USB audio interfaces

Connect microphones, instruments and other audio equipment to a computer with a USB audio interface designed for recording and music production. Our range includes compact interfaces for individual workstations alongside models with more inputs and outputs for larger recording setups.

Connect microphones, instruments and other audio equipment to a computer with a USB audio interface designed for recording and music production. Our range includes compact interfaces for individual workstations alongside models with more inputs and outputs for larger recording setups.

USB audio interfaces for recording and music production

A USB audio interface converts analogue audio into digital signals that can be recorded by a computer, while also providing outputs for headphones and studio monitors. Many models include microphone preamps, instrument inputs and direct monitoring, making them the central connection point between a computer and recording equipment.

The number of inputs is one of the main differences between interfaces. A two-input model such as the M-Audio MTRACK DUO, Tascam US-2X2HR or Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is suitable when only a small number of sources need to be recorded at the same time. Larger interfaces such as the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 provide substantially more analogue inputs and outputs for multi-microphone recording and permanent studio setups. The Scarlett 4th Generation range runs from the Solo through to the 18i20, allowing the interface to be matched to the number of sources required.

Compact interfaces for individual workstations

Smaller interfaces are well suited to desktop recording systems where space and input requirements are limited. The collection includes compact models such as the M-Audio MTRACK SOLO II, Audient iD4 MKII, Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Fender Link I/O.

The Audient iD4 MKII provides a microphone preamp alongside a JFET instrument input, while the Scarlett Solo provides a dedicated microphone input and an instrument input. These configurations make them straightforward choices for recording a vocalist, instrumentalist or individual workstation.

More inputs for multi-track recording

When several microphones or instruments need to be connected simultaneously, an interface with additional inputs provides greater flexibility. The Tascam US-4X4HR, Roland Rubix44, Yamaha URX44 and Audient iD14 MKII provide more extensive I/O than the compact two-input models in the collection.

The Focusrite Scarlett> range extends this further. The Scarlett 4i4 provides four simultaneous inputs and four outputs, while the 16i16, 18i16 and 18i20 offer progressively larger I/O configurations. The larger models also add connections such as ADAT, MIDI and S/PDIF, depending on the model.

USB-C interfaces and modern computer setups

Many of the interfaces in this collection use USB-C connectivity, including the Fender Quantum range, Focusrite Scarlett 4th Generation, Yamaha URX series, Audient iD4 MKII and iD14 MKII. USB-C provides a current connection standard for computers and other compatible devices, although the interface's actual audio capabilities depend on its individual specifications.

The Fender Quantum range covers several different I/O configurations. The Quantum HD 2 provides a 20 x 24 I/O configuration with 32-bit/192kHz conversion, while the Quantum HD 8 expands the system to 26 x 30 I/O and adds further digital connectivity. Both models include Fender's MAX-HD microphone preamps.

Recording, streaming and education

USB audio interfaces are useful in music technology rooms and recording workstations because they provide a practical connection between microphones, instruments and computer-based recording software. Models with loopback can also be useful for streaming and other applications where computer audio needs to be routed alongside an external microphone or instrument. The Tascam US-2X2HR, for example, includes loopback functionality and support for OBS Studio.

For schools and other educational settings, the appropriate interface will depend largely on the number of students or performers being recorded at once. A compact two-input model can suit an individual workstation, while a larger interface provides the connectivity needed for ensemble recording or a more permanent studio installation.