Best Small Audio Interfaces On The Market

Top 10 Best Small Audio Interfaces On The Market (March 2024)

The Best Small Audio Interfaces On The Market (March 2024)

The best small audio interfaces offer fantastic opportunities to record high quality audio from several sources with minimal latency. Small audio interfaces don't have to be low quality. Today some of the best small interfaces are very high quality. However as with most technology, combining high quality with small sized usually leads to the device being quite costly.

Small audio interfaces range from table top devices that can be carried in a backpack, through to pocket sized incredibly compact and durable audio interfaces. Some come with full colour LED/LCD displays for input and output levels, others offer portability by being powered by batteries.

Whether you're looking to record a keyboard, guitar or vocals, the best way to setup your recording station is to plug into your computer and make tracks via an audio interface. Low and zero latency models are considered to be the best audio interface options on the market.

Whatever type of audio interface you're looking for we've tried to find the audio interfaces with the best features. While still being considered a great small audio interface.

The Best Small Audio Interfaces On The Market Buyers Guide (March 2024)

  • 1. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo (APLTWDII)
  • 2. Antelope Audio Antelope Zen Tour
  • 3. RME Audio Interface (BABYFACEPRO)
  • 4. IK Multimedia AXE I/O
  • 5. Apogee One
  • 6. iZotope Spire Studio
  • 7. Audient iD4
  • 8. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
  • 9. Zoom UAC-2
  • 10. Roland Rubix24
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo (APLTWDII) Image

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo (APLTWDII)

  • ✔ Handles processing, instead of overworking your PC/Mac
  • ✔ Built-in talkback microphone
  • ✔ Less than 2ms round-trip latency
  • ✔ Ultra high-quality audio interface

Ultra high-quality, low latency audio interface

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo (APLTWDII) - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

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

Antelope Audio Antelope Zen Tour Image

Antelope Audio Antelope Zen Tour

  • ✔ 24-bit, 192 kHz audio and Antelope’s signature flawless conversion
  • ✔ Guitar amp modeling and effects processing with virtually 0 latency
  • ✔ Touchscreen control panel
  • ✔ 32 channels via Thunderbolt and 24 channels on USB

If you want a high-quality audio interface for studio, rehearsals and gigs you have to look at this.

Antelope Audio Antelope Zen Tour - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

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.


RME Audio Interface (BABYFACEPRO) Image

RME Audio Interface (BABYFACEPRO)

  • ✔ Extremely portable
  • ✔ Bus-powered or mains powered
  • ✔ Premium quality product
  • ✔ Pricey when considering input/output capacity

Ultra portable and a customer favourite

RME Audio Interface (BABYFACEPRO) - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

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

IK Multimedia AXE I/O Image

IK Multimedia AXE I/O

  • ✔ 3 different preamp circuits to choose from
  • ✔ Amp output for easy re-amping
  • ✔ Seamless amplitude integration
  • ✔ A professional 2 in/5 out audio interface and controller

IK Multimedia has one of the most well-regarded software guitar amp systems attainable in AmpliTube.

IK Multimedia AXE I/O - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

IK Multimedia has one of the most well-regarded software guitar amp systems attainable in AmpliTube. They have decided to combine that software technology with a new premium audio interface packed full of features perfect for any guitarist. It’s called the AXE I/O — well, of course, it is!

  • 2 in / 5 out 24-bit, 192 kHz audio interface with 2 mic preamps, 2 instrument inputs
  • ACTIVE / PASSIVE pick-up selector matches your guitar’s pickups for ideal gain levels
  • Z-Tone adjustable impedance control coaxes a wider range of tones from your instrument
  • PURE and JFET instrument input channels keeps your sound totally clean or adds subtle saturation
  • Low noise AMP OUT for easy re-amping without the need for additional direct boxes or splitters
  • Register to receive a massive software bundle with AmpliTube 4 Deluxe, Ableton Live 10 Lite and 10 T-RackS mixing plug-ins

AXE I/O is a 2 input, 5 output audio interface in a ruggedized rack style box. On the input, there’s a “Z-Tone” impedance adapting circuit that matches up to your pickups. It is however, switchable between passive and active. The fully discrete input circuit has a choice of Pure or Class A JFET. These take you from transparent to tube-like at the throw of a switch. The unexpected 5th output is an “Amp Out” designed to go straight to a guitar amplifier. You can process your recordings through external gear rather than committing them to your project.

All the guitar amp and cabinet modeling are done in the included AmpliTube 4 Deluxe. With over 140 ultra-accurate models of guitar and bass amps, cabs, pedals, mics and more. You can dial in what you require via the front preset knob. On the back are two pedal inputs for expressive control that can be mapped directly to the software. They’ve even integrated a guitar tuner directly on the front panel.

And, like the Sono, it will do all the monitoring as well as the audio recordings. The AXE I/O also has a handy MIDI In and Out port for connecting keyboards or floorboard controllers.


Apogee One Image

Apogee One

  • ✔ Built-in microphone
  • ✔ Usb 2.0 connection for Mac
  • ✔ Die Cast aluminum chassis
  • ✔ Direct monitoring

Make no mistake, this audio interface is fantastic.

Apogee One - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

Apogee has been making the world's finest audio interfaces for nearly 20 years. From the original Duet to the new One, the Apogee family has expanded to include a product for every budget and application. The Apogee One is a USB 2.0 Hi-Speed audio interface with the same sound quality you're used to, at a price that won't break the bank. Studio-quality microphone preamplifiers, ultra-low noise preamps, crisp AD/DA conversion and a total lack of coloration make One ideal for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, electric guitar, drums, and more. The Apogee One is ideal for musicians, songwriters and producers who want to record in their home, project studio or professional studio.

Being a simple, elegant interface, the Apogee One can be used with a variety of Mac and Windows computers. It has a single microphone/instrument input, a single headphone output, and a generous mixing knob that allows you to adjust the amount of your instruments and vocals in the final mix. It's everything you need to record professional-quality tracks at home or on the go.

The Apogee One features two high-quality, Class A XMAX microphone preamplifiers. These have been considered the industry standard for sound quality in recording for over 30 years, and they're found in some of the best studios in the world. This device offers a simple way to record professional-quality music on a computer.


iZotope Spire Studio Image

iZotope Spire Studio

  • ✔ Very unique design
  • ✔ Record, edit, mix and share tracks from your phone
  • ✔ Professional microphone with award winning sound processing technology
  • ✔ Compatible with Android, iOS and iPad

The iZotope Spire Studio is an audio interface designed with the traveling musician in mind.

iZotope Spire Studio - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Spire Studio is a top-of-the-line, premium desktop interface designed for creating amazing sounding recordings with the utmost fidelity. You can record, edit, and share your music with low-latency performance, thanks to the latest USB technology in iZotope's compact interface. The iZotope Spire Studio is a mobile recording setup that combines the functionality of a portable audio interface with the processing power of a full-featured DAW. Spire Studio's transformer-based audio path offers you a broad range of analog and digital recording and monitoring options.

This is a smaller interface that fits in a backpack, but it offers the same sound quality as many larger, more expensive interfaces. It also offers the ability to create up to eight channels of audio. The Spire Studio is a great entry-level interface that provides you with all the necessary tools for recording great-sounding tracks. It has two XLR or balanced TRS inputs for your microphones, as well as two XLR/TRS combo inputs that support both mic and line level signals. You can also add your own headphones for monitoring with dedicated input controls.

The iZotope Spire Studio is the most complete audio recording solution available for audio enthusiasts, podcasters, musicians, and composers. It is a USB-powered audio interface with two condenser microphones that create natural-sounding, studio-quality recordings. It is an uncomplicated powerhouse designed to get the best quality from your microphones, instruments, and other gear.

The Spire Studio from iZotope is a new breed of audio interface, designed for musicians who want high-quality audio, intuitive operation, portability and a stunning, eye-catching design. It can be used with a wide variety of recording and DAW (digital audio workstation) platforms, including Pro Tools, Logic Pro, Studio One, Reason and Ableton Live. The Spire Studio is compatible with most Mac and PC software. A fantastic looking device with all the performance needed for most home and portable recording studios.


Audient iD4 Image

Audient iD4

  • ✔ Zero-latency monitoring with monitor mix and pan
  • ✔ iD4’s Monitor Pan - create a balanced headphone mix
  • ✔ Monitor Mix feature lets you monitor a blend of both inputs and playbacks
  • ✔ Clean, punchy and musical character

The iD4 is a serious upgrade for any personal project studio or mobile setup.

Audient iD4 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Audient iD4 is a compact and powerful 2-in/ 4-out USB audio interface that is perfect for producers and musicians looking to create high quality recordings with their Mac or PC. With a combination of world-class analogue pre-amp circuitry and superb conversion. It provides a professional and reliable audio interface. The interface is designed to provide professional audio studios with the connectivity they need in a single unit. The iD4 is a brand new product to the Audient range, it is a simple 2 channel interface that uses an extremely reliable and proven audio engine.

At the heart of the iD4 is an advanced FPGA processor called the Hammer, which is capable of processing audio at sample rates of up to 192kHz. The Hammer allows this interface to operate at very low levels of latency, and is also used to process the device's digital outputs and its built-in headphone amplifier. Weighing in at less than 2kg the iD4 features a single mic preamp and 4 analogue channels of I/O on standard TRS jacks. By using a USB connection to your computer, the iD4 can have up to 7 analogue channels of I/O. It also has MIDI I/O and a hardware monitoring path to your DAW. The iD4 records from an unlimited number of digital sources via ADAT optical or SPDIF. The optical and SPDIF inputs can be routed to any of the analogue channels for monitoring.

The iD4 is the most affordable interface in Audient's range, and yet the company has squeezed some incredibly impressive technology into its compact body. It is a 2-channel high-end audio interface featuring Audient's award-winning preamps and AD/DA conversion. Suitable for home recording and project studios, the iD4 features portability.


Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Image

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6

  • ✔ High-quality pre-amps
  • ✔ Low-latency performance
  • ✔ Mono input switch for recording vocals or guitars
  • ✔ Direct monitoring for live

This is a great audio interface from industry favorite Native Instruments.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

Audio interfaces have been getting smaller and smaller in the last few years, with the introduction of the mini-jack. However, a low quality sound is still being produced through these mini-jack devices. The Native Instruments KA6 is a high quality interface that has been designed and manufactured to be used with a professional studio.

Native Instruments KA6 is designed to deliver a studio quality audio experience to your computer. It is designed by Native Instruments, a company that has been providing musicians with the best in music production equipment for years.

The Komplete Audio 6 is Native Instruments' most affordable interface ever. The new interface features the same high-quality preamps as the older models. As well as a host of upgrades that make it a bit easier to use.

The Native Instruments KA6 is the perfect solution for your home studio. It is easy to use, sounds great, and works with virtually any piece of recording software, such as Pro Tools. The audio interface is equipped with two microphone inputs with analog compression, phantom power, and high-quality 24-bit converters. It is also features stereo inputs for your instruments, a pair of balanced line outputs, and a single headphone output.

When it comes to recording, the quality of your recording equipment is important, especially if you want to record high quality audio. Native Instruments KA6 is used by professionals to record their tracks. It has a wide range of uses in any home recording studio. It is a perfect way to set up a home recording studio for those on a budget.


Zoom UAC-2 Image

Zoom UAC-2

  • ✔ Recording and playback up to 24-bit/192 kHz
  • ✔ 2 combo balanced XLR/TRS input connectors
  • ✔ Midi interface
  • ✔ Compatible with USB 3.0 Windows or Mac devices

The Zoom UAC-2 is a state-of-the-art audio interface complete with USB 3.0.

Zoom UAC-2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

Zoom's UAC-2 (Universal Audio Converter) is an easy-to-use USB audio interface that connects to your computer and instantly transforms it into a full-fledged recording studio. Built on a rock solid foundation of quality, flexibility and ease-of-use, the UAC-2 offers exceptional audio performance for both analog and digital audio. The Zoom UAC-2 is a digital recording interface designed for home-studio use. This two-input, two-output interface features two combo mic/instrument inputs with both XLR and 1/4" connectors. It also provides two TRS main outs, a headphone jack, and MIDI in/out jacks to connect to synths and other gear.

The Zoom UAC-2 is a 2-input, 2-output high-resolution audio interface that features built-in MIDI I/O. It connects to your Mac or PC via USB 2.0, providing two sets of high-impedance inputs, eight balanced outputs over XLR jacks, and a single MIDI In and Out. The UAC-2 is compatible with all major DAWs and provides ultra-high-quality 24-bit, 96 kHz audio that's ideal for recording, sound design, and other audio applications.

The Zoom UAC-2 lets you connect your instruments, microphones, and audio sources to your iPad or Mac computer and record studio-quality sound. It features two combo inputs with XLR/TRS combo jacks, one microphone preamp, and two Hi-Z instrument inputs. The UAC-2 record direct to iPad, iPhone, and Mac computers and is compatible with popular recording software such as GarageBand, Logic Pro, Pro Tools, and more.

If you are serious about making the highest quality recordings, the Zoom UAC-2 is the best tool for the job. This interface features superb quality preamps and is on offer at a great price. The interface is great for recording vocal and instrument tracks alike.


Roland Rubix24 Image

Roland Rubix24

  • ✔ MIDI In/Out ports
  • ✔ Extensively shielded, low-noise design
  • ✔ 2 low-noise mic preamps with XLR combo jacks
  • ✔ Compatible with mac, pc and iPad

The Roland Rubix24 is an audio interface which is really designed for recording and mixing purposes.

Roland Rubix24 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

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.


More Information Regarding Small Audio Interfaces (2024)

Connection Types

Small audio interfaces come with all sorts of connection types allowing you to connect to your computer via USB, thunderbolt & firewire to name a few. USB is the most popular and widely used mainly because it comes in many different forms ranging from Type-A, 2.0, & Micro USB through to the latest Type-C connections. Thunderbolt connections are the fastest. You'll find these are used on some of the more modern and high end audio interfaces available on the market.

Price Range

The price of top quality audio interfaces has fallen dramatically in recent years. This is great news if you're looking to get hold of a device that will give you a fantastic sound without costing the earth. This is because many brands have taken their previous generation audio interface models and repackaged them. Usually with some modern nuances to create a budget model of their current range. Don't be put off by this, these small audio interfaces are still great value. They might not have all the latest bells and whistles but they get the job done. Which means you don't need to pay substantial amounts of money for one.

Depending on what you want to achieve, you'll priorities different features when finding the best small audio interfaces for your situation. If space is an issue you'll look for a small to medium sized interface that provides you a great experience and end result while not taking up a large portion of your limited space. If you're in need of a portable audio interface then you'll probably rule out any rack mountable models. Instead you'll be looking for small battery powered usb audio interface.

Inputs & Outputs

Small audio interfaces come with a range of inputs and outputs. Some will have line inputs, mic preamps, headphone outputs, mic inputs & many other inputs and outputs. Make sure the model you consider has what you need. If you're kitting out a home studio then you'll be looking for the best audio interface which features (such as phantom power) the inputs and outputs you need at an affordable price range.

Some of the best small audio interfaces come with software as part of the package. Pro tools is a popular editing software that we've seen offered as part of audio interface packages in the past. Purchasing an audio interface that comes with a reputable editing software is a great way to justify paying more for your audio interface because you're saving money elsewhere.

What is an Audio Interface

In essence an audio interface allows you to take audio signals and pump them in and out of your computer. The decision on which one is right for you simply comes down to a combination of your budget and how you like to work. Simplistic models exist that simply convert analog audio signals to digital audio signals on the way to your computer. This is because your computer will have software such as pro tools that is able to understand digital audio signals. Allowing you to layer, manipulate and refine the sound and then pump out to a speaker or amplifier. The audio interface will convert your digital audio signals back to analog signals on the way out of your computer. This way the speaker is able to play the sound for you to hear. These types of audio interfaces are known as AD/DA (Analog to Digital/Digital to Analog) converters

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