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A good audio interface that converts microphone and instrument signals into a format that your computer recognizes is an important piece of gear for pretty much any musician to have, so let’s review Front Row’s top 10 USB audio interfaces for musicians.
(In no particular order)
The Scarlett 2i2 [Amazon Affiliate Link] from UK-based music product manufacturer Focusrite is one of the best-reviewed USB audio interfaces out there.
This audio interface has two of the best performing mic preamps that the Scarlett range has ever seen, now with switchable “Air mode” to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound. There are two high headroom instrument inputs, for plugging a guitar or bass straight in.
This interface comes with subscriptions to software from Focusrite, Avid, Ableton, Splice and Softube.
This interface has four world-class MIDAS-designed mic preamps, which include +48 Volt phantom power for condenser microphones, all going through studio-grade 24-Bit/192 kHz converters for the best possible sound quality.
Comes with Tracktion software, a digital audio workstation (DAW) for composing, recording, editing, mixing and sharing your music with the world.
Alpha has stereo line inputs for keyboards, drum machines or analog output of a CD/MP3 player.
Alpha has professional mixer features, such as separate mic and line level input controls, and monitor mix control for balancing an audio source between live input and playback mix level while recording.
This interface has two headphone outputs with separate level controls and source switching, including zero latency with direct monitoring.
Up to 24bit recording and 192 kHz sample rates. The included software (Ableton Live Lite, Replica, Solid Bus Comp, Phasis, Choral, Flair, Monark, Maschine 2, Traktor) has everything needed to record and produce tracks, plus synths, effects and more.
The Apogee One has two in and two out connectors, as well as low latency and seamless compatibility with the latest macOS and Windows operating systems.
The Apogee One’s stereo output delivers audiophile quality sound from your Mac/PC to your headphones or speakers.
This compact recording interface is small enough to fit into a mobile recording rig, sling bag, or backpack, yet contains high-quality components and circuitry suitable for the studio.
In addition to the included Cubase LE software, the iO2 Express is compatible with virtually all audio and MIDI software.
This audio interface has two dual-purpose front-panel input channels, each with high-quality mic preamplifiers and two combo mic/instrument inputs.
The Audiobox96 is ruggedly built and works with virtually any PC or Mac recording software. It boasts high-performance mic preamplifiers and professional-quality, 24-bit, 96 kHz converters. Comes with Studio One 3 Artist software for Mac and Windows.
The EVO 4 also has class leading converters, smart gain, smart touchpoints, speaker and headphone outputs and +48v phantom power.
This interface comes bundled with software for Mac and Windows – everything you need to get started recording high-quality audio directly into your computer.
The interface has an XLR mic input, an instrument input and two RCA outputs. An additional USB mini socket is provided for power source connection when used with an iPad.
This interface is quite portable, weighing just ~2.8 lbs. The interface comes bundled with Cubase AI software for music production.
The Apollo Solo has guitar amp emulations from Neve, API, Avalon, Manley, Marshall, Fender and more, as well as a best-in-class headphone amplifier for loud, detailed, low-noise monitoring.
This interface comes bundled with a software suite of five award-winning plug-in titles, featuring collections from Teletronix, Pultec and UA.
If you’re researching USB audio interfaces, chances are that you own some musical instruments; perhaps you’re even a musician yourself. And if you own valuable instruments, you should consider protecting them with musical instrument insurance.
Front Row’s insurance for musical instruments (Canada) is a good option for insuring your musical instruments, including guitars, violins, drums, etc. You can get a quote and purchase a policy online in just a few minutes, or read more about the coverages available on the instrument insurance site.
About: Front Row Insurance Brokers Inc. is an independent insurance broker that provides musical instrument insurance for a very low cost. Should a claim occur, Front Row works diligently with clients and insurers to expedite the payment of claims.
One of Front Row’s specialties is creating custom insurance packages for musicians. This can include tour liability and coverage for recording studios.
Disclaimer: Informational statements regarding insurance coverage are for general description purposes only. These statements do not amend, modify or supplement any insurance policy. Consult the actual policy or your broker for details regarding terms, conditions, coverage, exclusions, products, services and programs which may be available to you. Your eligibility for particular products and services is subject to the final determination of underwriting qualifications and acceptance by the insurance underwriting company providing such products or services. This website does not make any representations that coverage does or does not exist for any particular claim or loss, or type of claim or loss, under any policy. Whether coverage exists or does not exist for any particular claim or loss under any policy depends on the facts and circumstances involved in the claim or loss and all applicable policy wording.
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