In this article we’ll outline the top 5 audio interfaces on the market today, for budgets both big and small.
What are the Top 5 Audio Interaces?
Selecting an audio interface is a crucial decision when building a studio, regardless of its size. There are so many options to choose from, which can be overwhelming for those new to production, or even those looking to upgrade. In this article, we will provide a list of the top 5 audio interfaces available on the market today.
Table of Contents
Universal Audio Apollo x6
Pro Quality Sound and Performance in a Single Rack Space
The Universal Audio Apollo x6 audio interface offers professional-grade analog tones for project and bedroom studios. It features top-class conversion and UAD plug-in processing with HEXA Core technology, allowing users to record through preamps from well-respected brands like Neve, API, and Manley with minimal latency.
One of the standout features of the Apollo x6 is its 6-core HEXA Core processor, which provides 50% more processing power than previous models. This allows it to handle high plugin counts with ease, making it suitable for real-time tracking.
Its Thunderbolt 3 tech and rackmount form factor make it a great choice for those seeking top grade professional sound quality. This makes it our number 1 pick in the top 5 audio interfaces.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO
The Quality of the Apollo X6 at a Fraction the Price
We all want the x6, but we also need to eat, and that’s where the Apollo Twin series comes in. Universal Audio’s Apollo Twin X DUO is one of the best choices in audio interfaces today, dollar for dollar. It packs a serious punch with its dual-processor design, which provides twice the DSP processing power of the original Apollo Twin. This allows users to run more UAD plug-ins concurrently, making it a great pick for more complex recording and mixing sessions.
It also has Universal Audio’s renowned Realtime UAD Processing, which allows users to run UAD plug-ins in real-time, WITHOUT taxing the computer’s CPU. This can be especially useful for running processor-intensive plug-ins, like it’s great emulations of vintage hardware.
The Apollo Twin also includes two Unison-enabled mic preamps, which can accurately emulate the sound of classic hardware preamps, as well as high-quality converters and a variety of connectivity options.
Solid State Logic SSL2+
Solid Choice from Solid State Logic - Sorry... Couldn't resist.
Solid State Logic is a legendary name in sound, and the SSL2+ lets you get some of that legendary quality into your projects and mixes. At its heart, the SSL2+ gives you 2 class-leading, super detailed mic preamps to capture all the details and feeling of every take. It also has gain for days, and can make the most out of whatever mic you’re using.
Best of all, the SSL folks captured the spirit of their classic 4000 series consoles, and packed it all into a tiny little red button labeled “4k.” Just give it a press to add some musical mojo to whatever you’ve got coming into the input. Warm, fat, juicy tones await. This secured it a spot in the top 5 interfaces.
SSL also makes a bigger sibling to this, the SSL12 if you need a bit more inputs and outputs.
RME Babyface Pro FS
All About Performance
The Babyface Pro is a love letter to RME’s sheer commitment to superior craftsmanship, not only in audio circuitry and industry leading driver stability, but also in engineering. Born out of a block of aluminum, this “baby” (sorry again) is built for serious sessions and can survive serious abuse.
For many producers and audio engineers, the SteadyClock FS tech featured here is reason enough to buy the interface. With reference class digital clocking, you get amazing performance in all clock modes and pro quality audio circuits allow you to hear your mix as it was meant to be heard, with lowest jitter and highest jitter immunity.
Audient iD44 MKii
Take 2 from Audient, and it's a Winner
The second iteration of a very popular interface, the Audient iD44 MKii packs a ton of features into a great form factor. The inclusion of audio loop-back and dual headphone output, four Audient Console mic preamps, industry-leading converters, ADAT expandability, and balanced inserts. This allows it to deliver the audio quality of an Audient console to your desktop.
The iD44 MKii offers great performance and a user-friendly design, allowing you to focus on creating music without distractions.
While it doesn’t make it SOUND better, we think it sure LOOKS better in the new smokey gray finish as well.
Summary
Here we’ve outlined what we think are the 5 audio interfaces on the market today. There is something here for every budget, for whatever size studio or project you need. Pick one and get to creating, and be stunned with what you make!
Got a Mac? We have an entire article on the Best Audio Interfaces for Mac. Be sure to check it out!
