Audio Interfaces

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Top 5 audio interfaces to buy in 2021

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Tascam US-16 X 08

This audio interface is one of the larger sound cards in this list. It fits perfectly in a 19inch rack mount. One thing that is loved is that this device has many inputs and outputs for a reasonable price. It has 8 XLR inputs and 8 balanced jack inputs.

This device is compatible with all major operating systems and supports 24-bit recording at 96khz. The connection type is via a USB 2 connection. This card is great and also supports midi connections.

Check out the Tascam US-16 on Amazon here.

Presonus Audiobox USB 96

This card is tiny and compact and has an outstanding performance record. It is a budget range option from Presonus. However, it is still very popular among beginner home studios.

The device is made out of hard metal, and the build quality is top-notch. It supports midi connections as well as two XLR inputs, which are shared with two jack inputs. The phones and main outputs are located on the back of the device.

All in all, for value for money, you can’t go wrong with this audio interface. One thing to keep in mind it only supports Mac and Windows.

Check out the Presonus Audiobox on Amazon here.

Audient iD14

This audio interface supports 24bit 94khz recording and has a very sleek and modern design. What is cool about this audio interface is that it has a sound meter that other audio interfaces lack. It also sports an optical input that you do not see on other audio interfaces.

The preamp is quite powerful, and due to this, it needs its own separate power supply to drive the preamps built into it. It has two main inputs that share an XLR and jack input. The two main outputs are jack as well, and then the phone’s output can be found on the device’s front.

On the downside, this audio interface has no support for midi and only operates on Mac and Windows. However, this interface is built to high quality and high specifications and is a must-see.

Check out the Audient iD14 on Amazon here.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

Native Instruments keeping true to their flagship products and name, have dubbed this audio interface accordingly. The car has two XLR inputs, and that is shared with jack inputs. The interface does support phantom power and is built with a high-quality, robust design.

You have separate mix and volume knobs, which are great, and it also supports phantom power. It supports 24-bit 192khz recording and also has a LED meter for your inputs. It does not, however, support a midi connection.

Check out the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 on Amazon here.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen

Focusrite is known for making quality low budget audio interfaces. This audio interface has been and is still very popular and is now in its 3rd generation. It supports 24-bit 192khz recording. One downside to this interface is that it has no midi connection. However, this interface has one of the lowest latencies on the market.

The interface sports two combined XLR and jack inputs for instruments and microphones. It also supports phantom power. The card is connected via USB 3 (it supports a USB C connection), is a plug and play device, and works on all operating systems. It has two jack outputs for the main outputs, and then the headphone jack is positioned on the front of the interface.

Check out the Scarlett 2i2 on Amazon here.