In this article we’re going to be discussing the best guitar audio interfaces that exist in October 2023.
An audio interface is arguably one of the most important pieces of gear for every musician. Whether you are a professional or just a beginner and whether you’re into music production or not, there isn’t a more convenient way to record your guitar than using a proper audio interface. With these devices, you can capture your moment of inspiration with ease and the best thing about them is that they go in a broad price range, so everyone can afford one.
What is a Guitar Audio Interface?
Audio interface is a general term and we could say it is a piece of equipment that connects your instrument to a computer. Its main task is to recognize your instrument’s signal and convert it into a format that will be recognized by your computer software and used for further sound shaping. Most audio interfaces are designed for both vocals and instruments, so pretty much every product can be used for guitar recording.
However, not all of them are equally good, because there is a whole range of extra features that can completely change their quality regarding guitar recording. For example, a proper audio interface should feature a line in and output that are optimized for guitar and similar instruments, as well as a microphone input, if that’s the way you like to record acoustic guitars. Furthermore, the audio interface usually comes with a preamp, so you can optimize your sound. Moreover, many of these units come with a whole bunch of plug-ins that emulate all kinds of legendary analog gear, including numerous guitar amps. In that way, you don’t have to use all of your physical equipment to get the sound you want, which is highly convenient.
Another important aspect of modern guitar audio interfaces is the portability, as well as the ability to connect with different platforms, whether it’s about PC or Mac, or some mobile device. In that way, you can record anywhere, anytime.
Best Guitar Audio Interfaces
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
If you accept nothing but exceptional sonic quality for your guitar recording, then the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X would definitely be a fantastic choice for you. The latest version of this super-capable audio interface offers so many great things, starting from the excellent 24-bit/192kHz conversion with overhauled analog circuitry. Thanks to the impressive 127dB dynamics range, you will be able to catch every single detail of your playing.
Besides great sonic characteristics and excellent processing features, this interface also comes with tons of additional tools. Of course, the best-known are award-winning plugins that took emulation to the next level. Guitarists will particularly like the Realtime Analog Classics bundle, which includes emulations of the most legendary vintage gear, including the iconic UA 610 tube preamp, Marshall Plexi Classic and much more.
As a professional tool, this audio interface comes with everything you need regarding connectivity features. Besides several inputs and outputs, there is super-fast connectivity with minimal latency. This works especially great with Thunderbolt, while Mac users will also benefit from the fact that this interface supports UA’s LUNA recording software for seamless hardware/software integration. In terms of OS requirements, this audio interface is compatible with macOS 10.12 or later, as well as Windows 10 Anniversary update or later.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This is a professional-grade audio interface that aims at professionals, but it would also be a perfect choice for your project studio. Professionals like it very much, while enthusiasts probably like it even more, due to the impressive number of classic gear emulations.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is the best proof that not all cheap products are bad. Just a few years ago, it was impossible to imagine this level of quality and this price tag together. With two channels and combo inputs, as well as onboard +48-volt phantom power for condenser microphones, this is a pretty functional small unit, a fantastic tool for acoustic singers. Musicians who are more oriented to playing and have a little bit higher sound-quality requirements will appreciate the 24-bit/96kHz professional-standard digital resolution, as well as an internal analog mixer that allows you to find a perfect balance between direct input and playback signals.
Although pretty capable and functional, this unit remains compact and highly portable. It features pretty small dimensions, along with USB power, which makes it a perfect traveling companion. Besides two inputs and two outputs, the unit also features a headphone output and one USB Type B port. When it comes to OS requirements, it works with macOS 10.13 or later, as well as Windows 10 or later.
Despite the affordable price, this PreSonus audio interface has everything you need for proper recording sessions. For example, the PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software is included, as well as over 6GB of third-party content. If you prefer some other DAW software, it’s good to know that the interface is compatible with pretty much everything on Mac and Windows platforms. Also, you may count on Studio Magic Plug-in Suite, which offers various emulations of legendary vintage gear.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
The price tag indicates that this unit is primarily for beginners but the fact is that the sound quality is good enough to satisfy much more demanding users as well.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
Focusrite products have been a gold standard in the class of affordable audio interfaces for a long time and that particularly refers to the Scarlett Solo unit, which has just received an update. Famous for its simplicity and good sound quality, it now comes in the third generation, with a couple of important changes and upgrades.
One of the first things worth mentioning is that preamps have been redesigned and now sound even better. Speaking of sound quality, this is one of the rare products at this price range that offers 24-bit/192kHz conversion. Another important update is that eh Scarlett Solo now supports iPad Pro, which makes it an even better portable unit than before.
Of course, you may also count on the product’s well-known features, such as the high-headroom instrument input, which works great with guitars and basses. Also, there is the well-known switchable Air mode, which provides brighter, more open sound. The unit also comes with a software bundle, as well as a nice collection of plug-ins, so you can start your recording journey with ease. Still, note that you get time-restricted, 3-month access to more advanced pieces of software, such as Avid Pro Tools Artist Subscription, Ableton Live Lite, Plug-in Collective access, Hitmaker Expansion Bundle etc.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
This model is one of the household names in the world of affordable audio interfaces and it’s a logical choice for anyone on a tight budget, no matter the level of experience.
Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core 4×8
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
This manufacturer has long been known for making great premium-grade audio interfaces. With this model, it enters the world of portable, bus-powered units. You can see an elegantly-designed housing without too many controls, which indicates easy operation.
However, that doesn’t mean that there are any lacks in terms of flexibility and functionality we’ve used from this manufacturer. This is a capable unit, with high-quality 24-bit/192 kHz conversion and an impressive dynamic range of 127dB. The audio interface also comes with 37 analog-modeled Synergy Core effects, as well as 64-bit acoustically focused clocking. Just like more expensive siblings, the Audio Zen Go Synergy Core 4×8 offers seamless real-time monitoring, thanks to the super-low latency that goes under 1 ms.
When compared to some previous models from this manufacturer, this product feels a little bit simplified. However, there are still plenty enough connectivity features, starting from 2 Microphone-/Line-/Hi-Z inputs, 1 jack Stereo and 1 RCA Stereo monitor output. Mac users will benefit from Thunderbolt connectivity, while there is also an additional USB port for reverse charging. There are two monitor outputs and each comes with separate volume control.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
Antelope’s reputation in the world of music recording in undeniable, and this product comes as a great choice for professionals who need a portable unit but don’t want to sacrifice sonic qualities. Although simpler than its siblings, the Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core is still quite functional, so it would be a perfect addition to any home studio.
Apogee Jam+
Available On Amazon – Check Current Price
As a guitar player, we bet you know very well that inspirational moments can happen anywhere and that in many cases, you are simply not able to record notes that came to your mind. Thanks to the Apogee Jam+, that doesn’t need to be the case anymore. This tiny unit allows you to connect your guitar to a computer or mobile device with ease and start enjoying high-quality guitar recording in just a few moments.
One of the best things about this small interface is that you don’t have to bother with installation. Instead, this is a plug-and-play unit that works on Mac, PC, and iOS operating systems. That level of convenience doesn’t mean that you will have to sacrifice sound quality. Although tiny and simple, the Apogee Jam+ offers a pretty good 24-bit/96kHz resolution.
Furthermore, the interface also features Overdrive mode, which allows you to shape guitar sound with all kinds of guitar effects. Of course, it’s hard to imagine such a unit without headphone output and bus power. Latency is minimal, while you may also count on Positive Grid BIAS FX Jam software.
Who Should Buy This Pedal?
If you’re often on the move and need something that can easily record your guitar playing, this is the ultimate tool. The Apogee Jam+ is super compact, easy to use and offers more than decent audio quality.
Our Number One Choice
This is a quintessential audio interface that has all the necessary features for guitar recording. More than that, it is also affordable, compact and pretty easy to use. Despite the affordable price, it offers high-quality 24-bit/192kHz resolution that ensures excellent sonic quality. The latest version comes with updated preamps and now works with iPad Pro as well.
Our Premium Choice
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin X is our premium choice for many reasons, starting from excellent sound quality and impressive flexibility. This unit comes with all kinds of extra features, including a bundle of plug-ins that emulate some of the most legendary pieces of vintage gear, including the most legendary guitar preamps. Furthermore, it supports UA’s LUNA recording software and offers an impressive 127-dB dynamic range.
Buy On AmazonBest Value For Money
All products on this list are great but PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is our best value for money choice. Simply, it offers so many great things for a very affordable asking price, starting from two channels, decent audio quality and minimal latency. Moreover, things like PreSonus Studio One Artist DAW software, as well as over 6GB of third-party content are also included in the price, while the interface works with other DAWs as well. It is a complete guitar recording solution available at a lesser price.
That concludes this full buyers guide on the best best guitar audio interfaces. Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions regarding the products you have seen in this article. Check out our other buyers guide on the best thunderbolt audio interfaces.
Here at Guitar Effects Pedalz we also provide full reviews of the best online guitar services so you can learn guitar online with our Guitar Tricks Review.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API