Best Audio Interface for Bass (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 24, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The PreSonus AudioBox 96 is the best audio interface for bass: 2 instrument inputs for guitar and bass, 24-bit/96kHz converters and a software bundle with Studio One Artist. The Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 answers with 24-bit/192kHz recording and a Hi-Z switch for bass. The iRig USB adds an Amp out for a pedal rig with USB-C.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Bassists who want 2 high-headroom instrument inputs: PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio See pick 1
- Bassists who want a Hi-Z switch: Mackie Audio Interface See pick 2
- Bassists who want an Amp out for a pedal rig: IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface See pick 3
- Streamers who want loopback for streaming: MAONO P2 Hybrid USB Audio Interface Dual See pick 4More picks: Best Audio Interface for Streaming
- Streamers who want a voice changer: Brvomussy Podcast Equipment Bundle 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
PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 96 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Studio One Artist
- 1-year warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 2 instrument inputs for bass, 24-bit/96kHz converters and a Studio One Artist bundle.
Who it suits
- Bassists who want 2 high-headroom instrument inputs
- Players who want USB bus power
Skip it if
- You want 192kHz recording
- You want a 2-year warranty
Two Class-A mic preamps join 2 instrument inputs with MIDI I/O for bass and line-level gear. The converters run up to 24-bit/96kHz, and the mixer control blends inputs with playback for zero-latency monitoring. It ships with Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite and the Studio Magic plug-in suite.
2Runner-Up
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
It earns Runner-Up with 24-bit/192kHz recording, a Hi-Z input for bass and 48V phantom power.
Who it suits
- Bassists who want a Hi-Z switch
- Players who want 23 plugins and instruments
Skip it if
- You want USB-C connectivity
- You want a 2-year warranty
The Onyx mic preamp runs 24-bit/192kHz with 48V phantom power for condenser mics. A Hi-Z switch takes guitar and bass straight in, with zero-latency direct monitoring. It runs on USB bus power at 1.2 lb and includes Pro Tools First.
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
It holds the Also Great label with 24-bit/48kHz conversion, an Amp out and a USB-C cable in the box.
Who it suits
- Bassists who want an Amp out for a pedal rig
- Players who want USB-C for iPad and Mac
Skip it if
- You want 192kHz recording
- You want more than 2 inputs
The Amp out feeds an amp and pedal rig with FX or THRU settings, and direct monitoring allows silent practice. The USB-C cable connects Mac, PC and iPad with no driver fuss. AmpliTube and Tonex amp modeling apps are supported.
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
It holds the Also Great label with 24-bit/192kHz quality, dual XLR inputs and a built-in loopback.
Who it suits
- Streamers who want loopback for streaming
- Podcasters who want dual XLR inputs
Skip it if
- You want a 2-year warranty
- You want USB-A only
Two XLR inputs take condenser and dynamic mics with 56dB of gain at 24-bit/192kHz. Dual USB ports connect a computer and a phone or iPad at once, with a 15-degree tilt and aluminum housing. It weighs 1.1 lb with a 1-year warranty.
5Also Great
Brvomussy Podcast Equipment Bundle
- Inputs not stated in the listing
- Max sample rate not stated in the listing
- 1-year warranty stated
It holds the Also Great label as a podcast bundle with 2 condenser mics, USB-C and 10 sound effects.
Who it suits
- Streamers who want a voice changer
- Podcasters who want 2 condenser mics
Skip it if
- You want a 2-year warranty
- You want more than 10 sound effects
The bundle pairs a live sound card with 2 condenser mics on suspension arms. Four voice variations and 10 sound effects suit live streaming, and USB-C links phones, PC and iPad. It runs on battery power at 3.3 lb.
Side by side
| Product | Inputs | Mic preamps | Outputs | Max sample rate | Bit depth | 48V phantom power | Software named | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 96 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Studio One Artist | 2 lb | 1-year |
| Mackie Audio Interface | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Pro Tools | 1.2 lb | 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 |
| Brvomussy Podcast Equipment Bundle | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | Not stated | 3.3 lb | 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
Count the inputs you need
Bass needs one good instrument input, and a second input covers a mic or a second instrument. The PreSonus and the Mackie each give 2 inputs with mic preamps, the iRig gives 2 inputs with an Amp out, and the MAONO gives dual XLR inputs. The Brvomussy bundle centers on its 2 condenser mics instead of line inputs. Buy the input count you will use weekly.
Sample rates on the best audio interface for bass
Sample rate and bit depth set the detail of the recording. The Mackie and the MAONO reach 24-bit/192kHz, the PreSonus reaches 24-bit/96kHz, and the iRig reaches 24-bit/48kHz. Higher numbers give more headroom for editing, but the preamp and instrument input shape the recorded bass more. The Brvomussy bundle is a podcast bundle, so judge it on its mics and effects instead.
Connect bass the simple way
Plug the bass into the instrument or Hi-Z input, never a mic preamp alone. Set the input gain so the peaks stay out of the red, then use direct monitoring to hear yourself with no delay. Record a dry track and add amp simulation later; the iRig gives you an Amp out to feed a real amp and pedal rig.
Frequently asked questions
Which of these have phantom power?
The PreSonus has plus48V phantom power and the Mackie has 48V phantom power for condenser mics.
Can I record bass and vocals together?
The PreSonus has 2 instrument inputs plus 2 mic preamps, so bass and a mic can go in together. The Mackie has 2 inputs with an Onyx preamp for the same job.
Which work with an iPad?
The iRig includes a USB-C cable for iPad, Mac and PC. The MAONO connects to an iPad over USB, and the Brvomussy links iPad over USB-C.
Do I need external power?
The PreSonus and the Mackie run on USB bus power with no adapter. The Brvomussy runs on battery power.
Gear that goes with it
Best Condenser MicTop pick: Rode RØDE NT1 Signature Series Studio Condenser Microphone
Best Studio MonitorsTop pick: Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitor in Black
Best Mixing HeadphonesTop pick: beyerdynamic DT 770 Pro Studio Headphones
Best XLR CableTop pick: Cable Matters 2-Pack Premium XLR to XLRMore audio interfaces guides
Specifications and availability come from each Amazon listing on Oct 24, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.