In this article, we are going to look at some of the best audio interfaces for guitars. Although these interfaces are fantastic, they cater to a very different category of musicians and artists. Some will match the needs of a live performer, while others are meant for studio recordings. Few provide the option to re-amp the audio signal, and others do not. Likewise, another important criterion is what I call Gear Budget.
Therefore, it becomes necessary to look back and reflect upon your studio & recording requirements. It will certainly make the filtering process a lot easier.
Now, let’s move to the next section!
How to choose an audio interface to record guitars?
Here are some of the important things to keep in mind before buying an audio interface that is capable of clear guitar recordings.
1) Sound Quality & Noise Levels
The first thing is the sound quality which depends on the quality mic preamps inside the interface. A great audio interface with an amazing mic preamp will produce a clear audio signal.
In addition, the noise levels are also a direct indicator of the sound quality. Lower the noise, better the audio signal or the sound is coming out.
But, you don’t have to worry about the sound quality as all these interfaces have great mic preamps for ultra-clear sound.
2) Roundtrip Latency
Roundtrip latency is the total time taken by the audio signal to travel from guitar and then to DAW and back to the headphones or studio monitors.
A lower latency signifies that the audio signal will reach you as if it is being played in real-time without any processing.
It is very important when you want to hear the audio signal processed by the plugins.
3) Gain Levels
Another important aspect is the gain level.
It means how high a signal can go!
A higher gain level will give you an option to distort the guitar audio, which can be a desirable trait of some songs. The optimum gain levels in most audio interfaces are above 55dB.
Here are 15 things to keep in mind before buying an audio interfaces.
The whole list is divided into three sections. These sections are as follows:
- 1-3: The best high-end audio interfaces that you can get with spending a fortune,
- 4-7: Best budget audio interfaces for recording guitars
- 8-9: Best audio interfaces for recording guitars under $200
- 10: Best audio interface for recording guitars under $100
Now, let us move to the first section that specifies the best audio interfaces with top quality, top features, and expensive but affordable rates.
[Also check: Audio interface setup diagram to connect mics, synths, mixers, pc, guitars, amplifiers and many more ]
Best High End Audio Interfaces for recording Guitars
If you are planning to upgrade your audio interface, here are my top three picks that work great for guitar recordings as for any other instruments.
These audio interface provide stunning studio grade recordings. In addition, these audio interfaces are bundled with some of the superb VST plugins. For example: the UAD Apollo twin x comes with UAD software plugins. It includes EQ’s, analog compressors and what not. A great deal indeed!
A great thing about these audio interfaces is that they have great mic preamps that work like a charm with studio gears like guitars, microphones, synths, MIDI instruments, and another category of instruments.
1) IK Multimedia AXE I/O
Noteworthy Specifications
- 2 Mic/Line inputs,
- 2 Hi-Z input,
- Built-in Tuner
- 24-bit resolution,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- MIDI I/O,
- Exclusive Triple topology guitar input with Z-Tone,
- Ultra low-noise Class A mic preamps,
- 1 Headphone output,
- Amp out to connect amps and stomps,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- 2 fully configurable external control input
- Line output dynamic Range – 117 dB,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- A wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac/ M1 mac compatible.
View the price of AXE I/O on amazon
A deeper AXE I/O Analysis
The IK Multimedia AXE I/O is #1 in the list of best budget audio interfaces. On top of that, it is perfect for guitar recordings.
There are enough inputs in the AXE I/O to accommodate most of the instruments in your studio. The AXE I/O has two mic/line combo inputs, two guitar inputs, and a MIDI port. All the inputs offer high versatility and provide a broad spectrum of the instrument to pair. In addition, this guitar interface is not only perfect for guitarists but is also an excellent choice for any music producer.
The phantom power switch is present on the front panel of the interface. It also allows you to use any microphone to record vocals or any other instruments.
Furthermore, the sound quality is immaculate with low to zero noise levels. It is one of the best you can get on a budget audio interface. The mic preamps are very well built to retain every detail of the audio signal.
In terms of output, there are four ports that connect upto four studio monitors. The ports offer high enough versatality and can be used for separate channel monitoring also. This line-level output can connect studio monitors, another set of speakers for separate channel monitoring, an effect rack, or other studio gear.
One headphone o/p is also provided at the front panel of the interface. It can be used for direct monitoring or to layer vocals or other instruments on top of the backing track.
The software bundle that comes with the interface is enough to get you started with different amps, racks, compressors and contains all the necessary mixing and mastering plugins.
So, why do we have AXE I/O solo at the first position for guitar recordings?
The IK Multimedia AXE I/O has everything that a guitarist can wish from a budget guitar interface. There are two guitar inputs, one of which comes with a Z-tone knob to control the input impedance level. This impedance knob allows you to set the input impedance that subtly changes the sound of the guitar input. It makes the audio signal warm as you increase the Z-tone knob.
Below the Z-tone knob is an active and passive switch that can help with active & passive pickup. It all depends on the type of guitar you are using. Next to it, we have a Pure and JFET input. Pure leaves the audio quality to its natural sound, while the JFET makes the sound more pumped up.
In simple words, the Z-tone and the switches below it are mainly for shaping the overall tone of the guitar input.
Furthermore, the AMP OUT eliminates the need for a DI box to re-amp a guitar signal. It acts as a built-in DI Box. One thing that amazes me is that the noise levels are ultra-low on the amp out.
In addition, there is a built-in guitar tuner to check if your guitar is ready to be recorded. I wish a more guitar-centric audio interface had this feature. The AXE I/O stands apart by proving the tuner and the AMP OUT.
The software bundle that comes with the interface is enough to get you started with different amps, racks, compressors and contains all the necessary mixing and mastering plugins. You can experiment with these complimentry software for hours on end.
PROS
- Highly versatile and portable guitar interface,
- Offers very high number features,
- Z-tone allows you to play around and create your unique guitar sounds,
- A premium audio quality and ultra-clean mic preamps with low to no noise,
- A built-in guitar tuner,
- AMP OUT eliminates the need for a DI Box,
- 24-bit resolution and high sampling rates,
- Complimentary plugins and softwares worth $1000,
- Enough headroom to retain harmonic precision of Hi-Z instruments.
CONS
- Only one headphone output makes it difficult to collaborate with more than one artist,
- May induce driver issues,
- No ADAT/SPDIF ports to connect to other audio interfaces.
[Also check: IK Multimedia AXE I/O Review – A guitar-friendly interface?]
2) Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
Noteworthy Specifications
- 2 Mic/Line inputs,
- 1 Hi-Z/instrument input,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- 1 Headphone output,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Line output dynamic Range – 117 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Ultra low latency,
- Built-in Talkback mic,
- Classic tube and transformer-based models for mic preamps and guitar amps,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Upto 8 additional inputs via ADAT or SPDIF,
- A wide range of software plugins included(more discussed below),
- Exclusive LUNA recording app made for Apollo twin x,
- Windows/Mac/ M1 mac compatible.
view the price of Universal Audio Apollo TWIN X on Amazon
A deeper UAD Twin X Analysis
The Universal Audio Twin X is one of the best high-end audio interfaces I have ever owned. It has got convenient features, superbly built quality, and studio-grade sound quality.
Not to forget, the plugin bundle that comes with the Twin X is worth $1000, but you get it free.
Let’s dive deep!
There are two mic/line combo inputs on the rear side and one Hi-Z or guitar input on the front side of the UAD Apollo audio interface.
Plus, the inputs are unison enabled. Unison means that you can record an audio, load one of the plugins from the plugin bundle, and get the sound characteristic of a specific type of a preamp. I love this feature!
Four output ports can connect studio monitors, send audio to a different studio gear like an FX rack, separate channel monitoring, or link to a different set of external speakers. In addition, there is one headphone o/p on the front panel of the interface.
Have you considered the facilities on top side of the Apollo Twin X?
The heart of the Apollo Twin X is on the top side of the interface. From here, you can control every single feature that the audio interface facilitates. Let us see what they do.
First of all, comes the Talkback mic that provides communication between mixing and recording rooms.
Second, comes the high pass filter, which clears all the low-end frequencies.
Third, in line is the reverse polarity button. It swaps the voltage terminals of an audio signal from negative to positive and from positive to negative.
The fourth one is the PAD(Passive Attenuation Device) which a producer can use to dim or weaken a powerful signal that may cause audio distortion.
Next is the Mono control switch, and the last one is the link button. The link button is used to combine two inputs into stereo mode.
All these features are convenient and change as you switch from the input panel to the monitor panel. In most cases, the buttons provide a very similar function.
PROS
- Top notch build quality,
- Free plugin bundle worth $1000,
- An ultra clean and studio grade mic preamps and sound quality,
- Exapandable upto 8 channels through ADAT,
- Ultra low latency.
CONS
- No MIDI port,
- Only a single Hi-Z input,
- No AMP output,
- a discrete DI box required,
- driver issues.
3) Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core USB-C Audio Interface
Noteworthy Specifications
- 2 combo Mic/Line/Hi-Z/instrument input,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- 2 Headphone output with separate gain control,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Line output dynamic Range – 127 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Ultra low latency,
- Classic tube and transformer-based models for mic preamps and guitar amps,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Secondary USB-C port allowing reverse-charging
- Upto 8 additional inputs via ADAT or SPDIF,
- A wide range of software plugins included(more discussed below),
- Windows/Mac/ M1 mac compatible.
view the price of Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy on Amazon
A detailed review coming soon.
Best Budget Audio Interfaces for Guitar Recordings
Now, let’s move on to see the best budget audio interfaces for guitar recordings that provide an amazing value for the price you pay.
4) SSL 2+ USB Audio Interface
The audio quality is immaculate and crisp, with minor noise levels than budget audio interfaces under $300. The sound resolution of 24-bit, clean mic preamps, sample rates of up to 192 kHz, and an excellent dynamic range is what makes SSL 2+ a great audio interface for guitar recordings.
Noteworthy Specifications
- 2 combo Mic/Line/Hi-Z/instrument input,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- 2 SSL designed mic preamps,
- MIDI I/O to connect MIDI instruments,
- Legacy 4K for analogue colour enhancement,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Line output dynamic Range – 120 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Ultra low latency,
- LED panel to meter input gain levels,
- 2 Headphone output with separate gain control and capability to have separate audio mix,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Secondary USB-C port allowing reverse-charging
- Upto 8 additional inputs via ADAT or SPDIF,
- A wide range of software plugins included(more discussed below),
- Windows/Mac/ M1 Mac compatible.
View the Price of SSL 2+ on Amazon
A deeper SSL 2+ review
The SSL 2+ is inspired by Solid State Logic’s way of building mixing consoles. The build quality resembles much more with a studio mixing console than a modern audio interface. You can see how different LEDs, mixer knobs, colours, square-shaped buttons and a bit dated colour.
The thing that makes the SSL 2+ audio interface stand out is how all the different features are put on the front panel. It is like all the different functions are complimenting each other.
There are two combo inputs for recording line, mic and instrument level inputs. You can further control which input audio level you want from the buttons on the front panel of the interface above LED meters.
Related: Best audio interfaces for Shure SM7B that have low noise preamps & high quality converters!
Below the gain level is the Legacy 4K button. Engaging this button will increase the brightness and add a bit of distortion to the signal. The idea comes straight from SSL’s analogue mixing consoles.
A mixer knob type of setting adjusts the audio coming from the interface and inputs for direct monitoring.
The LED meters are very clean and help to set the gain signals right from the interface itself.
Like icing on a cake, we also have a MIDI port built right on the rear side of the interface. You can record almost all of your home studio gear right from this interface.
Next, the variety found in output ports is enormous. There are two primary outputs and four additional RCA outputs. In addition, what I consider a great thing for co-producing music is that the SSL 2+ has got two headphone outputs with separate gain knobs. Such a handy feature!
PROS
- Highly portable,
- First ever audio interface in which I got no driver issues.
- MIDI port available,
- Outstanding and ultra clean mic preamps,
- 2 headphones outputs great for collaborating,
- A very little noise levels are induced with a low sensitive mic like Shure SM7B,
- An all in one audio interface.
CONS
- Style is bit dated,
- The LED Metering is in multiples of 10 which limits the ability to fine tune the gain levels.
If you want a wholesome audio interface that is great for recording guitar and various other studio gears, I will go with SSL 2+. Otherwise, a more fundamental and cheaper option is SSL 2. But, it misses many significant features.
[Also check: Mic vs line vs instrument level inputs]
5) Audient Sono Guitar Recording Audio Interface
Noteworthy Specifications
- 1 Hi-Z/instrument input,
- 2 combo Mic/Line inputs,
- 3 Band Tone Control
- 1 Re-Amp Output,
- 2 x Audient Console Mic Preamps,
- +48V Phantom powered mic preamps,
- Classic 12AX7 Valve Pre-Amp,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Line output dynamic Range – 114 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Ultra low latency,
- LED panel to meter input gain levels,
- 1 Headphone output,
- Supported sample rates – Upto 96 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Secondary USB-C port allowing reverse-charging
- Upto 10 additional inputs via ADAT or SPDIF,
- A wide range of software plugins included(more discussed below),
- Windows/Mac/ M1 Mac compatible.
View the price of Audient
A detailed review coming soon.
6) Audient iD14 MKII USB-C Audio Interface
Noteworthy Specifications
- 1 x JFET Hi-Z/Instrument Input,
- 2 combo Mic/Line inputs,
- 2 x Audient Console Mic Preamps,
- Advanced Monitoring Control,
- +48V Phantom powered mic preamps,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Line output dynamic Range – 126 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Ultra low latency,
- LED panel to meter input gain levels,
- 2 Headphone outputs,
- Supported sample rates – Upto 96 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Upto 10 additional inputs via ADAT or SPDIF,
- A wide range of software plugins included(more discussed below),
- Windows/Mac/ M1 Mac compatible.
view the price of Audient iD14 on Amazon
A detailed review coming soon.
7) MOTU M4
Noteworthy Specifications
- 2 combo Mic/Line/Hi-Z/Instrument Input,
- 2 x Audient Console Mic Preamps,
- +48V Phantom powered mic preamps,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- 4 RCA additional outputs(mirrored),
- 1 Headphone outputs,
- Line output dynamic Range – 115 dB,
- Direct Monitoring mixer knob,
- Ultra low latency,
- LED panel to meter input gain levels,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – Upto 196 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- A wide range of software plugins included,
- Windows/Mac/ M1 Mac compatible.
view the price of Motu M4 on Amazon
A deeper MOTU M4 review
Best Audio Interfaces for Guitars under $200
Now, for people who are looking for an audio interface under $200, these are our picks.
8) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 or higher Focusrite Scarlett Audio Interfaces
Noteworthy Specifications
- 2 Mic/Line/Instrument inputs,
- Phantom powered Mic preamps,
- Exclusive Air Mode feature,
- 1 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- 2 line level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Direct Monitoring Available in Mono and Stereo,
- Line output dynamic Range – 104 dB,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz,
- No MIDI port given,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac Compatible.
view the price of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 on Amazon
A deeper Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen is a massive upgrade to the 2nd gen 2i2. It is better than the 2nd Gen 2i2 in terms of build quality, audio quality, and the features below we will discuss.
There are two mic/line/instrument inputs on the Focusrite 2i2. These are combo inputs and can be used to record most of your studio gear like synths, keyboards, guitars, mics, and other related analog gears. Both the inputs are phantom-powered, which allows you to connect both condenser and dynamic level mics.
The switches on the interface easily let you switch from mic level to line level or instrument level inputs. In addition, there are clear indicators that show whether the audio signal is clipping or not.
The sound quality on the Scarlett 2i2 is best in the class of audio interfaces under $200. The recordings sound ultra-clean with low to zero noise levels. Furthermore, the sound resolution is 24-bit sampled at various rates up to 192 kHz.
The output ports on the Scarlett 2i2 are pretty limited. There are two line-level outputs and one headphone output. These outputs are enough for a solo artist, but not if you want to co-produce with other artists.
However, one big drawback is that there is no MIDI port on the Scarlett 2i2. And this is where the PreSonus Studio 24c becomes a noteworthy mention as it has both MIDI port and LED metering for gain levels.
The software bundle you get is pretty standard and enough to put you on your music production journey.
Why Focusrite scarlett 2i2 is a good budget option for guitar recordings?
Scarlett 2i2 is excellent at guitar recordings because it has got a higher headroom than most budget interfaces. It allows you to record guitars without worrying about clipping or distortion.
However, the significant reason remains that the sound quality is immaculate and induces deficient noise levels.
PROS
- Great build,
- Super crisp audio quality,
- Low to none noise levels,
- A perfect beginner level audio interface,
- Highly portable,
- best in class audio interface,
- high dynamic range to capture each harmonic detail of each instrument.
CONS
- Driver issues,
- No MIDI ports,
- There is no LCD display for gain metering.
[Also check: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Review – Is it the best in class?]
9) Apogee Jam Plus – Portable USB Audio Interface
Noteworthy Specifications
- 1 Guitar Input,
- 1 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- Dual mode option for Clean or Overdrive signal,
- Direct Monitoring Available in Mono and Stereo,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – upto 96kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Windows/Mac/iOS Compatible.
view the price of Apogee Jam Plus on Amazon
A detailed review coming soon.
Best Audio Interface for Guitars under $100
In terms of quality, these are the two best audio interfaces under $100.
10) IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 Guitar Interface
Noteworthy Specifications
- One Hi-Z Input,
- 1 Amp Out jack with switchable output “FX” and “Thru”,
- Preamp Input gain control,
- 1 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – upto 96kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Wide range of softwares included like AmpliTube 4,
- Windows/Mac Compatible.
view the price of IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 on Amazon
A detailed review coming soon.
Conclusion
Audio interfaces are not made equal. It requires a deeper analysis of your needs and the features provided by the interface before you finally buy one. For this purpose, we saw a detailed analyis of the features provided by the interfaces.
All in all, this point marks the end of top 12 best audio interfaces for recording guitars. I hope you liked this article.
Tell us your favourite audio interface in the comments below.
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