The Best USB Audio Interface Round-up (Hitsquad Music Software)

The Best USB Audio Interface Round-up

Submitted by Alexander on Wed, 06/13/2012 - 04:09.

Our 2012 roundup of USB Audio Interfaces had become out of date, so we have replaced it with a new one: USB Audio Interface Roundup

The most notable interface that was omitted from the new roundup was the M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile below. It's still a good quality unit, but stocks of new ones are low and you'll most likely find second hand ones available today.

M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile

Portable recording technology has taken huge strides towards making things smaller while retainiing functionality and quality. The M-Audio Fast Track Pro Mobile is a perfect example of this mobile trend, packed with recording features housed in a small package. You get 2 front-panel mic/line inputs with phantom power for condenser microphones, inserts for outboard effects, balanced and unbalanced analog outputs, S/PDIF digital I/O, MIDI I/O, and many more. Being portable has limitations, but these compact USB audio adapters are ideal for recording small tracks or solo live performances. Manufactured by: M-Audio | Retails for about $210.00 | Check out the latest price and reviews at Amazon.com

If you want to see our latest reviews, please go to http://www.hitsquad.com/usb-audio-interface/

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My interface :O

Posted by ayrOn on Sat, 02/23/2013 - 03:59.

Audiobox 1818 vsl is definitely a good value for the price. I've heard the saffire pro that's in the same price range supposedly has better A/D but I haven't had a problem

M-audio vs Presonus

Posted by Peter on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 02:34.

I would really like to know for what reason you decided that the fast track ultra came up ontop of the Presonus 1818VSL since im currently trying to decide between the two.

FYI

Posted by Peter on Mon, 11/26/2012 - 02:38.

Feel free to send a mail with your conclusion to lyhricon at gmail.com

The top three USB interfaces

Posted by Alexander on Tue, 11/27/2012 - 00:03.

The top three USB interfaces on this list are quite close to each other in terms of quality so it was really a tough choice. Since one of them had to be the top pick, we went with the Fast Track Ultra 8R because of its great sounding preamps, expanded output options (two headphones monitoring is quite nifty), and ofcourse Pro Tools SE which is great for those that are just building their home studio. Another important factor that helped it get its top spot is its value - if you check with Amazon, you can get it at a very tempting price!

In fairness to the Audiobox 1818VSL, users swear that its preamps sound better than the others, and we do agree on certain applications. Another nifty feature of the 1818VSL is its ADAT capability for expansion, which is useful if you will require more connectivity options in the future. Having said that, good luck with your pick!

the best ???

Posted by freddystepper on Fri, 11/23/2012 - 09:07.

Motu Microbook 2 is in my opinion the best for its quality and price

Roland UA 55 Quadcapture

Posted by Techno-iD on Tue, 06/19/2012 - 04:10.

You could add the Roland UA-55 QuadCapture,USB 2.0,which is very affordable and really great, with some nice features like Autosense (automatically settings the audio inputs at their best level regarding the incoming signals). 2mic/line inputs (6.35/cannon connectors), 1 digital stereo in, 2 analog outs and 1 digital, MIDI in & out, very nice and intuitive GUI, 2 excellent pre-amp (the very same as V 700 series),ground lift (!) to avoid hums and ground loops,phantom power. Last but not least,very stable drivers, pristine sound. Really a good challenger to more expensive audio interface. Using it for weeks, I'm impressedbyf this nice looking audio interface, and realky happy with it. It comes with a free version of Sonar X LE for the beginners who want to record directly out of the box. Good deal :)

I've never been a fan of

Posted by Jason on Wed, 10/03/2012 - 03:52.

I've never been a fan of auto-leveling, maybe I'm old skool that way, I'd have to play around with this feature before I could be convinced it's a good thing. In my experience auto-levelers don't adjust quickly enough and the levels go all over the place if you're recording something with wide dynamics.

Have you checked out the Alesis io4?

Posted by Ed on Tue, 06/19/2012 - 03:01.

After doing a bit of research before buying my usb audio interface, strictly for home use, I settled on the Alesis io4. It has 4 inputs which can be for microphone or guitar. It has midi in/out which was also important for me. Cubase LE is included, all for the (relatively) inexpensive price of $150. I am interested in hearing what one of the experts would say about it.

Thanks,