Best Audio Interface for Guitar (2026): 5 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 23, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The Behringer UMC202HD leads for guitar with Midas mic preamps and 24-bit/192kHz conversion in a 2x2 box. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 follows with 18 inputs and 8 mic preamps for bigger setups, while the Universal Audio Volt 2 and Volt 1 add 610 tube emulation. Pick the Behringer for a simple guitar setup, the Scarlett when you need many inputs.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Guitarists who want Midas mic preamps: Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2 See pick 1More picks: Best Audio Interface for Guitarists
- Producers who record full bands at once: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB-C Audio See pick 2More picks: Best Audio Interface for Full Band
- Guitarists who want 610 tube emulation: Universal Audio Volt 2 USB Audio Interface See pick 3
- Guitarists who want 610 tube emulation: Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface See pick 4
- Streamers who want touch mute control: Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface 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
Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps not stated in the listing
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools
It earns Best Overall with Midas mic preamps and 24-bit/192kHz conversion for guitar.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who want Midas mic preamps
- Beginners who record guitar and vocals
Skip it if
- You need more than 2 inputs
- You want MIDI ports on the interface
The box holds the interface. The listing names Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Steinberg Cubase as compatible software. A powerful phones output with level control and direct monitor select is listed, plus 48V phantom power. It weighs 1.2 pounds and measures 6.3 by 10.1 by 3.6 inches.
2Most Inputs
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB-C Audio
- Inputs: 18, the most here
- Mic preamps: 8
- Outputs: 20
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
- 3-year warranty stated
It earns Most Inputs with 18 inputs, 8 mic preamps and 2 Hi-Z inputs.
Who it suits
- Producers who record full bands at once
- Guitarists who want 2 Hi-Z inputs
Skip it if
- You only record one guitar at a time
- You want a unit under 8 pounds
The box holds the Scarlett 18i20, an IEC cable and a USB cable. The listing names 18 inputs and 20 outputs with 8 mic preamps and 24-bit 192kHz converters. Auto Gain and Clip Safe help set levels, and Air modes add presence for instruments. Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and Hitmaker Expansion are included.
3Also Great
Universal Audio Volt 2 USB Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 0
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 1-year warranty stated
The Volt 2 adds 610 tube emulation with Vintage mode and MIDI for guitar.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who want 610 tube emulation
- Players who need MIDI on the interface
Skip it if
- You want more than 2 inputs
- You need 8 mic preamps at once
The listing names a 2x2 USB-C interface with 610 tube emulation and Vintage mode. It captures up to 24-bit and 192kHz with crystal clear converters. The LUNA Digital Audio Workstation is included for recording and mixing. It supports MacOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone, and weighs 1.4 pounds.
4Also Great
Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 0
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 1-year warranty stated
The Volt 1 offers 610 tube emulation in a 2x2 box for guitar.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who want 610 tube emulation
- Beginners who record guitar at home
Skip it if
- You want MIDI on the interface
- You need more than 2 inputs
The listing names a 2x2 USB interface with 610 tube emulation and Vintage mode. It captures up to 24-bit and 192kHz with crystal clear converters. The LUNA Digital Audio Workstation is included for recording and mixing. It supports MacOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone, and weighs 1.2 pounds.
5Also Great
Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps not stated in the listing
- Max sample rate: 48 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 2-year warranty stated
The Wave XLR MK.2 gives 80dB gain with touch mute for XLR mics.
Who it suits
- Streamers who want touch mute control
- Users of XLR mics needing 80dB gain
Skip it if
- You want recording above 48kHz
- You need MIDI connections
The box holds the Wave XLR MK.2 and a USB-C to C cable. The listing names 80dB gain for XLR mics with ultra-low-latency monitoring at 24-bit and 48kHz. Onboard voice effects include a voice enhancer, compressor and EQ. Touch control with LED feedback adjusts levels and mute.
Side by side
| Product | Inputs | Mic preamps | Outputs | Max sample rate | Bit depth | 48V phantom power | Software named | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2 | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Pro Tools | 1.2 lb | Not stated |
| Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB-C Audio | 18 | 8 | 20 | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Not stated | Pro Tools Intro | 8 lb | 3-year |
| Universal Audio Volt 2 USB Audio Interface | 2 | 0 | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Not stated | Not stated | 1.4 lb | 1-year |
| Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface | 2 | 0 | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Not stated | Not stated | 1.2 lb | 1-year |
| Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 USB Audio Interface | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 48 kHz | 24-bit | Not stated | Not stated | 0.7 lb | 2-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 guitar
Count the inputs you need
Inputs range from 2 on the Behringer, Volt 2, Volt 1 and Elgato to 18 on the Scarlett 18i20. For a single guitar, 2 inputs are enough: one for the guitar and one for a vocal mic. If you record a full band, the Scarlett's 18 inputs and 8 mic preamps cover drums, guitars and vocals at once.
Check the sample rate and bit depth
Four of these list 24-bit and 192kHz: the Behringer, Scarlett, Volt 2 and Volt 1. The Elgato lists 24-bit and 48kHz. Higher sample rates give more headroom for editing. If you only share finished mixes online, 48kHz is fine; if you edit heavily, the 192kHz options give you more to work with.
Look at the software in the box
The Behringer names Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Steinberg Cubase as compatible. The Scarlett includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and Hitmaker Expansion. The Volt 2 and Volt 1 include the LUNA Digital Audio Workstation. If you already own recording software, compare inputs and preamps instead.
Frequently asked questions
Can I record guitar with the Behringer UMC202HD?
Yes. It has Midas mic preamps and 24-bit/192kHz conversion in a 2x2 box. It is compatible with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase.
How many mic preamps does the Scarlett 18i20 have?
It has 8 mic preamps with 69dB of gain, plus 2 Hi-Z inputs for guitar. The 18 inputs cover a full band.
What is the difference between Volt 2 and Volt 1?
The Volt 2 is a 2x2 USB-C interface that names MIDI and 610 tube emulation. The Volt 1 is a 2x2 USB interface with 610 tube emulation.
Gear that goes with it
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Best Studio MonitorsTop pick: Yamaha HS4 Powered Studio Monitor in Black
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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 23, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.