The 7 best audio interfaces in 2022 for home studios
Whether you plan to upgrade or buy your first audio interface, these are the 7 best audio interfaces you should pick from in 2022.
An audio interface is every producer’s most important recording equipment—and nowadays, you can get a solid audio interface at almost any budget.
Whether you want to hook up your brand new studio monitors, record vocals and instruments, or get an accurate playback of your sessions, a trustworthy audio interface does it all.
That said, no matter if you’re looking to get your first interface or upgrade your current one, here are our 7 favorite (and mostly affordable) best audio interfaces you should consider. Of course, we ensured that these are fully featured and work both on PC and Mac.
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
On your hunt for the best audio interfaces, you most likely came across the Focusrite Scarlett already, and that’s not by accident. It’s the best-selling USB audio interface since it’s easy to use, has excellent preamps, and is reasonably priced.
If you need more or fewer inputs/outputs, you can find variations of this interface in the Scarlett line-up. You might not need the two inputs if you are a bedroom producer. So the Scarlett Solo might be the better pick since it’s a bit cheaper. If you need more I/O, consider going for the 4i4 or 8i6.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz
Inputs: 2x XLR/6.3 mm jack combo balanced
Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack balanced + 1x 6.3 mm headphone jack
Connection: USB-C
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: Good price for what you get, Small and portable, Comes with free software bundles (Ableton Live Lite, Splice Sounds Membership, and more)
Cons: Distinct bright red design is not for everyone, Gain is visualized using a green, yellow, or red-colored ring (no dB values)
2. Solid State Logic SSL 2
Solid State Logic needs no introduction in the audio game. Any producer or engineer that had the chance to work with their legendary mixing consoles swears by their sound, texture, and color. Of course, this small and portable audio interface can’t be compared to a big mixing console, but it’s still an excellent pick with its clean preamps and great build quality. It’s also one of the best audio interfaces in its price range.
The SSL 2 should be the right fit for most home studios—however, there’s also a slightly more pricey SSL 2+ for those that need a few more inputs and outputs and even two separately controlled headphone outputs.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz
Inputs: 2x XLR/6.3 mm jack combo balanced
Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack balanced + 1x 6.3 mm headphone jack
Connection: USB-C
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: Legacy “4K” switch for legendary SSL 4000 series sound, Clear preamps
Cons: Headphone jack is at the back of the interface and hard to reach
3. Universal Audio Apollo Solo
Universal Audio makes some of the best audio interfaces in the industry, thanks to their high-quality Unison preamps in built-in DSPs (digital signal processing). This includes the Apollo Solo, which means that your UAD plugins are processed using the chip in your interface. This is great to take off some extra load from your CPU and keep the latency small (especially useful for recording vocals with larger processing chains).
This one is perfect for the musicians that are already making money with their music and can justify paying a considerable premium for the top-of-the-line sound quality but, at the same time, don’t want to shell out more than $1000 for an audio interface.
One thing to note is that this interface has two versions—a USB and a thunderbolt version. While the thunderbolt version will work with both Mac and Windows, it won’t work on your Windows PC if it has no thunderbolt support. In that case, you’ll have to go with the USB version, which works with Windows only. This isn’t ideal if you’re using a non-thunderbolt PC at home and MacBook on the go.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz
Inputs: 2x XLR/6.3 mm jack combo balanced + 1x 6.3 mm Hi-Z instrument jack
Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack balanced + 1x 6.3 mm headphone jack
Connection: Thunderbolt & USB-C
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: Unison preamps, On board DSP, Includes a bundle of a few UAD plugins
Cons: Does not include a Thunderbolt or USB-C cable, USB version needs a small 12V power supply (not ideal for traveling), Additional DSP effects can be pricey
4. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1
Anyone that mainly focuses on music production and is on a tighter budget should consider the Audio 1 from Native Instruments. It’s small, compact, lightweight, looks sleek, and has all the basic functionality a producer needs. No doubt, it’s one of the best audio interfaces for beginners.
Those who want to go with the Komplete Audio, but need more inputs and outputs, should have a look at the Komplete Audio 2 or Komplet Audio 6, which are all part of the same audio interface family. The Komplete Audio 1 also includes a bundle of Native Instruments plugins like Machine Essentials, Monark, Replica, Phasis, and Solid Bus Comp.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz
Inputs: 1x XLR microphone input + 1x 6.3 mm instrument jack
Outputs: 2x RCA outputs (L+R) + 1x 6.3 mm headphone jack
Connection: USB-B
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: Great value, Free NI software bundle, Very portable
Cons: Only RCA output for monitors, uses a less common USB-B cable (however, it’s included!)
5. Audient iD4 MKII
The Audient iD4 is a solid allrounder. It’s perfect for singers/songwriters and producers who like to record a lot. Thanks to its excellent preamps, modeled after a classic Audient console, recordings will sound warm and rich—perfect for guitars and vocals.
For frequent collaborators, the iD4 comes with dual headphone outputs. Once again, this is perfect for musicians who record a lot—adding a ton of flexibility to your home studio. For its price, it’s also one of the best audio interfaces in this range.
The optional Audient ID app is intuitive and a great way to control your interface on a software level. It also allows you to take advantage of more minor (but useful) features, like remapping buttons on the interface and controlling parameters in your DAW.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 96 kHz
Inputs: 1x XLR/6.3 mm jack combo + 1x 6.3 mm instrument jack
Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack output (L+R) + 1x 6.3 mm headphone jack + 1x 3.5 mm headphone jack
Connection: USB-C
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: Great mic preamps for the price, dual headphone output, great optional software, solid metal design
Cons: Second headphone output is a 3.5mm jack, Some functions can be controlled using the software only
6. Universal Audio Volt 276
The Volt 276 by Universal Audio is the newest audio interface on the list. Unlike the Apollo line-up from UAD, the Volt 276 does not come with a DSP inside. While this is a con on one side, it’s a pro on the other since it makes this audio interface much more affordable. Especially if you don’t need a built-in DSP in the first place it’s one of the best audio interfaces to consider.
The highlight of this interface has to be the “Vintage” and “76 Compressor” modes that you can toggle on directly on the interface. These will give your vocal and instrument recordings more of a vintage sound inspired by some classic analog Universal Audio gear. Especially the integrated “76 Compressor” can be helpful to slightly level out your vocals without any additional work.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz
Inputs: 2x XLR/6.3 mm jack combo + 1x MIDI input
Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack output (L+R) + 1x 6.3 mm headphone jack + 1x MIDI output
Connection: USB-C
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: MIDI I/O is a nice-to-have, Integrated vintage mode and compressor, Cool design
Cons: Unlike the Apollo series, there are no Unison preamps
7. Antelope Audio Zen Go
The Zen Go by Antelope Audio is a solid pick if you have a mid-range budget. Generally, it’s a less expensive version of a typical Universal Audio Apollo interface since it comes with very similar functionality.
The Zen Go gives you access to the Synergy Core FX Processing Platform, which are real-time audio effects directly processed on the audio interface. Just like an onboard DSP. Once again, a built-in DSP like that will help save CPU usage and minimize latency since effect plugins are processed right on the interface.
Even though it’s the last audio interface on our list of the best audio interfaces, it’s not the “worst” interface by any means. It’s one of the best audio interfaces in its price range and an absolute steal for what you get.
Signal: 24-bit / up to 192 kHz
Inputs: 2x XLR/6.3 mm jack combo + 1x MIDI input
Outputs: 2x 6.3 mm jack output (L+R) + 2x RCA output (L+R) + 2x 6.3 mm headphone jack
Connection: USB-C
OS: PC & Mac
Pros: Onboard DSP (37 Analog-modelled Synergy Core effects), Ultra-linear preamps
Cons: Additional DSP effects can be pricey