Top 9 Best 2 Channel Audio Interfaces (September 2023)

The Apollo Twin MKII Solo by Universal Audio can be accurately described as the creme-de-la-creme of audio interfaces when it comes to the quality of its components and its overall build. The unit provides 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs, an optical input, as well as 4 line outputs, making it decent for musicians who only need a few inputs for simultaneous recording.

Now, the main selling point of this audio interface lies in the unit’s internal circuitry and the connectivity type (being thunderbolt), which mean that it can provide sub-2ms round-trip latency, which is extremely low! The audio interface comes with a Universal Audio Plugin Bundle, which includes: Legacy versions of the LA-2A, 1176LN, Pultec EQP-1A, plus Softube Amp Room Essentials, Raw Distortion, 610-B Tube Preamp & EQ, and more

Additionally, the interface has some other useful features, such as a built-in talkback microphone, which is ideal for a professional studio environment.

The Apollo Twin is an EDM industry favorite. In fact, in a recent NGHTMRE Snapchat he can be seen using this great interface while teasing one of his newest releases. With a sturdy build and unique look, the Apollo Twin is also an excellent interface with the tone feel and flow of an analog controller. This interface differs from most of the others that we have covered as it requires a Thunderbolt connection to be used with your computer. If you’re looking for an industry leading interface for a professional sound, look no further than the Apollo Twin.

A scaled-down alternative to Universal Audio’s flagship Apollo 8 and 16, the original Apollo Twin has been giving ‘the rest of us’ access to those mythical Unison preamps, first-class I/O and swanky UAD plugins for three years now.

The new Apollo Twin MkII is essentially more of the same, but with a few minor improvements, and an optional DSP upgrade. Let’s start with what’s stayed the same.

The top panel centers on a satisfyingly oversized knob, controlling Monitor or Preamp input levels, as selected with the two buttons flanking it; and six Option buttons, contextualised by an LED icon strip, that again change function depending on whether the unit is in Monitor or Preamp mode. Input and output metering are provided by four five-segment LED ladders.

The back panel and front edge house two combi Mic/Line inputs. It also has a Hi-Z quarter-inch guitar input (overriding Mic/Line 1 when occupied), four quarter-inch output jacks (two Monitor, two Line). Not forgetting the stereo S/PDIF out, Headphones out and a TOSLINK port. This last port is for adding up to eight analogue inputs via ADAT.

Still a desktop-format 2-in/-6-out interface with 24-bit/192kHz capabilities, the Apollo Twin MkII would be almost indistinguishable from the original were it not now black rather than silver. It connects to your Mac or PC via Thunderbolt, but it has to be powered from the wall; and while the original Twin (still available) could be had in a USB 3 version, it’s not clear whether the MkII will follow suit.

Also a ‘DSP box’ for powering UAD plugin effects (VST/AU/AAX/RTAS), the Apollo Twin MkII features the same game-changing Unison preamps as its predecessor, fed by the Mic/Line and Hi-Z ins. These enable a gradually expanding subset of UA’s classic hardware emulation plugins to be inserted directly into each input path. Physically reconfiguring the preamp’s impedance and gain staging. As an alternative to the regular algorithmic modeling of valves, transistors, amps, EQ. This results in near-zero-latency monitoring and/or recording through them.

When we first reviewed the Twin, there were only three Unison plugins available – the UA 610-B (bundled), the UA 610-A and the API Vision. Since then, they’ve been joined by the Manley Voxbox, Neve 1073 and 88RS; eight guitar and bass amps by Ampeg, Fender and Marshall; and three distortion stompboxes, including the bundled Pro Co Rat emulation, Raw. All of them sound and feel great, and Unison remains a huge and unique selling point for the Apollo Twin MkII.

So, apart from the color change, what else is new? Well, UA has apparently beefed up the AD/DA converters, for even more dynamic range and less distortion, but the MkI was so outstanding in this department that you’ll be hard pushed to tell the difference – it’s still the cleanest, most transparent-sounding interface in its price range.

Other than that, the MkII sees a refinement of its studio workflow with the addition of a talkback mic and front panel access to a few of the monitoring functions of the Console software (see It’s not just the hardware).

The Talk button activates the talkback mic (the tiny hole below the knob), which can be sent to the outputs of your choice for control room communication or quick recording of notes and cues. The Dim button lowers the monitor output level, the Mute switch kills it entirely, and the Mono button switches between stereo and mono output for playback system compatibility checking. Very nice.

In Monitor mode, four of the Option buttons – which weren’t used at all by MkI – now come into play, necessitating the addition of a new row of icons to the LED strip, which has been made a bit deeper to accommodate them.

Apollo’s creed Apart from the Quad Core option, the Apollo Twin MkII is the very definition of an iterative upgrade. If you’re already a happy owner of MkI, the talkback mic and extra monitoring control alone aren’t reasons enough to reinvest. If, however, you’ve been hankering for more DSP than your existing Twin affords you, your day has come – have at it. And, of course, newcomers to the world of Apollo and UAD now get even more for their money, which can only be a good thing.

Given how much we loved the original Apollo Twin, it’ll come as no surprise that the MkII again wins our highest possible recommendation. Far more than possibly the best audio interface ever made. This is a musically empowering hardware/software hybrid. Capable of elevating even the humblest of home and project studios to genuinely professional-quality heights.

Compatibility

• Mac & PC
• Supports all major DAWs

Features

• 2 x 6 audio interface
• Highly reputable brand
• Rather compact, metal chassis
• Near to zero-latency (2ms according to reports)
• SHARC DSP for running UAD plug-ins without burdening the computer CPU
• Unison technology providers classic tube and transformer-based preamp models
• Talkback microphone
• Warranty: 1-Year Manufacturers Warranty

Technical Specs

• Thunderbolt connectivity
• 2-in / 6-out
• 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs
• Optical In
• 4 line outputs
• Powered by a 12v power supply
• 24-bit/96kHz resolution
• 48v Phantom power

Pros

• Ultra high-quality audio interface
• Rather portable
• Handles processing, instead of overworking your PC/Mac
• Built-in talkback microphone
• Less than 2ms round-trip latency
• Comes with full UAD plug-in bundle
• 1-year manufacturers warranty

The Babyface Pro by RME is one of the most portable audio interfaces that we’ve featured on the list, besides from the Apogee Duet of course.

Despite the unit’s size, it has a range of connectivity ports, including XLR inputs/outputs, Line, MIDI & ADAT inputs/outputs, making it very versatile for those who require several input/output types.

Additionally, the unit is housed within an aluminum chassis, and runs on either bus-power or an external power supply… All of which is totally up to yourself.

Not only have RME created a well-built audio interface, but they’ve especially prioritized their efforts on the internal circuitry, with it featuring the latest generation of low latency AD/DA converters, in combination with RME’s ‘Steadyclock’ technology, which helps further reduce noise, helping create a noise-free, clear output sound.

Overall, with all that being said, the RME Babyface Pro is ideal for those who want a portable audio interface, with a wider selection of inputs/outputs than the similarly sized Apogee Duet.

Compatibility

• Mac & PC & iOS devices
• Supports all major DAWs

Features

• Highly reputable brand
• 24-channel mobile solution
• A very portable audio interface
• Aluminum chassis for effective protection
• High-quality internal circuitry for low-latency
• Includes software
  • RME’s TotalMix FX
• Warranty: 2-Year Manufacturers Warranty

Technical Specs

• USB 2.0/3.0 connectivity
• 2 XLR inputs
• 2 XLR outputs
• MIDI input/output
• ADAT input/output
• 2 headphone line outputs
• 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
• 20 Hz – 35 kHz Frequency Response
• Power adapter or bus-powered
• 48v Phantom Power

Pros

• Premium quality product
• Extremely portable
• Bus-powered or mains powered
• Very portable
• 2-year manufacturers warranty

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an audio interface that is perfect for any musician or audio engineer. It is easy to use and easy to set up. It features two natural Scarlett preamp mics and the a class-leading sound quality that can be found with any of the whole Scarlett range. It also features a brand new instrument input for connecting a guitar or bass and also a MIDI in/out for connecting synths and controllers. This interface is an ideal choice for singer songwriters, podcasters, musicians, and anyone else who is looking for a simple way to record and produce music.

It is an audio interface that is designed to record instruments and vocals. It is a very affordable piece of equipment that will give you quality sound that will make you sound like you are in the recording studio. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two award-winning Focusrite pre-amps that have been designed to give you the highest quality sound. It also has a large LED display that will give you all the information you need to know about your recording without looking at the computer screen. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will also give you high quality effects that will give your recording that professional touch.

Overall the Scarlett 2i2 is perfect for the beginner musician. It offers everything you need to record your instruments and vocals, and to get great sounding audio into your computer. It is a powerful tool that has everything you need to start recording your music.

Focusrite continued their market dominance with the 2nd generation Scarlett series of audio interfaces, which included the immensely popular Scarlett 2i4. The company even say it is, “The best selling USB audio interface in the world”.

From the desktop 2i4 and Solo units to the rackmountable 18i20, with eight built-in mic preamps and ADAT digital expandability, there are Scarlett interfaces to suit most studios. In fact, they claim that since its launch in 2011, the 2i4 has become the best-selling USB audio interface in the world. Five years is a long time in music technology, however, and the company have now ‘refreshed’ their range of USB interfaces to reflect new developments and changing priorities.

With its Saffire range of interfaces remaining popular but now a well-established brand, it’s perhaps no surprise that a new, even more compact range has been released, by the name of Scarlett. Featuring bold styling, tank-like construction and, of course, the fabled preamps, the question is, does it offer enough to pique the interest and requirements of a new audio interface generation?

The Focusrite Scarlett is a range of audio interfaces that cover pretty much every scenario. But in the budget end the 2i4 gives a decent step up from the Native Instruments Audio 2. The 2i4, as with the Audio 2, has two pre-amped microphone inputs that can also support guitars or line level. There’s a direct monitoring switch and a nice big volume knob.eadphones and on the back, you get jack outputs and RCA phonos for different output options. You have pad switches on the inputs for some instant gain reduction. A balancing knob for monitoring and a headphone output where you can choose which outputs you are listening to. The LED monitoring is shown as a ring around the gain knobs which is quite nice, although less precise than the 5 segments on the Audio 2. The MIDI In/Out ports are very useful if you have external MIDI gear.

Welcome as all these hardware tweaks are, it’s Focusrite’s software engineers who have delivered the headline improvements in these second-generation Scarletts. However, the fruits of their work vary depending on which model you have. The smaller, bus-powered models, including the 2i4, have no control panel software of their own. On Mac OS, the Scarletts use Apple’s class-compliant driver, as do many other rival interfaces; but, interestingly, the company offer an optional utility which can reduce its operating audio delay.

All in all, this interface is exactly what you’d expect from Focsurite – a great-sounding, well-designed interface that packs plenty of flexibility into its slender frame. A lack of digital I/O may prove a stumbling block for some but for such a modest price, this interface deserves to sell by the truckload.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen continues the legacy of its predecessor with its high ratings and many recommendations. Commendations point to its sound quality as its best feature, while others point to its reliability as another strong point. Be it for condenser or dynamic mics, the 2i4 got a lot of kudos from satisfied users, which include singers, instrumentalists, podcasters, voice over actors and more. Its elegant appeal also got a lot of thumbs up, with many specifically referring to its distinct red color and halo lights.

The solid build, clear sound, and low latency make the 2nd gen 2i4 a good option for an inexpensive entry-level audio interface. Great for recording guitars and vocals, especially for beginners. The main downside with the 2i4 is the limited amount of inputs and outputs. Other similarly-priced brands like the Steinberg UR22MII and PreSonus AudioBox iTwo add MIDI in and outs and iPad support, but most MIDI equipment support USB anyway so it’s not a big advantage unless you have a specific desire for it.

It comes in a rugged red box with all the controls on the front rather than having some on the top like the Audio 2. You get a neat bundle of software including some exclusive plugins, Ableton Live Lite, and Pro Tools First. Being a consistent top selling audio interface for many years, the Scarlett 2i4 2nd Gen is easy to recommend. Especially for those who want good sound quality mixed with eye candies.

The Roland Rubix24 is an audio interface which is really designed for recording and mixing purposes. It has 2 inputs and 4 outputs. This is more than enough for most home studio recording setups.

Other features include direct monitoring and phantom power, which can be used to power condenser microphones. There are also handy indicators which allow you to monitor your input levels and avoid peaking.

In early 2017, Roland debuted the Rubix line. The Rubix 22, 24, and 44 may not be very exciting to look at, but they are smart choices for up-to-date, mid-range audio interfaces. The Rubix 24, in particular, hits the sweet spot while offering just the right amount of functionality. This is a typical 2-in, 4-out USB interface that’s also class compliant with Apple gear and features MIDI In/Out ports. It handles 24-bit, 192kHz audio and has on-board compressor and limiter effects.

The selectable headphone channel assignments lets you create a separate monitor mix, while the loopback recording feature lets you capture the interface’s main stereo audio output without extra cables or routing. This way, you can easily record live streaming audio from your computer. The Rubix 24 comes with Ableton Live Lite, which is enough of the famous DAW to get you started, but not enough to really appreciate its capabilities.

If you are looking for a high quality audio interface, you should consider the M-Audio AIR 2X2. This device is a USB powered high quality device that can record up to 24 bit/96 kHz. It has two microphone preamps that are able to provide a clean, transparent sound that is free of any noise or hiss. It is compact and easy to use with a simple control panel for you to easily adjust your levels and settings. It can be used for recording, mixing, and even as a MIDI interface for your computer.

Our ears are incredible at picking up the smallest details in the sounds we hear. This makes it hard to get a good sounding recording from a computer with just internal computer speakers. The M-Audio AIR 2X2 is a USB audio interface that features a high-quality, 24-bit/96-kHz audio interface that connects your instrument, mixer, or microphone preamp to your computer. With the M-Audio AIR 2X2 you get the lowest possible latency for recording audio. You can also use the M-Audio AIR 2X2 to record a stereo signal from the computer to your mixer or audio interface.

M-Audio has been making high-quality audio recording devices and interfaces for many years. They are a trusted name in the industry and have been providing musicians and recording artist with high-quality products for years. However, their devices have always been expensive and out of reach of many musicians. The M-Audio AIR 2X2 is a 2 channel audio interface that sells for significantly less than the competition. It is a high-quality interface that is easy to setup and use. The AIR 2X2 will allow you to record audio into your computer from any external device.

Overall, the AIR 2X2 is a good product for the price and the price is good for the product. Two high quality preamps, 24 bit conversion, phantom power, and MIDI I/O are all features of this audio interface, which is a great value for the cost.

The Studio 24 2x2 is a two-in/two-out USB recording interface with a rugged all-metal chassis, low- noise preamps, direct monitor capability, and onboard phantom power. It is one of the most powerful, versatile, and cost-effective 2x2 USB recording interface available. It gives you unparalleled sonic quality and ease of use in an ultra-compact interface. With 24-bit resolution, you'll have plenty of headroom to track even the loudest guitar amps or fattest drum kits.

It works seamlessly with your Mac or PC computer. The Studio 24c gives you everything you need to make professional recordings. It sports a pair of PreSonus Studio-quality microphones with multiple polar patterns, a 1/4" instrument input with dedicated gain control, an on-board 48V phantom power supply, and a 3-channel mixer with a dry/wet control. You also get MIDI in/out and dual headphone outputs with separate volume controls.

The Studio 24c is a two-input, two-output interface designed for home musicians and audio enthusiasts. This compact interface offers plug-and-play simplicity and is compatible with any computer that has a USB port. When you're recording or performing live, you need the best possible sound quality – and that means a great-sounding interface. The PreSonus Studio 24 2x2 is a perfect choice for USB interfacing, offering two microphone/instrument inputs, two balanced TRS outputs, and four balanced TRS outputs for maximum versatility. You'll also get a full complement of studio I/O, including two preamps designed by the legendary Rupert Neve. The Studio 24 2x2 audio device is driver-free, so you can be up and running in a flash.

Today, it is not easy to find an affordable audio interface that is easy to use and sounds great. The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is the affordable, easy-to-use and great-sounding audio interface that you have been looking for.

When you are recording you want to make sure you have the best possible sound. That is why you need an audio interface that provides the best quality sound. The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 is an interface that allows you to record up to 96kHz/24-bit resolution and includes two combo input/output jacks and a zero-latency direct monitoring feature. The AudioBox is also USB 2.0 compatible, making it easy to connect to your computer. This device also allows for more recording options, as you are able to connect the interface to your computer and use it as a USB MIDI device.

It used to be that if you wanted to create high quality sound you had to spend a lot of money on a professional interface. However, that is no longer the case. Products such as PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 are revolutionizing the industry by providing high quality sound at an affordable price. This particular product is a USB audio interface that is powerful enough to record up to 96 kHz and 24-bit audio, which is perfect for professional studio quality recordings.

The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 is built for recording quality audio without breaking the bank. It provides an inexpensive way to record high quality music on your PC or Mac.

The U-PHORIA UM2 is a 2-in/2-out USB 2.0 audio interface with outstanding sound quality. The highly efficient 24-bit/96 kHz converters and the unique 'one knob' preamp gain make the U-PHORIA UM2 a true 'plug-and-play' solution for home studio recording. The interface is a 2-in/2-out USBdevice with a single microphone preamp. So you can record vocals or musical instruments directly to your computer. It's simple to use, you just plug in your instruments and start recording. No other gear or software is required. And since it's a direct digital connection, you get the best sound quality possible.

The integrations with your DAW are transparent. The U-Phoria UM2 is a smart, cost-effective way to improve the quality of your home studio output. The Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 is an audio interface that can be used with your PC and Mac. It features a XENYX preamp, USB 2.0 audio interface and 24-bit/96 kHz resolution. It offers a complete solution that gives you everything you need to easily make professional recordings of vocals, guitar, or any other audio source.

Affordable portable recording? That's what you'll get with the Behringer U-PHORIA UM2. And, trust us when we tell you that this is one sweet little audio interface. It's great for recording vocals, guitars and other sources. With this, not only will you have affordable portable recording, but you'll also have a very compact, handy portable audio interface as well.