The 10 Best Desktop Audio Interface (2023 Review & Buyers Guide)

Mr. Sim Friesen
  May 28, 2023 10:22 AM

Although computer audio interfaces are not quite as ubiquitous or cheap as USB microphones and recording software, they remain very useful tools for home and project studio users. What is an audio interface, you ask? Well, in short, it’s a small device that connects directly to your computer via USB and offers multiple inputs and outputs. This means you can use it to connect things like microphones, instruments, speakers, and more directly to your computer instead of relying on the built-in input ports. An audio interface will help improve the quality of your recordings as well as make them much easier to set up in the first place. There are a lot of different types of desktop audio interfaces available these days. But which one is right for you? Let this article serve as your ultimate guide!

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TOP Choice
1
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for the Guitarist, Vocalist, Podcaster or Producer — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for the
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  • WPL Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Focusrite
  • Pro performance with the finest pre-amps - Achieve a brighter and a more open recording thanks to the best performing mic pre-amps the Scarlett range has ever seen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your vocals when recording with your Scarlett Solo.
  • Get the perfect guitar take - There’s no need to sacrifice your tone with the high headroom instrument input when recording your guitar and basses. Capture your instruments in all their glory without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos.  more
TOP Choice
2
M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface for Recording, Podcasting, Streaming with Studio Quality Sound, 1 XLR in and Music Production Software
M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface for Recording, Podcasting,
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    9.2
  • Brand
    M-Audio
  • Capture Every Detail - Premium component selection and 24-bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring to your Mac to PC
  • Low Latency - Hi-Speed USB / USB-C circuitry gives you the fastest connection, with a class-leading round trip latency of only 2.59ms; USB and USB-C connection cables included  more
TOP Choice
3
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface
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  • WPL Score

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Behringer
  • 2-channel USB Audio Interface with 1 XENYX Preamp
  • Instrument Input  more
Most Saving
4
SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C Audio Interface
SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C Audio Interface
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    9.6
  • Brand
    Ssl
  • 2-In/4-Out USB-C Audio Interface
  • 2 x SSL-designed microphone preamps  more
Most Saving
5
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Bundle with Desktop Boom Arm Mic Stand, Mic Shock Mount for 44-47mm Microphones and Pop Filter (4 Items)
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface Bundle
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    9.4
  • Brand
    Focusrite
  • BUNDLE INCLUDES: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio 3rd Gen 2x2 USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First, Microphone Suspension Boom Scissor Arm with 5/8-27 Threading, Basic Microphone Shock Mount, and Pop Filter
  • MICROPHONE AND HEADPHONES: The CM25 MkIII condenser microphone enables you to capture studio-quality recordings that are faithful to the original source, while the HP60 MkIII closed-back headphones, with a new improved design, offer high sound quality and long-lasting comfort when recording and mixing  more
Most Saving
6
UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and streaming with essential audio software, including $400 in UAD plug-ins
UA Volt 2 USB Audio Interface for recording, podcasting, and
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  • WPL Score

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    9.4
  • Brand
    Universal Audio
  • Easily create music productions, livestreams, and podcasts on Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone
  • Record vocals and instruments with rich, full sound using Vintage Mic Preamp mode  more
Most Saving
7
Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface
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  • WPL Score

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    9.0
  • Brand
    Tascam
  • Captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound quality and advanced features to manage big sessions
  • Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps deliver the cleanest and quietest operation in their class while delivering up to 56dB of gain  more
Most Saving
8
M-Audio M-Track Duo – USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with Dual XLR, Line & DI Inputs, plus a Software Suite Included
M-Audio M-Track Duo – USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming
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  • WPL Score

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    8.8
  • Brand
    M-Audio
  • Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All – USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 24-bit/48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
  • Be ready for anything with this versatile M-Audio interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power  more
Most Saving
9
USB Audio Interface with 1x XLR/TRS 1x 1/4" 2X RCA USB, Red
USB Audio Interface with 1x XLR/TRS 1x 1/4" 2X RCA
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    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    8.0
  • Brand
    RSGRHAI
  • USB audio interface for recording microphones and instruments .Streams 2 inputs / 2 outputs with ultra-low latency to your computer,
  • Professional audio quality. Maximum sampling rate: 48 kHz 16BIT  more
Most Saving
10
PreSonus Studio 26c 2x4, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite DAW Recording Software
PreSonus Studio 26c 2x4, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with
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  • WPL Score

    WPL Score is a ranking system developed by Whypinkfloyd.com. WPL score has no relationship or impact from any manufacturers or sales agent websites. Learn more

    9.2
  • Brand
    PreSonus
  • Mobile-ready, bus-powered 2-in/4-out USB-C audio interface; no power supply needed (USB-C to C and USB-C to A cables included).
  • Loaded with 2 pristine XMAX-L solid-state mic preamps to capture every detail.  more

Last update on 2023-05-28 / Affiliate links / Images, Product Titles, and Product Highlights from Amazon Product Advertising API

Top Picks

Here are our top picks! Read our helpful reviews and determine which products are worth buying!

best desktop audio interface

Today's Deals

Best Seller: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Pros:

1. Clear Audio Output: The best performing pre amps in the world to achieve a brighter and more open recording.

2. Better Guitar Tone: Get your perfect guitar take without sacrificing tone with an instrument input with high headroom and no unwanted distortion.

Cons:

1. Air Mode is not a good option for vocals: The Air mode has some issues when used on vocals which is one of the reasons many would advise against buying it.

Best Saving: M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface

Pros:

1. Low Latency: You will have the fastest connection with a class-leading round-trip latency of only 2.59ms; USB and USB C connection cables are included

2. Capture Every Detail - Premium component selection and 24-bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring to your Mac or PC

Cons:

1. Long Setup Time: For the capture or recording of audio signals, you need to first set up the input options on your interface hardware before starting to record with software. In this process, latency is an important consideration and if there's even a 2-3ms delay between what you hear (in real time) and when it shows up in your project window - then everything will sound wrong as it was meant to be heard!

Best Choice: Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface

Pros:

1. Excellent Connectivity: It has a 2-channel USB audio interface, which comes with various ports like 1 XENYX Preamp, instrument input and phantom power.

2. Affordable Price: The product is much affordable as compared to other types of digital interfaces in the market right now due to its easy availability and simple design that saves on production costs 

3. Great Sound Quality: Its sound quality is great because it uses ultra-low noise RS232 technology for interference free operation even at high speeds which makes recording more accurate.

Cons:

1. Weight: 2-channel USB Audio Interface with 1 XENYX Preamp is slightly heavier, at 3.9 pounds as opposed to just 3.3, which may be a problem for some buyers.

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