The Best Preamp Audio Interfaces for a Cleaner, More Useful Desk

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.

The gap between this and Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface isn't in the essentials, it shows up in 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.

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.

The new generation of the songwriter's interface: plug in your mic and guitar and let scarlett solo 4th gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music. With a huge 120db dynamic range, the newest generation of scarlett uses the same converters as focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios.

Held up against Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is scarlett 4th gen's improved air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings.

Go with this pick 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.

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all - USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48khz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / line / instrument inputs with phantom power.

Weighing this against Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface, everything you demand from an audio interface for fuss-free monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/direct switch for zero latency monitoring ends up being the detail that matters most for most buyers.

This one is the right call 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.

The synido 2x2 audio interface uses a high-quality independent audio chip to reduce recording latency, support 24-bit depth and 48khz sampling rate, and ensure every detail is restored. The audio interface provides three monitoring modes to meet different needs.

35mm and XLR microphones, which are compatible with various devices.

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.

Piyone plug-and-play USB c audio interface.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface covers similar ground, though elegant design with illuminated control is what tips the choice one way or the other.

This one is the right call 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.

The new generation of the artist's interface: connect your mic to scarlett's 4th gen mic pres. With a huge 120db dynamic range, the newest generation of scarlett uses the same converters as focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface covers similar ground, though never lose a great take: scarlett 4th gen's auto gain sets the well suited level for your mic or guitar, and clip safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music is what tips the choice one way or the other.

This one is the right call if you are willing to spend the most in this comparison for the fuller feature set that comes with it. Driver stability can vary by operating system version, so check recent user reports for your specific OS before buying.

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all, USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. 2 in/2 out and connect more devices: the portable audio interface has 2 jacks: 2 combo XLR/mic/line inputs with phantom power for recording guitar, vocals or line-in signals.

Held up against Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface, both cover the basics equally well, what actually separates them is 48v phantom power: for reliable power, the stage audio mixer is equipped with +48v phantom power.

This fits best 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.

Podcast, record, live stream, this portable audio interface covers it all - USB sound card for mac or PC delivers 48khz audio resolution for pristine recording every time. Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with one combo XLR / line input with phantom power and one line / instrument input.

Side by side with Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface, the real difference worth noting is everything you demand from an audio interface for fuss-free monitoring - 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/direct switch for zero latency monitoring.

This one is the right call 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.