Buying Guide

The Best Audient Audio Interfaces for Everyday Desk Work

We looked at 8 audient audio interfaces side by side, with the trade-offs that separate them and who each one suits.

By Jamie Cole, Lead Product Researcher

11 min read8 products evaluated

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Best Audient Audio Interfaces cover a wide input-count range. That means marketing copy alone is risky.

This roundup weighs honest gain and connection type, given that this is the real gap to watch.

Quick Picks

Our 8 recommendations at a glance. Tap a pick for the full verdict.

  1. Best Overall

    Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII

    Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

    Our take Check price for Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII (opens in a new tab)

  2. Also Worth Considering

    Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII (opens in a new tab)

  3. Solid Alternative

    Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  4. Another Strong Option

    Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  5. Best Premium Pick

    Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it

    Our take Check price for Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  6. Worth a Look

    Audient ID14-MkII

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Audient ID14-MkII (opens in a new tab)

  7. Best Value

    Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

    Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use

    Our take Check price for Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface (opens in a new tab)

  8. Also Worth Considering

    Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface Bundle with 2 Instrument Cables

    Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

    Our take Check price for Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface Bundle with 2 Instrument Cables (opens in a new tab)

Our Picks

Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII

Best Overall1 of 8

Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII is the top pick in this comparison.

Best for

Buyers who want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around

Why we like it

Due to the great success of the audient id4, the audio experts had the project to bring the successor id4 mkii to the next outstanding sonic level. Thanks to new transducer technology and class-a microphone preamplifier from audient's high-end asp8024 he console, home recording is taken to the next level.

, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII.

Go with this pick if you want the strongest all-around pick in this comparison and would rather not keep shopping around. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • The new successor
  • Harmonious overall package
  • New connector

Pros

  • The new successor
  • Harmonious overall package
  • New connector
  • Long life

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII

Also Worth Considering2 of 8

Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Due to the great success of the audient id14, the audio experts had the project to bring the successor id14 mkii to the next outstanding sonic level. Thanks to new transducer technology and two class-a microphone preamps from audient's high-end asp8024 he console, home recording is taken to the next level.

Weighing this against Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII, the new audient id14 mkii now has a high-speed USB-C connector, so handling is easier and power supply is improved! Ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • The new successor
  • Harmonious overall package
  • New connector

Pros

  • The new successor
  • Harmonious overall package
  • New connector
  • Long life

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface

Solid Alternative3 of 8

Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

2 x class-an audient console mic preamps: every id interface features the audient console mic preamp, the same discrete circuit design found in our renowned recording console the asp8024-he. Class leading ad/da converters: hear every nuance, every aspect of your audio with id24’s class leading converters.

Side by side with Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII, the real difference worth noting is 1 x ADAT input & output allows expandability: be ready to expand when you need to tackle bigger sessions like recording drums or a live band with id24’s optical input and output connections.

This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • 2 x class-an audient console mic preamps
  • Class leading ad/da converters
  • 1 x ADAT input & output allows expandability

Pros

  • 2 x class-an audient console mic preamps
  • Class leading ad/da converters
  • 1 x ADAT input & output allows expandability
  • 2 x fully balanced inserts

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface

Another Strong Option4 of 8

Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Macos, windows, ios (requires USB hub that can be powered) / 2 x evo microphone pre. High definition high performance akm converter/sample rate: 24bit/96khz/smart gain.

Smart touch point/jfet instrument input/speaker output/headphone output, which is the main thing that distinguishes this pick from Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII.

This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Compatible os
  • High definition high performance akm converter/sample rate
  • Smart touch point/jfet instrument input/speaker output/headphone output

Pros

  • Compatible os
  • High definition high performance akm converter/sample rate
  • Smart touch point/jfet instrument input/speaker output/headphone output
  • Super rotency / loop back function /

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface

Best Premium Pick5 of 8

Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface is the priciest pick in this lineup.

Best for

Buyers who are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it

Why we like it

USB-C audio interface with 8 preamps. 2 headphone outputs - macos/windows.

Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII is a reasonable point of comparison here, close enough that the actual listing details are worth checking before deciding between them.

This fits best if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • USB-C audio interface with 8 preamps
  • 2 headphone outputs - macos/windows
  • 2 instrument inputs

Pros

  • USB-C audio interface with 8 preamps
  • 2 headphone outputs - macos/windows
  • 2 instrument inputs
  • 16-channel ADAT I/o

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Audient ID14-MkII

Worth a Look6 of 8

Audient ID14-MkII on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient ID14-MkII is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

Dedicated talkback technology which helps you to use any audio source connected to your computer such as a built in or USB microphone as your talkback mic, freeing up valuable mic pres for recording. Advanced monitoring features to the id button, including dim, cut, polarity reverse, mono sum, talkback or cue mix monitoring.

Side by side with Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII, the real difference worth noting is 2 x audient console mic preamps.

Choose this if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Dedicated talkback technology which helps
  • Advanced monitoring features to the id button
  • 2 x audient console mic preamps

Pros

  • Dedicated talkback technology which helps
  • Advanced monitoring features to the id button
  • 2 x audient console mic preamps
  • Both jack and mini jack connection

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface

Best Value7 of 8

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface is the most affordable pick here that still clears the capability floor for this category.

Best for

Buyers who want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use

Why we like it

Pro performance with great pre-amps - achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the scarlett 3rd gen. Get the well suited guitar and vocal take with - with two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through.

Held up against Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - achieve pro sounding recordings with scarlett 3rd gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192khz.

Choose this if you want a capable pick without paying for headroom you won't use. Bundled software licenses vary by retailer and aren't always the full paid version, so check the specific bundle before assuming you get everything advertised.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Pro performance with great pre-amps
  • Get the well suited guitar and vocal take
  • Studio quality recording for your music

Pros

  • Pro performance with great pre-amps
  • Get the well suited guitar and vocal take
  • Studio quality recording for your music
  • Low-noise for crystal clear listening

Cons

  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions
  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface Bundle with 2 Instrument Cables

Also Worth Considering8 of 8

Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface Bundle with 2 Instrument Cables on Amazon (opens in a new tab)

Audient ID24 USB-C Audio Interface Bundle with 2 Instrument Cables is a strong alternative worth comparing directly against the top pick.

Best for

Buyers who want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly

Why we like it

A THD+n figure of 112db combined with a dynamic range of 126db results in enormous headroom, extremely low noise, and undetectable distortion. All id interfaces come with the audient console mic preamp, which is a discrete circuit design that is also present in our well-known asp8024-he recording console.

Side by side with Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII, the real difference worth noting is the audient id24 comes with +48v phantom power, -10db pad, and highpass filter switches.

This fits best if you want a genuine alternative to the top pick with a different tradeoff worth comparing directly. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Key dimensions & specs

  • Class leading converters
  • Two class-an audient console mic preamps
  • 48v, pad, and hpf switches

Pros

  • Class leading converters
  • Two class-an audient console mic preamps
  • 48v, pad, and hpf switches
  • 1 x ADAT input & output

Cons

  • Driver stability can vary by operating system version
  • Bundled software licenses vary and aren't always full versions

How We Chose These Audient Audio Interfaces

Each pick was assessed across 5 criteria weighted for real-world use.

Input Count vs Simultaneous Sources
Input count should be set by your worst-case recording session, not your average one: it's the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll ever need running at the exact same time.
Preamp Gain and Noise Floor
A preamp boosts a microphone's naturally quiet signal to a usable recording level, and how much clean gain it provides before introducing audible hiss determines whether quieter microphones sound clear or noisy.
Connection type affects real-world recording latency more than most buyers realize: USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring in the vast majority of home setups, while Thunderbolt's lower latency mainly pays off in larger multi-channel professional rigs.
Bit Depth and Sample Rate
Bit depth determines the dynamic range of your recording, with 24-bit now the professional standard and a meaningful step up from older 16-bit recording in headroom before clipping.
Bus-Powered vs External Power Supply
Whether an interface is bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection alone, or requires a separate power adapter changes how portable and simple your setup actually is.

What to Look for in an Audient Audio Interface

Key buying criteria so you get the right fit the first time.

  1. Input Count vs Simultaneous Sources

    Input count should be set by your worst-case recording session, not your average one: it's the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll ever need running at the exact same time. A single-input interface handles a solo vocalist fine, but an interview or duet needs two inputs simultaneously regardless of how often that happens.

  2. Preamp Gain and Noise Floor

    A preamp boosts a microphone's naturally quiet signal to a usable recording level, and how much clean gain it provides before introducing audible hiss determines whether quieter microphones sound clear or noisy. Interfaces with 55 to 60 DB of clean gain comfortably handle most dynamic and ribbon microphones without noticeable hiss. Check the specific gain figure in DB and cross-reference it against the microphone you actually plan to use.

  3. Connection type affects real-world recording latency more than most buyers realize: USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring in the vast majority of home setups, while Thunderbolt's lower latency mainly pays off in larger multi-channel professional rigs. Check for a stated round-trip latency figure at a standard buffer size before assuming Thunderbolt is worth the added cost for your setup.

  4. Bit Depth and Sample Rate

    Bit depth determines the dynamic range of your recording, with 24-bit now the professional standard and a meaningful step up from older 16-bit recording in headroom before clipping. 1kHz to 192kHz, determines how many times per second audio is captured, with higher rates capturing more high-frequency detail but diminishing practical benefit for most home recording. Check that your interface supports at least 24-bit/48kHz.

  5. Bus-Powered vs External Power Supply

    Whether an interface is bus-powered, drawing power from the USB connection alone, or requires a separate power adapter changes how portable and simple your setup actually is. Compact 1-2 input models are usually bus-powered, while higher-channel-count interfaces more often need external power. Check the listing specifically rather than assuming a fully portable, single-cable setup.

How to Choose an Audient Audio Interface

Solo vocalist or single instrumentFocusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII
Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface

Lowest price in this lineupFocusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface
Audient Audio Interface ID14 MKII
Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface

Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII)
Works on virtually any modern computer, often runs on bus power alone, plenty of speed for a small home setup at a lower price.
Lower latency and higher bandwidth for larger channel counts, but costs more and needs a Thunderbolt port.

Most home studio and podcasting buyers should default to USB.

By Bit Depth and Sample Rate

24-bit standard, suitable for most home recordingAudient Audio Interface ID4 MKII
Verify your DAW's actual project settings firstCheck your recording software is configured to match

For Podcasting and Streaming Specifically

Low-latency direct monitoring so you can hear your own voice without delay while recording or streaming live.
Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII is worth checking against its specific direct-monitoring spec before assuming any interface handles live monitoring equally well.

You regularly record multiple sources at once and want the best all-around pick, where Audient ID48 USB-C Audio Interface justifies the extra cost.
You're recording a single source, where Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface already covers the job at the lowest price here.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an audio interface if I already have a USB microphone?

No, a USB microphone already contains its own basic audio interface internally; a separate interface is only needed if you want to use an XLR microphone, record multiple sources at once, or want better preamp quality.

How many inputs do I actually need?

Count the maximum number of separate sound sources you'll realistically record in a single take, not your total microphone collection; a solo vocalist typically needs just one input, while an interview needs at least two.

Is Thunderbolt worth it over USB for a home studio?

Usually not for a 1-2 input home setup. USB now delivers latency low enough for real-time monitoring on most systems, and Thunderbolt's main advantage mostly matters for larger professional multi-channel setups.

What does 'bus-powered' mean on an audio interface?

It means the interface draws power directly from your computer's USB connection, so no separate power adapter is needed, simplifying setup, especially useful for a portable or minimal desk arrangement.

Do I need 24-bit or is 16-bit enough for recording?

24-bit is the current professional standard and gives meaningfully more headroom before clipping than 16-bit, and the vast majority of modern interfaces, including entry-level models, now support it by default.

Can I use an audio interface with my phone or tablet?

Some interfaces support mobile devices via USB-C, but check the specific listing for IOS or Android compatibility and power requirements, since not every USB interface is designed to draw power correctly from a mobile device.

Bottom Line

Best overall: Audient Audio Interface ID4 MKII — best overall pick in this roundup. See the full verdicts above for every pick, with pros, cons and who each one suits.

Browse all audient audio interfaces on Amazon — Prime-eligible options with current pricing.