Audio Interface Buying Guide
The Audio Interface brings all your inputs together before they head into your computer for recording.
As a result the choice of an Audio Interface is critical in you home recording studio design.
But with so many options how can you know which one is right?
The good news is that as you gain experience, you'll be much more comfortable dealing with all the different specifications and features.
In the meantime, this guide is aimed to help you navigate the various options and arrive at an Audio Interface that will serve your needs.
The models listed below are some that I recommend based on personal use and experience.
For more detail on the pros and cons of each unit check out the Audio Interface Reviews here.
Or to jump straight to my most recommended units visit my article on Top USB Audio Interfaces Under $300.
Understanding This Guide
Each unit has been evaluated based on the following criteria:
Bit Depth / Sampling Rate: Measure of the quality of the A/D converter. 24 bit is what I recommend for a bit depth.
Sampling rates vary from 44.1 kHz all the way to 192 kHz. 44.1 or 48 kHz will be fine for you, the others are really marketing tools more than technical upgrades.
Total Inputs: Total number of inputs. These can be shared between XLR and 1/4" (combo jacks) or dedicated for one or the other.
Make sure you check the number of preamps associated with each input. Companies love to claim 10 inputs, only for you to find out later that only 2 have preamps and the rest are line-level.
Outputs: Total number and type of available outputs. Includes Main L/R pair that typically go to studio monitors.
MIDI I/O: # of MIDI Inputs / Outputs. MIDI is a one way street so these will come in pairs (1/1 for example).
It's rare for any interface to have more than 1 MIDI and 1 MIDI out, but that's okay since most MIDI devices now can be connected via USB.
Bundled Software: Included DAW recording software.
Note that this is usually a "lite" version and not the full suite. It is still great to start out with before making a bigger investment.
Price: The approximate retail price of the unit.
Check out the links on the titles for each unit for some deep discounts off standard retail through Amazon.com
PreSonus Audiobox 22VSL Audio Interface
Interface: USB 2.0
Bit/Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz
Total Inputs: 2
Inputs: Combo Jacks (2)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (4)
MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
Bundled Software: Studio One Artist
Price: $200
M-Audio M-Track Plus Audio Interface
Interface: USB 2.0
Bit/Sample Rate: 24-bit/48 kHz
Total Inputs: 2
Inputs: XLR Jacks (2) or 1/4" Jacks (2)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (2)
MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
Inserts: 2
Bundled Software: ProTools Express
Price: $150
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface
Interface: USB 2.0
Bit/Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz
Total Inputs: 2
Inputs: Combo Jacks (2)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (2)
MIDI I/O: None
Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite
Price: $150
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface
Interface: USB 2.0
Bit/Sample Rate: 24-bit/96 kHz
Total Inputs: 2
Inputs: Combo Jacks (2)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (2), Unbalanced RCA Jacks (4)
MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite
Price: $200
Akai EIE Audio Interface
Interface: USB 1.1
Bit/Sample Rate: 16-bit/44.1 kHz
Total Inputs: 4
Inputs: Combo Jacks (4)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (4)
MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
Inserts: 4
Bundled Software: Cubase LE
Price: $200
Roland Duo Capture EX Audio Interface
Interface: USB 2.0
Bit/Sample Rate: 24-bit/48 kHz
Total Inputs: 2
Inputs: Combo Jacks (2)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (2)
MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
Bundled Software: Sonar LE
Price: $200
Roland Quad Capture Audio Interface
Interface: USB 2.0
Bit/Sample Rate: 24-bit/192 kHz
Total Inputs: 2
Inputs: Combo Jacks (2)
Outputs: Balanced 1/4" Jacks (2)
MIDI I/O: 1 In / 1 Out
Bundled Software: Sonar LE
Price: $270
