A guide of the best USB, firewire, and thunderbolt audio interfaces including: Presonus Audiobox, Focusrite Clarett, Saffire 2i2, 2i4, 6i6, 18i8 and more. If you make music on a PC or Mac, an audio interface is pretty much a must have piece of kit. In a nutshell, the best audio interfaces for production and music-making enable you to get high-quality audio in and out of your computer, and to connect some essential studio gear during your session.

Audio interfaces are some of the meat and potatoes of music production, and in 2020 there are many of the best audio interfaces available. Some interfaces are Thunderbolt/USB compatible and some are better suited for Mac or PC (Windows), but it is not always easy to figure that out.

In this list we will review 10 of the best audio interfaces that you can purchase in 2020 for your professional or home studio. We think you’ll find this one of the most helpful audio interface reviews online.

Here are the best audio interfaces 2020:

1. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII

The ultimate best audio interface

The Apollo Twin MkII is a top-rated audio interface from one of the world’s most popular brands. It features high-end converters and delivers the sound of a classic analog device. With this interface under your belt, you will not need any fancy plugins, guitar pedals or even a microphone. The Apollo Twin MkII has everything on board.

The Apollo Twin MkII has been updated to provide a super wide dynamic range and expanded monitoring controls and has the best external sound card for music production. It is essentially a whole mixing console in a tiny little interface that fits on your desk.

The Apollo Twin MkII has two XLR and instrument combo inputs and four outputs. It is also got an optical in and uses Thunderbolt connections, making it the best Thunderbolt audio interface.

It is compatible with Mac and PC and has built in UAD processing. This means you can enjoy the rich, warm, analog sound of UAD’s plugins while both mixing and tracking.

Another feature of the Apollo Twin MkII is that it has special technology that works with the preamp, called Unison. Unison mic preamp technology allows you to recreate the sound of popular classic microphone preamps without the use of software. In fact, it sounds better than software modeling does.

Getting deeper into Unison, it is essentially a bi-directional communication between the mic preamp in the Apollo Twin and a UAD mic plugin in your computer. The plugin adjusts the preamp’s circuit and other parameters like impedance and gain structure, so it is not just modeling, it is adjusting the preamp’s behavior.

It does not filter audio like a normal modeler would, instead it causes your microphone to interact with the preamp in the way that it would with a modeled preamp. The included UAD plugins are a great way to get analog style sounds that sound just as good as the real thing.

The Unison technology will model different effects plugins or channel strip plugins for your microphone inputs, which eliminates the need to buy physical hardware. The Apollo’s Twin also has a built in microphone for you to use in the studio if you have to talk to someone in the recording booth without having to grab a microphone.

Upon purchasing an Apollo Twin MkII, you get the Realtime Analog plugin bundle from UAD, which includes channel strips, guitar amp emulators, some compressors and EQs, and delay and reverb plugins. It is a fantastic bundle of plugins and gives you everything you need to get started making music.

If you want a top of the line, extremely high-quality audio interface and have the money to spend on it, get an Apollo Twin. It is easily the best-sounding audio interface money can buy and is one of the highest-rated on many websites. You will never regret it, and since you are getting a lot of extra features like the Unison technology and plugin bundle, it adds to the value even more.

Most professional studios use Apollo audio interfaces, so I mainly suggest the Apollo Twin MkII for advanced producers, but if you are a beginner and you do not ever want to have to upgrade, an Apollo will be good for you.

2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

The best budget audio interface

Focusrite is a really great company that has a lot of best-selling options when it comes to audio interfaces, from more expensive ones to more affordable ones. The Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen audio interface is the best 2-channel audio interface for recording, podcasting, and many other activities.

The Scarlett 2i2 is a 2-channel USB-C audio interface (2 inputs and 2 outputs) with two upgraded Scarlett preamps, extremely low latency, and instrument inputs that can handle everything from guitars to drums and everything in between.

Now included in the Scarlett 2i2 is an ‘Air’ button, an effect that was modeled on Focusrite’s legendary ISA console transformer. When engaged, the Air button gives your voice or instruments a bit more air, a sonic quality that adds more brightness and openness.

Another great feature that has been added to the Scarlett 2i2 is a wired analog protection circuit for the inputs and outputs, which protects the interface power surges that could damage it. The Scarlett 2i2 is extremely low latency which makes monitoring instruments and vocals with lots of effects in real time a seamless task with the Direct Monitor circuit switch.

As for the preamps themselves, they can be described as sounding vibrant. They are very low noise, low distortion, and transparent, which gives you plenty of headroom to accommodate your microphones no matter the source. The Scarlett 2i2 also allows for phantom power for your microphones that need it to operate.

The channel volume controls are ringed with lights that change color based on your channel volume level. Green is a good level, orange means it is close to clipping, and red means it is clipping. This makes it easy to keep your levels monitored without having to constantly watch your computer screen.

If you are a beginner starting out with production or a musician who needs some great sounding gear with a low price tag, the Scarlett 2i2 by Focusrite is the best budget option. The Scarlett 2i2 interfaces are popular among beginners and intermediate users because of their easy set up, simple design, and high quality, which makes it an ideal entry level interface.

I have used a Scarlett 2i4 for years and it is never disappointed me. Scarlett interfaces are also the best for Ableton Live (and often include it as a download with their interfaces), which makes them all the better. I strongly recommend any Focusrite Scarlett products.

• The best budget (under $100) audio interfaces for beginners

3. Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre

A premium 8-channel option

The AudioFuse 8Pre is a compact audio interface with 8 channels. It has premium components and a ton of awesome features. The AudioFuse 8Pre comes with 8 Discrete Pro preamps that provides a great, clean sound for use in modern studios. This audio interface is great for recording everything from metal to classical string ensembles.

The USB-C connection makes for a solid, fast connection to your computer. The Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre also allows you to stack two 8Pre interfaces for 16 inputs since the eight channels are ADAT compatible and there is an ADAT output on the interface. ADAT stands for Alexis Digital Audio Tape, and it is a magnetic tape format used for recording eight tracks.

If you buy an AudioFuse 8Pre, it includes Arturia’s Creative Suite software pack, which offers 3 vintage preamp plugins for beefy drums and sparkling guitars. You also get a Lite version of Arturia’s Analog Lab software which offers a collection of popular synth sounds. Additionally, you get Arturia’s Mini Filter plugin, which features step sequencing and ladder type filtering.

The audio interface does not add any noise, coloration, or anything that would negatively impact your audio. It provides clean, clear audio that sounds great through studio monitors or headphones. It is fully USB 2.0 compatible and also has the ability to connect to other pieces of gear in your studio. There is also a talkback microphone and clear metering lights.

The AudioFuse 8Pre from Arturia is the best 8-channel audio interface available right now. If you want a rack style audio interface that can sit close to your other gear without picking up electromagnetic frequencies, the 8Pre is the one for you.

4. M-Audio M-Track 2X2

A cheap yet powerful audio interface

The M-Audio M-Track 2X2 is an easy to use, user intuitive audio interface that is designed similarly to the Apollo Twin. It features a large central volume knob, very low noise preamps, and audio/digital converters that convert audio to extremely high quality in your DAW.

With the M-Track 2X2, you are able to record 2 channels at once with an XLR input and an instrument input. There are also 2 outputs. To connect the audio interface to your computer (Mac or PC), you have the option of using a USB 2.0 connection or a USB-C connection.

USB-C is much faster, so I do recommend that, but if you have an older computer that is not compatible with USB-C, USB 2.0 will get the job done. With both connections you will get zero latency playback and recording as well as monitoring of your inputs to make recording fast, precise, and easy.

Another included feature of the M-Audio M-Track 2×2 is a software bundle that has everything you need to get started making music. The software bundle features the M-Audio edition of Pro Tools First, the Creative FX Collection by Pro Tools which is a plugin suite of 20 effects, a Mini Grand piano plugin, the Strike drum arranger and sequencer, and the Xpand!2 virtual instrument.

The M-Track is part of M-Audio’s C-Series interface series which include the extremely high-quality professional ‘Crystal’ Preamps. Any audio running through these preamps is crystal clear and transparent. Combine that with the Phantom Power button on the interface and you have got some insanely good sounding recordings.

The M-Track 2×2 by M-Audio is a really good recording solution. Since it only has two inputs and two outputs, I would mainly suggest it for beginners. If you do not plan to record a lot of tracks at one time, it would be suitable for use in an intermediate to advanced studio too. The M-Track 2×2 is reasonably priced and is a good mid to high end quality interface.

5. TASCAM US-2×2

The best audio interface for a home studio

TASCAM is a pretty old company that has excelled in the audio gear market for many years. Along with regular USB audio interfaces, they have many nice FireWire audio interfaces as well as plenty of other top-end gear that will help you make music.

The TASCAM US-2×2 is an affordable USB audio interface that makes recording easy. The US-2X2 has two high gain microphone preamps that let you record into your DAW on Mac, PC, and even iOS devices. The interface is set up similarly to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, where each channel is an XLR and instrument combo jack.

There is a gain knob for each channel, signal volume indicator lights, and an impedance switch for when you want to record guitars and other instruments directly. The TASCAM US-2X2 is sure to have zero latency monitoring through the included headphone output with volume level.

The HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) preamp design provides crystal clear audio that has extremely low self noise, making it great for capturing details in your performances. The TASCAM US-2X2 is small enough to take with you wherever you go, but powerful enough to record a singer songwriter or a small ensemble.

Phantom power allows you to use condenser mics for even bigger performances or for use in a small recording studio. It is very sturdy and has a metal housing, so it can withstand hours of travel or rough use. The US-2×2 also comes with Cubase LE software to help get you started with making music as soon as possible.

The US-2×2 from TASCAM is a nice audio interface for Windows, Mac, or Linux. It is the best value for the money as it does not surpass $200, and it sounds great and lasts a really long time due to how durable it is. I would suggest it for beginners and intermediate producers for a home studio or for those who like to record while on the road.

6. Behringer U-Control UCA222

The smartphone-sized audio interface

The Behringer U-Control UCA222 is a budget audio interface which is great for both recording and listening to music. Although this interface appears to be fairly cheap and simple, do not be fooled. This budget interface is known for exceptionally low noise level when recording. In fact, the sound quality even goes on to match more expensive models.

The output is strong and fidelity is high too, even at high volume. The U-Control UCA222 is a compact and easy to use interface that is extremely portable. It is about the size of a smartphone, so you can take it just about anywhere with you.

Unlike the rest of the audio interfaces on this list, the U-Control UCA222 uses RCA inputs and outputs. Because of this, there is a lower level of recording quality, and it may be a bit harder to find the right cords or adapters to use it, but for the most part you should have an enjoyable time using this compact recording interface.

There is no XLR input on this interface module, so you can only connect instrument cables and RCA cables. However, this opens up the door for you to be able to connect the interface to either your computer or a soundboard console mixer.

The Behringer U-Control UCA222 also supports ASIO 2.0, so if you have an older computer, you can still record easily without relying on a PCIe audio interface and sound card. The UCA222 does not require any driver installations in order to work, and it also includes a software bundle of Audacity, Podifier, Juice, Podnova, and Golden Ear.

The UCA222 by Behringer is on our list for a reason. Not only is it extremely good value, it is also very portable which makes it a convenient choice for rehearsal recordings, on the go recording and casual listening too.

I suggest it for beginners who like to travel and record, as well as those who have a soundboard or mixing console and need a good cheap audio interface.

7. Steinberg UR22C

An all-around workhorse interface

Steinberg is a well-known brand that caters to professional musicians around the world. The Steinberg UR22C proves itself to be a great value audio interface and an all-around workhorse. This audio interface is an ideal piece of gear if you are planning on doing some home recording on a budget of $200 or less.

It features a dedicated TRS headphone output, combined microphone and TRS instrument inputs, monitor inputs and MIDI inputs. You also get a copy of Cubase which is one of the most popular DAWs on the market.

The UR22C has a couple different connection options, you can choose between USB 3.0 or USB-C, so you can record on a PC or Mac as well as any iOS device. The UR22C was designed to be compatible with any setup, and with its transparent dual mic and line inputs and phantom power, it will fit right in with your rig.

A feature that we see here in the UR22C that no other interfaces on this list have is MIDI inputs and outputs. With this DAW, you can transfer MIDI information to and from your computer or different instruments depending on how you have got things routed. The interface also has main outputs for use with studio monitors.

The UR22C is another interface that supports ASIO 2.0 as well as Core Audio and WDM, so you get universal compatibility standards. You can also either power the interface through USB 3.0 or a 5-volt DC.

Upon purchasing the interface, you get a free download of Cubase AI to use with your computer. For an iPad, you can download Cubasis LE. Projects started on Cubasis LE can be opened up and finished on your computer with ease.

The UR22C by Steinberg is a solid interface for both audiophiles and recording enthusiasts. The interface is compatible with both PC and Mac. The UR22C makes it easy to record guitar, vocals, percussion and other instruments from the comfort of your home studio.

This is a relatively inexpensive USB audio interface from a world-renowned brand and would be a solid purchase for any home studio setup.

8. Apogee Element 46

World class sound in 12 inputs and 14 outputs

The Apogee Element 46 is an audio interface great for collaborating and recording in a studio, at home, or out and about. It has 4 analog inputs with world-renowned mic preamps, 2 headphone outputs and studio monitor outputs.

The Element 46 is a great step up from a beginner audio interface. In total, the Element 46 actually has 12 inputs and 14 outputs (4 inputs being analog inputs and 6 outputs being analog outputs) and selectable phantom power for use with condenser microphones. Instrument cables or other line in devices like synthesizers will also be compatible with the Element 46.

The gain of the inputs can go up to 75 dB which will be more than enough for you to use in a small professional or home studio. Some of the outputs are XLR style, so if that is something you are in need of, you get it with this awesome audio interface.

To connect to a computer, the Element 46 uses a Thunderbolt connection for lightning-fast audio transfer and recording into your DAW of choice with ultra-low latency. There are also optical inputs and outputs that support ADAT, SMUX, and S/PDIF if you are into using those.

A super cool feature of the Element 46 is that it comes with Apogee Control Software for Mac. Apogee Control Software is a virtual rendering of the audio interface and enables you to control all the hardware parameters like input gain, output level, and low latency monitoring all from your computer.

The interface is also compatible with the Apogee Control mobile app which is a remote control for the hardware (only available on iOS devices). There is also a desktop hardware remote control if you do not want to use the Mac software.

The Element 46 Thunderbolt capability supports multiple units. This means that you can connect two Element interfaces directly to Thunderbolt ports on your computer and use them both at the same time.

The Element 46 by Apogee is a great option if you need to record a lot of channels at the same time. It would fit nicely in a small home studio or bedroom. It is suitable for beginners or intermediate producers, but could also be used in some smaller scale advanced productions quite nicely. If you also like the ability to remotely control the interface, check the Element 46 out.

9. Roland Rubix24

An interface with a built-in compressor

The Roland Rubix24 is an audio interface which is really designed for recording and mixing purposes. The Rubix24 offers a solid balance between high-quality sound, a durable build, sleek design, compact size, affordable price, and all the features that musicians and producers in today’s industry need to make great sounding music.

The Rubix24 has 2 inputs and 4 outputs and sounds clear and detailed with extremely low self noise and lots of headroom for recording. 2 inputs and 4 outputs is more than enough for most home studio recording setups, and with the compact size of it, the Rubix24 will fit nicely in your home studio or bedroom studio.

The Rubix24 is a USB audio interface, so it is compatible with Mac and Windows, and even iOS devices. For being as affordable as it is, it does not sacrifice sound quality at all. The interface is made with metal, and has plenty of shielding and extensive ground lifts to protect from electromagnetic field interferences and other feedback.

Combination jacks mean that you do not have to waste time and money buying adapters or the right cables as you probably already have the right ones in your bedroom or home studio. 4 outputs make it very easy for you to send click tracks to a drummer, route audio to other external gear, or output to studio monitors.

An amazing feature of the Rubix24 is a built-in compressor and limiter to control the dynamics of vocals and instruments to prevent clipping and distortion of the audio signal. Other features include direct monitoring and phantom power, which can be used to power condenser microphones.

The unit has extremely low latency for both Mac and PC, so you can rest assured knowing that there will not be any hiccups in the audio when recording or performing. There are also highly visible level indicators which allow you to monitor your input levels and avoid peaking even in very dark environments like on stage.

The Rubix24 comes with Ableton Live Lite to provide with a head start to music recording, performing, and production.

The Rubix24 from Roland is a great solution for online streamers and the likes of podcast recordings. It is functional and easy to use. In addition to recording at home, on the go, or in a small studio, this interface is also great just for listening to music and watching movies.

It is no surprise that the Rubix24 is getting great reviews online. Customers love the ease of use and great sound that comes with Roland’s sleek design. You are guaranteed to love it too.

10. Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2

An optimal choice for singer-songwriters

Ideal for singer-songwriters and content creators, the Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 is an audio interface that will not let you down in terms of quality or price. With analog circuitry and high resolution converters, the Onyx Producer 2-2 delivers top notch sound.

Boutique Onyx mic preamps are sure to provide you with high quality and plenty of dynamic range and headroom for recording and performing. 2 XLR and instrument combination inputs (and outputs) are available for you to record through without having to use special cables or adapters that may reduce the audio quality or cause feedback.

A Hi-Z switch is available for each channel for direct inputting your guitar and bass for recording, as well as other devices that use direct input, like synthesizers. Direct monitoring has zero latency and a headphone output is provided for you to be able to clearly hear all the details in whatever you are recording in real time as well as during playback.

MIDI ports on the Onyx Producer 2-2 allows you to hook up synths that use MIDI, MIDI controllers, and other pieces of hardware to record with MIDI or transfer MIDI files between devices. The Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 is ultra portable and will deliver studio-quality sound no matter where you are. Audio is captured with maximum accuracy and tiny details like tone and articulations are not compromised.

The preamps add some warmth to vocals, guitars, and whatever else you run through them. There is no need for digital routing or latency makeup due to the signal path being true analog directly from the preamps to the monitoring chain no matter what buffer settings you are using.

Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 comes with Tracktion T7 software, allowing you to record, edit, and mix anywhere in the world thanks to unlimited audio and MIDI tracks and many professional features. You also get Mackie’s DAW Essentials Collection, which is a plugin bundle with professional EQs, compressors, reverb, delay, limiters, filters, and more.

The Onyx Producer 2-2 by Mackie is a suitable audio interface for people who want on the go options and easy to use MIDI and recording compatibility. It would fit great in a small home recording studio or bedroom studio, and it is a great sounding option for those of you who like a warm, rich analog sound from your preamps rather than something more clear and transparent.

Conclusion

There are so many different professional audio interfaces, from USB-C audio interfaces to PCIe audio interfaces, and more. If you have found this article on the 10 best audio interfaces helpful, make sure to check back for even more new articles and guides to make the most out of your studio.

Jordan is a music producer, content creator, writer, and session musician. He has been producing music and engineering live performances for over 7 years. He is an experienced guitarist and enjoys listening to and playing many different genres of music.

We look at ten of the best home audio interfaces across a range of price points, with portable units and extensively connectable rack-mounted options featuring.

The home studio is now more common than ever, with domestic set-ups now capable of producing results that previously would have required many thousands of pounds to achieve. Although this is in no small part due to the falling price of computer hardware, any external instruments or microphones will be useless without a decent audio interface to capture their sound. Although affordable units with exhaustive connection options are increasing, recent years have seen large feature sets crammed into ever smaller packages which are easily transported in a backpack for live performance or collaborative studio sessions. This list attempts to navigate both types, choosing ten audio interfaces spread across the price range which will deliver vastly different attributes to your home studio mix-downs.

Lexicon Alpha

The Lexicon Alpha is a simple audio interface that is ideally suited to Mac or PC owners that want to dip a tentative toe into the world of home recording. The unit itself contains two input channels with an instrument input on channel one and an XLR microphone input on channel two. It should be noted that there isn’t any 48 volt phantom power on the unit, partially due to the fact that the Alpha is completely powered from your computer’s USB bus. If you are recording a stereo instrument, such as a keyboard, then there are two 1/4” line inputs on the rear. You can adjust your monitor mix using the dedicated knob that allows you to get a good balance between the channel that you are recording and any playback you are recording to. There is also a dedicated main output level control.

The Lexicon Alpha has a set of stereo RCA outputs, as well as left and right 1/4” TRS outputs and if needed, there is 3.5mm headphone port on the front panel. To aid your exploration of home-based productions, Lexicon have included a light edition of Steinberg’s Cubase 5 as well as their acclaimed Pantheon VST reverb plug in. The Alpha is the perfect choice for those that want to try home recording for the first time or for users needing a simple audio interface that they can easily carry around with them.
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Alesis iO2 Express

For producers on a tight budget, the iO2 Express from Alesis comes as a compact two channel USB solution. Each input channel has a separate XLR and 1/4” TRS jack port, as well as a 1/4” TRS insert port that will accommodate recording with external effects, while switchable 48-volt phantom power will get the most efficient use from your microphone. To help you get the best input signal you are also afforded dedicated gain controls for both input channels. You can monitor your sessions by plugging your speakers into the1/4” TRS ports on the rear, or by using the top facing headphone socket with its own level control and mono/stereo switch. One of the advantages of this unit is in its portability, making it ideal for working with a laptop in, or out, of the studio, and being bus powered it means that there is no need to pack cumbersome power cables.

The iO2 Express also ships with a light edition of the hugely popular Steinberg Cubase music production software, and being class compliant, it means that you can simply plug your iO2 Express into your Mac or PC without the hassle of installing troublesome drivers. The functionality of this pint-sized interface doesn’t end there either as it features MIDI I/O ports on the rear for connecting any kind of controller that supports MIDI, including keyboard controllers. Add to this the stereo level meter for visual monitoring and you have a unit that is as flexible as it is affordable for producers on the move.
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

There isn’t a major studio on the planet that doesn’t feature some Focusrite equipment being used on a daily basis, and part of the huge popularity of this brand is their knack of combining high quality components in simple and easy to use gear. In particular, they are famous for their pre amps, and even in a small two input, two output audio interface like the Scarlett 2i2, they don’t disappoint. With two combination inputs (XLR/1/4” TRS), line/instrument selectors and gain control on each channel, this interface couldn’t be easier to use. Download free jhp s photoshop action for mac. To help you get a good clear signal going into your computer there is visual feedback in the form of a halo LED indicator around each gain knob. When there is a level signal going in, it shows green and as it gets hotter it changes colour with red indicating peak level.

The Scarlett 2i2 from Focusrite has an equally simple output system in the shape of stereo 1/4” jack ports on the rear of the unit, a headphone port on the front with separate level controls for the main outs and the headphone outs. You can also toggle between direct monitoring of the input channels and playback, and if you are using a good quality condenser microphone, then there is phantom power to help you get an optimum signal. The Scarlett 2i2 comes with Ableton Live Lite software as well as Focusrite’s Red range of plug-ins, including a compressor and reverb. This unit is suited to musicians looking for a quality audio interface that is simple to use, can be taken out of the studio and on the road and at the same time won’t break the bank.
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M-Audio MTrack Plus

Simple two channel USB audio interfaces are ideal for busy musicians and producers that are constantly moving from plane to hotel room, and the MTrack Plus from M-Audio makes for a compelling travel companion. It features two input channels with gain level control as well as dedicated XLR and 1/4” TRS sockets. The switchable 48 volts helps you get the most from your mics and there is a switch that will allow you to plug guitars directly into the interface for recording without any added fuss. The robust chassis features a clear segment meter for visual reference as well as main output level control and a headphone socket with its very own volume control, while its compact design also has MIDI I/O for connecting keyboard controllers or any device that can transmit or receive MIDI. The design is similar to the iO2 Express from Alesis but in this case the MTrack Plus features digital I/O in the form of S/PDIF as well as the stereo 1/4” TRS outputs.

Impressively, the MTrack Plus from M-Audio comes with two sets of complementary software in the shape of Pro Tools Express, that needs little introduction, and Ignite from AIR Music Technology, which is software designed to allow you to quickly arrange musical ideas, featuring 275 software instruments as well as supporting audio recording with effects that can be added later; you can also export .wav and MIDI files for importing into larger projects on other platforms at a later date.
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Mackie Onyx Blackbird

Sometimes recording projects come along that require an interface that can handle more than a few input and output channels at the same time. The Onyx Blackbird from Mackie is one such device, featuring eight high end Onyx mic pre-amps with Cirrus Logic AD/DA converters in a single rack mountable unit that connects to your computer via Firewire. The inputs are served by combination ports that allow for XLR & 1/4” TRS jacks and also features so-called super channels that contain built in DIs with lo-cut at 80Hz that will allow you to deal with almost any kind of input signal that is thrown your way. There are two headphone ports on the front of the unit with independent level control, easing monitoring duties during recording.

You can plug your studio monitors directly into the Onyx Blackbird, although it features two other stereo outputs, making three stereo pairs in all, each featuring independent control. The unit comes with Blackbird control DSP Matrix mixer that gives you extended routing options as well as the ability to perform quick mixes in any given situation including live recording. The extensive digital I/O options include word clock I/O for incorporating additional gear, as well as 8×8 ADAT I/O for connecting another Blackbird to increase the channel count. In addition, Mackie have included Tracktion 3 music production software for Mac & PC, although the unit is compatible with any DAW you can think of including Pro Tools 9. For simultaneous multi-channel recording, with plenty of expansion options at an affordable price, it would be a wise move to consider the Onyx Blackbird from Mackie.
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MOTU Ultralite MK3 Hybrid

MOTU are the brand that developed the first Firewire 400 audio interface in the form of the hugely successful 828, a product which has cemented their position as a household name in music production circles. The “Hybrid” tag is due to the fact that the Ultralite Mk3 model can connect to your Mac or PC using Firewire 400 or USB 2.0, making it a versatile and convenient addition to your home studio set up. There are eight inputs, with the first two being combination sockets that can deal with both XLR and 1/4” connections, while the other six are all 1/4” TRS type. Outputs are handled by eight 1/4” sockets along with S/PDIF I/O and to top it all off, there are MIDI I/O ports, further enhancing the flexibility of this compact but feature-laden interface.

One of the unique aspects of this unit is the built in CueMix FX that include impressive on-board DSP effects including reverbs, EQ and compression on every input and output. Implementing the effects can be done from either the front panel on the unit itself or from the cross-platform mixing software and once set up, you are then able to unhook the unit from your computer (as long as the power is plugged in) and use the unit in standalone mode. In short, the UltraLite Mk3 Hybrid from MOTU has plenty of I/O options and is small enough to be able to travel with for use in studio productions or on stage.
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Apogee Duet

Apogee have brought their world class AD/DA converters to bear on Mac-based productions with great success, and now they have set their sights on iPads, iPhones and the iPod touch. This simple two in and two out design can serve both Mac OSX and iOS devices, bringing a professional touch to an even wider pool of music creators. The unit is served by a breakout cable that includes two combination inputs for serving XLR and 1/4” TRS jacks, and two balanced 1/4” line outputs. There is also a separate headphone output that can be assigned a separate stereo output using the supplied Maestro software. In typical Apogee fashion, the unit has a single push encoder on the front face, along with two touch sensitive pads and small but clear LED meters for visual reference of your ingoing and outgoing levels.

The 24 bit recording quality the unit allows will allow enable you to record a stereo instrument or a vocalist and guitarist using most DAWs including GarageBand, Logic and Pro Tools. With the addition of switchable phantom power for getting the most from your microphone, and Apogee’s highly regarded soft limit to protect the integrity of your takes whilst protecting the optimum signal, the Duet is perfect for either recording small groups of musicians, monitoring computer-based productions or even for laptop DJs.
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RME Fireface UCX

One of the most respected audio interface brands to emerge in recent times has been RME. The Fireface UCX, from the German company, is only half a rack unit in size but it hosts 36 digital channels (18 inputs/18 outputs), eight analogue I/O, including two combi connections and two line level connections, as well as a handy remote control unit for quick tactile control over level and programs, and MIDI I/O with a breakout cable that gives you two inputs and two outputs. Also included is the TotalMix FX (with UFX effects engine). You can save and recall preset routings using the single knob and two digit display on the front face of the unit and along with an impressive array of digital connections, including S/PDIF I/O, word clock I/O and ADAT I/O, it’s conceivable that this diminutive audio interface could turn its hand to the most demanding of mobile recording sessions.

In line with its mobile music creation credentials, the RME Fireface UCX can also operate in class compliant mode, allowing it to connect to your iPad via a camera connection kit, giving you eight ins and a stereo output. There is no difference in sound quality between audio created on an iPad to that created on a Mac or PC due to the fact that, with the iPad, it uses its own steady clock rather than the USB clock. If you want to unhook the unit from your computer, then the Fireface UCX can save up to six routings for instant recall as a complete stand alone unit. If you need uncompromising sound quality with total flexibility and expandability, then take a close look at the RME Fireface UCX.
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Apogee Quartet

Apogee have made a name for themselves as world leaders in the field of AD/DA conversion (audio to digital and digital to audio) and this expertise has been packaged and made available in audio interfaces for professional studios all the way down to small home setups. The Quartet builds on the popularity of the two channel Duet unit, providing four inputs and six outputs of pristine Apogee clarity in a single machine. The four combination sockets on the rear will allow you to connect both XLR and 1/4” inputs with a single push encoder and touch sensitive pads to control the input and output levels. The simple design of the front face accommodates accurate metering for the four input channels and three clearly labelled stereo outputs and headphone monitor.

The Apogee Quartet is also one of the first multi-channel interfaces for the iPad, iPod touch and iPhone, including the iPhone 5 using Apple’s Lightning to 30-pin adapter. For complete control over the Quartet’s inputs and outputs, Apogee have developed the Maestro software that comes in the box with the unit. PC users should note that the Quartet is only compatible with iOS & Mac devices but can be used with a wide variety of music production software including Pro-Tools. If you are a serious desktop producer, that values top level AD/DA conversion with no compromises and fast tactile control, then the Quartet from Apogee will more than likely be your choice audio interface.
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RME Fireface UFX

RME are the German developers that are famed for creating solid, innovative and high quality digital audio solutions and their flagship audio interface is no exception. The Fireface UFX boasts a whopping 60 channels of audio management which includes 12 analogue inputs, four of which come in the convenient combination socket configuration allowing you to connect XLR and 1/4” TRS type jacks. The remaining eight inputs are the standard balanced 1/4” TRS type that can be found on the rear with a further 18 digital channels available via AES/EBU and ADAT. In addition the second ADAT I/O can be used as a S/PDIF I/O which further expands the flexibility of this high grade interface and, if that is not enough, both word clock and MIDI I/O are also available. The controls on the unit are simple, with a single knob for main output, headphone one and headphone two volume. Cycling through the outputs is done by pushing the volume control knob, and this kind of tidy design can be found through the entire RME range.

The Fireface UFX connects to your computer using either USB 2.0 or Firewire 400, and to get a more comprehensive control over the unit, RME have included the DSP-based TotalMix mixer and FX software that include EQ, reverb, dynamics and delay sends. However, the unit can also function without any assistance from your computer and in this state it is possible to recall six pre-programmed setups or use the clear colour display and physical front panel controls to set up the unit for recording. Finally, it’s possible to connect any USB thumb drive or external hard drive to the front port on the unit and record directly to the external device. All channels can be recorded discreetly in this manner or you can record to your computer hard drive and the external drive at the same time, so you have a back up. The Fireface UFX is the perfect solution for anyone doing any location recording or live band recording; tantalizingly, if you are a band that uses a lot of production on backing tracks then the unit also works as a standalone multi-channel playback solution that can operate without the computer. For a complete audio solution in a single unit, the Fireface UFX is as comprehensive as you will find.
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