Find The Best Audio Interface In Your Budget

This article isn’t for novice engineers. It’s not for beginner producers. It’s for those who don’t mess around when it comes to the quality and features of their recording equipment. This overview is for those who know their stuff and those with super high recording and engineering IQs.

Below, we’ll help you discover the best audio interface for your needs (or for those as skilled as the pros).

How to Discover The Best Audio Interface For You

Expansion and Software

These professional-grade audio interfaces, most of the time, can be expanded upon with other interfaces. For example, you can connect one of these interfaces to other interfaces to increase your inputs and outputs and easily route your signals elsewhere. All of the devices in this category come with top-notch software, whether it’s a digital audio workstation or something that gives you some great effects or other plugins. Clearly, these audio interfaces were built with you, the professional, in mind.

Compatibility

As I’m sure you will, just make sure you note what type of operating system the interface is compatible with — yes, some of these devices work with both Mac and Windows, but some only work with one or the other. It would truly suck for you to receive a brand new interface, get it hooked up with excitement, only to realize it’s not compatible with your computer. But you know what you’re doing, so surely that wouldn’t happen.

Connectivity

New laptops feature a USB port, and this is a great connectivity option if you intend on using an audio interface on an array of devices. This is also great if you’re searching for a more portable recording option. If you own an Apple device, Firewire is an ideal choice as this features a high-speed data transfer that you can use on numerous recordings. But for the latest Apple laptops, you’d be missing out on a huge opportunity if you didn’t purchase the Thunderbolt connectivity. This is easy and quick to install on Mac computers and features incredible data transfer rates.

Choosing The Best Audio Interface From Our Vast Selection

With high quality comes high demand and with high demand comes a higher price, naturally. This means if you’re on a typical DIY budget, these audio interfaces may be out of your price range. For the most part, these professionally ranked interfaces range from about $700 to $1,400. If that amount of money sounds crazy ridiculous to you, then you may want to look into more affordable audio interfaces, like those that use Firewire or USB. However, if those figures look reasonable to you and can fit within your budget, then read on.

1. Antelope Audio Zen Studio

Professional tier audio interfaces are designed to bridge the gap between commercially viable gear and something a world-class studio would use on a daily basis. Antelope Audio is one of those brands you probably haven’t heard of, but one that knows how to meet these requirements. Antelope Audio Zen Studio is an awesome model, and it’s packed with plenty of features.

You are looking at a great set of mic preamps that deliver a warm, natural sound. Combined with a pretty impressive analog to digital converters, low latency, and high resolution, this interface offers professional levels of audio quality. If you are building a home studio from scratch and need something bulletproof, an interface such as this one is what you need.

2. RME Fireface UC

RME Fireface UC is one of those interfaces that really doesn’t look like much, but hides a very specialized nature. This is a rack-mount compatible setup that is all about function over form. One of the cool things about that approach is the fact that it is generally cheaper than most of its competition. All things considered, it rocks and is the best audio interface money on a budget.

At the very core of this interface are two high-quality mic preamps. That means that you have two dedicated XLR channels, which can also be used as line inputs. The backside reveals a lot of balanced and unbalanced line outs as well as MIDI outs and more. This model is worth it for the I/O package alone.

3. MOTU 896mk3 Hybrid

MOTU’s models in this segment of the market are borderline legendary. The one we chose for this list is a hybrid package that offers both FireWire and USB 2.0 connectivity. As you can probably tell just by looking at it, MOTU 896Mk3 Hybrid is a rack-mount friendly model. Unlike most similar designs, this one requires two rack slots.

When it comes to features and functionality, there is so much to talk about. For starters, you have 28 inputs and 32 outputs. Aside from dedicated mic channels, you also have SPDIF, AES, EBU and a number of others inputs as well as outputs. The front panel is amazing, in the sense of organization and functionality.

4. MOTU 24Ao

If you are more into a single-rack interface that is more on a digital side when it comes to functionality, something like the MOTU 24Ao might be exactly what you are looking for. Unlike most other MOTU models in this range, 24Ao is all about the software. Controls are minimalist, simple, and functional but ultimately out of the way.

All of the I/Os are located in the back. You have 72 audio channels at your disposal, 24 analog outputs and a whole lot more. Software support makes it a great tool for those who are using both iOS and Windows systems. Generally speaking, this interface is pretty niche. However, it is still one of the best at the moment.

5. PreSonus Quantum 26x32

PreSonus offers a lot of awesome interfaces, especially in the higher end. The one we’re looking at today goes under the name of PreSonus Quantum 26×32, and it offers a lot of bang for the buck. On the surface, it looks like just another rack mount interface.

This audio interface is one of the quickest units on the market and is equipped with a total of up to 96 channels over four units. This device also has eight mic inputs to support 96kHz recordings across an array of formats.

6. Roland STUDIO-CAPTURE

Roland’s interfaces are not as popular as some other brands. However, that has nothing to do with their quality nor functionality. When you get into higher end Rolands, you will find them to be quite unique.

Models such as Roland STUDIO CAPTURE are perfect for vocals-oriented recording studios and more. We say that because Roland STUDIO-CAPTURE packs 16 inputs, 12 of which are XLR/TRS channels, each with its own mic preamp. That means you’re getting 12 microphone preamps of great quality, in a package that is by most means affordable. On top of that, this thing is packed full of awesome features and great compatibility with both operating systems.

7. Zoom TAC-8

Zoom’s TAC-8 is an incredible force multiplier for those who need a rack mounted unit with plenty of support for vocals. On top of that, it is one of the most affordable professional grade models you can find at the moment. If you are on a budget, that makes a lot of difference. Compared to most, it’s performance oriented.

You’re looking at 8 microphone preamps linked to hybrid XLR/TRS inputs. On the back side, you will find a whole array of both TRS and other inputs and outputs. This model offers 192 kHz high definition audio with Thunderbolt bandwidth, which ensures zero-latency operation. When you add 18 inputs, 20 outputs, and other awesome features, it’s awesome.

So Many Options to Find The Best Audio Interface

The above pro-level interfaces come in all shapes, sizes, and with a ton of features — so many features it might feel like each device is custom-made for you (that’s not an exaggeration).

One thing that’s common across the board is the number of inputs — they all have several. And the types of inputs vary from interface to interface. For example, the MOTU 24Ao has only digital inputs, which work great for MIDI instruments. Whereas the Zoom TAC-8 has XLR, quarter-inch, MIDI, S/PDIF, and ADAT inputs, which would be a very nice variety to have.

When you’re looking to grab one of these interfaces, you just have to pick the one that specifically fits your recording needs. After you’ve reviewed the different options, it’ll be more clear which device to choose.

Have You Discovered The Best Audio Interface From Above?

If you’ve gotten this far in the article, that probably means you are not only a pro at what you do, but you also take your job very seriously. You want the best of the best. And money isn’t necessarily an object. You’ve most likely researched the top audio interfaces for your recording setup, weighing the good with the not-so-good, and now you’re ready to buy. Pretty much any audio interface in this category will do you good (assuming it’s compatible with your current setup). Any one of these devices is a safe bet because, well, they’re all great.