Affordable and high-quality low latency audio interfaces.
If you have a sound recording studio, make sure to select the best low latency audio interface to simplify your workflow. Such models will come in handy for sound producers and other professionals who need to create audio tracks. It might be not enough to use the preinstalled sound drivers since they don’t allow you to create a high-quality audio track. In this article, I have rounded up the best audio interfaces available in 2021, so check them out to select the best option for your needs.
Besides analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of the best USB audio interfaces for Windows-based computers and MacBooks, We will tell you what features you need to consider to select the most reliable option.
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-C and USB Type-A | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The PreSonus Studio 24c is a professional-level audio interface designed for professional audio engineers and mixing consoles. Using both the USB Type-C and USB Type-A interface for the mic and mixer sections of the system, the interface gives you complete control over audio processing. Type-C port can be used for connecting your computer to the mixer and to connect external hardware devices, such as digital audio samplers.
This audio interface for Logic Pro X incorporates a high-quality headphone output with an optional monitor output, for the front panel user. This audio interface offers a variety of functions, including level control for the mic input, and a unique feature lets you monitor two input and two output channels at the same time. This professional audio interface is a great investment for any audio engineer or sound artist who needs the most advanced sound equipment for their jobs.
Connectivity: USB Type-C and USB Type-A | Max Sample Rate: 48kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
Moukey MSс1 audio interface is easy to install and easy to use. It provides true digital high-quality sound for any purpose. With the latest in digital technology, this audio interface can transmit sound much clearer than ordinary transceivers. It is also compatible with most handheld and tablet computers.
In addition, a low latency audio interface also provides a better audio quality and less background noise. The signal is also free from static, which means that the audio interface is very effective when broadcasting live events such as live concerts, live performances, meetings, seminars, meetings, teleconferences, workshops and conventions. The device is also a good solution for people who want to do live broadcasts on their personal channels such as their personal blogs, podcasts and videos.
Connectivity: USB Type-C and USB Type-A | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
All Air 192/4 controls are well-thought-out and close at hand. All regulators are analog only. There is a hardware monitoring of inputs. A headphone amplifier of 30 mW per channel is not the most powerful, but still not bad for a budget interface.
The guitar input is not combined with others and is located on the front panel for easy connection. The M-Audio Air 192/4 has everything for personal recording or for bloggers. The XLR input with +48V phantom power can also be used as a TRS line input if you need to connect, for example, a synthesizer.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is an inexpensive and compact product. There is one microphone input, one guitar input, a headphone output, and an RCA line output. It should be noted that the interfaces are designed specifically for sound recording. They are not suitable for DJing, since the headphone output is rigidly tied to the line output. This audio interface is a dedicated personal recording studio device exclusively for music production.
A distinctive feature of Komplete Audio 1 is the large level knob on the top panel. It replaces the separate monitor controller and controls the volume of the line-out signal. This is very convenient for controlling the volume of connected powered monitors.
Connectivity: USB Type-C and USB Type-A | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen audio interface is designed for use in professional studios. The dynamic range of the third generation, including all inputs and outputs, has been increased. The amount of noise/distortion has been reduced, the input gain has been increased and support for the 24-bit 192 Hz sampling rate has been added.
In addition, the interface has a built-in Talkback microphone for communicating with musicians, as well as a Loopback mode, an ALT function for switching between multiple pairs of studio monitors, a protection against clicks on outputs when connected to equipment, and direct monitoring in stereo. The unit features 8 new preamps (56dB gain) that feature a switchable Air mode that simulates the sound of ISA transformer preamps from Focusrite consoles.
Connectivity: USB Type-C and USB Type-A | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The Tascam US-4x4HR audio interface offers low audio latency, equipped with four ultra-HDDA low noise preamps (up to 57dB gain), and supports sampling rates up to 24/192 kHz. The device has a Loopback function, as well as a mode for monitoring the signal (Direct Monitor), which can be used in mono or stereo.
For connection there are 4 XLR inputs, 4 TRS inputs, 2 headphone outputs with a single control, MIDI In/Out, 4 TRS outputs, USB-C port. The interface is powered from an external adapter. The manufacturer supplies the Steinberg Cubase LE/Cubasis LE3 and IK Multimedia Sample Tank SE software.
Connectivity: USB Type-C and USB Type-A | Max Sample Rate: 192kHz | Resolution: 24-Bit
The Tascam US-1x2HR interface supports sampling rates up to 24/192 kHz, provides low audio latency, and features a low noise Ultra-HDDA preamplifier (-128 dB equivalent noise and distortion<= 0.0013%) with up to 57 dB gain. The device has a Loopback function as well as a Direct Monitor mode that can be used in both mono and stereo.
Among the controls, the US-1x2HR has a general volume knob, a separate knob for headphones, two knobs for amplifying inputs, and Line-Inst/+ 48/Direct/Input Select switches. Switching capabilities: XLR input, TRS input, headphone output, 4 RCA, USB-C port, power connector for working with mobile devices (iOS). Together with the model, the manufacturer supplies the Steinberg CubaseLE and IK Multimedia Sample TankSE software.
| 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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PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2
For home
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CHECK PRICE → |
You might have noticed that it takes time for our brain to process the sensory information we receive. Similarly to this, modern computers also have a specific period of latency. If it’s low, the information updates almost instantaneously. Low-latency audio interfaces support faster connections because of wider bandwidth. In most cases, they come with ASIO drivers, which accounts for lower latency and makes them better than integrated sound cards. Macs usually have lower latency than devices with Windows OS.
Nowadays, most audio interfaces support a variety of connectivity options, such as USB (Mac/PC), Thunderbolt (Mac), Firewire (earlier models of MacBooks), or PCIe. Firewire is quite outdated, while USB 2.0 and 3.0 types of connections are the most widely used ones. PCIe is the most expensive option, besides, such connectors should be connected directly to a computer’s chipset. They are hardly suitable for those who are on the budget.
If you are looking for the best low latency audio interface, check whether it supports direct monitoring. This option allows it to send the audio to the monitors, thus bypassing your PC. Some options even allow you to switch between different monitoring options. For instance, you can buy an audio interface with a software control panel that facilitates direct hardware routing.
It might be a smart idea to buy an audio interface from a popular brand that has gained wide recognition among sound recording professionals. Such companies usually release affordable audio interfaces with advanced features and have great value for money.
When buying an audio interface, pay attention to preamps since they directly affect the overall price. However, these days, even the most affordable audio interfaces are suitable for creating high-quality recordings.
MIDI interfaces allow you to use earlier models of keyboards that have 5-pin MIDI connectors or MIDI arpeggiators.
DSP stands for Digital Signal Processing. If you write songs, there is no need to pay attention to the onboard DSP, but it’s important for those who want to create mixes.
