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1

Why We Love It

We love the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) for its high-quality audio and ease of use. Reviewers have praised its clear, natural sound and the convenience of its two-input design. It's also highly portable, making it a great choice for musicians on the go. Its durability adds to its appeal, with many users praising its sturdy metal construction.

Pros

  • High audio quality
  • Portable and compact
  • Easy to use

Cons

  • Lack of digital I/O
  • Limited software bundle

Compact, portable, and easy-to-use audio interface with 2 inputs.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is a high-quality USB audio interface that provides two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps and the same class-leading sound quality and digital conversion as its larger siblings. It's perfect for singer-songwriters or anyone who wants to make studio-quality recordings. Made with a sturdy metal unibody case, it's highly durable and portable.

2

Why We Love It

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD is loved for its high-resolution sound and versatile preamps. Users have praised its ability to capture vocals and instruments with incredible detail and clarity. Despite its high-end features, it's also quite reasonably priced, making it a great choice for those on a budget.

Pros

  • High-resolution audio
  • Versatile preamps
  • Reasonable price

Cons

  • Lack of volume metering
  • Limited software included

2-in/4-out USB audio interface featuring MIDAS-designed preamps for superior sound quality.

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD is a powerful audio interface that provides the means to create professional-quality recordings with ease. It features two MIDAS-designed mic preamps with +48 V phantom power, for use with both condenser and dynamic microphones. With its 24-bit/192 kHz resolution, it delivers high-definition audio with incredible detail and clarity.

Product Comparison

Compare features across all products in this category

6 Features 5 Products Updated Oct 10, 2025
Product USB Connectivity Sample Rate Preamps Quality Included Software Number of Inputs/Outputs Portability
1 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface
Yes 24-bit/192 kHz Scarlett Mic Preamps Limited software bundle 2 in/2 out Highly portable
2 PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface
Yes 24-bit/96 kHz Class A Mic Preamps Studio One Artist DAW 2 in/2 out + MIDI I/O Compact and portable
3 Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface
Yes 24-bit/192 kHz MIDAS-designed Preamps Limited software included 2 in/4 out Portable
4 Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 USB Audio Interface
Yes 24-bit/192 kHz High-quality DACs Limited software included 2 in/2 out Sturdy and portable
5 M-Audio AIR 192|6 - 2-In 2-Out USB Audio Interface
Yes 24-bit/192 kHz Crystal Preamps Limited software included 2 in/2 out Moderately portable
1

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface

USB Connectivity
Yes
Sample Rate
24-bit/192 kHz
Preamps Quality
Scarlett Mic Preamps
Included Software
Limited software bundle
Number of Inputs/Outputs
2 in/2 out
Portability
Highly portable
2

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface

USB Connectivity
Yes
Sample Rate
24-bit/96 kHz
Preamps Quality
Class A Mic Preamps
Included Software
Studio One Artist DAW
Number of Inputs/Outputs
2 in/2 out + MIDI I/O
Portability
Compact and portable
3

Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface

USB Connectivity
Yes
Sample Rate
24-bit/192 kHz
Preamps Quality
MIDAS-designed Preamps
Included Software
Limited software included
Number of Inputs/Outputs
2 in/4 out
Portability
Portable
4

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 USB Audio Interface

USB Connectivity
Yes
Sample Rate
24-bit/192 kHz
Preamps Quality
High-quality DACs
Included Software
Limited software included
Number of Inputs/Outputs
2 in/2 out
Portability
Sturdy and portable
5

M-Audio AIR 192|6 - 2-In 2-Out USB Audio Interface

USB Connectivity
Yes
Sample Rate
24-bit/192 kHz
Preamps Quality
Crystal Preamps
Included Software
Limited software included
Number of Inputs/Outputs
2 in/2 out
Portability
Moderately portable

Frequently Asked Questions About Audio Interfaces

What makes a audio interfaces the "best"?

We evaluate products based on quality, performance, value for money, user reviews, durability, and ease of use. Our rankings are updated regularly to reflect the latest market offerings and user feedback.

How often do you update your audio interfaces recommendations?

Our team continuously monitors the market for new products and updates our recommendations quarterly. We also adjust rankings based on user feedback and new testing results.

Do you test all the products you recommend?

Yes, whenever possible, we physically test products in our labs. For products we can't test directly, we rely on verified user reviews, expert opinions, and detailed specifications to make informed recommendations.

What if I'm looking for a specific type of audio interfaces?

Our top 10 list covers the most popular and highly-rated options. If you have specific requirements, check our detailed product descriptions and pros/cons to find the best match for your needs.