8 Best Thunderbolt and USB Audio Interfaces 2023
by The Press Desk
Solid State Logic SSL 12
Supports: USB2 on Mac and Windows.
Ins and Outs: 12x8 on 4 mic/line inputs, 2 instrument inputs, 4 line outputs, 2 Headphones outputs, MIDI I/O and ADAT input.
What it is: The console-manufacturing legend Solid State Logic is no stranger to audio interfaces, and recently their SSL 2 line of interfaces made a big hit by bringing the pedigree of those three iconic letters to the masses. Powered by the company's analog circuit design prowess, the SSL 12 brings not only a high quality hardware with world-class preamps but also a robust software bundle that firmly puts this interface as one of enticing packages out there.
Universal Audio Apollo x4
Supports: Thunderbolt 3 on Mac and Windows.
Ins and Outs: 12x18 on 4 mic/line inputs, 2 Hi-Z line inputs, 6 line outputs, 2 headphones outputs and ADAT I/O.
What it is: The Apollo x4 presents an interesting middle ground between the rack-mounted x6/x8/x16 models and the Twin series whilst keeping the tabletop format of the latter, which is highly convenient for producers working on smaller, rack-free setups. It’s somewhat portable too, allowing for use outside the studio without major hassles. Underneath its chassis we have everything that made the Apollos so popular, with four Unison modelling preamps, premium converters and hexa-core DSP for latency-free monitoring with the renowned UAD Plug-Ins.
MOTU M6
Supports: USB2 on Mac and Windows.
Ins and Outs: 6x4 4 mic/line inputs, 2 line inputs, 4 line outputs, 2 instrument inputs, 2 Headphones outputs and MIDI I/O.
What it is: MOTU is certainly one the most established brands in our industry, and for good reasons their products have earned a solid reputation on this community. The M6 is one of their latest offerings in the compact audio interface segment, and it boasts the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, low latency drivers and pristine preamps found on their bigger interfaces. Certainly a must-check if a quality interface that doesn't breaking the bank is required.
Audient iD44 MKII
Supports: USB 2 on Mac and Windows
Ins and Outs: 20x24 on 4 mic/line inputs (2 with inserts), 2 Hi-Z line inputs, 4 line outputs, 2x ADAT I/O, Wordclock output and 2 headphones outputs.
What it is: The second iteration of Audient’s flagship interface comes with some notable improvements, including an upgraded analog-to-digital converter for more headroom and lower THD+N (total harmonic distortion + noise) figures, and also a new stylish matter black finish. Although it is equipped with a USB-C connector, the iD44 MKii also works with legacy USB 2 and 3 ports through an included cable.
Avid MBOX Studio
Supports: USB2 on Mac and Windows
Ins and Outs: 21z22 an 4 mic/line inputs, 2 line inputs, 2 instrument inputs, 6 line outputs, 2 Headphones outputs, MIDI I/O, 2 FX Sends, 2 FX Returns, 2 EXP/SW, SPDIF I/O and ADAT I/O.
What it is: Avid makes a highly-anticipated comeback to the desktop interface market with the bold MBOX Studio, a feature-packed product that instantly catches our eye with its unique look. Thanks to its extensive set of inputs and outputs, the MB one should be perfect for both the budget-conscious project studios, as it allows nearly everything to be properly connect whilst still providing room for growth.
Focusrite Clarett+ 4Pre
Supports: USB 2 on Mac and Windows
Ins and Outs: 18x18 on 4 mic/line inputs, 4 line inputs, 4 line outputs, ADAT input, SPDIF I/O, MIDI I/O and 2 headphones outputs.
What it is: Focusrite’s Clarett+ range offers something for everyone, with a range of interfaces equipped with premium mic preamps powered by the “Air” effect, which dials in the sound of the classic Focusrite ISA preamps used on countless hit recordings. Featured here it's the Clarett+ 4Pre, a versatile interface that can take on small or mid-sized setups with ample input options. It can also be controlled remotely from an iPhone or iPad through the Focusrite’s iOS app, which greatly helps when recording alone or setting up mixes on stage or separate rooms.
Universal Audio Apollo x8p
Supports: Thunderbolt 3 (or 2 with adapter) on Mac and Windows
Ins and Outs: 16x22 on 8 mic/line inputs, 2 instrument inputs, stereo main output, 8 outputs on D-SUB, 2 ADAT-SPDIF I/O, WC I/O, 2 headphone outputs.
What it is: The acclaimed Apollo line of interfaces arrives at its third iteration boasting redesigned converters with improved clocking, hexa-core DSP for monitoring with more effects than ever before and Thunderbolt 3 connectivity that supports both Mac and Windows. Alongside the X8, X8P (featured) and X16 models, which hold similarities with previous “silver” and “black” iterations, Universal Audio also introduced a new X6 model with two preamps at a lower price point that should be perfect for project studios.
NEVE 88M
Supports: USB 3 on Mac and Windows.
Ins and Outs: 2 mic/line inputs with inserts, 2 analog outputs, headphone output.
What it is: A couple of Neve preamps taken from the famed 88 series console on a neat portable package that instantly connects to your computer’s USB port? That’s 88M in a nutshell, a no-frills audio interface with direct monitoring, high-end conversion and analog circuitry with plug-and-play setup - the 88M doesn’t require any software besides drivers. It’s instant Neve recording glory wherever you go!
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