How to Choose an Audio Interface
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Get an interface with enough inputs for everything you record at once, a mic preamp with 48V phantom power if you use a condenser microphone, and a connection your computer accepts. For a microphone and an instrument, a 2-input USB interface covers the setup. The choice then comes down to preamp count, sample rate and included software.
Count what you record at the same time
Start by listing every source that goes in at once: a microphone, a guitar, a keyboard or a line-level source. Each source needs its own input, so a setup with a microphone and a guitar needs 2 inputs, while a setup with a microphone and another microphone needs 2 mic preamps. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen each list 1 mic preamp and 1 instrument input, and the MOTU M2 lists 2 mic preamps.
Match the microphone to the preamp
A condenser microphone needs 48V phantom power, and a dynamic microphone does not. The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo lists 48V phantom power on its combo inputs, so it covers a condenser microphone. Check the microphone's own specs for 48V before you buy, and connect with a balanced XLR cable.
Check sample rate and bit depth
Sample rate and bit depth set the ceiling for the recordings the interface makes. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen, the MOTU M2 and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen each list 24-bit depth and a 192 kHz maximum sample rate, while the M-AUDIO M-Track Duo lists a 48 kHz maximum sample rate. Higher figures give more headroom for editing, so weigh them against the inputs and software each interface includes.
Look at the software in the box
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen each include Pro Tools Intro, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and Hitmaker Expansion. The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo includes Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats. If you already own recording software, this matters less than the inputs; if you do not, the included software decides what you can open at the start.
Check the connection before you buy
The interfaces below connect over USB, so check that your computer has a free USB port and accepts the cable in the box. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen includes a USB cable, the MOTU M2 runs on USB bus power with a cable included, and the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen includes a USB A-C cable. The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo includes a USB B to USB A cable.
What you need
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording and an Air mode, with Pro Tools Intro and Ableton Live Lite in the box.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 1
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
- 3-year warranty stated
MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface
A USB-C interface with 2 mic preamps, 2-in/2-out, 24-bit/192kHz recording, LCD meters for all inputs and outputs, and MIDI in and out.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 2, the most here
- Outputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 2-year warranty stated
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual
A USB interface with 2 combo XLR, line and instrument inputs, 48V phantom power, 48 kHz recording, and Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats in the box.
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 48 kHz
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live Lite
- 0.7 lb, the lightest here
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording, a 120dB dynamic range and Air modes, with Pro Tools Intro in the box.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 1
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
These come from our ranked list Best Audio Interface, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an audio interface to record with a microphone?
Yes, if the microphone has an XLR output. The microphone plugs into the interface, the interface connects to the computer over USB, and the recording software takes the signal from the interface.
How many inputs does a beginner need?
Enough inputs for everything you record at once. A microphone and a guitar need 2 inputs, and an added microphone needs its own mic preamp, so count the sources before you choose.
What is 48V phantom power?
48V phantom power is the supply an interface sends up an XLR cable to run a condenser microphone. Dynamic microphones do not need it, and the M-AUDIO M-Track Duo lists 48V phantom power on its combo inputs.
Can I use an audio interface with a tablet?
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen lists macOS, Windows and iPadOS compatibility, and the MOTU M2 lists macOS, Windows and iOS. Check the interface's own specs for your device before you buy.
Ranked audio interfaces lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.