you intend on utilizing some? Or are you going to make use of common headphones/earbuds?
For those who’ve answered “No” to most of those questions, you then most likely don’t want an audio interface.
The reality is, your pc already has its personal inner soundcard. This implies you don’t want an “exterior soundcard” (one other identify folks use to check with audio interfaces) to make use of a DAW. You could possibly begin producing music instantly in your laptop computer along with your pc audio system for those who wished.
Be aware that almost all MIDI controllers don’t want an audio interface to work both. Lots of them are powered by USB, which suggests you possibly can plug them straight into your pc.
Nonetheless, for those who’re critical about music manufacturing, you'll shortly face limitations with out an audio interface:
So let’s dive into what makes an audio interface a must have for a lot of producers.
Finest Audio Interface: Key Options
We’ve touched on it already, however listed here are a number of causes you may need to use an audio interface:
- recording devices;
- recording vocals;
- connecting screens to your pc;
- higher management over the latency of your sound card.
Audio interfaces all include a wide range of options. Relying in your wants, you must know what to search for. Listed here are the 5 primary components you must think about:
- Connection: how does your audio interface connect with your pc?
- Enter and outputs: what number of inputs does the audio interface have, and what sort of output does it have?
- Compatibility: is the audio interface suitable along with your DAW?
- Extras: what extra options are included (free software program, slick design, and so forth.)
Let’s discover every of those in additional element.
Audio interface connection
There are numerous kinds of connections potential between your audio interface and pc. Listed here are the primary ones:
- USB – The most widespread type of interface connector, as it plugs immediately into a USB 2.0 or 3.0 socket. 99% of audio interfaces join on this approach and are suitable with each Mac and PC.
- Thunderbolt – The second most typical connector, favorable because of quick pace and compatibility with most Macs.
- Firewire – An older Mac connector that traditionally had sooner switch speeds, however is much less excellent than Thunderbolt.
- PCIe – A special kind of connector used on inner interfaces that join on to your motherboard. Very quick, low latency, and probably the most dependable (and costly).
Enter and Output (I/O)
Inputs and outputs (I/O) are one a very powerful issues to have a look at when choosing an audio interface.
Virtually talking, I/O determines what you possibly can connect with your audio interfaces, each when it comes to supply of sound and output.
There are 2 issues you must have a look at right here:
- what number of inputs and outputs do I want?
- what kinds of inputs and outputs do I want?
For instance, you may solely must document 2 microphones at a time (acoustic guitar + singing for instance). On this case, 2 inputs are all you want. For the kinds of inputs, you’ll want XLR (as a result of that’s the format most microphones use).
Right here’s an instance of an audio interface that might swimsuit this setup:
On this instance, you’ve acquired 2 inputs, with each accepting and XLR cable.
When it comes to outputs, this may rely on what your setup is. Do your screens want jack cables? RCA? XLR? It will decide what kinds of outputs your audio interface ought to have.
Let’s have a look at the outputs of the Duo-Seize Ex:
Right here, underneath “OUTPUT”, we will see two outputs (“L” for the left speaker, and “R” for the correct speaker). This implies we really solely have 1 output for 1 pair of audio system. And the one cables this audio interface accepts are 1/4 inch jacks.
Let’s say I’m utilizing a pair of Presonus screens. Let’s examine what they want when it comes to enter on their facet:
Fortunately for me, you possibly can join the Presonus screens with each 1/4-inch jacks or RCA cables (the crimson/white inputs).
So whether or not you’re constructing your setup or have already got a pair of screens, this can be a key space to examine earlier than choosing an audio interface.
Audio interface compatibility
Not all interfaces are suitable with all DAWs.
Generally, a producer will make an interface particularly for a sure setting. That is very true of high-end interfaces (we’re you, Avid).
Nonetheless, most consumer-grade (underneath $1500) interfaces are effective with just about any DAW.
Relying in your OS, you simply want the correct drivers – however these are all the time supplied with the audio interface.
Extras
Lastly, each audio interface comes with its personal bells and whistles. Let’s have a look at a few of the most typical ones, and whether or not they need to affect your determination:
- Dimension: That is usually correlated with the variety of inputs and outputs. Some audio interfaces are tremendous light-weight, permitting you to simply journey with them. Others will need to keep put in your desktop.
- MIDI enter and output: does the audio interface embody connectors for MIDI synthesizers (such because the Duo-Seize EX)?
- Battery-power: are you able to energy the audio interface with batteries, or solely by a USB cable?
- Software program bonuses: some audio interfaces embody some goodies (the Komplete Audio 6 for instance consists of a number of plugins akin to Monark and Replika).
- Phantom energy: this operate lets you feed energy to a dynamic microphone. Be sure that to examine if the microphone you intend on utilizing wants phantom energy or not.
- Noise ranges: relying on the audio interface’s construct high quality, the enter/outputs will likely be roughly clear. The Duo-Seize Ex for instance mentions -94dBu, whereas the Komplete 6 stands at -99dBu (each are extraordinarily good ranges and will likely be barely noticeable).
Our Prime 5 Picks for Finest Audio Interfaces
Let’s now dive into our picks for the most effective audio interfaces in 2025, starting from budget-friendly to rather-expensive.
Be aware that we do not need any affiliate hyperlinks for any of those merchandise, nor are we sponsored to speak about any of them. These are simply our favourite picks ????
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
The most cost effective audio interface on this checklist, however don’t let that idiot you. For a lot of producers, that is all they want:
At US$41, you gained’t discover something cheaper, but with out compromising on high quality. It consists of:
- 2 inputs (one line/mic, one line solely)
- phantom energy
- 1/4 inch jack output
- Sign and clip show
- USB linked and powered
Be aware nevertheless that the max decision is 16-bit, whereas the usual is 24-bit these days. Nonetheless, for many producers, this gained’t make a giant distinction.
One downfall in comparison with a few of its opponents is the noise stage, which may get a bit excessive. Nonetheless, for house recording (which is certainly its goal market), it can get the job executed. For those who’re on the lookout for the most cost effective choice on the market, then look no additional.
Common Audio Volt 2
The Volt 2 is Common Audio’s entry into the lower-priced market. And it’s insanely good worth for what you pay:
You get what you’d count on from an interface at this value level – 2 inputs and a couple of outputs, however there are lots of premium options too, such because the Classic Mic Preamp and MIDI in/out.
Plus, it appears nice normally!
Options:
- 2 XLR/quarter-inch inputs
- 2 quarter-inch output
- Phantom Energy (+48V)
- Headphones Output with a devoted output knob
- Instrument mode
- Classic Mic Preamp mode
- MIDI in/out
- USB-C Connectivity and energy
Worth level: US$188
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen 4
The Scarlett by Focusrite has change into a little bit of a legend at this level. There are even memes round it, such is its reputation:
For those who do a little bit of analysis on-line, you’ll discover lots of detrimental opinions on this audio interface.
The very fact is that this is without doubt one of the hottest audio interfaces on the earth. Practically each aspiring producer began on certainly one of these.
And with reputation comes hate. However don’t let that detract you from the truth that this can be a nice audio interface. At a value level of US$188, it’s personal of the primary rivals of the Volt 2. So what units them aside?
To be sincere, there’s little or no that units the 2 aside. The primary distinction is that the Scarlett doesn't have any MIDI enter/output. The preamp expertise can also be barely totally different, with the Volt 2 being modeled round classic mic preamps.
Options
- 2 XLR/quarter-inch inputs
- 2 quarter-inch output
- Phantom Energy (+48V)
- Headphones Output with a devoted output knob
- Intuitive ring sign indicator
- High quality construct
- USB Powered
- Desktop use
- Suitable with most main DAWs
- Comes with a set of FX plugins included
Check out the Scarlett Focusrite 2i2 here
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 Gen 4
On the different finish of the spectrum, we've got the 18i20, that includes a MASSIVE 18 inputs and outputs that can be utilized concurrently.
At a value level of US$735, this audio interface is clearly focused at one other market in contrast with the earlier ones we checked out. However for those who want the flexibleness to document a number of devices or microphones on the identical time (akin to a drum set), this can be a no-brainer.
Oh, and it comes with a model of
Options
- 8 XLR/quarter-inch inputs with preamps
- 2 instrument inputs
- 10 quarter-inch balanced outputs
- Rackmount format
- Intuitive metering
- 2 headphones out
- On-off swap
- Included plugins (Addictive Keys, Focusrite, Softube)
Check out the Scarlett 18i20 here
Strong Stage Logic SSL 2+ MKII
Launched in October 2024, this audio interface is certainly a more recent entry in the marketplace:
I’ll be sincere – that is most likely going to be my subsequent day by day driver within the studio. Not solely does it sound nice, however it’s easy and inexpensive.
If you wish to spend just a little greater than the essential Scarlett collection, go for this one. I believe the shape issue is significantly better as a result of I/O part being on the again.
Options
- 2 XLR/quarter-inch enter channels
- USB-C connectivity
- 2 headphones outputs
- 1 quarter-inch outputs/RCA outputs + 1 devoted RCA output
- Legacy 4K mode preamp switches impressed by SSL consoles (sounds nice on sure devices)
- MIDI in/outs
Nonetheless Not sure About Your Subsequent Audio Interface?
If these choices have you ever overwhelmed, chances are high you’re most likely a brand new producer and don’t know what to decide on.
I’d extremely advocate the underneath $300 choices as an ideal place to start out.
However an audio interface is probably going certainly one of many issues you might be contemplating.
Displays. Plugins. Headphones. Samples. Assets.
These are all issues we search for, which is why we created the free EDM Starter Package.
You’ll get:
- 700+ samples for any time of EDM manufacturing
- A number of high-quality EDM Serum presets
- Our greatest assets for making music, together with the ‘How To Make Digital Music’ mega information
Seize it under!
And that’s an inventory of the most effective interfaces out there (in our opinion ???? ) in 2025! Did we miss one you’ve heard of? Then tell us within the feedback or drop us a line at [email protected].
Be aware: All costs had been present at the time of writing this article.
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