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Whether you’re looking to get started with home recording for the first time, or you’re already adept at music production and looking for a bit of a home studio upgrade; you’re going to need a decent quality audio interface that’s catered to your recording needs.
An audio interface, also known as a recording interface, is the central hub within modern home recording studio setups. With a host of connectivity options, they enable you to obtain high-quality audio in and out of your computer, and they connect directly with your DAW (whether you’re producing in Logic Pro, Ableton Live, or any other software).
When looking to choose the best audio interface for your home studio, an important thing to consider is the number of inputs you’ll need for your project. If you’re a drummer like me, you’re going to need a recording interface that can accommodate the number of microphones you plan on using to record a full drum set.
Without further ado, here are five of our favorite audio interfaces for home recording, at various price points, that you should consider buying if you’re in the market. And if you’re new to laying down demos at home, go ahead and check out Soundfly’s free online course, Demo Recording 101.
1. Audient iD4 USB Audio Interface
- 24-bit/96kHz audio quality
- USB connectivity
- 1 XLR Input
Up first, we have an impressive, compact USB interface from Audient, the iD4. With an excellent quality preamp, this petite-sized recording interface offers premium quality recording, and it boasts class-leading audio conversion for a stunning overall sound.
Coming in at under $200, this audio interface is an absolute bargain considering how good this thing sounds! It’s without a doubt one of the best options on the market for those looking to set up a home studio with a recording interface. It has one single XLR input as well as a DI input, which makes this ideal for guitarists, vocalists, and other instrumentalists looking to record a single sound source at a time.
We particularly like the console-style monitor control dials, and the unit itself feels robust. Overall, this audio interface makes an excellent hub for any small home studio setup, and it delivers high-end console performance in a small chassis.
2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo Thunderbolt Audio Interface
- 24-bit/192kHz audio quality
- Thunderbolt connectivity
- 2 XLR Inputs
Second up, yet second to none, the UAD Apollo Twin Duo needs no real introduction; this interface is simply phenomenal! Favored by many top record producers, countless hit singles have been recorded through the pristine mic preamps this interface has to offer.
If you are already familiar with music production and you’re looking to elevate the quality of your recordings, the Apollo is the interface for you. It is a pricier option, at around $1,129, but this product sits head and shoulders above the more affordable interfaces available. Universal Audio is the industry-standard in professional recording studios, and you can count on this to capture the best quality recordings you have to offer. It brings recordings to life with richness, clarity, and warmth.
The Apollo blends simplicity, portability, fantastic sound, and next-gen conversion in a very capable package. Universal Audio also includes a generous selection of plugins called the Realtime Analog Classics Bundle free-of-charge that you can use to upgrade your sound.
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3. Solid State Logic SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
- 24-bit/192kHz audio quality
- USB connectivity
- 2 XLR Inputs
Solid State Logic has been a powerhouse for over forty years, and their recording studio consoles are widely regarded as the holy grail in the music industry. So with the bite-sized SSL 2+ audio interface, you can achieve the acclaimed SSL sound in your own home. The SSL 2+ comes complete with professional-grade mic preamps, excellent quality 24-bit audio converters, as well as a host of flexible I/O connectivity options.
At a price of just $230, this audio interface boasts an exceptional build quality and sound for its cost range. The compact chassis feels excellent to use, and the front panel design is intuitive, providing an efficient workflow for all of your recording projects.
Also included right out of the box is an extensive production pack that consists of an array of third-party software, as well as plugins and samples, to help you get started with recording right away.
4. Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface
- 24-bit/96kHz audio quality
- USB connectivity
- 2 XLR Inputs
As we mentioned above, Audient truly has set the gold standard in quality audio interfaces at affordable prices, and their EVO 4 interface is the latest offering from this brand. This device is tiny. It fits in your hand and makes a strong contender for the best portable audio interface around.
Featuring two crystal clear EVO 4 mic preamps and premium A/D converters, this audio interface provides an ultra-low latency performance with killer sounds.
At a budget price of only $129, you can’t go wrong with the EVO 4 interface. And despite its small size, it offers a ton of connectivity options. With two XLR inputs, a JFET instrument input, stereo monitor outs, and a headphone out, it has everything you’d want in a small but mighty package!
The clarity of the preamps on this interface is fantastic for the price. They outperform other products at this entry-level price point. And the innovative SmartGain function is useful in tracking and setting your input gain to an optimal level to avoid clipping. With an excellent blend of performance, portability, and value, the EVO 4 is perfect for musicians, podcasters, engineers, and those looking to play guitar through a computer.
+ Read more on Flypaper: “5 Ways to Mic an Acoustic Guitar”
5. Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 USB Audio Interface
- 24-bit/96kHz audio quality
- USB connectivity
- 8 XLR Inputs
Up last, we have the Behringer UMC1820, and this is hands down the best drum recording interface to buy if you’re on a budget. I’ve owned several interfaces, and this is my current go-to interface for my home studio when I record a full drum set with a selection of microphones.
Carrying a modest price tag of $328, it is one of the most affordable 8 XLR input audio interfaces on the market. But do not let that deter you. It’s packed with solid features, including clear-sounding MIDAS designed mic preamps and robust build quality to boot. The UMC1820 is pretty much the complete all-in-one studio in a box. The ample I/O options provide extensive connectivity, and I’ve experienced virtually zero latency with all of my home studio recordings.
Even if you’re not planning on recording drums anytime soon, it’s worth considering investing in the UMC1820 because it has a massive number of inputs and outputs, and it’s capable of recording from multiple sound sources simultaneously. Having more inputs and outputs offers greater flexibility should the opportunity arise.
Well, those are our five — which audio interfaces are you a fan of?
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