Beyond Sound: A Deep Dive into the Best USB Audio Interfaces Available

Tech Bear 7 min read

The USB Audio interfaces are an important part of any sound system. If you are an artist or a music producer, this gear will improve the quality of your audio to the next level. USB audio interfaces are gadgets that refine the quality of sound or audio. They are attached to computers and connect mics, microphones, and other instruments.

A wide variety of USB audio interfaces are available in the market. It is now tough to choose the best interface out of it. This blog will help you select the best audio interface for your system. We have shortlisted some of the best audio interfaces to help you improve your audio to the finest level and be compatible with only the best applications.

Let us help you explore the unique features of some of the best USB Audio Interfaces in the market.

Choosing Only the Best USB Audio Interface

Are you planning to purchase the best USB Audio Interface for your system? Do you need a powerful audio workstation with a MIDI controller and high-end mixing headphones? Then, consider your needs and interests and search out the best USB Audio Interface that must be budget-friendly, high in quality, and have great processing capability as an external hardware device. To narrow down your research for the best interface, let's explore each USB Audi interface individually with their features and qualities.

💻 Tech Trivia

The first USB audio interface was made in 1999 and was named Digi001.

Best USB Audio Interfaces Features

Below are some of the best USB Audio Interfaces with their unique features:

#1 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is the simplest audio interface. If you are a beginner, this interface can be the best option. It has 2 inputs to attach an instrument or two microphones. The backplate consists of 2 outputs to which you can attach 1 or 2 monitors. The USB can be attached to Scarlet 2i2 and a computer. The unique feature of this audio interface is that it also consists of USB-C, which can be easily connected to iPad Pro.

This interface has a headphone jack with a diameter of 3.5 mm adapter. The scarlet 2i2 can convert 24-bit/192kHz samples. You can record a large quantity of details through the microphone.

#2 Presonus AudioBox USB 96

The Presonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is the most convenient, compact, and affordable USB 2.0 audio interface. It can be used for creating original music. It can be used for recording and is ideal for musicians to record songs. These interfaces create the best pair with a guitar and vocals and can capture 24-bit/96kHz sound to create quality audio. These interfaces are compatible with One Artist DAW software and can create 6 GB of content.

Presonus AudioBox USB 96 has 2 channels for portable and personal recordings. It has a dual amplifier that can make the best combination of instruments and microphones. It consists of an Internal analog mixer that can blend input signals to create latency-free monitoring. Another unique feature of these interfaces is their compatibility with mobile phones.

#3 Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII is the most professional audio interface choice. It is also compatible with Windows and Mac Devices. This interface increases the audio conversion rate and gives feel, tone, and smooth flow to the audio. It is based on the 60-year-old heritage audio interfaces that had 2 unison. It allows a mic and stellar next-generation D/A and A/D for amplification. It also has a UAD analog plugin that can help you to track UAD core processing.

The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII audio interface also provides access to the LUNA recording system. This interface also has a unique feature of monitor remote control that makes communication while recording easy. This feature makes it a professional and standard audio interface.

#4 Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen)

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) is the best choice for producers and recording engineers. This interface box has 8 input analogs that consist of high-headroom instrument inputs, four mic inputs, four additional fixed-line inputs, and 2 high- impedance. The recorded audio can be pronounced up to 24-bit/192kHz. The unique feature of this interface is an Air setting that can manage air effects and make the sound clear and open.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 audio interface has 2 headphone outputs that can help monitor recording sessions by the artist. It also helps smooth podcast recording, live streaming, and sampling tasks.

#5 MOTU M2

The Motu M2 audio interface is based on ESS Sabre32 Ultra™ DAC Technology. It has an output range of 120 dB. The ultra-clean preamp circuits of this interface produce 129 dBu EIN on the microphone input. You can easily monitor your recorded audio on it.

This interface has ESS-driven headphone output that can help to monitor audio by the artist and engineers. It has a high-class monitoring speed and can produce 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency.

#6 Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD audio interface is the best studio to create a masterpiece within a few minutes. The MIDI devices, microphones, keyboards, and guitars are the main attachments of this whole system. It converts audio up to 24-bit/192 kHz range.

This interface consists of 4 preamp mics and has +48 volt phantom power that can help in the condensation of microphones. It can record the vocals and can be supported on computer-based DAW software.

#7 Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

Another known audio interface is the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6. It can record audio up to 192 kHz / 24-bit. It consists of 4 input and out analogs and 2 headphone outputs. The headphone output helps the artist and musicians simultaneously monitor the audio quality.

Komplete Audio 6 audio interface consists of 2 digital inputs and outputs. Cirrus Logic converters control the transparency of the sound. It is the best choice for those who want to develop a high-level studio at affordable prices.

#8 Steinberg UR22C

The Steinberg UR22C audio interface is one of the best professional interface boxes out there. It can create 32-bit/192 kHz resolution audio. It has the super speed of USB 3.1 Gen and has USB-C for reliable and fast connection compatibility with computers, Macs, and iOS devices. This audio interface captures the expressiveness of audio with the help of a preamp mic.

It is compatible with different audio software, including WDM, ASIO, and core audio. It offers the ability to select leading VST instruments and VST sounds. It can record 2 GB of sounds and loops with the assistance of groove agents and anima.

#9 Audient iD4

The Audient iD4 audio interface is a next-level audio device. It is compact and designed based on 20 years of 20-year-old heritage. It comprises a 58dB mic preamp input with a dynamic range of 126 dB. This interface is generated for singers, engineers, beatmakers, and musicians.

This interface has a class-leading converter that can help check every sound aspect and let it mix more accurately. It helps make better and quicker decisions and also assists in working fast. It is the best choice for professional audio performance.

#10 RME Babyface Pro FS

The RME Babyface Pro FS is a superior type of USB audio interface that combines perfect craftsmanship and audio circuits. This interface box is perfectly created with aluminum, dynamic, and easily portable. It consists of high-end digital circuits and analog. Its unique feature is the power-saving technology that does not compromise the sound quality, distortion, and noise.

It has a full capture range with a 48 Volt phantom power button that helps condense the mic. Its circuits can gain a range of 76 dB and have overloaded protection. The RME Babyface Pro FS does not require external power and is a perfectly stable device for professional use.

💻 Tech Fact

USB audio interface uses a Universal Serial Bus (USB) standard for transferring data.

The USB audio interface is an integral part of your system if you work as a musician or an artist. It all depends on your needs and budget. The higher the budget, the more unique the featured audio interface box will be. If you want to record a podcast or make a video with music, you need a robust audio interface that will take your audio recording to the next level.

So, if you are a beginner or a seasoned artist, you must add these efficient devices to your checklist. The world of digital audio recording will be at your fingertips. Get ready to explore new levels of creativity and quality of the sounds.