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An audio interface is a piece of hardware that expands and improves the sonic capabilities of a computer. Some audio interfaces give you the ability to connect professional microphones, instruments and other kinds of signals to a computer, and output a variety of signals as well. In addition to expanding your inputs and outputs, audio interfaces can also greatly improve the sound quality of your computer. Every time you record new audio or listen through speakers and headphones, the audio interface will reproduce a more accurate representation of the sounds. They’re an absolutely essential component in computer-based audio production. They’re used for recording music and podcasts, and in video post production for recording voice-overs and sound design.

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Audio interfaces are used when more a professional level of audio performance is required from a computer, and when one or more professional microphones, instruments and other kinds of signals need to be routed into or out of a computer.

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST AUDIO INTERFACE

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TIPS FOR CHOOSING THE BEST AUDIO INTERFACE

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If you’ve outgrown your audio interface and want to replace it with something more flexible, you’ll need to look beyond the number of inputs and outputs on offer. To help you choose the best audio interface for your needs, we’ve put together a list of five things to consider.

1: You’ll need more than eight inputs
How many inputs do you need? This isn’t as simple as counting your audio sources and making sure you have enough inputs:
Many musicians consider an eight-input interface to be sufficient. But this is actually the minimum number of channels needed for recording a live rock band: four mics for your drum kit plus guitar, bass, vocals and a mono keyboard.

2: Multiple outputs: can you send sound to different parts of the room?
The ability to hear your mix on different speakers (or monitors) is one of the most common reasons for having multiple outputs, but there are many other uses too:

3: Portable audio interfaces are far more practical
If you’re recording or live mixing a band, you’ll need an audio interface that is easy to carry and easy to use once the session begins.

4: Flexible monitoring gives your band members their own monitor mix
Separate monitor mixes are essential for studio and live recording. Imagine having different cue mixes for different musicians – more vocals for the vocalist, more bass for the bass player or different monitoring for wedges or in-ear monitors.

5: Build quality matters – the cheaper option can be more expensive
If you’ll take your interface on the road, it’ll inevitably get knocked about.

Make sure you look for an interface that is well built – cheap plastic casing smashes easily when dropped.

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1. Behringer UCA202 - Our Pick for the Best Audio Interface of 2017

Compatible to use with your PC or Mac computer, the UCA202 does not require any setup or drivers to work. Powered via USB connection, you don’t need any external power supply to use it.

It is rated as the best USB audio interface. The high resolution 48 kHz converters ensure high-end audio quality.

Connect your mixer, instruments, etc., to record your music and listen to the playback. The stereo headphone output has a dedicated level control so that you can monitor both input and output.

The Behringer UCA202 offers professional quality recording but comes in at a budget-friendly price.

Behringer also offers free audio editing software to help you get the most out of your recording experience.

Behringer UCA202 Full Review

2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Featuring a USB connection, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is very portable. Use the inputs on the front panel to connect line and instrument level signals as well as microphones. The design makes it ideal to record the output of a synthesizer or stage piano, and then with a flick of a switch, you can cater to the output of an acoustic or electric guitar.

The halo indicators let you record like a pro by letting you know if you have a good signal for recording.

Use the direct monitor function to hear what you are recording without the signal going though your computer first. This allows you to monitor the recording with zero latency. Protected by an anodized aluminum unibody chassis, this audio interface can withstand the harsh environment of life on the road.

The red finish gives it an attractive appearance. It is light and compact so that you can fit it into a laptop bag for easy portability.

It is bus powered so you don’t need an additional power supply.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Full Review​

3. Behringer U-Control UCA222

As one of the best audio interfaces for Mac computers, the UCA22 allows you to connect instruments, mixers, and more to your computer for recording and playback.

The USB connection makes setup easy and you don’t need any external power source. The high resolution 48 kHz converters provide high-end audio quality.

Featuring two analog mono inputs, you can connect any line-level device to it, such as a tape deck or mixer. Use the two analog outputs for connecting active speakers or studio monitors. The S/PDIF optical output can be used for analog to digital conversion.

​The stereo headphone output has a dedicated level control which allows you to monitor both input and output.

With the purchase of the UCA222 comes a load of free software so that you can turn your computer into a complete home-based or mobile recording studio.

Behringer U-Control UCA222 Full Review​

4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8

Designed for producers and recording artists or bands that require the ability to record many sources at the same time, this powerhouse has 18 inputs and 8 outputs. The ADAT optical digital connector allows you to connect external mic preamps to increase the number of mic inputs to 12.

It is designed to be used with Mac OS X 10.8 or Windows 7 and higher.

The two independent headphone outputs each have a level control. The input level controls have LED rings around the level control that turns green if there is a recordable signal, or red, which indicates overload. The Scarlet 18i8 is housed in a rugged metal case so that it can survive life on the road or at the studio.

Included in the purchase is an authorization code so that you can download online software to get the most out of your recording.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 Full Review

5. Steinberg UR44

Featuring a sampling rate of 192 kHz and a resolution of 24 bits, the UR44 delivers pristine sound quality. It has zero latency so that you can get the most out of your recording experience.

When you want to go completely portable, you can connect it to your iPad. The MIDI I/O feature allows you to connect your favorite synth, a drum trigger module, or any other MIDI device.

Housed in a rugged full-metal chassis, the UR44 is durable enough to withstand life on the road. To help make recording easier, it is compatible with all the major audio editing, mastering, and music production software supporting ASIO Core Audio, or WDM standard.

Steinberg UR44 Full Review

6. Presonus AudioBox 22VSL

Featuring two mic/instrument inputs with Presonus Class A XMAX preamps, the AudioBox 22VSL is a great audio interface for Mac. It delivers professional standard quality with 24-bit 96 kHz audio quality. The rugged enclosure allows you to use it in the studio, or to take along in your backpack.

7. iConnectMIDI2

The MultiHost feature allows you to connect 2 computing devices simultaneously. You can also use your iPad, iPhone or iPod touch as a plugin or controller with your Mac or PC. The Audio PassThru technology digitally routes the audio between your device and computer with zero signal degradation and simply appears as an audio interface to the operating systems.

8. ​Apogee Duet 2

If you are looking for an audio interface for Mac, this is a great option. It has 2 analog inputs with mic preamps and selectable 48v phantom power. It also has 4 analog outputs-independent speaker and headphone outputs. The full color OLED display gives you great visual feedback for multiple functions like metering, numeric value input and output levels, input grouping, and more. The 2 touchpads allow for easy operation.

​9. Focusrite iTrack Solo

Designed for use with iOS devices, you just connect it to a power supply and an iPad and you are ready to go. The iTrack Solo captures and plays back your sound with pristine quality: up to 24 bit/96 resolution when used with a Mac or PC. The unique signal halos let you know when you have a good audio level for recording.

10. Focusrite Saffire 6

With two mic pres, multiple outputs, and a MIDI/O, the Saffire 6 works great for your home recording setup. Since it is built to be durable, it is also great to take on location for recording. The switchable headphone output allows you to conveniently queue up tracks. With four RCA outputs, outputs, a class-leading digital converter, and high-level headphone output, the Saffire 6 is ideal for the laptop DJ.

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