8 Best Audio Interfaces For Home Studio in 2024

By Robin Owens 16 days ago, Additional Gear

Affordable and high-quality audio interfaces for home studio.

top audio interface for home studio

Want to start recording your songs or music? Then it’s of paramount importance you get the best audio interface for home studio setups possible, as it has a tremendous effect on how your recording sessions will go. The audio interface not only determines the number of microphones you can connect but how they’ll sound as well. That said, with the market being filled to the brim with products at all possible price ranges, determining which model suits your needs the best can be quite difficult.

Top 8 Audio Interfaces for Home Studio

  1. Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 - High perfomance
  2. Steinberg UR22C 2x2 - Multifunctional
  3. Moukey USB 3.0 - Durable
  4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo - With Pro Tools
  5. PreSonus Quantum 2626 - High definition
  6. Native Instruments - Versatile
  7. M-Audio AIR|HUB - High quality
  8. M-Audio M-Track Duo - Professional quality sound

Thankfully, these days it’s extremely easy to pick and purchase a nice-sounding, versatile audio interface for your home studio. Simply go with any model covered in this post, and you’ll get to enjoy a terrific sound and a large enough number of inputs/outputs for all your needs.

1. Focusrite Scarlett 8i6

High perfomance
focusrite scarlett 8i6 audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 3.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Compatible with all major recording and mixing software
  • High price
Rating

If you are looking to expand your home studio audio interfaces, the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is a good choice. This professional recording interface comes with many features and it is easy to use with its knobs and buttons. It has two stereo input channels that are suitable for inputting music or instrument signal to any external audio source. When used with an audio interface connected via FireWire or USB port, this interface can be used to monitor and control up to six audio sources.

The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 can be used to record live or recorded tracks and it is compatible with all major recording and mixing software including Pro Tools. This professional recording interface has been designed with input and output options that are user friendly and it comes with a host of preset recording styles so that you can choose the one that suits your needs.

2. Steinberg UR22C 2x2

Multifunctional
steinberg ur22c 2x2 audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 3.0 | Resolution: 32-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High audio quality
  • ✚ Super speed
  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • Software problems
Rating

The Steinberg UR22C 2x2 USB audio interface offers high quality recording and mixing facilities with maximum connectivity. With a USB interface, you can connect the audio interface to your computer or laptop. This is ideal for home studio recording or even for professional application. You can be sure that the quality of sound you record using a Steinberg device will stand out from other options available on the market.

With the vast amount of options and functions available in a Steinberg audio interface, it is no wonder they are so popular with professionals. If you are looking for a new interface for your home studio, you should consider Steinberg. You will not be disappointed.

3. Moukey USB 3.0

Durable
moukey usb 3.0 audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 3.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz

  • ✚ Smart phone/tablet computer live broadcast
  • ✚ Durable
  • ✚ Compact
  • Driver problems
Rating

The Moukey USB 3.0 audio interface is designed to work with computers that use the USB port as a data port, therefore it can be used on computers and music keyboards alike to control and connect various devices together to give you a full home studio experience. This new generation computer accessory gives the studio user the ability to connect to a host of devices, many of which are computer related, via its 16-track audio interface.

You can control the overall volume, panning, effects, and recording facilities of your entire home studio set up with ease from one computer. Simply select which device you would like to control, input the information required, and then begin mixing and developing your audio track in real time. Plus, there is software that can be used with it such as Cubase, ProTools, Digital Performer, Sonar, ProTools 5, or other sequencing software applications. These types of software programs are ideal for recording, mixing, and even for editing your music tracks.

4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo

With Pro Tools
focusrite scarlett solo audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Compatibility with the leading professional audio hardware
  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • Not found
Rating

Focusrite's new Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB audio interface provides a host of features and benefits that make it the ideal choice for recording and mixing a wide variety of music styles. Unlike other interface products from Focusrite, the new Solo USB offers compatibility with the leading professional audio hardware such as Rodeo, Cubase, ProTools and Sonar.

Whether you are working with digital or analog recording formats, the new interface makes recording a breeze by letting you control the volume levels and monitoring levels with an intuitive dial and button design. Another feature of the interface is a host of assignable MIDI commands that give you complete control over the onboard instruments and plug-ins. This means that even if you are operating with a virtual instrument or a series of virtual instruments, you can easily change the track by simply accessing the main mixer control menu and selecting a new setting.

5. PreSonus Quantum 2626

High definition
presonus quantum 2626 audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ The fastest Thunderbolt 3 audio interface around
  • ✚ Two modes
  • ✚ High quality
  • High price
Rating

PreSonus has recently launched a new line of high-quality audio interfaces, the PreSonus Quantum 26x26 Thunderbolt. This professional audio interface is perfect for recording studio or even for your home studio or practice room. The built-in two-channel twelve-volt DC input capability and the monitor section with dedicated equalizer and compressor make this mixer a top-notch solution for today's serious professional audio interface market.

You can set up your PreSonus Quantum to operate in two modes, "Stereo", which is the traditional signal path for most computer-based audio interfaces; and "Multi-channel", which lets you run two sets of speakers at the same time, each using their own separate sound card. You can use the built-in equalizer and compressor to customize your audio interface based on what sound you want to achieve through the monitors.

6. Native Instruments

Versatile
native instruments audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz

  • ✚ Versatile
  • ✚ Ease and convenience
  • ✚ The full package for creating
  • ✚ Stylish
  • Sound quality could be better
Rating

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 two channel audio interface allows you to use a sequencing program right inside your home studio, which means that you can turn your computer into a synthesizer. The fact that you can expand its capacity like this makes it ideal for both personal home studio use, as well as professional sound applications. You can connect your sound card to your computer via FireWire or USB, and configure your interfaces for recording, mixing, and monitoring in any way you see fit.

If you are looking for a versatile two-channel audio interface with all of the above capabilities, then you definitely want to take a look at the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2. This audio interface is ideal for professional sound designers who need all the benefits of a digital keyboard, but still have the ease and convenience of using a regular PC.

7. M-Audio AIR|HUB

High quality
m-audio air|hub audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz

  • ✚ High quality
  • ✚ Reliable
  • ✚ Easy to install
  • ✚ Clean, crisp, high-end sound
  • Too quiet
Rating

M-Audio Air/HUB USB audio interface is a high-quality audio interface with all the functions needed to run a home studio. It is especially perfect for home studio use because of its easy installation and reliable performance. With its two balanced TRS outputs, it can handle any sort of signal input, including clock/warp, direct signal, and Phonak's SDSC clean digital output. With its single 1/2 inch headphone port and five USB ports, the Air/HUB is great for high quality audio interface monitoring without a lot of room.

M-Audio has designed the Air Series to deliver clean, crisp, high-end sound with the precision and speed required for professional sound and music creation. Whether you're working on a new project or a series of edits, the smooth operation of the Air Series ensures you'll get the best results with every step.

8. M-Audio M-Track Duo

Professional quality sound
m-audio m-track duo audio interface for home studio

Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz

  • ✚ Versatile
  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • ✚ Professional quality sound
  • Not reliable
Rating

M-Audio's M-Track Duo is a professional-level multi-track audio interface that can connect to computer or Mac via USB. With the M-Track Duo, you are able to import recordings directly into your computer's hard drive for saving and editing, as well as transfer them from your computer to a portable audio device like the M-Audio Fast Track Pro.

This product enables professional level mixing and recording and gives you professional level recording capabilities anywhere you go. The M-Audio M-Track Duo USB audio interface is ideal for professional level studio recording, since it incorporates both line in and audio out connectors for connecting to your computer. In addition, the interface features front panel controls for the monitor level, input level, record and playback, send and receives sample data, has knobs for signal path control, has an auto shut off feature, and comes with a universal serial bus connector.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
focusrite scarlett 8i6 audio interface for home studio
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6
Our Choice
  • High perfomance
  • Easy to use
CHECK PRICE
steinberg ur22c 2x2 audio interface for home studio
Steinberg UR22C 2x2
Multifunctional
  • High audio quality
  • Super speed
CHECK PRICE
moukey usb 3.0 audio interface for home studio
Moukey USB 3.0
Durable
  • Smart phone/tablet computer live broadcast
  • Durable
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Audio Interface for Home Studio?

how to choose the best audio interface for home studio

Connection Format

Do you want to connect the interface to your PC via USB, Thunderbolt, FireWire, or any other connection type? While some models come with multiple connectivity types, it’s usually recommended to decide on your desired connection first to significantly narrow down the list of potential options when choosing the best audio interface for home studio recording.

Number of Simultaneous Analog Ins/Outs/Preamps

Think about the number of signals you’ll want to send to the interface simultaneously. One for your guitar and one for the vocalist? A bass guitar as well? Want to connect the entire band? Do you need mic preamps for all of those signals? Do you plan on using dedicated mic preamplifiers into line ports? Will you plug in a studio monitor or two? How many headphones will you jack in at the same time? Do you employ dedicated analog compressors/EQs during mixing? Answer these questions, write a list of all inputs/outputs you require, and note down their format (1/4”, XLR, RCA, 1/8”, digital).

how to choose the best audio interface for home studio

Onboard DSP

Some brands provide onboard DSP that allows using plugins and makes it possible to enjoy zero-latency monitoring mixes. While such an inclusion isn’t mandatory for most applications, it can still be a handy bonus for some purposes.

Sound Quality

You might be surprised that audio quality is so far down on this list, but that’s because even budget-friendly audio interfaces are of high enough quality to provide fantastic sound when set up correctly. While you can notice some differences in sound quality when comparing different brands, the distinction between them is rarely significant enough to affect your decision in any meaningful way.

Price

Price is always a valid factor to consider when picking the best audio interface for home studio setups. By the time of reading this part of the article, you’ve probably narrowed down your selection to a few suitable models already so all there’s left to do is choose an audio interface that suits your budget the most. Some users tend to start their search by selecting a specific price range, but experience suggests you're far likelier to get a product that will satisfy all of your needs when using price only as a tie-breaker for your final shortlist.

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