Affordable and high-quality 4 channel audio interfaces.
4-channel audio interfaces allow you to enjoy portability while still providing more inputs than 2-channel models. They’re a particularly good choice for beginners and people on a budget that wish to spice up their recording setup without going broke.
The post below goes over an array of quality models based on recent reviews and ratings and covers the most essential aspects for you to consider when picking the best 4-channel audio interface for your needs.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB audio interface is a high performance card used in notebook computer and other recording environment. The audio interface has two levels of connection, one is ground and the other is a rack and zone. You can use the ground connection for general purpose or you can use the rack and zone connection for more precise audio interface settings. You can use it with any type of computer or recording studio with any type of software and any type of hardware.
With the Focusrite Scarlett USB audio interface, you do not need to deal with expensive recording equipment for your recording studio or for your laptop. This USB interface is much more affordable than the rest. It is also compatible with many operating systems like XP, MAC, and windows 2021. This interface is also very easy to install and configure and you can use it even if you are new to computers.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The PreSonus Studio68C 6x6 USB audio interface packs a powerful punch and is an ideal solution for modern mixing and recording studios. It can interface with most computers and sound cards providing you with high quality sound reproduction that you would expect from a professional recording studio monitor.
The PreSonus Studio68C is an affordable audio interface for professional users and home recording or production studios. At first glance, its design and appearance to resemble that of a traditional VGA video interface and comes with an intuitive user interface that makes controlling your interface's easy and hassle free. Once connected to your computer, it instantly becomes an effective tool for multi-track recording, and thanks to the VGA output on its back, the interface can be connected to your computer without shutting it down.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
The TEYUN professional wireless 4 channel audio mixer is a high quality audio interface designed to run on any computer with a USB port. It connect to your computers via five different connections. These include a FireWire port for connecting directly to your computer motherboard, four USB ports for connecting the mixer to your computers, audio interface ports for connecting speakers and microphones, and a standard RCA input connection for connecting the audio interface to the sound board itself. It is also capable of being used as an audio interface for connecting to your Mac or PC for use as a mixer or studio monitor.
As far as sound quality goes, the audio interface produced by the device has been designed to output at higher quality than most other audio interfaces. It provides a clear and audible signal which is perfect for recording or mixing purposes.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
Maker Hart Just Mic is a professional quality mini microphone mixer that allows the user to put together just about any combination of signal for performing arts or simply making music. The mixer is designed with an all in one design so that it can fit into a small bag, taking up minimal space and allowing the user to keep it out of the way when not in use. It features four channels, including mono, which allows the user to play just one channel at a time without affecting the others, which makes it a great tool for performing or working with a live band.
The four channels include a direct input for microphones, headphones and line output which allows the user to connect the mixer to other electronic musical equipment easily. One of the best features of this product is the presence of an audio interface which allows the user to connect it directly to his computer and sounds card through an Ethernet cable.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
The Phenyx Pro PRX-100 is a professional-level audio interface. This is an affordable solution for those that need to mix and record at professional levels but do not have thousands to spare. In addition, this audio interface has been designed with two balanced options that allow it to be used with all known D mixer devices. This is a big advantage over most other audio interfaces that limit you to using only three or four channels for mixing and recording. Its easy to install feature and wide range of functions make it one of the most popular interfaces on the market today.
The audio interface has also been equipped with a compressor that gives the user the ability to add compression when needed. This gives the user more options in the mixing process and less hassle. In addition, the front panel has front panel controls for volume, effects, input switch, monitor switch and lock/unlock button.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Steinberg UR-RT4 is a high-quality audio interface solution from the world-wide-gesture Steinberg. This professional quality audio interface performs superbly with top-notch design and reliability. It can handle high-resolution audio data as well as carry a host of remote control functions and multimedia controls.
In fact, the Steinberg Urushi RF-RT4 is a state-of-the-art audio interface that is compatible with most computer operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Macintosh OS and Linux, all of which are designed for high-quality audio interface solutions. To ensure superior quality, the Steinberg engineers incorporated a host of innovative sound enhancements and feature additions that provide extended connectivity options and increased functionality.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 64-bit/192kHz
The Antelope Audio Orion Studio Synergy Core Thunderbolt 3 is a big step forward in the Antelope Audio range of sound interfaces, designed with the intention of being the heart of any professional sound recording studio for many years to come. Hot-rodded by Antelope Audio's new future-proof Synergy II processor, this updated studio sound interface runs on a single board containing all of Antelope Audio's Effects plugins, delivering unsurpassed flexibility and versatility for any level of musician and sound engineer.
Equally at home recording an epic live show as you would a studio recording, the Synergy Core enables the professional studio sound engineer to take full control over every aspect of his recording. With a wide range of useful features including compressor and equalizer integration, the Synergy Core Thunderbolt is sure to satisfy any need for an inspiring audio interface. Another notable feature on the Synergy Core Thunderbolt is the inclusion of an industry standard VGA output port.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
Our Choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6
Easy to use
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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TEYUN Audio Mixer
Compact
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CHECK PRICE → |
While the overall number of channels is very important, you also have to know the type of inputs included on the line level (low impedance) and instrument level (high impedance) of the audio interface. The latter is there for electric and bass guitars that don’t have an active preamplifier. Meanwhile, line-level inputs allow you to connect keyboards, amplifiers, and other instruments. XLR ports are typically paired with preamplifiers that allow using mics. Mixed XLR/TRS inputs come with embedded preamps, meaning they arrive microphone-ready. Finally, select audio interfaces allow you to switch between high and low impedance inputs for specific ports.
Integrated preamplifiers enable you to use mics and can supply power to condenser microphones when required. In addition to their connectivity purpose, preamps can change the nature of the sound and help keep noise at a minimum. Companies rarely save costs on preamp quality, typically adding the preamplifier included in their flagship audio interface to all their products. Keep in mind that not all ports come with a preamplifier so check the number of included preamps when choosing the best 4-channel audio interface, especially if you plan to record sound using condenser microphones.
As the number of channels gets bigger, the circuit included in the audio interface as well as its complexity gets larger too. That’s why most models featured in this overview can only function with a wall power adapter. That said, there are still some audio interfaces that can receive power by being connected to your PC or laptop via USB, but even those models won’t let you use an iOS device for this purpose, meaning you’ll have to rely on the provided power adapter.
This characteristic is defined by the resolution of the converted digital sound. Typically, the larger the sample rate, the more detailed the audio. Nowadays, the premium industry standard is 24bit/192kHz but users tend to often have a different opinion when discussing the optimal sample rate for their setup. If you’d like to learn more about this subject before choosing the best 4-channel audio interface, watch the Science of Sample Rates. The main thing you have to remember is that a 44.1kHz sample rate is high enough to encompass all hearable frequencies. It’s also worth noting that preamplifiers typically have a larger impact on the recording quality than the sample rate on its own.
