Once you take the decision to put out content on YouTube and other video-sharing apps, you’ll quickly come to realize that you would need a device to connect your laptop with your instrument and your new professional microphone. While the process of selecting the right interface may be daunting for some, we’ve simplified the process for you with and our top five picks of 2024’s best interfaces to consider.
If you’re looking for a detailed account on interfaces, read more in our dedicated blog about Audio Interfaces here.
Most Liked - Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Focusrite is the go-to name for beginners when it comes to audio interfaces, and for good reason. If you’re just starting out in the professional recording space, the Focusrite is a great place to start. While it may be slightly more expensive than other, lesser-known brands, you can be certain about the recording quality and low latency in their products. The new iteration, 3rd gen, has upgraded internals and slightly better response to instruments; the device is primarily geared to support vocals, MIDI devices, and instruments. The tiny package also comes bundled with an Ableton Live Lite music making software which can be useful for a beginner production or live recording artist. If you require more than one I/O for your partner or a secondary instrument, check out Focusrite’s 2i2 option.
- Learn more about the Focusrite Solo on Focusrite.com
- Get the best deals on the Focusrite Solo on MusicMajlis.co
Most Underrated - Behringer UMC22
If you’re looking for a budget interface with no compromises on audio quality, thanks to its flagship MIDAS pre-amps, look no further than the UMC22. Despite its lower price point, don’t let the Behringer trick you into thinking that it’s a lower quality product; its output audio quality is comparable to the Focusrite Solo. There are two inputs, one for vocals and the other for an instrument, with support for a headphone out. The device still does not have USB Type-C support, but otherwise has no prominent drawbacks.
- Learn more about the Behringer UMC22 on Behringer.com
- Get the best deals on the Behringer UMC22 on MusicMajlis.co
A Class Apart - Universal Audio Apollo Solo USB Audio Interface (Win/Mac)
If you simply need the best of the best, most intuitive interface used by the biggest international artists, Universal Audio is the way to go. Provided that you are willing to invest in your passion with the big bucks required to purchase a UA product, the Solo is the recommended choice of interface. The premium device comes with Unison technology which gives the tone, touch and feel of one of the world's most sought-after tube and transformer-based mic preamps and guitar amps. Moreover, the interface has a robust metal exterior and doubles as an upscale headphone amp to fuel your inner audiophile. There are thunderbolt 3 and USB C-type variants.
- Learn more about the UA Apollo Solo on UAudio.com
- Get the best deals on the UA Apollo Solo on MusicMajlis.co
Most Portable - Helicon Go Vocals/Guitar
This interface is unique in terms of application and portability. For a mobile user who is keen on recording vocals on the go, the Helicon Go range is undeniably something of a marvel product to consider. The small package boasts a headphone out to hear yourself as you record, and comes with an XLR input that can support both condenser and dynamic microphones. The device is powered by a 9V battery and works on both iOS and Android operating systems. Be WARNED: When we tried to record with the Helicon Go Vocals on a mac, the device was not supported, despite compatibility claims from Helicon.
- Learn more about the GO Vocal on TC-Helicon.com
- Learn more about the GO Guitar on TC-Helicon.com
- Get the best deals on the GO Series on Musicmajlis.co
Best Value Proposition - PreSonus Studio 24C Audio Interface
Presonus is synonymous with the studio professionals who use rack-long stacks of interfaces to power their commercial equipment. For a novice, the miniaturized 24C version has high-quality converters capable of capturing complex musical harmonics smoothly and naturally with no audible distortion. The device also comes bundled with a built-in FX software that also includes virtual instruments. The two independent inputs support XLR, and has a dedicated headphone out.
- Learn more about the PreSonus 24C on PreSonus.com
- Get the best deals on the PreSonus 24C on MusicMajlis.co
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