The best audio interfaces: From bedroom studios to pro setups

Regardless if you’re a project studio warrior, run a professional facility, or a streamer or podcaster a good audio interface is a must-have. The best audio interfaces have clean preamps with good dynamic range, crystal clear conversion, and the I/O you need to accommodate the signals you’ll be sending it and expand as necessary.

Here are three of our favorites that cover different types of production setups.

Best Audio Interface for Beginners: PreSonus Studio 24c

Beginners don’t need much in an audio interface, but that doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality for price. Depending on what you need it for you only need a few channels, but it’s the additional features that set the great audio interfaces for beginners apart from the rest of the pack.

The front panel provides dual combination XLR and ¼” XMAX-L preamps that support microphone, instrument, and line level signals. This means it’s just as useful for recording instruments and vocals as it is for podcasting and streaming. The studio-grade converters are 24-bit/192kHz. On the rear of the unit is the USB connection, MIDI I/O, and monitor and headphone outputs.

Phantom power lets you use condenser microphones, and to the right are preamp gain controls, a monitoring mix knob to blend between input and playback signal monitoring, and main monitor output and headphone volume knobs. LED metering is compact with only four stages, but it provides visual readouts for input and main output levels.

Deeper control is done through the Universal Control App. It lets you manage everything in your Presonus ecosystem regardless of the type of device you use. This includes drivers, DSP editing, mixing, and the Studio One+ suite of tools. 

Also included is Studio One Professional Edition and a USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables, so everything you need to get started you get right out of the box. These features and the ergonomic desktop-size housing give beginners an audio interface with great bang-for-the-buck value.

Best Audio Interface for Songwriters: MOTU M4

It’s never been easier for songwriters to create professional-level productions in their creative space. And if you’re a songwriter looking for your first interface or an upgrade without spending too much, why not go with the best?

MOTU has long had a reputation for creating some of the best converters in professional recording, but for too long the best of them were only available in their large format audio interfaces. With the M series they decided to make their best conversion technology available in their desktop units.

The M4 includes the ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC converters found in some of their most high-end units. At 120dB of dynamic range unwanted noise and clipping is a nonfactor, provided everything is gain staged properly. They operate at 24-bit/96kHz with a 32 sample buffer, so professional level quality isn’t a concern anymore.

Dual combination preamps provide a clean signal platform, and each input has individual phantom power. No more worrying about global phantom power compromising a delicate microphone plugged into one of the ins.

There is an impressive amount of I/O. Aside from the duo of combination inputs, there are two ¼” line inputs on the rear for connecting outboard gear like preamps and compressors.

Four outputs allow connection for two main monitors, and an additional two outputs give you options. Use them for a secondary pair of monitors or external hardware. Stereo RCA monitor and line outputs add further connectivity, and MIDI I/O lets you connect MIDI controllers, synthesizers, or DAW control surfaces.

In the modern music industry content creation is mandatory, and loopback functionality lets you stream performances easily. Front panel LED metering provides a detailed level readout over inputs and outputs. Also included is over 6GB of professional loops and samples, perfect for fleshing out your ideas or to find a creative spark.

Best Audio Interface Under $1000: PreSonus Quantum 2626

For those looking to invest in a more sophisticated interface or need an increased channel count for recording bands you’ll need a rack-size model. And there are plenty of audio interfaces under $1,000. Our top choice is the PreSonus Quantum 2626.

It connects through Thunderbolt 3 and offers eight clean microphone preamps. Channels one and two feature XMAX combination preamps with switchable DI, and the other six have Class A XMAX preamps. The 24-bit/192kHz converters offer 120dB of dynamic range with solid clocking. 

There are eight ¼” line outputs, two main monitor outputs, and two line returns. If you need to expand your channel count there are ADAT and S/PDIF ins and outs. Word clock ensures all of your gear is synced properly if you have a more elaborate setup. 

Two preamp outputs let you patch in external processing like EQs and compressors and patch them back in via the line returns. MIDI I/O expands the type of hardware you can use for better control over your productions.

Like the Studio 24c, the Studio One Pro+ suite and Studio One Professional Edition software are included to give you end-to-end control.

FAQ

What sample rate and bit depth should I use?

Most users will be fine recording at 24-bit with a sample rate of either 44.1kHz or 48kHz. Higher sample rates like 96kHz and 192kHz offer more detail, but also demand more CPU and hard drive space. 

Are Thunderbolt interfaces better than USB?

Thunderbolt interfaces typically offer lower latency and higher bandwidth. This makes them ideal for large sessions and real-time processing. But USB interfaces have come a long way and are more than capable for most users. They’re also compatible with almost any recording computer, where Thunderbolt is a specific standard.

How important are preamps in an audio interface?

Preamps amplify the microphone signal before it hits the converters. Good preamps provide clean, quiet gain. This is especially important for low-output microphones like certain dynamic models.

Entry-level interfaces have decent preamps, but high-end models offer more headroom and lower noise. You can also consider using an external preamp if your interface has routing to integrate one.