The sample rates go all the way up to 192kHz / 24bit. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) has 2 XLR inputs with gain control, 48V power, direct monitoring, and a headphone jack with gain, all powered over USB 2.0. 2×2 (2 in / 2 out) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) There is mix control, phantom power, and they include both USB 2.0 and USB-C cables for connection with newer computers. The M-Audio M-Track 2×2 gives you a nice clear view of your levels with -20dB, -6dB, and -3dB indicator lights for both the mic input and the instrument input. It’s made to be used on a laptop, desktop, or iPad with ease. Similar to the Scarlett Solo above, the Steinberg UR12 USB interface has 1 XLR input with phantom power and 1 instrument input (but it’s not switchable to line level). There’s a headphone jack and R/L RCA output as well. The Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) only has 1 XLR input with phantom power, but it also has a separate switchable line/instrument input. The build quality by Focusrite is always great. Technically, these are 2-input USB interfaces, but they have 1 XLR input so we’re putting them in one category. Looking for a mic to pair with one of these? Check out the best XLR microphones.

2 XLR: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen).Here are my top recommendations in 2023 for each section: If you want to record a band or several people at once, jump down to the ‘8+ Input’ section, although you may want to look at the best mixers as well. If you have MIDI equipment that doesn’t connect over USB, look just below that in the ‘2×2 with MIDI’ section. Most are USB 2.0 but there are a couple that use USB 3.0 along with newer models using Type-C.įor podcasting and solo recording for most people, I would recommend starting in the ‘2×2’ section. It’s organized by the number of XLR mic inputs.Īll of the interfaces should work with both Mac OS and Windows, but I’ll mention if that’s not the case or if there have been any issues. We’ll start with the smaller units and move down the page toward the larger ones. The “best” USB audio interface will really depend on your needs and potential uses, so we’ll highlight brands and models with a range of I/O (input/output). They all have mic preamps built into the XLR inputs, and at least one output for monitoring speakers or headphones.Ĭompared to a built-in sound card, you’ll almost always get higher sound quality when using an external audio interface (essentially an external sound card) as well. If you want to simplify it, you’re converting XLR to USB (in the case of a microphone). They can vary in quality, features, inputs & outputs, and more. your voice) into a digital signal for your computer. A USB audio interface lets you convert your analog audio signals (i.e.

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