Best Audio Interface for Full Band (2026): 5 Picks Compared

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

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The MOTU M2 leads this list as Best Overall: 2 mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz conversion and MIDI in/out in a 1.3 lb USB-C box. If you record a full band at once, the Tascam Model 12 is the pick, since it lists 12 inputs and 10 outputs as a USB audio interface.

The picks at a glance

#	Pick	Product
1	Best Overall	MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface	Check on Amazon
2	Runner-Up	Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB-C Audio	Check on Amazon
3	Most Inputs	Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack	Check on Amazon
4	Also Great	Riworal 6 Channel Audio Interface Sound Board Mixing	Check on Amazon
5	Also Great	K-mxerpro 8 Channel Professional Audio Mixer Console Sound	Check on Amazon

Which one should you buy?

Solo recordists who want 2 mic preamps: MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface See pick 1
Players who record mics, guitars and synths together: Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB-C Audio See pick 2More picks: Best Audio Interface for Guitar
Bands who record 12 inputs at once: Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack See pick 3
Karaoke hosts who want Bluetooth and reverb effects: Riworal 6 Channel Audio Interface Sound Board Mixing See pick 4
Small bands who want 8 mic inputs: K-mxerpro 8 Channel Professional Audio Mixer Console Sound 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

MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface

Inputs: 2
Mic preamps: 2
Outputs: 2
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
2-year warranty stated

9.8Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Best Overall with 2 mic preamps, hardware monitoring and 24-bit/192kHz conversion in a bus-powered box.

Who it suits

Solo recordists who want 2 mic preamps
Buyers who want a 2 year warranty

Skip it if

You need more than 2 inputs at once
You want 4 or more line outputs

The M2 is a 2-in/2-out USB-C interface with 2 combo mic/line/hi-Z inputs, hardware monitoring and 24-bit/192kHz conversion. Its spec table lists LCD meters for all inputs and outputs, an ESS-driven headphone output and MIDI in and out. It runs on USB bus power with the cable included, and the box adds 6+GB of free content for macOS, Windows and iOS.

2Runner-Up

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB-C Audio

Inputs: 4
Mic preamps: 2
Outputs: 4
Max sample rate: 192 kHz
Bit depth: 24-bit
48V phantom power not stated in the listing
Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
3-year warranty stated

9.4Spec score View on Amazon

It takes Runner-Up with 4 inputs, Auto Gain and Clip Safe, plus a software bundle in the box.

Who it suits

Players who record mics, guitars and synths together
Beginners who want Auto Gain for easy levels

Skip it if

You need more than 4 inputs at once
You want physical faders for a live mix

The 4i4 is a 4-in/4-out USB-C interface with 2 mic preamps, 2 Hi-Z inputs and 4 line inputs, plus MIDI in and out. Auto Gain sets input levels and Clip Safe prevents clipping, with Air modes for vocals and guitars. The box holds the interface, USB cables and a power supply, with Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and Hitmaker Expansion named as included software. A 3 year manufacturer warranty is listed.

3Most Inputs

Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack

Inputs: 12, the most here
Mic preamps not stated in the listing
Outputs: 10
Max sample rate not stated in the listing
1 year warranty stated

9.3Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Most Inputs with 12 inputs and 10 outputs as a mixer, USB interface and DAW controller in one.

Who it suits

Bands who record 12 inputs at once
Buyers who want a 1 year warranty

Skip it if

You want a unit under 13.3 lb
You want USB bus power instead of corded power

The Model 12 works as a 12-track mixer, a 12-in/10-out USB audio interface and a DAW controller. Each input module carries a 1-knob compressor and 3-band EQ, with onboard MIDI and a click output with tap tempo. Dual headphone outputs have individual volume and source selection. A 1 year warranty is listed.

4Also Great

Riworal 6 Channel Audio Interface Sound Board Mixing

Inputs: 4
Mic preamps not stated in the listing
Outputs not stated in the listing
Bit depth: 16-bit
48V phantom power
90-day warranty stated

9.2Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Also Great as a 6-channel mixer with 4 XLR inputs, 48V phantom power and Bluetooth streaming.

Who it suits

Karaoke hosts who want Bluetooth and reverb effects
Buyers who want 48V phantom for condenser mics

Skip it if

You need more than 16-bit depth
You want MIDI in and out

The Riworal is a 6-channel mixer with 4 XLR inputs, 48V phantom power and a 3-band EQ on each channel. A 16-bit DSP section adds reverb and other effects, and Bluetooth streams music from a phone or tablet. The USB interface plays music from a flash drive. A 90 day manufacturer warranty is listed.

5Also Great

K-mxerpro 8 Channel Professional Audio Mixer Console Sound

Inputs: 8
Mic preamps not stated in the listing
Outputs not stated in the listing
48V phantom power
1-year warranty stated

9.0Spec score View on Amazon

It earns Also Great with 8 mic inputs, 48V phantom power and USB recording to a flash drive.

Who it suits

Small bands who want 8 mic inputs
Buyers who want a 1 year warranty

Skip it if

You need more than 8 inputs
You want MIDI in and out

The 8-channel mixer offers 8 mic inputs with XLR and 1/4-inch plugs on all channels, plus 48V phantom power. A 3-band EQ, gain controls and reverb and delay effects shape each channel. The USB interface mixes and records to a computer or flash drive, and Bluetooth streams from phones and tablets. A 1 year warranty is listed.

Side by side

Product	Inputs	Mic preamps	Outputs	Max sample rate	Bit depth	48V phantom power	Software named	Weight	Warranty
MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface	2	2	2	192 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Not stated	1.3 lb	2-year
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 4th Gen USB-C Audio	4	2	4	192 kHz	24-bit	Not stated	Pro Tools Intro	2.2 lb	3-year
Tascam Model 12 All-in-One 12-track Digital Multitrack	12	Not stated	10	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	13.3 lb	1 year
Riworal 6 Channel Audio Interface Sound Board Mixing	4	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	16-bit	Yes	Not stated	5.1 lb	90-day
K-mxerpro 8 Channel Professional Audio Mixer Console Sound	8	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Not stated	Yes	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 full band

Count the inputs before you buy

A full band needs one input per microphone and instrument, so count heads and add room to grow. The Tascam Model 12 lists 12 inputs, the K-mxerpro lists 8 mic inputs and the Riworal lists 4 XLR inputs, while the MOTU M2 and the Scarlett 4i4 list 2 mic preamps each. Match the input count to the session you plan to record.

Check phantom power for condenser mics

Condenser microphones need 48V phantom power from the interface. Dynamic mics do not. The Riworal and the K-mxerpro both list 48V phantom power on their XLR inputs, so check the specs table above when you pair either with a condenser mic.

Decide between a mixer and an interface

A mixer like the K-mxerpro gives you faders and 3-band EQ on every channel for the room, plus USB to the computer. An interface like the MOTU M2 skips the faders and keeps the signal path short for DAW recording. Pick the mixer when the band plays together in one room, and the interface when you track one or two sources at a time.

Frequently asked questions

Can I record a full band with 2 inputs?

You can overdub one or two parts at a time with the MOTU M2 or the Scarlett 4i4. To capture the whole band live, you need the Tascam Model 12 with its 12 inputs.

Do I need phantom power for dynamic mics?

No. Dynamic mics work without it, while condenser mics need 48V phantom power. The Riworal and the K-mxerpro both list 48V phantom power on their XLR inputs.

What is the difference between a mixer and an audio interface?

A mixer blends channels with faders and EQ for the room, while an interface converts each input for the computer. The Tascam Model 12 does both, acting as a mixer and a 12-in/10-out USB interface.