If you are starting in the production musical, do you make podcasts or are you a YouTube content creator, This article will interest you. You may have heard about audio interfaces and this device has become a trend in recent years, and many professionals use it in their studios to improve sound quality.
A audio interface It is basically used for record sounds with better quality. You can record voices, audio from musical instruments, such as guitar and bass, among others. It is a tool that I assure you, will give your work a professional boost. That's why we've brought you the best audio interfaces for quality and price, so you can compare and see which one best suits you.
Related: Best PCs for Music Production
1. Focusrite SCARLETT 2I2 3RD GEN
It is the most interface sought after and sought after which contains the best quality-price ratio. Created by a well-known brand that designs very powerful sound cards, this interface comes with 2 TRS and XLR inputs and the same number of TRS outputs, and 1 headphone and MIDI output, and is also compatible with PC and Mac.
With its well-designed metal structure, it is the perfect sound card for get started in music production.
2. TC-HELICON GO XLR
For streaming lovers we bring you this gem. It is the best audio interface for streaming which gives you unbeatable control over the entire setup. If you are streaming, the interface will not consume your PC's resources so you will always have a excellent performanceIf what you need is to produce music, it is preferable that you go for other options.
3. Rode RODECaster Pro
It is the best interface to create podcasts You've probably heard about it because it's a fairly complete sound card that contains 4 XLR inputs, you can connect your phone to 1 channel, it has 1 USB and Bluetooth channel. Its strong point is that you can record directly to microSD memory and you won't need a computer. If you are a broadcaster or have your own podcast program, this is without a doubt the best you can get, since its versatility is unmatched.
4. Audient iD14 MKII
It is one of the producers' favorite cards. It is a mid-range interface which has an excellent preamplifier and its instrument input is of high quality as are the guitar and bass recordings that are transmitted with optimal signals.
It also includes 4 outputs that allow you to include more monitors. It also contains an ADAT input, allowing you to expand it to 8 channels.
5. Line 6 Pod Studio UX2
Provides a pleasant experience when We record sounds with guitar and bass. It contains a software called Pod Farm, which serves as an emulator for instruments and you can choose fx pedals, amplifiers, among others. It is a highly recommended card if you want to learn to know the various sound parametersAlthough it looks somewhat delicate, with good care it can last for many years.
6. Behringer UM2
It is a accessible interface that can give you good sound quality. It has MIDI connection, well thought out for the music lovers and has a very robust and complete design, its buttons and connectors give a feeling of firmness. If you give it the care it deserves, you will have a sound card for a long time.
7. SSL Solid State Logic SSL2+
One of The big names in the Solid State Logic industry, is a mid-range interface. At first glance it is very simple with its two inputs for XLR and TRS, two stereo outputs and two more for headphones. Its strong point is its 4K function, which will emulate the SSL 4000 consoles, giving the preamplifier a better quality sound and there are cheaper versions like SSL 2.
8. Presonus Studio 24 C
A great team created by Presonus with one that has two inputs located on the front of it. quite simple design, it has MIDI input and output, very useful for keyboardists and currently offers one of the best resolutions with 24-bit/192 kHz.
If you think it has few inputs, you can try two interfaces from this same line such as Presonus Studio 68C or Presonus Studio 1810C.
9. M-Audio AIR 192|4
If you are a beginner you can start with this interface. Despite being low-end, it is part of the AIR192 line, they are the best in relation to their price. They are small and light, you can take them anywhere and the best thing about this line is its wide repertoire of software: Pro Tools First M-Audio Edition, Eleven Lite, Avid Effects Collection, Ableton Live Lite, Air Music Tech Creative FX Collection, Avid Effects Collection are just a few.
If you don't have a big budget, this is the best option. It has 4 tickets, so it should be enough to get started.
10. Steinberg UR22 MK2
It is the most suitable for keyboard playersThis line from Steingberg is relatively inexpensive. Its table size makes it suitable for taking anywhere, it has two inputs to connect with XLR and TRS, its Input with the HI-Z button will increase the signal if you connect a musical instrument.
The UR series have More options to expand your inputs and outputsIt contains two RCA outputs so you can monitor, and if you want even more you can check out the UR44C.
What should you know before buying an audio interface?
We have already seen some models of sound cards And you may still have doubts. Don't worry, we have prepared a small list where we will tell you what you should know before buy an audio interface.
How many inputs and outputs do you need?
When purchasing an audio interface, it is essential that you know the number of I/O (Inputs/Outputs) it has. The amount will depend on the use you are going to give it.For example, if you were to use it for your guitar with two it would be fine, now if it is a drum kit it is recommended from 6 to 8 and if the interface has MIDI capacity or allows expansion it would be ideal.
What format should the audio interface have?
You must know the space you are going to work with, so you will know which is the best card you will need. Almost all of them will offer you good quality, but the difference is their versatility.
- Desktop Format. It is the most convenient and smallest. All brands have cards in this format and you can usually easily take them anywhere. The downside is that most of them are somewhat limited in terms of their inputs and outputs.
- Rack FormatIt is used more at a professional level because it has more options and connections. Its transport can be somewhat complicated due to its size.
Connections to your PC and other devices
You never know when you might need to connect your interface to your computer. That's why you should know the different connections that exist.
- USB: Almost all devices have this connection, it is the most common and works for both PC and MAC.
- Thunderbolt: It is a fairly powerful and fast connection, widely used in professional music production.
- PCle: They are somewhat scarce, it is a type of connection that goes inside the interface and connects to the motherboard.
- Firewire: It is the oldest of all, it has less power than the thunderbolt and almost all MACs have it.
Recording quality
This topic is something deep that you will learn with the experience. Generally, a performance of 26 bits/96 kHz will do you quite well, today the quality standard is between 96 kHz and 192 kHz, with that you can produce music of professional form.
Compatibility and updated drivers
If possible, you should purchase an audio interface that its brand includes in the softwareI assure you that it will give it a more professional to your studio. The next step is to try it out and see which one suits your style best.