We want to help budding music producers, sound designers and engineers select the best audio interface for your home studio setup for 2024. We have carefully selected a series of soundcards from a variety of Manufacturers, including Focusrite, Mackie, M-Audio, and Native Instruments.
What does an audio interface do?
The audio interface essentially serves as an external control device between all your music production hardware, and your computer and digital audio workstation. You can connect instruments to the inputs which transmits a signal into your DAW.
The outputs allow you to connect your studio monitor speakers as well as control them with the level gain function. Computers lack instrument inputs, line outputs, and pre-amps for recording, so the audio interface is a crucial part of not just a home studio setup, but any music production studio setup. With this in mind, we can take a closer look at the interfaces we’ve selected.
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 MK2
The NI Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 expands upon the build and audio quality of the first generation audio interface. Komplete Audio 6 MK2 It features a total of 4 balanced inputs, 2 of which are mic/line/instrument XLR and the other 2 are line ¼” TRS with phantom power. Additionally, there are 4 balanced outputs in the form of ¼” TRS, a digital stereo input and output, MIDI in/out, 1 headphone output with independent level control and is completely USB powered.
The unit comes with 15 LEDs that provide visual information that responds to signals, including clipping. Overall this compact unit provides a good range of tools that will aid your music production and recording tasks.
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 also comes with visual information that responds to your signal and whether it is clipping etc. The flexible inputs mean that instruments and microphones can be connected and monitored carefully.
Focusrite Scarlett 3rd Generation Range
Focusrite are well known for their extensive and rich history in the creation of reliable, and high-performing music production equipment. This is especially relevant to the USB Audio Interfaces and their Scarlett range, which is a popular choice amongst prosumers.
The 3rd Gen Scarlett soundcards contain Focusrite’s world-renowned pre-amp technology, with this being their best in the range to date. They contain 24-bit/192kHz converters which provide upmost clarity, whilst the Air mode boosts vocals, adding high-end detailing.
The 3rd Gen range features 6 configurations of ins/outs in the form of Solo, 2i2, 4i4, 8i6, 18i8 or 18i20. Improvements have been made across the range including the added line I/O on the 4i4 and 8i6 compared to its predecessors. Studio packs are also available with the Solo and 2i2 where a pair of Scarlett HP60 MkII headphones and a CM25 MkII condenser Microphone are included.
Focusrite have still included their iconic halos, which light to indicate input levels, and they still pride themselves on being the easiest interface to set up and get going with their Quick Start tool guide.
Mackie Onyx Series
Mackie’s Onyx series have picked up on the requirements of bedroom producers to keep their studio setups as cost-effective as possible. In this respect, they have responded with their Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 and Producer 2.2 interfaces.
The robust and super-strength design of this soundcard, combined with the clarity of the preamps, make this an excellent solution for recording in any environment.
The soundcard also ensures that you can record with zero-latency, which essentially means that there is no delay in recording your signal from a mic or instrument input through the interface into your computer. In addition to this, the fact that this is USB powered means it can easily integrate into any setup due to no mains power source required.
M-Audio Air Series Audio Interfaces
The new M-Audio AIR Series provides all music producers, composers and musicians with the ability to use 24-bit/192Khz of high-quality based recordings with an easy-to-use and intuitive interface.
There are 5 models to choose from which are suitable for the solo performer or for those with a larger collaboration. Each model also comes with an extensive software package making it easy to produce professional recordings, straight from the box.
Two powerful DAWs are included, Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition and Ableton Live Lite. Additionally, there is a wide-ranging Effects Plugin, Loop and Virtual Instruments package available. M-Audios AIR series is a strong audio interface contender thanks to the technology, easy-to-use features and extensive software bundle.
Conclusion
These audio interfaces for 2024 are all within an affordable price bracket and are available with a great selection of models. The one you buy will depend on your own requirements, yet overall the Manufacturers have provided great flexibility, choice and value for money. It is worth remembering, even the smallest models contain the same ground-breaking technology, that ensures your recording audio stands up to professional and commercial studios.
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