There has never been a better time to buy one of the best guitar audio interfaces. Thanks to some massive advancements in technology, it’s now easier than ever to record your guitar in a home studio and get a great tone while doing so. For that, you’ll need an audio interface however, and that’s where this guide comes in.
Plainly, an audio interface is a device which is designed to get audio signals in and out of your computer, and to connect instruments such as your guitar or microphone when you want to record.
The world of audio interfaces used to be dominated by products which were designed to be used with microphones and by professionals only, but nowadays many big music tech brands are producing guitar-specific audio interfaces, designed to make your guitar recording sessions go as smoothly as possible.
We’ve included some more in-depth buying advice at the end of this guide, so if you’d like to read more about the best guitar audio interfaces then that’s the place to be. If you want to get straight to the products, keep scrolling.
Best guitar audio interfaces: Guitar World's choice
If you are new to recording at home, and just want to get going then we would direct you straight to the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen, or the IK Multimedia Axe I/O Solo. Both of these options are pretty simple to use, and are perfect for bedroom guitarists looking to lay down tracks easily. The Focusrite is a little more versatile with two XLR combo inputs, but for the money they’re both great buys.
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo MKII is our choice if you’re looking for something more high end. Yes, it’s pretty pricey, but UA’s Unison technology means there’s much more to it than meets the eye.
Best guitar audio interfaces: Product guide
When it comes to getting DI guitars to sound good, nobody is better than IK Multimedia. IK has built a solid reputation for guitar amp and effects pedals modelling, so it’s little wonder they have built an interface with guitarists in mind.
The AXE I/O is a 2-in 5-out audio/MIDI interface with all the usual input and monitoring options, but the AXE I/O notably includes specialised guitar inputs. These can be set for passive or active pickups, and have variable input impedance that you can dial in with a knob to set how the unit interacts with your pickups. It also features an ‘Amp’ output, which can be connected to amplifiers and effects pedals before redirecting back into the DAW, which makes capturing your sound on record a very easy task. It also includes XLR combo inputs for those who want to record with mics.
Capable of up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution, as well as boasting MIDI inputs and outputs, the AXE I/O can do pretty well everything that the other interfaces on this list can, but is so much more geared towards capturing and enhancing the sound of the guitar directly than any other interface. It’s hands down the best guitar audio interface out there right now.
Read the full IK Multimedia AXE I/O review
Easily one of the slickest looking interfaces around, the Komplete Audio 2 offers a simple yet powerful recording experience for guitarists. The 2-in-2-out interface notably features two XLR-¼” combo inputs to help keep the size of this device – which weighs a feather light 380g – to a minimum. With these inputs, users can move between mic and instrument through the use of individual selector switches, while phantom power can be engaged from a separate global switch.
With one big knob to control the main out level and a simple five-point level display, it is also very simple to use in terms of monitoring. One of the biggest downsides to this interface, however, is that direct monitoring – which allows the user to listen directly to the input signal of the interface – can not be done through the main output and can only be done via headphones.
It does, however, come with a decent package of bundled content that includes Ableton Live 10 Lite, Maschine 2 Essentials, Monark synth, Phasis phaser, Replika delay and Solid Bus Compressor. Factoring in the portability, design, usability and this software package, for just over $100, the Komplete Audio 2 represents great value for money for the guitarist looking to start their recording journey.
Universal Audio’s great reputation has been founded largely on their impressive – but expensive – high-end products. You can imagine our pleasure then, when they announced the Volt series of interfaces - a budget-friendly, affordable range for those who want great guitar recordings without having to spend too many hundreds of dollars.
One of the Volt 176’s main draws is the integrated compressor - which explains the ‘76’ part of the Volt’s suffix. Based on the Neve 1176, Universal Audio’s emulation has become one of their best-selling plugins, so to have it inside an audio interface in order to sweeten up our signal with some vintage warmth is a blessing. The Volt 176 also has an integrated microphone preamp with a ‘vintage’ mode, so your sound can be personalised to your tastes before it reaches your DAW.
Universal Audio also offers a compressor-less version called the Volt 1 which is even cheaper - but still includes all the software and useful preamp features that come with UA products.
The little brother to the Axe I/O, the Solo manages to nail all the crucial things despite its slimmed down package. In fact, there’s not much difference between these two at all; it’s really just the number of inputs and outputs.
While the I/O offers two XLR combo and two instrument inputs, the Solo offers just one of each – hence the name. The Solo still has the same great sounding preamp and specialized guitar input with the impedance-adapting circuit, as well as the amp output that made the I/O a popular choice among guitarists looking to capture their unique tonal print, it’s just there are less of them. Same goes for the outputs, moving from five on the I/O to three on the I/O Solo.
While this may be restrictive for some needs, it will also suit others down to a tee. If you are starting out or are mostly going to be recording on your own but still want to get the best possible guitar sounds at home, the Solo really does offer everything you’d need for about $100 less than the I/O.
Its smaller size and the fact that the Solo doesn’t require an external power source also makes it a more transportable option. And unlike other ‘stripped back’ interfaces, the Solo has held onto it’s midi inputs and outputs, making it a much more complete home studio package than many of its peers.
While it’s a truly well-built piece of equipment, one of the key selling points of the Audient iD4 MkII is just how simple and easy it is to use. As many guitarists are only recording one track at a time, it doesn’t make sense to buy an interface with loads of inputs they are never going to use. The iD4 MkII is a simple 2-in-2-out USB C powered interface featuring instrument-level DI for your guitar or bass guitar, as well as a mic preamp with phantom power for using condenser mics.
The iD4 MkII also has a smart scroll wheel which enables you to tweak settings within your software, and unlike most cheaper interfaces, you've got two monitor speaker outputs and dual headphone outputs. The iD4 MkII, for under $200, is one of the very best audio interfaces around.
By keeping the number of inputs to a minimum, Audient is also able to keep the price down without sacrificing quality. In fact, the mic preamp in this is the same design as those used in Audient’s top-line desks and it’s all-metal casing makes it feel anything but cheap. As well as the main speaker outputs, it also features dual headphone outputs so two people can monitor the sound at the same time. Ultimately, the iD4 MkII is one of the best value for money audio interfaces on the market.
One of the most renowned companies in the recording industry, Solid State Logic has been a little bit slow off the mark when it comes to producing desktop interfaces. Thankfully, the SSL2+ makes up for lost time. Aiming to be an affordable version of the SSL consoles featured in some of the world’s premier studios, the SSL2+ has a lot to offer.
While it features two XLR combo inputs, as well as six outputs and a MIDI in/out, there is one main thing that sets the SSL2+ from other interfaces on this list. The 4K button (modelled on the 4000 E channel strip) which adds some extra presence and high-end emphasis to your direct sound and can really make you feel like a pro at home.
It also has great monitoring features, with monitor mix, monitor level and two independent headphone knobs, giving you a lot more control of your output.
The Focusrite Scarlett didn’t become the highest-selling interface in the world by chance. This interface has earned a reputation of reliability among podcasters, producers, and guitarists alike. And while its simple design has made it a great first choice for beginners, its emphasis on quality has meant that it continues to be favored by professionals as well.
One thing that separates this line from other audio interface developers is that while others will release a new version of their product every two or three years, Focusrite is updating every year. The latest 3rd Generation of the Scarlett has been tweaked to deliver better sonics with sample rates up to 192kHz, and lower latency.
In terms of inputs, it features two XLR-¼” combo inputs, as well as two ¼” line inputs; it's quite versatile despite its size. It also features a great sounding mic pre-amp which will definitely be valued by those looking to make use of their microphones. There is also a range of great plugins in the accompanying software package to inspire the DI guitarist as well.
While praised for its simple design and low-latency, one way Focusrite achieves that is through heavy reliance on their software. For example, there is no button to activate a hi-Z input and this must be done through the software, unlike other items on this list.
At a glance, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin Duo MKII is a very simple looking piece of kit. A 2-in-6-out with one main control knob, it certainly looks chic, if maybe a bit minimal for something in this price range. However, there is certainly more than meets the eye with this one. The Apollo stands out because of its Unison technology, which creates a hybrid between the analogue front end and Unison-driven plugins through the UAD platform. These plugins model a range of mic preamps, guitar amps and stompboxes, pairing impedance switching and gain staging on the analogue front-end with component-level circuit modelling in software. Ultimately, it offers a range of studio-quality guitar tones at a fairly accessible price.
While compatible with all DAWS, it also comes with UAD’s very own LUNA workstation, so it could be a great option for those who haven’t settled on a DAW yet.
Positive Grid has quickly become one of the leading names in guitar recording software, with its Bias Amp and FX plugins giving thousands of guitarists all over the world a vast array of tones to choose from and record with. With the Riff, they’ve gone one step further – providing you with the hardware to make it happen, too.
The Riff’s design is pretty sleek and simple, with a main central control knob taking care of all of the Riff’s main functions. The volume, input gain and direct monitoring levels can be controlled from here, and you can also switch between three preset preamp emulations – mild compression, full range and mid boost.
The Riff’s build quality is one of the features we appreciated most. It’s solid, well-made and as a result, we’d be happy to integrate it into our on-the-go recording setup. It integrates well with PG’s Bias software too, so if you’re looking to turn your laptop into a portable practice rig, then this could be the choice for you.
Read the full Positive Grid Riff review
If you are chasing some authentic warm analogue tones, then the Audient Sono has you covered. Loaded with a 12AX7 valve, coupled with Two Notes Torpedo power amp modelling and cab simulation, playing through the Sono sounds and feels like playing through a real valve amp. As such, the Sono is able to capture authentic guitar tones right off the bat.
As it works essentially like an amp, it is also very pedal friendly, allowing you to make good use of the tools that shape your sound. And when it comes to the cab simulation package, the basic package includes 20 different models, so there is plenty of scope to hone your tone even further. It also includes some XLR inputs, which means guitarists looking to capture the sound of their acoustic, or their own cab can do so as well.
One of the only real downsides is that it can get very noisy when monitoring through headphones, which can hinder tracking performances. Otherwise it’s a well-made interface that’s clearly been designed with the guitarist in mind.
For guitarists looking for an interface with live recording in mind, the M-Audio Air 192|14 is a great option for you. This 8-in-4-out interface is one of the most versatile pieces on this list purely because – coupled with it’s MIDI compatibility – it has the most diverse I/O configuration.
As well as delivering great all-round sound capabilities with very clean preamps, the Air 192|14 is a great performer with zero latency recording capability through direct output monitoring. It also comes with a great introductory software package including Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Lite and Touch Loops.
However, as a result of the extra inputs, it is also one of the bulkiest items in this guide, so you may want to consider your priorities before committing to this one.
M-Audio has seemingly made it their mission to only put out products that offer the best value for money. If that’s the case, they’re going to have a very hard time topping their latest offering, the M-Track Solo.
For under $40, the M-Track Solo gives musicians access to a great sounding crystal preamp, an XLR-¼” combo input and a decent software starter pack, making it easily one of the best guitar audio interface options for those new to home recording. And unlike other products in a similar price range, the M-Track Solo boasts a 24-bit depth and 96kHz sample rate so users aren’t missing out on audio quality either.
It’s almost crazy how they’ve managed to make something that sounds as clear and runs as efficiently as this does, so affordable. Being housed in a plastic chassis, it’s likely the savings have come from the build itself. It’s hard to say how much rough handling it will take if you’re looking to take it to a bunch of different locations, but it seems sturdy enough.
As this two channel interface has both an XLR combo and a ¼” instrument input, it’s also possible to use both line inputs at the same time. However, those looking to capture both the microphone and instrument lines simultaneously will need to look to the slightly more expensive M-Track-Duo. Still, if you just want to record either clear sounding vocals or high quality guitar tracks, you won’t find a better deal outside of this.
Best guitar audio interfaces: Buying advice
What to consider when buying a guitar audio interface
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The main thing you need to consider when it comes to choosing the best guitar audio interface for you is what input/output configuration (I/O) you will need, which depends on what you’re planning to record. These configurations can vary from one analog instrument (such as, y’know, a guitar) and microphone input like you’ll find on the Audient iD4, right up to the M-Audio Air 192|14 which has eight inputs and is much better equipped for live recording.
If you’re simply looking to record yourself playing guitar direct, or to mic up your cabinet or acoustic guitar, then you will really only need one pair of inputs, i.e an instrument (¼” jack) input, and a microphone (XLR) input. Many interfaces on this list actually come equipped with XLR combo inputs, which can take either instrument or microphone. If you are looking to record several instruments and singers at the same time, you will need something with more options. The ratio of microphone to instrument inputs you need also depends on whether you are mainly looking to record things direct, or using microphones.
Does the type of input matter?
When it comes to recording your guitar directly into an audio interface, it’s important that you are using instrument-level or hi-Z inputs. While all the guitar audio interfaces on this list have hi-Z inputs, some will also have line-level inputs, which are used for outboard processors and will not process an amplified instrument well.
If you are looking to do a lot of microphone-based recording, finding something with a great sounding pre-amp is a must. If you’re using condenser mics, it’s important to ensure your interface has phantom power too, as these mics will need a power source. Fortunately, almost all interfaces with microphone inputs these days have this feature.
When it comes to outputs, there are seven main types to look out for. Headphone, monitor, MIDI, line (balanced and unbalanced), SPDIF, Word Clock, ADAT/Lightpipe/TOS Link. Most interfaces will come with at least monitor, line and headphone outputs, as that’s what most people need to effectively record and mix. However, you may want to conduct some further research into all the output uses to decide if you need anything further.
Other things to consider
Sample rate and bit rate
While sample and bit rate are important, ultimately most modern guitar interfaces will be able to record at the industry standard of 44.1kHz. Outside of this, the frequencies aren’t really heard by the human ear. Bit rate goes hand in hand with sample rate and represents the amount of information, or detail, that is stored per unit of time of a recording. The industry standard for digital recording these days is 24 bit and most interfaces allow for at least 48.
Connectivity
The majority of audio interfaces out there are USB connected, which is a safe bet as most digital devices are USB compatible. One thing worth considering is that while common, USB 2.0 does not offer the fastest connection (aka low latency). Thankfully many new interface models are compatible with USB 3.0 and users would be wise to invest in a 3.0 cable and port.
Having said that, a number of the best audio interfaces have Thunderbolt connections. This is the fastest port out there – eight times faster than USB 3.0 – so it does mean improved performance. However, the one downside is that this connection was developed by Apple, so if you’re using an older Mac or a Windows PC you may have to install a thunderbolt port in your device.
MIDI
While MIDI instruments do offer a range of options when it comes to producing music, whether it is necessary or not comes down to your preferences. You could probably forgo this feature if you are a guitarist who’s just looking to record some basic stuff with programmed drums. However, if you are looking to introduce a MIDI set-up like drum pads or synthesisers, then it could be worth looking at the NI Komplete Audio 2 or the SSL 2+ USB interfaces for their excellent MIDI compatibility.
We think the options in this best guitar audio interfaces guide cover all the bases extremely well, but they also offer just a little more specifically for guitarists.
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