Top 10 Best Audio Interfaces Under $1000 (December 2023)

The incredibly designed Apollo 8 from Universal Audio is a phenomenal rack-mount interface. Its ability to reach a high level of dynamic range allows for extreme clarity, depth, and intimate accuracy on any recording. With plenty of connectivity options, it’s possible to chain a few of them together. In the attempt to find the most optimal sound recording experience.

If you’re looking for create professional sounding recordings one thing is for sure. You’re going to require a professional industry leading audio interface. Something that will perform with the precision and stability needed for larger more demanding sessions. Cue in the Avid HD I/O. A high-performance Pro Tools HD|Seris 8 x 8 x 8 analog and digital audio interface. One that’s designed to completely integrate with Pro Tools HD|Systems. The interface features premium A/D and D/A conversion and advanced circuitry. Giving you pristine sound quality and clarity and the lowest possible latency.

The Apollo offers a huge improvement on Universal’s audio interface predecessors. HD I/O features premium A/D and D/A conversion. Allowing you to experience improved audio fidelity and a sweeping dynamic range. Not to mention ultra-low jitter and the lowest possible latency in your recording sessions. With specific configurations, you can make use of built-in sample rate conversion. As well as a soft clip tool for hassle-free recording.

The Apollo I/O is delivered in three arrangements, so you have the option of picking the interface that best fits your connectivity needs. Additionally, you can increase your digital or analog I/O. By simply installing an HD I/O option card into one of the unused bays. You can install a single option card in HD I/O 8x8x8. Or a maximum of two additional cards in HD I/O 16×16 Digital. Although the HD I/O 16×16 Analog arrives with the max number of four cards, you can optimize your I/O by switching any card.

The Apollo audio interfaces completely integrate with Pro Tools|HD. You can achieve high levels of dependability, performance, and command of your outputs, inputs, and routing. Straight from within your Pro Tools interface. You’ll also experience an increased music production quality and improved workflow fluidity than with any previous interface. If you desire to use your interface with Pro Tools| HD and alternative DAW software, you’re able to do so with ease.

Finding a great audio interface will improve the capability of your production setup and the quality of your sound. Let’s recap how you should choose the correct mac audio interface thats right for you. Start by gaining a general understanding of how you would want to connect your setup. Then consider the live instruments that you will be using. There are lots of audio interfaces on the market that are affordable, durable and support a wide array of amazing features that will get you on track to capture your required sound.

Desktop compatible interfaces are a great option for Entry and Mid-Level Producers. Rack-mounted interfaces are perfect additions to Mid-Level and Pro-Level producers. Producers who have vast audio production knowledge and are looking to ramp up their output to the max.

Making music with a simple setup of headphones and a laptop can only get you so far. At some point audio production becomes an issue. Having a well routed and professionally optimized music production setup will greatly enrich your sound design, production and workflow.

RME's best-of-class universal audio interface is a worthy successor to the Fireface 800, the "king of the hill" for many years. It offers the most natural, transparent audio path of any interface on the planet: The UFX II combines its superior A/D converters with RME's unique low-latency ASIO2 and Core Audio drivers. It is a high-end professional interface with a USB 2.0 connection. The Fireface device provides a wide range of connections, including FireWire, optical and coaxial digital, analog xlr, and MIDI. It is an interface which can be used in all areas of music-making, from recording to live performance.

The Fireface UFX II is a 16-In/16-Out USB 2.0 interface with two mic preamps, Hi-Z instrument input x2, MIDI I/O and S/PDIF I/O. It's one of the best usb audio interface models available. The Fireface device comes with the DIGICheck metering/routing/mixing/mastering software to get you started right away. It comes equipped with two analog microphone preamplifiers with three configurable inputs, two analog line inputs, two analog line outputs, and MIDI I/O.

Featuring the latest technology and an incredible ease of use, the RME UFX II is the new top model in the Fireface UFX series of USB interfaces. Perfect for any application that requires the highest quality audio. The Fireface UFX II is the ultimate replacement to the original UFX for the ultimate high-end audio experience on Mac and PC.

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).

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.

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

Focusrite's new OctoPre MkII is an 8-channel audio interface, featuring one of Focusrite's award-winning Red microphone preamplifiers. This interface gives you an 8-channel mixer with phantom power as well as analogue inputs and outputs and digital connectors for ADAT, S/PDIF and USB 2.0. It also includes Focusrite's Soft Limit technology, which ensures that the analogue inputs and outputs never overload and that the interface always performs at its optimum level. This device is perfect for those starting out with recording who want to get a mix of analogue and digital recording, or anyone who wants a compact, portable interface. Although none of these are considered budget audio interface models. This is probably the cheapest available from our recommendations.

The Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre is a high-performance interface that is designed for producers and musicians who want to make professional recordings. This unit has eight pristine-sounding Scarlett mic preamps for outstanding RMS noise performance and the digital audio conversion is 24-bit, at up to 96 kHz. The Focusrite Scarlett OctoPre is designed for producers and musicians who want to make professional recordings. This unit has eight pristine-sounding Scarlett mic preamps for outstanding RMS noise performance and the digital audio conversion is 24-bit, at up to 96 kHz.

Featuring eight award-winning Focusrite preamps, Focusrite USB audio interfaces are the best-sounding and most reliable you can buy. The new Scarlett range has been completely redesigned to give you the best sounding and most reliable USB audio interfaces in the world. The Scarlett range includes 6 distinct models, each with super-low latency* that lets you record vocals, audio or instrument input directly to your computer with no delay, and without the need for any external hardware. This interface also features an LED-backlit digital display to show sample rate, audio and peak levels.

The Antelope Audio Zen Tour is a portable USB Audio Interface that contains Antelope's award-winning 24-bit / 192 kHz Analog-to-Digital converters and Digital-to-Analog converters, as well as Zero Latency Monitoring technology, making it the go-to interface for traveling musicians, DJs or anyone who is on the road. The Zen Tour is an interface with performance, versatility and ease of use unsurpassed in the industry. Antelope's innovative design eliminates the need to make complex choices and trade-offs. With the Zen Tour, you get it all. Streamlined control and simple operation is further enhanced with exclusive Plug-And-Play presets, which are optimized for the most popular audio recording and live performance applications.

As a compact USB audio interface that includes microphone preamplifiers with adjustable gain, headphone amplifiers. As well as an advanced DSP mixer. The Zen Tour is a complete solution for recording a band, singer/songwriter, or solo musical performance. The Zen Tour's input channels are loaded with premium-grade components that are hand-picked from the Antelope Audio sound bard for their sonic purity and transparency.

The Zen Tour has an extremely powerful yet highly intuitive design that makes recording and mixing extremely easy. It is the perfect choice for recording musicians, vocalists, and sound engineers. It is designed with the professional musician in mind, who needs to capture audio in the most straightforward way possible.

There are so many audio interfaces on the market today that are unreliable. As a result, many musicians and home studio owners spend a lot of money on equipment they will end up having to replace. The RME Fireface UC is an audio interface that has been designed to be reliable. It has a rugged all-metal casing that will protect it from all kinds of damage, including high temperatures and humidity. Its internal circuits are based on a new technology that has been tested under extreme conditions, including high temperature and humidity. The result is a product that will provide you with years of trouble-free service.

The RME Fireface UC is the newest Fireface unit from RME. It is the first professional audio interface with Thunderbolt interface. The RME Fireface UC is a highly flexible, ultra-low latency 24-bit/192 kHz interface for USB 2.0, FireWire and Thunderbolt. The RME Fireface UC is an 8-in, 8-out audio interface for mobile musicians and home studios. It features two combination inputs on the front that can be used as microphone or line inputs, and is equipped with two further balanced line inputs and on the back.

With a RME Fireface UC, you can record your own music and have your own podcast. You can even make money from it. If you want to be successful at creating your own music, you must be able to produce the best quality music. The RME Fireface UC is the one product that can help you to achieve this goal.

Presonus Quantum is the first audio interface to combine the sonic character of an analog console with the flexible connectivity, state-of-the-art digital technology, and world-class audio processing of a state-of-the-art digital workstation. With Quantum, recording and mixing engineers can now seamlessly meld the best of analog and digital technologies, and use the same amazing interface for both live recording and studio production.

The Presonus Quantum is the right tool for any project, large or small. It provides the quality, flexibility and cost-effectiveness that professionals need. This device is the heart of a project studio, but it's also an excellent choice for anyone starting a home studio, a mobile rig or a small church sound system. It is an audio interface for Mac and Windows that utilizes true 32-bit analog-to-digital converters and delivers the best audio quality that we've ever heard from an interface in this price range.

Presonus Quantum is the ultimate professional recording interface for the home studio. This full-featured USB 2.0 and thunderbolt audio interface is capable of 24-bit/192 kHz audio quality. With outstanding mic preamps, unique direct monitoring capabilities and pristine digital conversion. You will get professional-quality recordings with the Presonus Quantum.

The Quantum delivers the quality and performance you expect from Presonus, now at an affordable price.

The MOTU 828es has to be our favourite audio interface featured on the list. Why? Well, it offers so much functionality and in-turn, ease of use, that we can’t not love it.

Firstly, this is a rack-mountable interface that has both USB and Thunderbolt connectivity, which is quite rare to see.

It comes with 28-inputs and 32-outputs ranging from the mass of available XLR/TRS, Line, MIDI, ADAT and S/PDIF ports.

Due to the quality of its internal circuitry, and the ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology, it can provide an impressive 1.6ms of round-trip latency, which is less than any other interface featured on this list.

And whilst we’re on the topic of the ESS Sabre32 Dac Technology, this is the same technology used in MOTU’s ultra-expensive 1248 model.

However, the really attractive part of using the MOTU 828es is the ability to remotely control the interface, using any device, via the web-app feature, which is ideal for recording/live situations where you want to see how something sounds from another physical location. As well as this, the MOTU 828es can be expanded, by adding up to 5 additional MOTU devices together, in case your home/professional studio needs to expand operations.

Additionally, the unit provides a talkback mic, A/B mix buttons, and even the ability to connect a footswitch to remotely control the talkback microphone, whilst you’re busy using your hands.

Overall, when taking into account all of the above, including the pros and (not so many) cons, it’s clear why we really like the MOTU 828es.

Compatibility

• Mac & PC, iOS*, Android* & Linux*
• Supports all major DAWs

Features

• 28-in/32-out audio interface
• A very well-known and reputable brand
• Rackmountable
• Sturdy aluminum metal chassis
• Near to zero-latency (1.6ms according to their website)
• Check mixes instantly with A/B buttons
• Web app control from any device (iOS, Android, Linux, Mac, PC, etc)
• Ability to expand network and connect up to 5 MOTU interfaces
• Plenty of input/output types
• Talkback mic
• Warranty: 2-Year Manufacturers Warranty

Technical Specs

• Thunderbolt 2 (Thunderbolt 3 compatible) & USB 2.0 connectivity (USB 3.0 compatible)
• 28-in / 32-out
• 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs
• 8 Line inputs
• 8 Line outputs
• MIDI input/output
• 2 x ADAT optical input/output
• S/PDIF input/output
• Powered by a power supply
• 24-bit/96kHz resolution
• 48v Phantom power

Pros

• Built-in talkback microphone (and remote use using a footswitch)
• A/B mix buttons
• Less than 1.6ms round-trip latency
• 2-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

The MOTU UltraLite AVB interface definitely holds up as being a high-quality audio interface, and that’s apparent from the customer review ratings.

The interface provides 36 audio channels, providing 10 analog inputs alongside 8 analog outputs, in which there is a selection of XLR and Line ports (we’ve provided the specifics in the technical specs section). Additionally, it includes an optical input/output to increase the overall input and output capability.

It’s compatible with both a PC and a Mac, via a USB 2.0 connection (although it’s compatible with USB 3.0), offering high data transfer speeds and minimal latency.

Additionally, the Ultralite AVB digital mixer provides 48 channels and 12 busses, all of which can even be controlled with your Mac, Windows, Linux, iOS and Android device, by using the web app served by the physical hardware itself… Perfect for recording or performance environments.

Not to mention, the UltraLite AVB can be further expanded, using the MOTU AVB Switch, which enables you to connect up to five MOTU interfaces, so the possibilities are endless.

MOTU's UltraLite AVB interface makes it possible to record up to four channels of audio at once, to a Mac or PC, with Mac and Windows drivers. You get eight high-performance preamps, pristine A/D, and a price point that's more than a bargain. MOTU's premium 8x8 audio interface for Mac and Windows is perfect for home recording, podcasting, audio-for-video, live sound-for-video, and multimedia applications. With its excellent sound quality and reliable performance, UltraLite is ideal for musicians, podcasters, photographers, videographers and video enthusiasts. With its convenient size and price, UltraLite AVB is perfect for mobile Mac or Windows recording setups - it's also ideal for home-theater PC users. UltraLite AVB includes all the essential inputs and outputs you need for recording eight simultaneous audio tracks and delivering great-sounding playback through a connected computer.

Ultra-compact, lightweight, and portable, MOTU's UltrLite AVB is the perfect companion for the traveling musician. Whether you're gigging with a laptop-based rig or on the go with a notebook or mac. MOTU's interface lets you record anywhere, anytime. Whether you're a musician, producer, engineer, or just a music-loving road warrior, UltrLite AVB can make your life easier and your music better.

Designed to offer state-of-the-art audio performance and routing in a compact form. The Ultralite AVB is a groundbreaking interface in many ways, including the fact that it is the smallest high-performance AVB audio interface available today. It is a perfect solution for home studios that require the highest quality audio and uncompromised 24-bit/192 kHz audio performance.