Low output levels produced by microphones need to be amplified therefore people use preamp for this purpose. Audio interface can have preamp embedded and it suits perfectly for those who begin. In case the person buys audio interface without miс preamp he should buy external preamp. It helps to achieve more beautiful sound.
4 mic audio interface
The number of outputs is the basic thing to regard when choosing the product. It can have from 2 channels to 18 and even more than that. Recording drums usually requires more microphones than recording an acoustic guitar. If you plan to work with drums, you will need an interface with at least four inputs. This will be the best microphone audio interface for the situation. The list below will include the soundcards of this type.
Behringer UMC404HD
It’s an excellent solution for recording instruments and microphones that enables pro quality.
- Compatible with AvidPro Tools, AbletonLive, SteinbergCubase.
- USB connectivity.
- It includes 4 inputs and 4 outputs.
- Rackmounted option.
Arturia AudioFuse
The device is available in three colors: black, grey and silver. The item is compact and looks stylish.
Features:
- Compatibility with Mac, iOS and PC.
- It has combo inputs, 2 headphone feeds.
- It has USB hub with three USB ports.
- It’s advisable to get the Control Center program that alleviates work with the DAW chosen by user.
As for the price tag, it’s a bit higher than that of its counterparts with similar characteristics.
Apogee Element 46
Usually, products that prioritize functionality over form receive higher value, so the model under consideration also falls into this type of devices. Apogee products are superb in this respect.
It serves as a microphone interface for Mac. Many consider it one of the best among similar products for Mac. The users praise flexibility of the model. It’s simple to use and loved by studio owners for its efficacy.
Features:
- Features easy frontmounted mic connections.
- Though it looks plain enough, it presents program control over the device.
- Thunderbolt connectivity.
- ADAT, SMUX and S/PDIF I/O
- 4 analogue inputs, 6 analogue outputs
8 mic pre interface
Specialists in the studio utilize the 8 mic preamp interface as the primary gear for audio conversion and achieving microphone pre-amplification, giving excellent sound at a low cost. You don’t need to acquire pricey external preamp devices for recording multitrack performances any more. So, which 8 mic device should we recommend for pre-amplification instead of buying external preamps? Below, we present a list of devices worth considering.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 Review
The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC1820 audio interface is great for professional…
The company showed the device with new design and better components, for example MIDASpreamps.
Features:
- No proprietary programs is offered for sophisticated monitoring.
- The interface is provided with 18 inputs and 20 outputs.
- Each input channel is provided with mic / line switch, gain knobs / pad.
- It’s easy to use the buttons as all of them are available on the front panel.
- 2 headphone outputs with volume control.
Focusrite Clarett 8Pre
It’s a solid choice that offers quality conversion. The interfaces two times more expensive offers the same features.
Features:
- Powered by hardware interface Thunderbolt that connects external peripherals to computer.
- Wonderful sound of mic The sound is clear.
- Low level of noise and distorting.
- 2 headphone inputs allow to record a singer or guitar player not using one output.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (2nd Gen) USB
This is a magnificent device that has solid built and delivers low noise recording.
- It has splendid instrument preamps.
- Provided with 48V phantom power to connect XLRmics.
- Though x has only 8 analogue inputs, it includes ADAT-port meaning that it’s possible to connect extra 8 mics. In this way, it’s possible to capture 16 mics at the same time. But one will have to buy extra external preamp unit for that.
- It’s a great choice for the beginning band.
16 mic input audio interface
Sometimes it’s needed to acquire the interface for recording a band so the device should have multiple channels and inputs to connect mics. Which gear is needed when you need to connect 16 mics or even more? Let us offer some options for such cases.
Apollo 16 Thunderbolt audio interface with QUAD DSP processing
Those who want to achieve almost zero-latency, should try this device. It has all necessary features required for recording system, including big number of analogue or digital headphone i/o, preamps etc.
This is the device for high-end customers. The quality of performance is great.
Features:
- Console 2.0 program, Bundled with RealtimeAnalog Classics Plus suite.
- Thunderbolt connectivity.
- MIDI interface.
- Its 16x16 analog inputs and outputs enabling pairing with mixing consoles and other gear. The example is mic input. The interface can be expanded to 32 channels if it’s necessary for audio.
PreSonus Studio 192 26×32 USB 3.0 Audio Interface and Studio Command Center
It’s a remarkable option for the price offered.
- Integration with StudioOne 3 ArtistDAW program.
- USB
- 8XMAX mic preamps, 2 instrument, 6 line level inputs.
- Desktop solution.
- 18 digital inputs and outputs with possibility of expanding
The sound is clear, detailed, without distortion. the customers like the universal control application and simple operation.
Avid 99005867040 Pro Tools HD I/O 16X16 Analog
Avid 99005867040 Pro Tools HD I/O 16X16 Analog Review
The Avid 99005867040 Pro Tools HD I/O 16X16 Analog is…
The device is known for lack of latency and comes in different configurations depending upon users’ needs. Its features:
- Full integration with ProTools HD.
- Rackmountable
- The installation of extra I/O ports is easy by adding a card to an empty bay.
Though the device is rather expensive, it’s a studio staple delivering unparalleled quality.
Audio interfaces for beginners – top 3
The experienced users are aware that with USB microphone, interface for computer audio is not necessary. The mic has the one already but the quality is not as good as audio track obtained with help of interface. These are the devices for novices in the sphere:
PreSonus AudioBox USB
The users will be pleased with the price of the model. It offers a good quality for its price. The features of the model:
- Studio Magic Plug-In Suit, Studio One Artist or other 6GB+ programs.
- 0
- Midi
- 2 combo inputs with preamps.
M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series
Enjoy the studio quality, intuitive interface with this entry-level model .
- C-Series Software Suite, Touch Loops sample library.
- USB, USB-C
- 5-Pin MIDI
- Rackmounted device.
- XLR combo input, instrument input.
It’s one of the most enticing offerings available on the market.
M-Audio Fast Track US44010 USB
Those who are looking form audio guitar mic recording interface, should try this option. It’s excellent for this instrument as well as the vocals, the keyboards, etc.
- Pro tools SE, GT-Player Express Software, Ableton Live Lite, inTone|Express Bundle.
- USB
- 1/4-inch instrument/line input, XLR mic input.
The users are able to connect the instruments in this guitar and microphone USB interface to get excellent result fast. The benefits are its low price and fantastic performance.
Conclusion
There are a lot of nuances while selecting an interface for recording of music. For instance, using a condenser studio mic and interface requires addition of such feature as phantom power (48V). Non-savvy consumers are not able to consider all the details, therefore help of pro-level experts is needed. It’s not enough just to read the review. Apply to the store (LINK) and consult the specialists there.
Choosing the right audio interface can greatly enhance your music recording experience. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, having the right tools at your disposal is essential for capturing high-quality sound. The products mentioned in the text offer a range of features catering to different needs and budgets.