22 Best Audio Interfaces For 2023

These are the 22 best audio interfaces to get to know as a music producer. With options for all levels, from a bedroom studio to a professional setup.

Few things are more crucial to the toolkit of a producer than the audio interface. That’s why it’s worth investing the time and effort into getting the right fit for your needs.

Audio interfaces come in all shapes and sizes to fit a myriad of different use-cases, meaning the options available can be overwhelming. That's why we've put together a list of some of some of the best audio interfaces in 2023 to help you find the ideal fit.

What’s an audio interface?

For the most part, an audio interface is simply a converter. They convert signals to and from analogue and digital.

When you need to buy an audio interface

The moment you need to convert an analogue signal to digital, like when connecting a mic to a computer for example, you need an audio interface (AKA a converter). Similarly, when you need to convert a digital signal to analogue, like when you’re connecting your speaker monitors to your computer, you need a converter of sorts. These are the two most common use cases of an audio interface.

Things to consider when choosing an audio interface

1. Inputs & Outputs: As mentioned above, the first need for some form of external interface will be to accommodate the ins and outs of your setup. Got 2 mics? You need at least 2 inputs. Got 2 speakers? You need at least 2 outputs.
2. I/O: A big consideration in your wishlist is the kinds of I/O you need, not just the amount. You'll usually come across mic inputs and line inputs. Mic ins accept a mic's output, usually via an XLR connection. A mic in will come with a preamp and a phantom power button for condenser mics. Line ins take signals that are at 'line level, like those that come from synths and such devices.
3. Computer Compatibility: You'll also need to consider what will connect to your computer. Whether it's USB 2.0, 3, a usb-c connection or thunderbolt, you'll need this information going in. So double check what ports you have and triple-check the docs of your computer.

Best Audio Interfaces For 2023: Pirate’s Top Picks

Below, we've put together a list of the best audio interfaces, whatever your discipline or price range.

Drummer vs rapper? Big budget vs small? Home studio vs professional studio? All of these considerations inform what the best audio interface is for you.

Find the best solution for your next project here:

1. The best audio interface for semi-professionals: Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
2. The best audio interface for professionals: PreSonus Studio 1824c
3. The best audio interface for your home studio: Audient iD4 MK2
4. The best audio interface for music producers: Universal Audio Apollo Twin
5. The best audio interface for DJs: GoXLR
6. The best audio interface for recording bands: Focusrite Clarett+ 8pre
7. The best audio interface for guitarists: Ik Multimedia Axe I/O
8. The best audio interface for drummers: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
9. The best audio interface for recording vocals: RME Babyface Pro Fs
10. Best audio interface for rappers: Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
11. Best audio interface under £100: Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22
12. Best audio interface under £500: Universal Audio Apollo Solo
13. Best high-end audio interface: RME Fireface UFX+
14. Best audio interface for live streaming: Wave Xlr
15. Best audio interface for audio quality: Tascam Us-16x08
16. Best portable audio interface: Apogee Jam+
17. Best 8-Channel rack-mounted interface: Antelope Discrete 8 Pro
18. Best audio interface bundle: Focusrite 2i2 Studio
19. Best audio interface for surround sound: RME Fireface UCX II
20. Best audio interface for podcasting: Apogee Duet 3
21. Best audio interface for beginners: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
22. Best value audio interface: Focusrite Clarett 4Pre

1. Best For Semi-Professionals: Behringer U-Phoria Umc404hd

Best for anyone breaking out of the bedroom

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD makes for an ideal step up from the start kit for anyone looking to take things more seriously. For an affordable price, you get 4 inputs and outputs, and the UMC404HD boasts 24-bit/192kHz fidelity as well as zero-latency monitoring.

PRICE: £147

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 24-Bit/192 kHz resolution
• 4 Midas designed Mic Preamplifiers with +48 V phantom power
• Analog Inserts
• Zero-latency direct monitoring while recording
• Input/Playback Mix control and Stereo/Mono switch for direct monitoring
• Headphone output with Level control
• Status, Signal and Clip indications
• Main Outputs on balanced XLR and 1/4" TRS connectors
• Impact-resistant metal chassis

I/O

• Streams 4 inputs/4 outputs
• 1x MIDI I/O with ultra-low latency to your computer, supporting Mac* OS X* and Windows XP* or higher
• 4x4 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface for recording microphones and instruments

IN THE BOX

• UMC404HD

2. Best For Professionals: PreSonus Studio 1824c

Best for seasoned professionals and aspiring pros alike

The versatility and sheer range of I/O makes the Studio 1824c a strong contender for the seasoned pro. Couple that with 8 preamps and built-in DSP for zero-latency monitoring.

PRICE: £359

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 18x8 onboard DSP monitor mixer
• Front-panel level controls for main outputs
• Mono and Mute buttons for the main outputs
• True +48V phantom power for condenser microphones (global)
• 10 ladder-style 8-LED level metres (8 input, 2 main output)
• USB-C® -compatible port (USB 2.0)
• 24-bit resolution
• 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, and 192 kHz sampling rates
• 1U rack-mountable
• Road-rugged construction with all-metal chassis and metal knobs

I/O

• Up to 18 inputs/20 outputs
• 2 mic/instrument/line inputs
• 6 mic/line inputs
• 8 channels of ADAT Optical I/O (4 channels at 96 kHz)
• 2 balanced ¼-inch TRS main outputs
• 8 balanced ¼-inch TRS line outputs
• 2 stereo headphone outputs
• MIDI In/Out
• Stereo S/PDIF digital I/O
• 1 USB-C port
• USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables included
• BNC word clock output

IN THE BOX

• Studio One® Artist for macOS® and Windows®
• UC Surface control software for macOS, Windows, iPad®, and Android™
• Studio Magic Software Suite
• Ableton® Live Lite
• Studio 1824c

3. Best For Your Home Studio: Audient iD4 MK2

Best for home studio setups

The highly compact iD4 gives you all the quality but in a small form factor for those who just need top-quality but don’t need the bells, whistles, and I/O.

PRICE: £120

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 1 x Audient Console Mic Preamp
• Class Leading Converters
• ScrollControl
• Audio Loop-back with Mixer
• Speaker on/off Button
• Monitor Mix and Pan
• True Phantom Power over USB
• USB3.0 Bus Powered
• iOS Compatible
• 24bit/96khz
• All Metal Design

I/O

• 1 x JFET Instrument Input
• 2 x Line Outputs
• Dual Headphone Outputs

IN THE BOX

• iD4

4. Best For Music Producers: Universal Audio Apollo Twin

Best for seasoned producers who need all the bells and whistles

Producers and engineers the world over turn to Universal Audio's Apollo, not only for their top of the range hardware, but for their state of the art software too.

PRICE: £879

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
• Available UAD-2 DUO Core Processing
• Unison™ models of tube and transformer-based preamps, guitar amps, and stompboxes
• Includes access to LUNA Recording System
• Built-in talkback mic
• Includes UAD plug-in bundle

I/O

• 2 premium Unison mic/line preamps
• 2 line outputs
• front-panel Hi-Z instrument input and headphone output
• 2 digitally controlled analog monitor output
• Up to 8 channels of additional digital input

IN THE BOX

Apollo Twin and a suite of plugins including:

• Marshall Plexi Classic Amplifier
• Teletronix LA 2A Legacy
• UA 1176LN Legacy
• UA 1176SE Legacy
• Pultec EQP 1A Legacy
• Pultec Pro Legacy
• Ampeg® SVT-VR Classic Bass Amp
• Precision Channel Strip
• Precision Reflection Engine
• Precision Delay Modulation
• Raw Distortion
• RealVerb Pro
• Apollo Twin

5. Best For DJs: GoXLR

Lots of features packed into a small form, great for DJs

Definitely an outlier in this list. But serves a good couple of niches if you find yourself in one of them, namely DJing and gaming. Pack this to broadcast next time you book a private DJ studio.

PRICE: £375

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Desktop rig for online broadcasters
• 4-channel mixer for super-fast USB audio mixing for all your audio sources
• Customizable motorised faders with LCD scribble strips give you ultimate control
• Sound board and recorder to cue bumpers and riff on-the-fly samples
• Vocal FX
• EQ, compression, de-essing and gating controls
• Midas mic preamp
• Full RGB lighting control to fit with your customised gaming rig
• "Cough" button to mute yourself
• PC app
• 3-Year Warranty Program*

I/O

• XLR Mic Input
• Headphone output
• Gaming console connection
• Headset port

IN THE BOX

• GoXLR

6. Best For Recording Bands: Focusrite Clarett+ 8pre

Pack this next time you're heading to a music recording studio with band in tow

You’ll rarely regret getting anything from one of the biggest brands in the game. The maker of red boxes has made a flavour that offers everything you need to record your band. You can’t go wrong with the Clarett+ 8Pre.

PRICE: £879

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Eight Clarett+ mic preamps
• Air with impedance switching and relay control
• Two JFET instrument inputs

I/O

• Inputs 1 & 2 – Combo Xlr Input Sockets
• Line Level Signals Via Xlr Or ¼” Jacks As Appropriate. Either Trs (Balanced) Or Ts (Unbalanced)
• Gain 1 To 8 – Eight Rotary Controls: Adjust Input Gain For Signals At Inputs 1 To 8 Respectively.
• 3-Pole (Trs) Jack Or Unbalanced, Via A 2-Pole (Ts) Jack.
• Mic/Line Inputs 3 To 8 – Combo Xlr Input Sockets - Connect Further Microphones Or Line
• Line Outputs 3 To 10 – Eight Balanced Analogue Line Outputs On ¼” Jack Sockets
• Monitor 1 And 2 – Two Balanced Analogue Line Outputs On ¼” Jack Sockets
• Line Outputs 1 And 2
• Optical In And Out – Two Toslink Connectors, Each Carrying Eight Channels Of Digital Audio
• Word Clock Output – A Bnc Connector Carrying The Clarett+ 8pre’s Word Clock; This May
• Usb Connector; Connect The Clarett+ 8pre To Your Computer With A Usb Cable.
• Midi In And Midi Out – Standard 5-Pin Din Sockets To Connect External Midi Equipment
• Spdif In And Out – Two Phono (Rca) Sockets Carrying Two-Channel Digital Audio Signals In
• Ac Mains – Standard Iec (Ac) Connector

IN THE BOX

• AC mains cable with IEC connector
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Clarett+ 8pre

7. Best For Guitarists: Ik Multimedia Axe I/O

Ideal compact interface solution for guitar players

Axe is for your axe. Paired with the TONEX max software, this provides a nifty solution for axe wielders on the go. The perfect piece of kit for anyone you might find in a guitar practice room.

PRICE: £299

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Selectable Active/Passive/discrete JFET/Pure instrument preamp
• ==Z-TONE® input
• Amp Out for reamplification
• Comes with AmpliTube 5 SE and TONEX SE for Mac/PC
• Connect up to 2 expression pedals, single and double-switches
• Fully assignable data-knob
• Built-in Tuner
• Rugged/compact metal housing
• Premium studio sound
• High-resolution microphone preamps
• Asynchronous USB audio
• 117dB dynamic range
• Includes control software
• Up to 192 kHz sampling rate

I/O

• 2 in / 5 out (one low-noise Amp out)
• 2 ultra-low noise mic in/balanced line in
• Triple topology guitar input with Z-TONE®
• 2 balanced monitor out / 2 line out
• Reference headphones out
• 2 fully configurable external control input
• MIDI input/output
• USB 2.0 compatible with Mac/PC

IN THE BOX

• USB cable
• PSU
• Quick Start Guide
• Registration Card
• AXE I/O

8. Best For Drummers: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20

The best audio interface on the market for drummers

Another Focusrite offering in the mix, but this time for the drummers out there. An affordable yet feature complete converter for drummers to take to the drum practice room.

PRICE: £449

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• High channel count
• Talkback mic
• Speaker switching

I/O

• Mic Pres: 8
• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Ins: 8
• Line Outs: 10
• Headphone Outs: 2
• Air
• Loopback
• ADAT

IN THE BOX

• Hitmaker Expansion
• Three-month’s Avid® Pro Tools Artist subscription and Avid Complete Plugin Bundle: Ableton® Live Lite™
• Three Month Splice Sounds Subscription
• Scarlett 18i20

9. Best For Recording Vocals: RME Babyface Pro Fs

Top of the range conversion and features in a small form factor

If you’re in the market for the utmost fidelity and quality and are willing to fork out for it, the BabyFace is the one for you.

PRICE: £799

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• +19 / +4 dBu switch on the bottom
• Full SteadyClock FS circuit
• 3.5 mm TRS phones output
• K-slot for theft protection.

I/O

• 4 x Analog I/O
• 2 x XLR Mic/Line
• 2 x Phones Output
• 1 x ADAT I/O
• 1 x MIDI I/O
• RME USB 2.0
• 2 x Line/Inst Input
• DC-coupled Outputs

IN THE BOX

• Babyface Pro FS

10. Best For Rappers: Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

Great value for the quality and features

The Komplete Audio 6 is a compact and affordable audio interface that offers 6 inputs and outputs, with 24-bit/96kHz sound quality and easy integration with Native Instruments software.

PRICE: £169

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• PREMIUM 6-CHANNEL AUDIO INTERFACE
• Record audio in immaculate quality – up to 192 kHz / 24-bit
• Connect your whole setup – 4 analog in/out, 2 digital in/out, 2 headphone out, and MIDI in/out
• Get creating with all the software you need to record and build tracks, plus synths, effects, and more
• 4x LED input VU meter
• 1x LED output VU meter
• 48V, USB, and MIDI status LEDs
• Direct monitoring with mono/stereo switch and channel switching (1-2 / 3-4) for blending audio playback while recording
• Big volume knob for quick volume adjustments

I/O

• 6 inputs: 2x combo-XLR/¼” TRS line inputs with 48V phantom power
• 2x ¼” TRS line inputs
• 1x SPDIF digital stereo input (RCA)
• 1x MIDI in
• 6 outputs: 4x DC coupled ¼” TRS outputs for modular control
• 1x SPDIF digital stereo output (RCA)
• 1x MIDI out
• 2x headphone out
• USB 2.0 bus-power
• Compatible with Mac and PC
• Kensington Security Slot

IN THE BOX

• Komplete Audio 6

11. Best Under £100: Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22

Incredible value for money

A very capable converter from one of the biggest brands in the game at an extremely competitive price.

PRICE: £55

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 2x4 USB2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
• 24-Bit/96 kHz resolution
• Zero-latency direct monitoring while recording
• Input/Playback Mix control and Stereo/Mono switch for direct monitoring
• Impact-resistant metal chassis

I/O

• Streams 2 inputs / 4 outputs plus 1x
• MIDI I/O
• 2 MIDAS designed Mic Preamplifiers with +48 V phantom power
• Analog Inserts
• Headphone output with Level control

IN THE BOX

• U-PHORIA UMC22

12. Best Under £500: Universal Audio Apollo Solo

Universal Audio's best value interface for high quality gains

If you want best in class sounds, but looking for value and don’t need all the I/O in the world, Universal Audio’s got you covered.

PRICE: £399

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Mic preamp emulations including Neve, API, Manley, and Avalon
• Headphone monitoring
• Bus-powered interface with all-metal construction
• Desktop 2 x 4 Thunderbolt 3-powered audio interface
• Unison mic preamp and guitar amp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Marshall, and Fender
• Realtime UAD Processing for tracking through UAD plug-ins
• Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, Audio Units, and AAX in all major DAWs
• Includes studio compressors, EQs, reverbs, and guitar amp emulations

I/O

• 2 premium mic/line preamps
• 2 monitor outputs
• Front-panel Hi-Z instrument Input
• Stereo headphone output

IN THE BOX

• UA 1176LN Legacy
• UA 1176SE Legacy
• Pultec EQP-1A Legacy
• Pultec-Pro Legacy
• Teletronix LA-2A Legacy
• Precision Channel Strip (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
• Precision Reflection Engine (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
• Precision Delay Mod (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
• Precision Delay Mod L (Precision Mix Rack Collection)
• RealVerb Pro
• Apollo Solo

13. Best High-End Audio Interface: RME Fireface UFX+

The ultimate box. You would have one if money were no object

The ultimate of ultimates. RME’s flagship product must be considered by commercial producers and engineers the world over. RME are at the top of the game when it comes to reliability, versatility, I/O, and overall quality.

PRICE: £2,149

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• TotalMix FX
• ARC USB
• DURec
• Class Compliant Mode
• AutoSet Digital Gain Control
• DC-coupled Outputs (Phones)
• Including FX

I/O

• 12 x Analog I/O
• 4 x XLR/TRS Mic/Inst/Line
• 2 x Phones Output
• 1 x AES/EBU I/O
• 2 x ADAT I/O
• 1 x Word Clock I/O / MADI Coaxial
• 1 x MADI optical I/O
• 2 x MIDI I/O
• 1 x Thunderbolt™ connectivity
• 1 x RME USB 3.0

IN THE BOX

• Fireface UFX+
• Cable USB 3.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
• Power cord
• Manual

14. Best For Live Streaming: Wave XLR

Designed with live streaming in mind

Streaming requires performance and consistency. Streamers know they need something that will show up in Open Broadcaster Software and take the headaches out of routing. WAVE XLR shows up as an obvious consideration. The key features being enough I/O for most streamers, then the big dial on the front for those snappy adjustments.

PRICE: £159

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Set Input Gain
• Adjust Output Volume
• Crossfade Between Mic And Pc Mix
• Toggle Phantom Power
• Capacitive Sensor
• Crystal Clear, Zero-Latency Monitoring
• Usb Type-C
• Switchable Low-Cut Filters
• Wavelink Mixer Software

I/O

• Xlr Input
• High-Power Headphone Output

IN THE BOX

• Wavelink software
• WAVE XLR

15. Best For Audio Quality: Tascam Us-16x08

One of the best sounding interfaces on the market

The US-16x08 is a budget-friendly audio interface with 16 inputs and 8 outputs, including 8 microphone preamps and a USB connection for easy integration with your computer.

PRICE: £348

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Ultra-HDDA microphone pre-amps
• Recording at up to 96kHz/24-bit
• Support for Mac and Windows operating systems
• 16-in/8-out audio streaming from a PC connected via USB 2.0
• Selectable operation mode between audio interface and standalone mic preamp
• On-board DSP mixer for monitoring
• Low-latency monitoring via the DSP Mixer
• Compressor and 4-band EQ for each input channel on the DSP mixer
• USB Audio Compliance 2.0 for iOS connection
• DAW compatibility (ProTools, Cubase, Live, Studio One, Garage Band)
• Angled industrial design for desktop ease-of-use

I/O

• Eight XLR inputs with phantom power
• Two TRS (balanced) inputs selectable between line and instrument level
• Six TRS (balanced) inputs on rear panel
• Eight TRS (balanced) analogue outputs
• Standard headphones output
• MIDI input/output

IN THE BOX

• Rack-mount adapter
• Dedicated AC adapter
• Us-16x08

16. Best For On The Move: Apogee Jam+

The best portable interface for touring

Apogee’s portable solution is great for getting the best sound on the move. As well as being compact, the piece of audio gear has an eye-catching design.

PRICE: £169

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Apogee’s PureDIGITAL
• Dual mode option
• Drive mode
• Stereo output
• Blend mode
• 24-bit/96kHz high resolution audio
• Metal body with soft touch base
• Works with iOS, Mac and Windows PC
• Includes Lightning, USB and USB Type-C cables
• BIAS FX Jam desktop app

I/O

• ¼” instrument input
• ⅛” Headphone output
• USB port

IN THE BOX

• Quick Start guide
• BIAS FX JAM software download instructions
• Lightning cable (iOS devices)
• USB cable (Type C)
• USB cable (Type A)
• Warranty Booklet
• Apogee Jam+

17. Best 8-Channel rack-mounted interface: Antelope Discrete 8 Pro

For those who need the I/O, the Discrete 8 Pro is a sure contender

Though pricey, this is an ideal solution for those who need the I/O in their studio rack.

PRICE: £1,444

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Direct monitoring
• Switch audio sources per channel
• Customizable presets
• Customizable monitoring mixes
• Front-panel talkback with built-in microphone
• Front panel with independent headphone
• Hardware relay-based gain knobs for each preamp
• Option for standalone operation
• Wireless control of software features
• 37 Synergy Core effects
• Synergy Core proprietary onboard platform
• Modelling Engine

I/O

• 8 × Discrete 6-transistor preamps
• 8 × DC-coupled line outputs
• Two reamp outputs on TRS ¼ jacks
• Thunderbolt™ 3 and USB 2.0 port
• ADAT I/O with 16 channels
• S/PDIF I/O,with 2 channels
• Three word clock outputs
• 1 × Dedicated stereo monitor output over ¼ TRS
• Footswitch input
• Two stereo headphone outs
• Dedicated stereo monitor output over TRS

IN THE BOX

• External Power Adapter & Power Cord
• USB cable (Type-A to B male)
• Getting Started Leaflet
• Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core

18. Best Audio Interface Bundle: Focusrite 2i2 Studio

The great starter kit to get your music game off the ground

The red box people have created a very enticing offering to beginners, as it’s pretty much everything for the vast majority of use-cases. However, as it’s a package, you get what you’re given. Which might mean you end up with a surplus of something.

PRICE: £219

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Headphones
• Microphone
• Air
• Bus Power*

I/O

• Mic Pres: 2
• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Ins: 2
• Line Outs: 2
• Headphone Outs: 1

IN THE BOX

• Headphones
• Microphone
• Hitmaker Expansion
• Three-month’s Avid® Pro Tools Artist subscription
• Ableton® Live Lite™
• Three Month Splice Sounds Subscription
• Scarlett 2i2

19. Best for Surround Sound: RME Fireface UCX II

All the I/O you need for surround in a compact form factor

This offering from RME packs your surround sound needs into a compact box with the necessary I/O and converters for most surround sound use-cases. The only con is that it's not the cheapest solution.

PRICE: £1,243

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Class Compliant Mode
• TotalMix FX
• ARC USB
• RME USB 2.0
• DC-coupled Outputs
• SteadyClock FS
• DURec
• AutoSet Digital Gain Control
• Including FX

I/O

• 8 x Analog I/O
• 2 x XLR/TRS Mic/Inst/Line
• 2 x Line/Inst Input
• 1 x Phones Output
• 1 x AES I/O
• 1 x ADAT I/O
• 1 x SPDIF I/O Coax
• 1 x Word Clock I/O
• 1 x MIDI I/O

IN THE BOX

• Cable USB 2.0, 1.8 m (6 ft)
• Optical cable (TOSLINK), 2 m (6.6 ft)
• B0968 Digital breakout cable (XLR/RCA)
• External switched power supply
• Power cord
• Fireface UCX II

20. Best for Podcasting: Apogee Duet 3

A good option if you're visiting or creating your own professional podcast studio

As we’re very much in the podcasting revolution, people the world over are looking for a solid interface to pair with their podcasting mic of choice. Apogee’s duet has everything you need to record high quality podcasts for you and your guests.

PRICE: £599

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 2x4 USB Type C
• Up to 24 bit / 192kHz recording
• Scratch resistant top
• Balanced back lit knob
• On-board hardware DSP
• Symphony ECS Channel Strip

I/O

• Input and output connections via breakout cable
• 2x ¼” Instrument inputs
• 2x Mic/line inputs
• 2x ¼” Balanced outputs
• ⅛” Headphone output
• 2 USB Type C ports
• Bus powered / External power optional via second USB Type C port as needed

IN THE BOX

• Breakout cable
• Travel case
• USB Type C / Type A cable
• Duet 3

21. Best for Beginners: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

The ultimate and most obvious choice for beginners

The first point of call for bedroom producers and DIY artists across the globe. The infamous red box is an obvious choice. High quality, compact, and affordable.

PRICE: £149

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• 2 Mic Pres
• Air
• Bus Power*

I/O

• Instrument Inputs: 2
• Line Ins: 2
• Line Outs: 2
• Headphone Outs: 1

IN THE BOX

• USB cable, Type ‘A’ to Type ‘C’
• Scarlett 2i2

22. Best Value: Focusrite Clarett 4Pre

A great second box for those looking to grow out of the bedroom

Boasting a compact interface, 4 high quality preamps, and a low latency thunderbolt connection, the Clarett 4Pre is a solid choice for mid-weight producers.

PRICE: £489

FEATURES & COMPATABILITY

• Four Clarett⁺ Preamps
• All-Analogue Air
• Focusrite Control

I/O

• 4 mic / line inputs: XLR / 1/4 "jack combo 4 line in
• 4 line out
• MIDI I/O
• ADAT IN
• S / PDIF IN and
• Coaxial OUT
• 2 stereo headphone outs
• Two Jfet Instrument Inputs
• Adat Optical Input

IN THE BOX

• External 12 V DC mains Power Supply Unit (PSU)
• USB-C to USB-A cable
• USB-C to USB-C cable
• Clarett 4Pre