An audio interface is indispensable to home studio recording unless your computer already contains all of the inputs that are necessary. An audio interface converts analog signals from microphones and other sources into digital data (a stream of ones and zeroes), which then gets sent to music software for processing.
As well as inputs, quality preamps and features can have an enormous effect on sound.
Mackie Onyx Blackjack
Mackie are well known for their interfaces, with this compact USB interface and monitor level controller featuring two of their Onyx microphone preamps proving an ideal choice for newcomers and experienced musicians alike.
It features an extremely compact design and sturdy outer shell to feel like a solid piece of equipment. Furthermore, there’s a monitor output with control on its front panel as well as simple dual-color LED metering to display channel signal strength; this makes it easy to see whether signals are working optimally or have been overloaded.
One feature on this device that’s particularly beneficial is being able to switch between mono and stereo mode, enabling you to quickly record and monitor from a single analog source without incurring latency delays that can make computer recording tedious and time consuming.
This unit excels at managing multiple tracks and MIDI simultaneously, thanks to its ample power and high sample rate. Furthermore, its wide array of recording formats makes working in most major DAWs painless.
Zero-latency recording can be especially helpful when working with digital audio, which can often pose a difficulty on other devices. With this feature, you can track while listening directly from preamps and monitors without experiencing any delay or lag; an invaluable asset for home studio users who must create accurate soundscapes.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 home studio audio interface provides all of the hardware I/O and detailed sonic features necessary for recording, mixing, and mastering productions. It is an attractive option among home and garage musicians who don’t wish to spend thousands of dollars hiring professional recording studios.
It features two combined XLR/jack inputs to accommodate microphones and line-level devices, with an XLR input featuring a switch enabling users to easily toggle between +20dBu and -3dBu maximum input levels – perfect for using professional mics with low-powered preamps without overloading their preamps, as well as recording louder sources without overloading their preamps.
Each preamp features its own Gain knob. When receiving an acceptable signal level, green LED rings light around each knob while yellow indicates clipping levels nearing clipping – making it easy to achieve optimal recordings without fiddling around with volume controls on computers.
Scarlett 2i2 can be used with various software such as Pro Tools Artist and Ableton Live Lite, featuring high-quality DA converters that deliver exceptional dynamic range and audio resolution, an RCA output, headphones support for monitoring recordings on-the-go and Kensington security lock input to secure it when not in use.
The Scarlett 2i2 is an ideal home recording and music production solution, boasting natural-sounding 3rd Generation Mic Preamps and industry-leading features such as its Air mode that adds all the rich harmonic drive of a large studio console to vocals and instruments – providing radio-ready sounds!
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
This desktop 10×6 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface was built for use as the centerpiece of modern studios, boasting impressive workability and features that put it squarely at the heart of studio life. Boasting elite-class conversion akin to rackmount models as well as multiple analog and digital inputs and outputs – everything needed for exceptional music production is here in one compact case slightly larger than Sony Discman!
Two XLR-1/4” combo inputs (plus one 1/4” Hi-Z input) feature Unison integration to simulate classic analog preamps using UAD, with useful functions such as low-cut filter, pad, polarity inversion, 48V phantom power and 48V phantom power available on each channel. A TOSLINK optical input port lets you add external preamps with ADAT or S/PDIF optical outputs for eight virtual channels in addition to its two primary analog inputs.
UA’s Twin series truly shines with its Unison plug-ins, which emulate many classic channel strip, EQ and compressor hardware units. While their preamp offerings like the 610-B, 610-A, API Vision preamps may be impressive enough on their own, they have since added other high-end options like Manley Voxboxes; Neve 1073s; Fender amps from Marshall; Ampeg; Fender; Diezel are available too.
On top of all that, the Twin X features UA’s Console software for real-time DSP effects and processing – not just for fun; its effects have been featured on thousands of hit recordings! When combined with superior AD/DA converters and UAD plug-ins from Universal Audio, this makes the Twin X an unparalleled recording platform.
Solid State Logic SSL2
Solid State Logic may be unfamiliar to home recording, but their company boasts an illustrious professional audio legacy. Their legendary large format mixing consoles, studio outboard hardware and world-class plugin processors are used by professionals across studios, post production, live sound and broadcast environments – so when you see their name on an interface you know you are getting top quality performance at a price point that makes sense for home users.
The SSL 2 and 2+ both feature two mic/line/instrument input channels accessed via hybrid XLR/jack sockets on their rear panels, offering 48v phantom power for microphones as well as Line and Hi-Z switch for instruments. Both interfaces utilize AKM AK4621EF codecs which offer 24 bit, 192kHz A/D D/A conversion with outstanding results including low noise floor outputs.
Both models provide flawless monitoring for speakers and headphones alike, featuring dedicated monitor level control and onboard headphone amplifier. Furthermore, each comes equipped with an impressive selection of software, providing newcomers the tools necessary for successful home recording as well as offering advanced users more tools to take their recording to new heights.
Both the SSL 2 and 2+ feature the Legacy 4K button which, with just one press, enhances their preamps with the iconic analogue sound of their legendary 4000 series consoles – giving your recordings that sought after SSL sound featured on many hit records and Grammy-winning albums – something competitors rarely provide – at much greater expense!
Apogee Duet
Apogee Duet was designed by legendary mixer Bob Clearmountain and launched as an unprecedented portable studio solution in 2007. Boasting professional-grade AD/DA converters and analogue circuitry – as well as two exceptional microphone preamps – and offering zero ohm headphone output, its release transformed what people expected from portable studios.
The sleek tablet-shaped Duet boasts a luxurious feel and impressively slim form factor for such an extensive set of connections, yet remains surprising thin thanks to the breakout cable port – though be mindful to leave enough space when plugging cables in! On its front is one all-purpose knob and two touchpads which can be assigned specific functions (mute, dim, sum-to-mono and meter clear) via Maestro 2 software.
Your Duet gives you full control of both main input and headphone output levels separately, with system volume controlling both headphones and speakers. Should you require extra sound processing capabilities, Apogee offers their Symphony ECS Channel Strip processor for low-latency recordings with effects.
The Duet now uses USB Type C instead of USB-A, and uses a separate power supply to avoid issues with battery drain. A second USB-C port can also be found for connecting audio devices like mics or speakers – even running iOS devices through this socket is possible!
The Duet comes packaged in an elegant brushed aluminium case designed to match Apple products, making it look right at home on my desk. Furthermore, its compact form makes it convenient for taking on trips or packing in bags for recording in hotels or other environments with limited space. Also included is an ins and outs breakout cable as well as USB connectivity cable – everything needed to start recording immediately!