Best Audio Interface for Bass Guitar (2026): 5 Picks Compared

Updated Oct 23, 2026 · By Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank

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The Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 leads this list for bass guitar: a 1/4-inch TRS input with a Hi-Z switch, an Onyx mic preamp and 24-bit/192kHz recording in a 1.2 lb box. If you need a third channel for streaming, the MAONO PS22 Lite lists 3 channels with loopback and routing software.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	Mackie Audio Interface	Check on Amazon
2	Most Inputs	MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for	Check on Amazon
3	Also Great	IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface	Check on Amazon
4	Also Great	MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual	Check on Amazon
5	Also Great	Synido A30 Portable Guitar Audio Interface with 5.8ghz	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Bassists who record direct through a Hi-Z input: Mackie Audio Interface See pick 1
Bassists who stream and record at the same time: MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for See pick 2
Bassists who practice silently with direct monitoring: IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface See pick 3
Bassists who record to a phone or tablet: MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual See pick 4More picks: Best Audio Interface for Phone
Bassists who want wireless freedom on stage: Synido A30 Portable Guitar Audio Interface with 5.8ghz See pick 5

Want the full range? Best Audio Interface ranks the top audio interfaces for every buyer, or browse all 59 guides.

The 5 picks, ranked

1Best Overall

Mackie Audio Interface

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power
Software named in listing: Pro Tools
1-year warranty stated

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall for bass with a Hi-Z instrument input, an Onyx mic preamp and 24-bit/192kHz conversion.

Who it suits

Bassists who record direct through a Hi-Z input
Players who want 24-bit/192kHz home recording

Skip it if

You need more than 2 inputs at once
You want a wireless interface for stage mobility

The box holds Pro Tools First software and a Quick Start Guide. It records 2 in x 2 out at 24-bit/192kHz with zero-latency direct monitoring, dedicated outputs for studio monitors and a powerful headphone output.

2Most Inputs

MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for

Inputs: 3, the most here
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power
Software named in listing: Pro Tools
1-year warranty stated

9.5Spec score View on Amazon

It takes the Most Inputs spot with 3 channels, a dedicated instrument input and ProStudio routing software.

Who it suits

Bassists who stream and record at the same time
Creators who want loopback and virtual channels

Skip it if

You want a dedicated Amp out for a pedal rig
You want fewer than 3 channels on your desk

The package holds the interface, a USB-A/USB-C to USB-C cable and a user manual. It records at 24-bit/192kHz with a stated 106dB dynamic range, 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power. The ProStudio routing software adds virtual channels and loopback with ASIO drivers for low-latency output, and it works with Mac, Windows and iPads.

3Also Great

IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 48 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing

9.4Spec score View on Amazon

It earns its Also Great spot with 24-bit/48kHz recording, a dedicated Amp out and bundled amp modeling apps.

Who it suits

Bassists who practice silently with direct monitoring
Players who want AmpliTube and Tonex in the box

Skip it if

You need 24-bit/192kHz recording resolution
You want 48V phantom power for condenser mics

The box includes a USB-C cable for iPad, Mac and PC. It records at 24-bit/48kHz through a 1/4-inch instrument jack, with a headphone output and direct monitoring for silent practice. The dedicated Amp out connects to an amp and pedal rig with selectable FX or THRU settings, and the package bundles AmpliTube and Tonex amp modeling apps.

4Also Great

MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
Software named in listing: GarageBand
1-year warranty stated

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It earns its Also Great spot with dual USB ports for computer and phone, 56dB of XLR gain and loopback.

Who it suits

Bassists who record to a phone or tablet
Streamers who want independent mute controls

Skip it if

You want a dedicated instrument input with a Hi-Z switch
You want 3 channels for simultaneous sources

The package holds the interface, a USB-C to USB-A/C cable and a user manual. Dual USB ports connect a computer and a phone or iPad at the same time, and it records at 24-bit/192kHz with 56dB of XLR gain. Direct monitoring, independent mute controls and built-in loopback are listed, and the ProStudio 2 software routes streaming audio to dedicated channels.

5Also Great

Synido A30 Portable Guitar Audio Interface with 5.8ghz

Inputs: 2
Max sample rate: 96 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
1-year warranty stated

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It earns its Also Great spot as the only wireless pick here, with 24-bit/96kHz audio and a 6-hour battery.

Who it suits

Bassists who want wireless freedom on stage
Players who record demos with phone play-along

Skip it if

You want an XLR input for a microphone
You want zero-latency monitoring for tracking

The 5.8GHz wireless link works over a 65 ft range with 24-bit/96kHz audio and a 6-hour battery charged by USB-C. A 3.5mm mic input with hardware knobs is listed for streams, and Dual-Scene Mode records your instrument while BT audio plays from your phone. It works with electric and acoustic guitars, basses and keyboards on iPhone, iPad, Mac, PC and Android.

Side by side

Product	Inputs	Mic preamps	Outputs	Max sample rate	Bit depth	48V phantom power	Software named	Weight	Warranty
Mackie Audio Interface	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Pro Tools	1.2 lb	1-year
MAONO PS22 Lite USB Audio Interface for	3	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Yes	Pro Tools	Not stated	1-year
IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface	2	Not stated	Not stated	48 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated
MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual	2	Not stated	Not stated	192 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	GarageBand	1.1 lb	1-year
Synido A30 Portable Guitar Audio Interface with 5.8ghz	2	Not stated	Not stated	96 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	1-year

How we ranked these audio interfaces

Every pick has at least 100 customer ratings on Amazon and a listing with real specifications. The order mixes two things: how each model compares on the specs below (higher share of the best value in this group scores more), and how widely it is bought. The spec score runs from 9.0 to 9.8 and only compares these picks with each other. A spec the listing does not state is left out and the other specs are re-weighted; a listing with fewer than 2 stated specs is scored at half. We do not test gear in person. Full method.

Inputs weight 3
Mic preamps weight 2
Outputs weight 1
Max sample rate weight 2
Bit depth weight 1
48V phantom power weight 2

Buying advice: audio interface for bass guitar

Pick the right input for bass

Bass plugs into an instrument input, not a mic preamp. The Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 lists a 1/4-inch TRS input with a Hi-Z switch, the MAONO PS22 Lite lists a dedicated instrument input, and the iRig USB lists a 1/4-inch instrument jack. The MAONO P2 lists XLR inputs, which suit microphones, and the Synido A30 connects wirelessly, so match the input type to how you play.

Match sample rate to your needs

Higher sample rates give more headroom for editing and effects. The Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2, MAONO PS22 Lite and MAONO P2 list 24-bit/192kHz, the Synido A30 lists 24-bit/96kHz, and the iRig USB lists 24-bit/48kHz. For bass demos and practice, 48kHz covers the basics; choose 192kHz if you edit and process your tracks heavily.

Decide whether you also stream

If you stream covers or lessons, loopback and routing software matter. The MAONO PS22 Lite lists loopback with ProStudio routing software, and the MAONO P2 lists loopback with ProStudio 2 plus dual USB ports for a computer and phone at once. If you only record, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 covers the basics with zero-latency direct monitoring.

Frequently asked questions

Do I need an audio interface to record bass?

If you record into a computer, yes. An instrument input with the right impedance takes your bass signal directly, and the interface turns it into digital audio your software can record. The Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 and MAONO PS22 Lite both list dedicated instrument inputs.

What is a Hi-Z input on an audio interface?

Hi-Z means high impedance, which matches the output of a guitar or bass pickup. Plugging into a Hi-Z input keeps your tone intact instead of loading the pickups. The Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 lists a 1/4-inch TRS input with a Hi-Z switch for guitar and bass.

Can I use an audio interface with an iPad?

The iRig USB includes a USB-C cable for iPad, Mac and PC, and it names the iPhone 15 as well. The MAONO PS22 Lite and MAONO P2 both list iPad compatibility, and the P2 connects a computer and a phone or iPad at the same time.

Is 24-bit/192kHz worth it for bass guitar?

It gives headroom for editing and processing, which helps bass sit in a mix. Three picks here list 24-bit/192kHz: the Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2, MAONO PS22 Lite and MAONO P2. For simple demos, the iRig USB at 24-bit/48kHz is enough.