Focusrite claims the AD/DA converters are new and improved. They weren't bad in the first place, but they now offer a higher dynamic range signal-to-noise ratio, ensuring a nice clean sound (which you can choose to f**k up later). The onboard DSP processing can give each input channel 4-band EQ and compression letting you capture exactly the sound you're after. The Audient EVO 16 is a 16-channel (24-in/24-out) USB 2.0 (USB-C) audio interface with a maximum bit depth of 24 bits and a sample rate up to 96 kHz. The interface has a USB 2.0 connection and is designed to be compatible with all major DAWs. The unit comes with EVO’s extensive bundled professional software and services as well as a manufacturer’s warranty of three years. We're big fans of the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X here at MusicRadar, and this super interface has some incredibly powerful features that will offer a serious upgrade to anyone’s home recording experience. It comes in two formats, Duo and Quad which are named for the amount of DSP processing chips they possess.

Another feature of note, which may make this interface a winner for you, is the DC coupling on the outputs, which enables CV/gate information to be sent to modular synths and other hardware.

Includes the "Realtime Analog Classics Plus" UAD plug-in bundle. Other UAD plug-ins sold separately.

Or not? If you're running a Windows machine you may get issues with the supplied audio drivers. Some users recommend using Asio4all instead, although a recent driver update from Tascam may have solved the issue. You should think about an audio interface with an onboard DSP if you’re a music production who wants to apply effects like compression or EQ to signals before they are recorded by a DAW, otherwise you can use any audio interface. The 8i6 has 2 preamps, 4 line inputs, MIDI I/O, and S/PDIF I/O for 8 maximum simultaneous inputs. Perfect for recording multiple instruments like drum machines and synthesizers. Bundled Software: Ableton Live Lite, Melodyne Essential, UJAM, Softube Marshall, Plugin Alliance Ampeg, Relab LX480 Essentials The Roland UA-1010 is not the youngest of USB audio interfaces, but if you're after a compact(ish) audio interface with inputs and outputs to match your growing production tasks, it's a solid choice.

Love 'em or hate 'em, Behringer make audio interfaces at an affordable price, giving the budding producer the opportunity to kit out their studio on a budget. One of the standout features of the Octa-Capture is its eight premium preamps, making it suitable for recording multiple instruments simultaneously. The Auto-Sens feature optimizes input levels, streamlining the recording process. The Versatile Software (VS) enhances the overall recording experience. Additionally, powerful computer setups report near-zero latency, allowing for real-time monitoring during recording, while custom mixes for individual musicians are crucial for collaborative recording sessions. I noticed a level of richness at higher gain settings similar to how analog consoles tend to drive. Cymbals and other instruments with high-frequency content do not sound brittle or harsh. While the saturation may be a plus, the preamps color the sound too much for some situations. Still, the bottom line is that, as long as you get a mixer/interface that suits your recording requirements, and is capable of handling a bit extra if you wish to record more channels, the combination approach ought to make your life significantly easier for years to come. The Decision Is Yours... The Tascam US 1608 audio interface has excellent hardware and 16 input channels. The other 8 input channels are line-level inputs, whereas 8 of these input channels feature ultra-high resolution microphone preamp inputs. It also offers a stereo headphone output in addition to eight balanced 14 inch outputs. Each input channel on this audio interface has a 4-band EQ and compression.

Create 16-channel immersive audio mixes for Dolby Atmos, Auro-3D, Sony 360 Reality Audio, and others.

The ADAT ports let you expand the total number of inputs and outputs by 16 (20 x in, 24 x out, hence 44) but part of us wishes there was more onboard analogue I/O. Still, at least there’s the provision for sizable expansion. Audient has also managed to improve the iD44’s Analogue to Digital Converter (ADC) THD+N figure by an impressive 9dB to a class-leading 112 dB. The Digital to Analogue Converters (DACs) are similarly pristine, with imperceptible noise and 126dB of dynamic range. The four mic pres are exactly the same as you’ll find in Audient’s pro-level consoles. Once you've selected your audio interface of choice you'll be able to record pretty much any instrument you like, from guitars and synths to vocals and even drums. For the latter, you'll need a multi-input interface but for the most part, any of the interfaces on this list will allow you to record a huge selection of instruments. Typically, when you record at home you do all the mixing after your audio comes into you audio editing software. You would use an EQ plugin and manipulate the various frequencies of the audio signal with extreme precision. Clarett+ has improved independent A-D and D-A converters, slightly better noise figures throughout, and improved dynamic range. The mic inputs are silky smooth and have plenty of headroom, and the outputs are crystal clear and suitably noise-free. If you want to add some life to your input, the Air option does just that. Also excellent are the two JFET instrument inputs, substantially better than a regular instrument input.