Affordable and high-quality audio interfaces for Cubase.
An audio interface helps convert an analog audio signal, e.g., your voice, into a digital format so that other devices can “understand” it. The range of audio interfaces is amazing with the main differences being the build quality, additional features, the number of inputs and outputs. All interfaces come with mic preamps built into XLR inputs and at least 1 output for keeping tabs on speakers/headphones.
If you are shopping for the best audio interface for Cubase, there is much to consider. First of all, you need to decide what types of tasks you need an interface for. We tried to cover this topic as thoroughly as possible, to help you choose a good interface that will serve you for many years.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a USB interface with 2-in and 2-out, equipped with one proprietary preamp from Focusrite. The large monitor set provides tactile control over speaker volume, and the high quality headphone amplifiers deliver clear, loud signal to the front headphone jack. A direct monitor switcher routes audio directly from the headphone inputs and speaker outputs. This allows the incoming signal to be monitored with zero latency.
The audio interface is designed for the budget buyer and turns your Mac or PC into a portable recording studio. Whenever inspiration strikes, just plug in any microphone or musical instrument and start high-quality sound recording.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Max Sample Rate: 96kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The body of the device is completely metal, which makes the AudioBox USB 96 suitable for everyday use and for field recording. The interface has two high-quality class A microphone preamps. The model is positioned for studio and mobile work with a laptop. The model comes with the proprietary PreSonus Studio One Artist recording software for Windows and iMac, which provides many ready-made sound processing plug-ins.
The front panel features two combo TSR/XLR mic/guitar inputs, a +48V phantom power button for condenser microphones, channel gain controls with clipping indicators, hardware input monitoring, separate volume controls for headphones and line-out monitors. A big plus for musicians is the dedicated MIDI connectors. The device is powered from the USB, the cable is included. Complete separate drivers for PC and Mac are provided for all the latest OS versions. The manufacturer develops drivers independently.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The UR-RT4 audio interface is equipped with 4 microphone amplifiers and 4 transformers. DAC parameters reach 114 dB which will allow you to better hear changes in sound during processing. The UR-RT4 has a pretty decent size and weight. The body is made entirely of metal, so it is well-prepared for daily work in the studio and on the road.
The UR-RT4 interface is not USB bus powered. It is powered by its own 12V 1.5A power adapter. It is iPad compatible - just plug it in via the camera connection kit. The audio interface includes licenses for the iOS version Cubasis LE and desktop version Cubase AI (Windows, macOS) which allow everyone to start working with sound right away.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 32-Bit
The Steinberg UR22C is capable of sampling rates up to 32-bit 192 kHz and is equipped with a USB-C port with support for the USB 3.1 specification. The controls include a backlit gain control and a Mono button to route separately the signal from the inputs to the card outputs. For example, you can connect a guitar and a microphone to the interface, and each instrument will be routed to a separate speaker/monitor.
In addition, the Steinberg UR22C has the ability to use several DSP effects - a reverb and a guitar amp (through the dspMixFx application) as well as a Loopback function. The audio interface is equipped with 2 Yamaha D-PRE Class A preamps, 4 gain controls (inputs, monitoring, headphones), phantom power and Hi-Z switches.
Connectivity: Thunderbolt 3 | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
Universal Audio Apollo Solo is a compact desktop interface for Apollo Solo personal audio recording. The main feature is the power supply from the Thunderbolt 3 bus. The fast bus provides less than 2 ms latency in 96 kHz mode. Modes up to 24 bit 192 kHz are supported. There are two Unison preamps with +48V phantom power, anti-mumble filter, 20dB pad, phase inversion. The consumption is 10 watts.
There is hardware UAD-2 DSP processing based on the SHARC SOLO chip, which gives up to 5 UAD plug-ins at the same time. Universal Audio Apollo Solo includes UAD kit. Thunderbolt 3 cable not included.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The M-Audio Air 192|6 is designed for mobile use and entry-level small studios. The model has channel gain controls and headphone volume controls, as well as phantom power switch, LED meters for levels and settings, a Direct control and a main volume knob.
The Air 192|6 supports sampling rates up to 24-bit 192 kHz, 2 Crystal preamps with up to 55 dB gain and 2 new instrument inputs. The switching capabilities of the model are represented by a headphone output, 2 TRS inputs, 2 XLR/TRS inputs, TRS L/R outputs, MIDI In/Out, and USB-C port. Together with the interface, the manufacturer supplies AbletonLiveLite, ProToolsFirst, ElevenLite, Xpand!2 AIR Music software, and a set of virtual instruments.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The PreSonus Studio 1810c delivers high-quality sound, supports sample rates up to 192 kHz, and features XMAX Class A preamps with 80 dB gain. The dynamic range of the device is 114 dB. The interface can simultaneously record up to 18 channels and has 4 combo XLR/TRS inputs, 4 line inputs, 6 line outputs, ADAT input, S/PDIF input/output and MIDI IN/OUT.
The 1810c has two independent headphone outputs with A / B switching function. Control elements include gain controls, buttons for switching modes and LED indicators of input and output levels. PreSonus Studio 1810c comes with a set of plug-ins and StudioOneArtist software. USB-C/A cables are included for connection to a computer.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 features two 56dB gain preamps that have switchable Air mode, simulating the sound of the renowned ISA transformer preamps from the manufacturer's consoles. The sound card has direct stereo monitoring function, protection against clicks on outputs when connecting equipment and 2 additional line inputs.
The front panel of the interface contains gain controls, a 48V phantom power button, a master volume control, and two separate controls for headphones. The audio interface is powered from an external adapter.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The compact Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 audio interface supports sample rates up to 192 kHz for home and mobile use. Together with Komplete Audio 2, the manufacturer includes full set of programs: AbletonLive 10 Lite, MaschineEssentials, Monark, Replika, Phasis, SolidBusComp, KompleteStart.
Komplete Audio2 has two XLR/TRS combo In with support for phantom power, two TRS speaker Out and a headphone Out. The device is equipped with LED indicators and a volume knob. The audio interface also has a direct signal monitoring function.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Max Sample Rate: 96kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
Compact M-Audio Air|Hub interface is designed for audio monitoring and is equipped with a USB hub. It supports sampling rates up to 24-bit 96 kHz and can be used as an audio interface for audio output when connected to a PC. The device has three USB ports to which users can connect MIDI controllers and other devices.
The controls include a general gain control and a separate headphone volume control. In addition to the hub ports, the new product has 2 TRS outputs for acoustics, a headphone output and a USB-C port. The Air|Hub is powered by an external adapter. It comes with Xpand!2 AIR Music, Pro Tools First, and a set of virtual instruments.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Our choice
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Portable
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Steinberg UR-RT4
Durable
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CHECK PRICE → |
Solo Use: If you need to record only your voice or a guitar, it makes no sense to purchase a high-end unit with numerous channels. In this case, you can settle for an interface with a pair of inputs & outputs for connecting your guitar, a mic, and speakers.
Local Bands & Production: Those involved in music production more seriously have to buy more advanced options with several I/O sets. This is relevant for large studio setups when you need to monitor an entire band. In this case, go for an interface with 6-12 channels.
Pro Producers and Engineers: Such an activity presupposes you use top-tier audio recording equipment. A 16-channel device is the lowest acceptable model, but chances are high you’ll need even more inputs and outputs.
While looking for the best audio interface for Cubase, make sure to get a model with all the needed connectors for your current musical equipment. Opting for a future-proof unit is also a great idea. There should be instrument-level ports for connecting electronic guitars and basses with no active preamp. The line-level inputs are designed to attaching keyboards, amplifiers, and similar devices. XLR inputs usually have a preamp for managing a mic. Combo XLR/TRS inputs come with preamps embedded, so you can connect a microphone straight away. Advanced interface models have multi-purpose line-level and instrument-level switching for specific ports.
Built-in preamps allow you to connect microphones without using adapters. Besides, they can produce phantom power to condenser mics if needed. Another advantage of getting an audio interface with built-in preamps is that these components can reduce the noise level. Keep in mind that not all inputs have a preamp, so clarify this point before spending your money. This is especially important if you are going to use condenser mics.
This parameter refers to the resolution of your converted digital signal. In general, the higher the sample rate, the more detailed audio you get. Nowadays, the reference value is 24-bit/192kHz, but there is no unanimous opinion concerning this topic. If you don’t want to learn the intricacies of sample rates, just remember that 44.1kHz can capture all frequencies people can hear. Besides, keep in mind that a preamp largely affects the recording quality.
