If you’re looking for the best audio interface with Windows 10 support, you’ve come to the right place.
In this article, we’ll be discussing the top 5 audio interfaces with Windows 10 compatibility.
We’ll also be giving a brief overview of each interface and its features.
Let’s get started!
Summary: Best Audio Interface for Windows 10
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Motu M2
- Solid State Logic SSL 2
- PreSonus Studio 1810c
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Focusrite’s Scarlett Solo is one of the best audio interfaces for Windows 10 because it is affordable, simple to use, and includes features that other interfaces in its price range lack.
Air Mode, in particular, is a standout feature that adds clarity and brightness to your audio.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The 2i2 from Focusrite is a great choice if you need a bit more flexibility than what the Solo offers.
It has two microphone inputs, making it ideal for recording duets or podcast interviews, and gives you the ability to enable direct monitoring in mono and stereo.
Motu M2
The Motu M2 is a great option if you’re looking for independent control over each input, LCD level meters, and MIDI I/O.
Solid State Logic SSL 2
The SSL 2 offers two professional quality mic preamps that provide a lot of gain and low-preamp noise.
They work great with low-output dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B.
It’s also most known for its 4K Legacy feature.
PreSonus Studio 1810c
The PreSonus Studio 1810c is a great audio interface for Windows 10 if you need more than two mic inputs.
It offers four physical mic inputs with the ability to add up to eight digital ADAT inputs and two S/PDIF inputs, as well as two main and four-line outputs with a S/PDIF output to add up to two channels.
The 5 Best Audio Interfaces with Windows 10 Compatibility
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Focusrite’s Scarlett Solo is one of the most popular audio interfaces of all-time – for good reasons.
It’s affordable and and incredibly simple to use, making it a great option for beginners.
With many interfaces under $150 you’ll have to sacrifice sound quality, build quality, or features. But the Solo has a nice combination of all three.
It has a single Scarlett mic preamp with 48V phantom power, one instrument input, and a two main outputs.
The most notable Scarlett Solo feature is Air Mode which emulates Focusrite’s classic ISA mic preamps.
When enabled, it instantly adds clarity to your audio by slightly boosting mid and high frequencies. The result is audio that sound brighter and less dull.
Lastly, the Solo is powered via USB-C and includes a free copy of Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack as well as Ableton Live Lite.
For its price, the Solo is hard to beat.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The next interface on our list is the 2i2 from Focusrite. It’s very similar to the Solo in terms of features.
However, it does have one couple of key differences. For starters, it has two microphone inputs instead of just one. This makes it ideal for recording duets or podcast interviews.
It also gives you the ability to enable direct monitoring in mono and stereo.
Like the Solo, the 2i2 comes with a free copy of Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack as well as Ableton Live Lite.
It’s a great option if you need a bit more flexibility than what the Solo offers.
Motu M2
Motu’s M2 is an excellent option if you’re looking for an interface that offers more flexibility than the Scarlett models.
Phantom Power and Direct Monitoring
It has separate controls for phantom power and direct monitoring for each input. As a result, you can record a dynamic and condenser mic at the same time without damaging your equipment.
You’ll also get more flexibility over direct monitoring when you’re recording a mic and instrument at the same time.
Most entry-level audio interfaces don’t have separate controls for these features. But if you’re looking to use more advanced recording techniques, we recommend getting one that does.
Notable Features
One of our favorite M2 features is its LCD level meters. They provide a quick and useful way to set and check levels.
It also includes support for MIDI I/O which is perfect if you’re using vintage MIDI controllers or Synths.
Overall, the M2 is a great option for those who want independent control over each input, LCD level meters, and MIDI I/O.
Check out our complete review of the Motu M2 for more information.
Solid State Logic SSL 2
Solid State Logic’s SSL 2 is arguably the best entry level audio interface. It’s simple yet effective design makes it perfect for those who are new to audio production.
The SSL 2 has two professional quality mic preamps that work excellent with low-output dynamic mic like the Shure SM7B. It known for providing a lot of gain (up to 62 dB) with virtually no preamp noise (EIN -131 dBu).
It also has low latency monitoring capabilities, so you can hear yourself in real time without any noticeable delays.
Monitor Mix
What’s different about the SSL 2 compared to the Motu M2 is the SSL 2 has a Monitor Mix knob for direct monitoring while the M2 has an on/off switch.
A Monitor Mix knob gives you more control by letting you blend your direct signal (Input) and audio from your DAW (USB). This feature is useful when you want to reduce latency while recording with effects.
4K Legacy Mode
Another key difference is the SSL 2 has a 4K Legacy feature modeled after Solid State Logic’s 4000 series consoles.
When enabled, 4K Legacy boosts high frequencies and adds harmonic distortion to help you achieve a more polished sound.
It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for an affordable interface with top-notch sound quality.
Here’s a in-depth review on the Solid State Logic SSL 2.
PreSonus Studio 1810c
ADAT and S/PDIF Connectivity
The PreSonus Studio 1810c is an affordable option of you need more than two mic inputs.
It offers four physical mic inputs with the ability to add up to eight digital ADAT inputs and two S/PDIF inputs.
There are also two main and four-line outputs with a S/PDIF output to add up to two channels.
Sound Quality and Features
The Studio 1810c offers professional quality X-MAX-L mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz converters, and low-latency monitoring.
One of the best aspects of this interface is its LED level meters on each input and output.
These level meters make it easy to keep an eye on your signal levels, so you can avoid clipping and get the best sound possible.
We recommend the 1810c if you need a lot of inputs and outputs for a relatively affordable price.
Takeaway: Best Audio Interface for Windows 10
As you can see, there are a ton of different audio interfaces out there to choose from.
When looking for the best audio interface as a Windows 10 user, you have plenty of options.
Most audio interfaces are compatible with Windows 10.
Here’s our recommendations to help you speed up your search:
If you need something simple and straightforward, the Focusrite Solo is the best option.
If you’re looking for something with more features and flexibility, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, Motu M2, and Solid State Logic SSL 2 are our top choices.
And if you’re looking for more than two mic inputs, we recommend the PreSonus Studio 1810c.
