7 Best Audio Interfaces for Sonar in 2024

Affordable and high-quality audio interfaces for Sonar.

top audio interface for sonar

Using an interface with a fish finder is a good idea, but choosing a quality piece of equipment can be quite tricky. We have carefully studied dozens of options available on the market and have compiled this list to help you choose the best audio interface for Sonar.

Top 7 Audio Interfaces for Sonar

  1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo - Multifunctional
  2. Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 - High perfomance
  3. PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6 - Easy to use
  4. PreSonus Studio 26c 2x4 - High quality
  5. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 - Super multi-tasking
  6. PreSonus Studio 1810c 18x8 - Special effects
  7. Moukey USB 3.0 - Durable

Below you will find the best 7 audio interfaces for Sonar as well as some helpful tips on how to choose the right model.

1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Multifunctional
focusrite scarlett solo audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Includes pro tools
  • ✚ Good level of sound reproduction
  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • Not found
Rating

Overall, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB audio interface is a good recording interface. It provides a good level of sound reproduction for your recording and has features such as a phase-shifting buffer which gives the DJ an option to alter the samples which he is playing at any given time. This gives the DJ a lot more options and makes mixing the tracks much easier, as he can vary his tempo and beat selection without having to change up the actual samples that he is using.

You can load your Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB audio interface with all the sound effects that you want. This makes it very easy to mix and create your own tracks. This also means that you can load your USB audio interface with effects such as compressor, reverb, and envelope filters, just to name a few. If you ever get the opportunity to record some live music, then this is one feature that you will definitely want to have at your disposal.

2. Focusrite Scarlett 8i6

High perfomance
focusrite scarlett 8i6 audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ High perfomance
  • ✚ Includes pro tools
  • ✚ Onboard sound card
  • High price
Rating

Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 3rd Gen USB audio interface is a great addition to the world of professional recording. The high-sensitivity of this USB audio interface allows you to use the onboard sound card to capture your acoustic guitar signal and then send it up through the audio interface to the recording studio.

What's more, is that if you use a high-quality software recording studio program like Pro Tools, Pro-Technology, Cubase, Sonar...you can actually edit, mix and record your material from your interface with a combination of the audio interface and the computer programs.

3. PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6

Easy to use
presonus studio 68c 6x6 audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ Very easy to operate
  • ✚ FireWire and USB ports
  • ✚ Cue Mix A/B function
  • It is not compatible with all computers and OS
Rating

PreSonus Studio68C is a new USB audio interface that gives high end digital audio recording and mixing abilities. It gives the user full control over the recording and mixing his or her own music through hardware and software features. This is the perfect interface for professional studio owners as it helps make their work fast and easier.

The PreSonus Studio68C is perfect for people who work in a computer or those with an average knowledge of computers. This interface has been designed in such a way that it is very easy to operate and makes it possible for you to record audio and transfer it to your computer without much trouble. Another plus point of this interface is that it can transfer the sound to your computer using FireWire or USB. One thing that you should know about this audio interface is that it is not compatible with all computers and operating systems.

4. PreSonus Studio 26c 2x4

High quality
presonus studio 26c 2x4 audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ High quality
  • ✚ Can run on a variety of operating systems
  • ✚ Cue Mix A/B function
  • Plug problems
Rating

PreSonus Studio 26C 2x4 USB audio interface is a high-quality audio interface used for recording and mixing audio. The PreSonus Studio 26C has a mixer with knobs for input and output, twelve equal jack pads with one each for left, right, up and down and two gain knobs. The mixer has an extensive range of sound faders with five levels from which the user can choose. The USB interface has also a function to trigger off recording delays.

The PreSonus Studio 26C can run on a variety of operating systems including Windows 98SE, XP, Mac OS X and even Novell Netware. It has been designed to work with all of these operating systems without any problems. It also features a programmable keyboard controller and comprehensive audio interface functions for up to four audio channels. There is also a USB decoupler built into the mixer that allows you to send recorded signals to other computers.

5. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

Super multi-tasking
presonus audiobox usb 96 audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ Super multi-tasking
  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • ✚ High-speed data transfer
  • Not reliable
Rating

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is a super multi-tasking professional audio interface. It is capable of conducting live sound detection tasks for recording and monitoring live performance.

In addition, it is used for signal correction purposes as well as signal modification and conversion, mastering applications, and other music creation applications. The entire system is fully compliant with the Universal Serial Bus (USB) specification for high-speed data transfer rate and speed.

6. PreSonus Studio 1810c 18x8

Special effects
presonus studio 1810c 18x8 audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Special effects
  • ✚ Multifunctional
  • High price
Rating

PreSonus Studio 1810c is a great multi-effects recording studio that allows you to make professional sounding recordings with ease. This virtual recording studio comes with four different programs that include a vocalist simulation, a guitar simulation, a vocalist display and a keyboard simulator. The computer user interface is easy to use and intuitive. It has touch screen buttons that make it easy to navigate. A navigation system is also available for the easier operation of the programs in the studio.

The main function of this virtual recording studio is to record and playback audio. There are also some special effects, such as chorus, enhancers, compression, treble boost, bass boost, and a compressor with nine patterns of attack. It can be used for both music and voice-overs. The functions of the main mixer and equalizer are clear and bright.

7. Moukey USB 3.0

Durable
moukey usb 3.0 audio interface for sonar

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

  • ✚ Good compatibility
  • ✚ Easy to use
  • ✚ Smart phone/tablet computer live broadcast
  • ✚ Durable
  • Driver problems
Rating

The Moukey USB 3.0 audio interface is a great way to increase the audio input/output options on your computer. It is designed for those who use their computers for music as well as other audio related applications such as Skype or any other VOIP programs. This device works with the USB port that comes with most computers. There are no software requirements and will work with any operating system, although it is recommended to have the latest drivers and software updates.

The device itself is an easy to use interface and it connects to your computer through the USB cable that came with your sound card. Once connected, it operates just like a conventional Sonar unit and allows you to view and control your recordings via a front panel control interface. In addition to controlling your recordings, you can also change the track or filter for greater control over the quality of sound. Other functions include controlling volume, tuning and panning.

IMAGE NAME FEATURES
focusrite scarlett solo audio interface for sonar
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Multifunctional
  • High perfomance
  • Includes pro tools
CHECK PRICE
focusrite scarlett 8i6 audio interface for sonar
Focusrite Scarlett 8i6
Pro Tools
  • High perfomance
  • Includes pro tools
CHECK PRICE
presonus studio 68c 6x6 audio interface for sonar
PreSonus Studio 68c 6x6
Easy to use
  • Very easy to operate
  • FireWire and USB ports
CHECK PRICE

How to Choose the Best Audio Interfaces for Sonar?

how to choose the best audio interface for sonar

Number of Channels

If you are looking for the best audio interface for Sonar for home needs you can choose from 2 channel options and even single-channel ones. They allow you to record instruments and vocals one at a time and then mix them. To record two or more sound sources, we recommend buying models with four or more channels.

Input Ports

Typically, you can find audio interfaces with "combo" inputs suitable for both XLR and 1/4" ports. Thanks to their 2-in-1 design, these models cost less. Plus, they are more universal and you can easily connect instruments and a microphone. Older models have classic separate XLR and 1/4" jacks. In our overview, you will find information on the number of inputs for each model presented.

Instrument Level and Line Level Inputs

When choosing the best audio interface for Sonar, you should also check if the instrument level (high impedance) and line level (low impedance) sources are supported. You can use instrument level ports to connect basses and guitars without an active preamp. As for line level sources, they are designed for various electronic instruments like keyboards.

You can compensate for the lack of an instrument level input using a DI box. However, this is less convenient than connecting directly through the audio interface. Consider whether you will record with a microphone and different types of instruments. If yes, then you should opt for models with support for both line and instrument levels.

how to choose the best audio interface for sonar

Mic Preamps and Phantom Power

1. Mic Preamp Quality

Preamps significantly affect the resulting sound when you use a microphone. Transparent preamps are great if you plan to record at home. They provide the most accurate reproduction of the incoming sound. In our list, you will find only such models. If you want your final sound to get some extra tones, you need to search further.

2. Phantom Power

If you are using a condenser mic, then you need 11V-48V of phantom power for it. Make sure the audio interface you like is capable of delivering the required phantom power.

SAVE UP TO 60% OFF SAVE UP TO 60% OFF