There are many audio interface brands on the market, each with its own strengths and weaknesses.
With so many options available, deciding which audio interface is right for you can take time and effort.
In this article, we’ll look at some of the best audio interface brands and compare their features to help you make an informed decision.
Overview
- RME
- Universal Audio
- Behringer
- Focusrite
- Steinberg
- Audient
- M-Audio
- Tascam
- Arturia
- PreSonus
- Native Instruments
- Motu
- Apogee
Focusrite is one of the leading audio interface brands, with a wide range of products suitable for both professional and amateur use. Its Scarlett range is particularly popular among home studio owners thanks to its low price point and excellent sound quality.
PreSonus is another well-known audio interface brand known for its high-quality and affordable products. Its AudioBox range is an excellent option for those looking for an entry-level audio interface, while the Quantum series is ideal for more advanced users.
Other popular brands are Native Instruments, RME, Universal Audio, Behringer, Steinberg, Audient, Tascam, Arturia, Motu, and Apogee.
Let’s take a closer look at what each of these brands has to offer.
Top Audio Interface Brands
RME
RME is a German-based audio technology company founded in 1996.
RME produces a range of audio hardware, including PCIe and USB audio interfaces, AD/DA converters, preamps, and more.
The most well-known RME audio interface is its Babyface Pro FS model.
This slim, compact unit features RME’s TotalMix FX DSP mixer software, top-quality converters and mic preamps, and a robust feature set.
RME Audio Interfaces
- MADIface XT
- MADIface USB
- Babyface Pro FS
- Fireface UCX II
- Fireface 802
- Fireface UFX II
- Digiface USB
- Digiface AVB
- Digiface Dante
- Digiface Ravenna
Universal Audio
Universal Audio is one of the world’s leading audio recording and processing hardware and software manufacturers.
It’s a company constantly innovating and pushing the boundaries of what is possible in the audio world. Its products are some of the most highly regarded in the industry.
Specifically, UA’s Apollo Twin audio interface is considered one of the best.
The Twin is known for its amazing sound quality, ease of use, and wide range of features.
It has a built-in DSP for real-time monitoring and effects processing. Plus, it includes universal audio’s exclusive Unison technology, which allows you to model classic mic preamps, compressors, EQs, and more.
Universal Audio Audio Interfaces
- Apollo Solo
- Apollo Twin
- Volt 1
- Volt 2
- Volt 4
- Volt 176
- Volt 276
- Volt 476
- Volt 476p
Behringer
With a wide range of products to choose from, Behringer has something for everyone. From entry-level products to professional-grade gear. Behringer audio equipment is known for its quality sound reproduction and affordable price tags.
For those looking to get started in the world of audio production, it offers the U-Phoria 202HD. This interface provides two mic/line inputs with 48V phantom power and direct monitoring and two 1/4″ outputs for studio monitors.
For those looking for a more professional-grade audio interface, Behringer offers the UMC404HD. This interface provides four inputs, four outputs, and a MIDI In and Out.
Behringer Audio Interfaces
- U-Phoria UM2
- U-Phoria UMC 22
- U-Phoria UMC 202HD
- U-Phoria UMC 204HD
- U-Phoria UMC 1820
- U-Phoria UMC 404HD
Focusrite
Focusrite is a well-known manufacturer of audio recording equipment. It offers a wide range of products, from high-end studio gear to more affordable options for home studios.
Its Scarlett 2i2 interface is one of the top-selling units on the market.
Also, it’s Clarett audio interfaces are well-known for having high-quality mic preamps.
Both product lines feature Air Mode, which emulates the sound of Focusrite’s iconic ISA preamps. When enabled, this feature gives users a warm, classic sound that is perfect for recording vocals and guitars.
Focusrite Audio Interfaces
- Solo
- 2i2
- 4i4
- 8i6
- 18i20
- 18i8
- 2Pre
- 4Pre
- 8Pre
- OctoPre
Steinberg
Some of Steinberg’s most popular products include Cubase, Nuendo, and WaveLab. Steinberg also offers a wide range of VST instruments, effects, and audio interfaces, making it one of the most comprehensive music production companies out there.
Whether you’re just getting started in music production or you’re a seasoned pro, Steinberg has plenty of tools you need to create great-sounding music.
Its UR22C interface is a USB-C-compatible unit that offers two D-PRE mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, and Cubase music production software support. This model also provides combo inputs for microphones and instruments, two 1/4″ outputs, and MIDI I/O.
Steinberg Audio Interfaces
- UR22C
- UR24C
- UR44C
- UR816C
- UR-RT 2
- UR-RT 4
- UR12
- UR22MkII
- UR242
- UR44
- UR28M
- UR824
- AKR4
Audient
Founded in 1998, Audient has become one of the leading brands in the audio industry, with a reputation for producing innovative and reliable products.
Its product range includes audio interfaces, mixers, and more.
One of its most popular products is the iD4, a portable USB-powered audio interface with excellent sound quality and features. With its high-quality preamps, 24-bit/96kHz converters, and sleek design, the iD4 is a perfect choice for newcomers and traveling musicians.
Audient Audio Interfaces
- iD4
- iD14
- iD22
- iD44
- SONO
- Evo 4
- Evo 8
- Evo 16
M-Audio
M-Audio is a leading manufacturer of electronic musical instruments and equipment.
The company was founded in 1988 and currently has a wide range of products for every type of musician, including keyboard controllers, digital pianos, studio monitors, audio interfaces, and more.
Its M-Track Duo audio interface is one of the best budget interfaces on the market, offering two audio inputs and outputs and excellent mic preamps.
This unit also comes with a copy of MPC Beats, AIR Music Tech Electric, Bassline, TubeSynth, and more.
M-Audio Audio Interfaces
- M-Track Solo
- M-Track Duo
- M-Track Eight
- Air Hub
- Air 192|4
- Air 192|6
- Air 192|8
- Air 192|14
Tascam
Tascam, founded in 1971, is a trusted name in the audio world.
If you’re a musician or producer looking for a reliable and affordable recording interface, its US-2×2 interface may be what you need.
This two-in/two-out USB audio interface is perfect for capturing high-quality recordings in your home studio, and its simple design makes it easy to use.
Tascam Audio Interfaces
- US-2x1HR
- US-2x2HR
- US-4x4HR
- US-16×08
Arturia
Arturia, founded in 1999, has become one of the leading names in the industry, with a wide range of products used by some of the world’s top musicians.
Arturia’s first product was the Storm drum machine, followed by the Cyclone analog synthesizer.
Arturia has since released several other products, including its MiniFuse audio interface.
This unit offers one mic/instrument input and two outputs. The MiniFuse is a great option for those who want a simple yet high-quality audio interface.
Arturia Audio Interfaces
- MiniFuse 1
- MiniFuse 2
- MiniFuse 4
- AudioFuse
PreSonus
With over 20 years of experience in the industry, PreSonus has earned a reputation for making reliable and affordable products.
Its AudioBox iTwo audio interface is no exception, providing high-quality audio playback and recording at an affordable price.
It offers 24-bit/96kHz audio playback and recording, two mic/instrument inputs, and zero-latency monitoring.
Whether you’re just getting started in the world of music production or are a seasoned pro, PreSonus has a range of options.
- AudioBox One
- AudioBox 96
- AudioBox iOne
- AudioBox iTwo
- Quantum
- Quantum 2626
- Quantum 4848
Native Instruments
Native Instruments was founded in 1999. The company’s first product was the Generator, a modular synth software package.
Since then, Native Instruments has released a wide range of products, from synthesizers to drum machines, MIDI controllers, audio interfaces, and more.
Its Komplete Audio 2 audio interface is a low-cost way to get started recording.
This model provides two mic/line/instrument inputs and outputs and includes a copy of Ableton Live 10 Lite.
Native Instruments Audio Interfaces
- Komplete Audio 1
- Komplete Audio 2
- Komplete Audio 6
Motu
Motu provides a complete line of audio production and recording solutions, from simple plug-and-play devices to complex multi-channel systems.
Its M-Series audio interfaces are some of the most popular in the industry, known for their durability, quality, and affordability.
Motu Audio Interfaces
- M2
- M4
- M6
- UltraLite-mk5
Apogee
Apogee is a company that has been designing and manufacturing high-end audio equipment since 1985.
Many professional musicians and producers in the recording industry use Apogee’s Symphony Desktop audio interface. It’s a 10-in, 10-out high-end unit with DSP effects, enhanced converters, and top-quality mic preamps, among many other features.
If you’re looking for the best possible sound quality in your recordings, the Apogee Symphony Desktop is definitely worth considering.
Apogee Audio Interfaces
- Symphony Desktop
- Symphony I/O Mk II
- Duet 3
- Boom
