Best Audio Interface for Guitarists (2026): 4 Picks Compared
Updated Oct 23, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Ranked from listed specifications · How we rank
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The BOMGE BMG22 leads for guitarists: 32-bit/192kHz conversion, 2 combo inputs for guitar and vocals, and loopback for streaming. If a Fender-designed guitar input matters more, the PreSonus Quantum ES 2 is the pick, since its instrument input was co-developed with Fender engineers.
The picks at a glance
Which one should you buy?
- Guitarists who record guitar and vocals at once: BOMGE USB Audio Interface(32bit/192 kHz) with XLR See pick 1More picks: Best Audio Interface for Guitar
- Guitarists who want the LUNA recording software: Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface See pick 2More picks: Best Audio Interface for Recording
- Guitarists who move their setup between rooms: M-AUDIO M-Track Duo HD USB-C Audio Interface See pick 3
- Guitarists who want an input designed with Fender: PreSonus Quantum ES 2 USB-C Audio Interface See pick 4
Want the full range? Best Audio Interface ranks the top audio interfaces for every buyer, or browse all 59 guides.
The 4 picks, ranked
1Best Overall
BOMGE USB Audio Interface(32bit/192 kHz) with XLR
- Inputs: 22, the most here
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 32-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools
- 90-day warranty stated
It earns Best Overall with 32-bit/192kHz conversion, 2 combo inputs and loopback for streaming.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who record guitar and vocals at once
- Streamers who mix computer audio with loopback
Skip it if
- You want DAW software included in the box
- You record with more than 2 inputs
The 2 combo inputs take XLR microphones or instruments, with +48V phantom power on input 1. Loopback mixes the inputs with computer playback into 2 channels for streaming. Zero-latency direct monitoring and stereo/mono output switching are listed, and a 5V DC port powers the unit with an iPad.
2Runner-Up
Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 0
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power not stated in the listing
- 1-year warranty stated
Runner-Up with Vintage mode, 24-bit/192kHz conversion and the LUNA DAW included.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who want the LUNA recording software
- Players who want Vintage mode on the preamp
Skip it if
- You want loopback for streaming mixes
- You need 32-bit conversion
Vintage mode voices the preamp after the classic 610 design, and 24-bit/192kHz conversion is listed. The LUNA Digital Audio Workstation is included, along with UAD plug-ins and instruments. It works with Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone.
3Lightest Pick
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo HD USB-C Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Outputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live Lite
- 1-year warranty stated
- 1 lb, the lightest here
Lightest Pick at 1 lb, with 2 combo inputs, 24-bit/192kHz and a software bundle.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who move their setup between rooms
- Beginners who want Ableton Live Lite in the box
Skip it if
- You need more than 2 inputs and 2 outputs
- You want 32-bit conversion
The 2 combo inputs take XLR mics or 1/4-inch instruments, with switchable +48V phantom power and 55dB of gain. A USB-C cable is included, and the box also holds a quickstart guide. Ableton Live Lite, MPC Beats and 2 months of Splice are named as included software.
4Also Great
PreSonus Quantum ES 2 USB-C Audio Interface
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth not stated in the listing
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Studio One
- 2-year warranty stated
Two MAX-HD preamps and a Fender-designed guitar input with Studio One Pro included.
Who it suits
- Guitarists who want an input designed with Fender
- Players who want Studio One Pro in the box
Skip it if
- You want an interface under 1.5 lb
- You need more than 2 inputs
The two MAX-HD mic preamps list +75dB of gain, and the instrument input was co-developed with Fender engineers. A Studio One Pro perpetual license is included, along with Auto Gain and loopback for streaming. It weighs 1.5 lb and carries a 2 year manufacturer warranty.
Side by side
| Product | Inputs | Mic preamps | Outputs | Max sample rate | Bit depth | 48V phantom power | Software named | Weight | Warranty |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| BOMGE USB Audio Interface(32bit/192 kHz) with XLR | 22 | Not stated | Not stated | 192 kHz | 32-bit | Yes | Pro Tools | 1.4 lb | 90-day |
| Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface | 2 | 0 | Not stated | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Not stated | Not stated | 1.2 lb | 1-year |
| M-AUDIO M-Track Duo HD USB-C Audio Interface | 2 | Not stated | 2 | 192 kHz | 24-bit | Yes | Ableton Live Lite | 1 lb | 1-year |
| PreSonus Quantum ES 2 USB-C Audio Interface | 2 | Not stated | Not stated | 192 kHz | Not stated | Yes | Studio One | 1.5 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 guitarists
Count the inputs you use at once
Every interface here lists 2 inputs, but they differ in kind. The BOMGE and M-AUDIO list 2 combo inputs for mics or instruments, while the PreSonus lists 2 mic preamps plus a dedicated guitar input. If you record guitar and vocals at the same time, 2 inputs are enough. If you record more than two sources at once, look beyond this list.
Check phantom power for condenser mics
The BOMGE lists +48V phantom power on input 1, the M-AUDIO lists switchable +48V, and the PreSonus lists 48V per channel. Dynamic mics and electric guitars do not need phantom power; condenser mics do. Match the interface to the microphone you own before buying.
Look at what software comes in the box
The Universal Audio lists the LUNA DAW, the M-AUDIO lists Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats, and the PreSonus lists a Studio One Pro perpetual license. The BOMGE listing notes DAW software is not included. If you already own recording software, compare inputs and conversion instead.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need phantom power for guitar?
No. Electric guitars do not need phantom power; it is for condenser microphones. The BOMGE, M-AUDIO and PreSonus list 48V phantom power for mics.
What does loopback do on an interface?
Loopback mixes the interface inputs with computer playback for streaming. The BOMGE and PreSonus list loopback.
Is 32-bit better than 24-bit for guitar?
The BOMGE lists 32-bit/192kHz while the others list 24-bit/192kHz. Higher bit depth gives more headroom when you set recording levels.
Can I record guitar and vocals at once?
Yes, with 2 inputs. The BOMGE lists 2 combo inputs for any combination of microphones or instruments.
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 23, 2026 and can change. Check the listing before you buy.