A big problem that comes up when recording live instruments is latency. This becomes an even larger problem when recording midi instruments.
Most of today’s interfaces connect to our computers through usb 2.0 or 3.0. Usb has remained the top choice for connecting all of our peripherals whether it be a mouse, keyboard, webcam, or midi controller.
If you use MIDI devices or a MIDI interface connected to your Mac, you can use Audio MIDI Setup to describe the configuration of your MIDI devices. There’s a default configuration already created, but you can set up your own. You can use this configuration information for apps that work with MIDI, such as sequencers, to control your MIDI. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Recording Audio Interface. It would be just plain wrong not to mention. If you want a budget-friendly audio interface for Mac, then Audient iD4 is one best.
So why should you even consider buying an audio interface that is LightningBolt compatible?
Simple. The answer is speed. When the LightningBolt connection is compared to usb 3.0(the fastest version of usb available today), the LightningBolt connection is more than 2x faster than usb.
Having a connection that is twice the speed of a usb connection will dramatically reduce the latency and therefore provide you a much more pleasant recording experience.
Although the LightningBolt connection is far from obsoleting usb, pro-audio companies are starting to take note of this fairly new technology and apply it towards their own products.
In this article, I’ll be going over 5 of the best thunderbolt audio interfaces for Mac.
Zoom TAC-2
For around the same price as the Saffire pro, you can purchase the Zoom TAC-2. It has an extremely sleek design that will compliment your Mac. You’ll notice a bright and readable LED vu meter next to a large and smooth-turning volume control.
One of the Zoom’s reviews said that it wasn’t compatible with the 2015 Macbook Pro. There’s a good chance that by the time you have read this, the issue has been resolved. It may be worth further researching or even contacting the company to see if the compatibility issue has been fixed.
Sound Quality:
The Zoom TAC-2 has 24-bit 192kHz sound quality. This interface is completely powered off the ThunderBolt connection and doesn’t require an AC adapter.
There are 2 combo mic/line input connectors and an input jack for instruments. The sound quality for the audio inputs is phenomenal.
There are 2 balanced TRS output jacks on the back of the Zoom TAC-2. You’ll also find a headphone jack that has its own independent level control.
Software:
MixEFX software was included with the TAC-2. It gives control over some basic, but useful effects. You will get control over reverb, echo, a low-cut filter, and phase inversion.
You will of course have control over the sound’s gain with this software. There’s a nice auto-gain feature which will automatically adjust your gain in real time.
Resident Audio T4
Our next interface we’ll be talking about is the Resident Audio T4. It is a very slim LightningBolt audio interface that is nice and portable.
Sound Quality:
The T4 is a 24 bit 96kHz audio interface. There are 4 combo XLR/¼-inch inputs. Each one of the inputs has its own gain control with a 3-color LED indicator.
Conveniently, there are 2 headphone outputs that have independent level control.
The Resident Audio T4 has phantom power. This is a requirement if you plan on recording through condenser microphones. There is also a midi-clock built into the T4.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin
The first thing you’ll notice about the Universal Audio Apollo Twin is its clean and intuitive design. The built quality is exceptional.
There are plenty of LED indicators on the top of the Apollo. This makes it easier than ever to keep an eye on your levels.
The Apollo Twin is one of the top interface’s I’d recommend to a Mac user. It is possibly the best interface you get for a small studio.
Sound Quality:
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin outputs 24-bit audio at 192 kHz.
On the front of the Apollo, you’ll get easy access to an instrument input and a headphone output.
There are 2 microphone inputs on the back. There is also a line out on the back of the interface.
Software:
As for software, you will get plenty of audio plugins to help you replicate a more analog-sounding sound. There are vintage compressors, EQs, reverbs, tape delays, and much more.
Focusrite Saffire Pro
Ok… Don’t get mad at me.
The Focusrite Saffire Pro is a firewire interface, BUT can be a worthwhile mention if you are on a budget.
If you want to plug this interface into your Mac’s ThunderBolt port, you can buy a FireWire-to-ThunderBolt adapter. Apple charges a whopping 30 bucks for one of these basic adapters. If you can find a cheaper adapter from a third-party, by all means, go for it!
Sound Quality:
The Focusrite Saffire Pro contains a lot of power for its compact size. As for sound quality, it outputs 24 bit audio at 96kHz. This is perfect for most home studios. Unless you are going to due some complex recordings with a TON of inputs, the Saffire will supply plenty of power.
Software:
For inputs and outputs, there are 8 inputs and 6 outputs. You’ll have all of the necessary connection ports to plug in your instruments and microphones.
There seemed to be a lot of included software with the Saffire. If you don’t own a single audio plugin, you’ll have a vast collection after you buy the Saffire!
The Midnight, the Red 2, Red 3, and Xcite bundles are included with the Saffire Pro. Inside you’ll find a ton of EQs, compressors, reverbs, delays, distortions, and other various audio effects.
MOTU 828x
If you take a lot of pride in your studio and want a truly professional setup, the MOTU 828x is the way to go!
If you are a beginner, or aren’t planning on doing professional work, I’d recommend picking one of the other options on this list such as the Universal Audio Apollo Twin(highly recommended) or the Resident Audio T4(also very good).
Sound Quality:
The MOTU 828x is a 24-bit audio interface with the option of 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, or 192 kHz.
I dare you to run out of inputs on the MOTU 828x. There are 28 inputs and 30 outputs.
The MOTU 8828x supports both usb and ThunderBolt. It is worth noting that a usb connector is included, but you’ll have to buy a ThunderBolt connector separately.
Build Quality:
The 828x has an extremely high build quality. The chassis is made out of a tough aluminum. This interface will have no trouble while traveling if you throw it in a nice soft-case.
Software:
You’ll get AudioDesk 3 and CueMix FX with the MOTU 828x.
AudioDesk 3 is pretty much a DAW that is designed with the mixing engineer in mind. Feel free to use your own DAW instead if you aren’t comfortable in theirs.
CueMix FX is a useful piece of software that will give you control over basic effects and parameters on the 828x.
Final Notes:
All of these audio interfaces are great picks!
Choosing the best ThunderBolt audio interface for you involves carefully considering your options and making a decision based on YOUR needs.
Previous:
Here Are Some Furniture Choices Your Home Studio NEEDSNext:
Alesis DM6 Review – Realistic Drums For An Affordable Price!Looking for a new audio interface? Here we’ve compiled the best audio interfaces you can get in 2017.
By ‘best’ audio interface, we usually consider three main factors. They are:
- Sound quality
- Quality of audio interface & reliability
- Price competitiveness
First off, the audio interface you choose must have good sound quality. This includes the quality of its inbuilt pre-amp and D/A converters. The last thing you want is an audio interface with substantial sound quality, affecting your recording.
Next, the overall reliability of the audio interface is important as well. Does the audio interface come with reliable drivers? Does the manufacturer who makes them constantly push out updated drivers to cope with the many OS updates on your Mac or PC?And finally, the price must make sense too. Are you getting the right value for the price you’re paying?
And finally, the price must make sense too. Are you getting the right value for the price you’re paying?
Admittedly, there are many other considerations to think about when choosing an audio interface & I totally understand that. However, we’ll compile the best audio interfaces based on the mentioned three factors.
We’ve also separated the list by introducing the best budget audio interfaces first, and then the premium line-ups later.
But first, do you actually need an audio interface?
I raise this question a lot because many people actually ask me this. And I understand because I asked the same exact question when starting out too.
Well, if you’re mainly producing music in your DAW and not doing any recording, you probably do not need an audio interface for now. Audio interfaces are useful for people who wants to record instruments via microphones or line-in. Other than being a device that helps you output digital audio from your computer to speakers or mixers, audio interfaces also help you reduce audio latency on your computer, especially producers on Windows-based computers.
Additionally, other than being a device that helps you output digital audio from your computer to speakers or mixers, audio interfaces also help you reduce audio latency on your computer, especially on Windows-based computers.
Some producers also claim that the DAC (Digital to Analog Converter) in most modern audio interfaces helps you monitor with better sound quality. While that is true to an extent, sometimes you don’t need all the fancy stuff to make music.
I’ll leave you to decide for yourself. But if you want to read more about audio interfaces, read this post about audio interfaces.
The best budget audio interfaces to buy
Audio tech has progressed so far that you don’t need to spend a fortune to get an audio interface that records great sound. Budget audio interfaces usually come with fewer inputs & outputs but that doesn’t mean you can’t make world-class music with some good models.
Let’s start with budget audio interfaces first.
1 – Focusrite Scarlett Series (2nd Gen) – From $99
The Scarlett series by Focusrite remains as one of the best audio interfaces with great sound quality and value for money.
The 2nd generation models have been upgraded & now the Scarlett records up to 24bit/192khz resolution, giving you superior audio quality. The mic preamps on the Scarlett is also something you’d love – great sound, large headroom and plenty of gain, to take on different types of recording jobs.
Focusrite has also claimed to record super-low latencies on the Scarlett at 2.74ms when working real-time with plug-ins without the need for a DSP. On top of that, I’ve also always liked the input LEDs on the Scarlett that changes in colour as I hit the headroom – which is really useful for recording when you can keep an eye on the blinking LEDs.
I’d also recommend getting the Scarlett 2i2 at a minimum, so you have 2 inputs to play with. If you’re looking to record more instruments simultaneously, go for the Scarlett 18i20 with 8 mic pres.
Check out the complete Focusrite Scarlett audio interface series
Ios Audio Interface With Midi
Also I’d advise you to buy the 2nd generation as they record at higher resolutions, so to future proof your investment.
2 – Audient ID4 – $199
The Audient ID4 is the smaller brother of the ID14, featuring an Audient console microphone preamp and the JFET DI built in. If you want a premium sounding, bus-powered & portable audio interface without breaking the bank, the Audient ID4 is the one to go for.
Bus-powered via USB 2 to your PC or Mac, the ID4 offers up to 96kHz resolution and 24-bit audio recording. You’ll find two 1/4 balanced outputs, a headphone amp that with a 1/4 and minijack input and a combo jack input for a microphone or line input.
Usb Audio Interface With Midi
An interesting feature on this audio interface is ScrollControl which enables the volume wheel to also control your DAW & plugin parameters – which would be extremely useful for recording in automation lines.
There’s also a direct monitoring function with Monitor Mix that gives you near zero-latency monitoring. The other function, Monitor Pan is also an interesting function that allows you to pan your recording input to one side, so you can monitor while recording, say a guitar while recording vocals.
Check out excellent Audient ID4 or go for the bigger brother, the Audient ID14
3 – Steinberg UR44 – $299
The Steinberg UR44 has been around for some time but I’d still recommend it. It features Class-A D-PRE microphone preamps which you’d find on Yamaha n12 mixers, known to be quiet at low or high gains.
One of the best features about the UR44 is its DSP. You could use the interface with the dspMixFx software that allows you to record and monitor with effects – from reverb, EQ, compression and more. This is exceptionally useful for some cases, for example, when you’re recording a singer who needs to monitor their voices with some reverb.
You could go for the UR22, the smaller model. However, you’ll lose out on the I/O options. I’d recommend going for the UR44 as it gives you great connectivity. The 4 microphone inputs, 2 line inputs and MIDI I/O is a great welcome. Additionally, there are two headphone outputs which is useful when making music with other producers.
The downside to the Steinberg UR44 is that it’s an aging model & we’re not sure when the driver support will be dropped. However, Steinberg has shown to be quite proactive in supporting their users with drivers & fixes, so you could say it’s safe to go for the Steinberg UR44.
Check out the Steinberg UR44 and the other sizes here
4 – M-Audio M-Track 2X2M C-Series – $149
M-Audio has years of record for creating great audio interfaces. The M-Audio M-Track 2X2M is a compact audio interface with 2 inputs for simultaneous recording.
A great sounding audio interface with super clean pre-amps and great A/D converters for great audio. The M-Track 2X2M records and playback at up to 192kHz/24 bit audio resolution.
The M-Track 2X2M is a 2in/2out audio interface which I think is a great start for most music producers. I strongly recommend buying audio interfaces with at least 2 inputs, to future-proof audio interfaces.
When it comes to the M-Track audio interface, make sure to go for the 2X2M model that comes with a 5-pin MIDI input at the rear. Why? The single MIDI input option will give you better future-proofing and also opens up to more setup configurations in your studio.
It also comes with a bunch of software which many producers won’t even use but perhaps you might find them useful if you’re just starting out. Cubase LE is included along with some useful VST/AU effects by M-Audio AIR themselves, the AIR Creative FX collection.
Two cables, a standard USB and USB-C port is also included with it. I guess M-Audio want to make sure you’re connected and be making music!
An audio interface recommended for beginners and intermediate producers: M-Audio M-Track 2X2M
5 – iConnectAudio4+ – $299
Hitting the borderline of audio interfaces below $300, the iConnectAUDIO4+ is a solid audio interface designed with connectivity in mind.
You can simultaneously plug your computer, iOS device & USB keyboard controller all into the iConnectAudio4+ and record up to 4 microphones or line instrument. It’s the first audio interface that supports multiple devices and computers at the same time.
Imagine being able to use two DAWs at one go & do all sort of crazy audio routing between different devices and softwares.
On top of that, the preamps sound great and it records high-resolution audio, up to 96kHz/24bit. Latency is also very minimal and if you do bump into any problems, the iConnectivity support team is pretty attentive.
The IConnect Audio4+ is not bus-powered so you’ll need to keep the supplied power adapter plugged in, for you to use it. Perhaps this could be a turn-off if you produce music on the go but if you make music primarily in your studio, the iConnectAUDIO4+ is one of the most versatile & flexible audio interfaces below $300.
Check out the iConnectAudio 4+ audio interface
6 – Novation AudioHub 2×4 – $149.99
The Novation AudioHub 2×4 is an interesting audio interface that lets you connect & power all your USB devices – while offering super low latencies and loud audio output.
Seemingly aimed towards electronic music producers & DJs, the AudioHub aids to declutter your production setup. As Novation isn’t a company who manufactures audio interfaces, they’ve partnered up with Focusrite to include Focusrite pre-amps and DAC, so you’ll be getting that Focusrite sound with this interface.
You also get 4 assignable outputs which you can use for all sorts of production or live setups. A very interesting setup is to output the line outputs 3–4 to the two line inputs as an effects loop in a live performance situation.
Overall, the Novation Audiohub 2×4 audio interface offers simple operation and access to more output/looping setups, for mixing or live settings. The USB hub feature also helps keep the desk clean with the many USB devices we use in the studio. However, the missing microphone preamp could potentially be a deal breaker for many non-DJ producers.
Great for some but some might not like it. Check out the Novation AudioHub 2X4
7 – Presonus Studio 26 – $199.95
The Studio 26 is an affordable 2 in/ 2 out audio interface that offers high-resolution audio recording. It records up to 24-bit and 192kHz resolution. Fitted with the famed PreSonus microphone preamps, high graded digital converters, low-jitter clocking and also a MIDI interface. With this is check, you’ll be future-proofing your audio interface purchase.
There is also phantom power for when you’re using condenser microphones. The front panel is fitted with a combo jack that accepts XLR mics or 1/4 jacks for line or instrument inputs. While recording, the LED indication meters are great for quick checks on your input and output levels.
Something that might attract you is that Presonus Studio 26 is fitted with a cue mix A/B function that essentially allows you to switch between two mixes while monitoring on headphones. A DJ would love this feature and another ideal use case for this is when you want to monitor between your original mix and performer’s mix when recording.
Extremely versatile with multiple setup possibilities while being a bus-powered unit, you can use it in any audio setup you wish, whether in the studio, live performing, DJ-ing, podcasting and more.
For more input choices and better future-proofing, get the Presonus Studio 68, a 6-in, 6-out audio/MIDI interface. It offers more connectivity options at only a slightly higher price tag.
Check out the Presonus Studio 26
For more connectivity and USB 3.0, check the bigger brother out: Presonus Studio 192
Presonus FireStudio Project – $410
The Presonus FireStudio Project is one of the best audio interfaces you can get below $500. An audio interface that has been on the market for over 6 years, this shows how solid the FireStudio Project interface to be.
Messenger download for macbook. Facebook first teased its new Messenger app for macOS (and Windows) almost a year ago during its F8 conference. It promised at the time that it would debut by the end of last year, but of course, it didn’t meet that deadline.
Records up to 24bit, 96kHz, you get 2 mic/instrument inputs and 6 mic/line inputs with premium Class A XMAX mic preamps that sounds just great. The FireStudio Project steps above other budget audio interfaces as it includes a MIDI & S/PDIF connection together with a word clock I/O – which would be very useful for connecting more audio hardware together.
Currently, the audio interface also includes the Studio Magic Plug-In Suite which is a compilation of audio plugin effects picked from the best names in the market. Unlike many other freeware plugins which are not quite usable, the Studio Magic Plug-In Suite is actually quite good.
Check out the video on the Studio Magic Plug-In Suite:
One great unique selling proposition of the Presonus FireStudio Project audio interface is that you can daisy-chain multiple FireStudio interfaces together. This means you can actually run hook up a few of the interface and get more inputs & outputs for your recording needs. Perfect for future-proofing and expansion.
A downside of this audio interface is that it connects with FireWire – which is seemingly slowly being phased off. However on a positive side, it’s compatible with Apple Thunderbolt to FireWire adapter so that makes connectivity possible.
Love it or hate it, it’s a solid interface with ultra low latency.
Click here to check out the PreSonus FireStudio Project audio interface
Best Premium Audio Interfaces
We’ll feature another three premium audio interface that is worth considering this year.
Here’s how I choose a premium audio interface. Firstly, by sound with its pre-amps and D/A converters. Next, its connectivity, routing and setup possibilities of the audio interface. And finally, the design, build and support for the interface.
8 – RME BabyFace Pro – $749
The fact that the RME BabyFace Pro is not exactly a new audio interface might demotivate you, but make no mistake in the quality of this audio interface. The BabyFace Pro is not very light but it does feel very solid & sturdy.
You get 2 XLR inputs/outputs, another additional 2 line inputs, and 2 headphone outputs. On the other side, you’ll find the USB connection port, a DC power input, MIDI port, and the optical ins & out. a TOSLINK I/O is used to complete the entire connectivity.
It comes with TotalMix FX that looks quite old-school in terms of design, where it mimics a hardware mixer. TotalMix FX, however, has a lot of routing possibilities, so once you play around & get used to it, you’ll be amazed how with its flexibility.
Sound-wise, you’ll get very transparent preamps and great headroom. Good microphones like the Neumann U47 sound extremely great when paired with the RME BabyFace, without the need for another premium pre-amp. The quality of the D/A converters is also of the top-end with audio resolutions up to 192kHz.
On the front panel, the onboard meters clearly shows your input and output levels. You can also switch them to select In, Out or Mix. The Mix Mode conversely allows you to control input mixes independently to each output to control monitor feeds.
The BabyFace Pro is not exactly a cheap audio interface but its one of the best top-end interface you can buy in terms of sound, component quality, routing possibilities, solidness, and flexibility. It runs bus-powered on any computer, iPad or even as a standalone interface – making it really useful when thrown into any audio setup.
Check out the RME Babyface Pro interface
9 – Roland Studio CAPTURE – $799
Not exactly priced or branded as a premium, great-sounding audio interface, the Roland Studio CAPTURE is one of the best audio interfaces you can buy in terms of stability, hassle-free, and sound, given its price.
Some producers have also claimed that the Capture interface sounds better than the Apogee Ensemble audio interface. The sound quality of the Roland Capture far exceeds many audio interfaces at its price range.
You’ll get 16 audio inputs and 10 outputs, including 12 premium sounding preamps, the VS preamps. It is a little strange to me to find that the Capture is still using USB 2.0 for connectivity, but rest assured, you won’t experience pops & glitches with the Capture.
Interestingly, you get this technology called AUTO-SENS, which is a feature where the input levels automatically set a perfect input for you. Simply press the dedicated button on the front panel and play your instruments. AUTO-SENS will set the ideal recording level in seconds. It also works for an entire drum kit or multiple microphone setup, so you can imagine how useful that could be.
Taking one step beyond normal recording & tracking, the Studio Capture also provides 4 independent direct mixers for zero-latency monitoring. And with the internal software DSP, you could create different mix routing and send reverb effects for monitoring. The reverb feature itself would be welcomed by many singers and musicians who prefer listening to effected tracks while recording.
You won’t go wrong with the Roland Studio Capture if your goal is to setup a robust multiple purpose recording setup in your studio.
Seriously a great buy: Roland Studio Capture
10 – MOTU 828x – $829
The MOTU 828x gives you 28 inputs and 30 outputs in one audio interface that connects to your computer, Mac or PC. Fitted with one of the cleanest pre-amps you can find in an audio interface, the mic channels features pre-converter sends for you to work with outboard processing as well, should you prefer.
With the 5th generation, the MOTU 828x records and operates up to 192kHZ. The interface also has support for Thunderbolt connectivity, so you can connect them to your other peripherals with Thunderbolt.
Additionally, with most premium audio interfaces, the MOTU also has an onboard digital mixer where you can mix channels, effects, compression – all while not overloading your computer’s processing power with too many effects.
Designed for the road, the interface is built very solid within an aluminum alloy chassis and is meant to last many years. Expect super low latency on this interface as well.
If you’re a music producer who is looking for one of the best audio interfaces with plenty of connectivity, DSP effects and future-proofing, the MOTU 828x should be one interface that should be considered.
Note, if you need FireWire support, you could look up for the 828mk3 Hybrid that is identical to the MOTU 828x, except, instead of a Thunderbolt connection, it has FireWire in its place.
Great performance at a slightly higher price: MOTU 828x
Conclusion
What do you think of this list? What are some audio interface you’d like to add in this list?
Let us know in the comment section below and we’ll put them up for the community! Also share with us your thoughts. What audio interfaces are you currently using in your studio?