The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: Our Picks of the Litter
Our picks of the finest audio interfaces released this year in different categories
3,6 / 5,0 | 
It’s that time of year when we look back at the most exciting releases. Here are some of the best audio interfaces introduced in 2024.
In this Article:
No matter what style of music you make, an audio interface remains a crucial part of your studio setup. It’s the primary connectivity hub between your DAW and the outside world. So, whether you use guitars or synths and drum machines, there are important features to look out for when selecting an interface that suits your workflow.
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024
While some audio interfaces have great mic preamps and AD/DA conversion, others provide a range of digital connectivity formats such as ADAT, AES/EBU, and S/PDIF. Remember this, especially if you’re creating an immersive mixing environment, because your needs are more on the monitoring side than simply the number of recording inputs.
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: Universal Audio Apollo X Gen 2
This year we also saw the UA Apollo X series refresh with the 2nd Generation of Twin X Duo, Twin X Quad, X4, X6, X8, X8P, and X16 audio interfaces with a choice of Essentials+, Studio+, and Ultimate+ plug-in bundles.
The new generation of Apollo X audio interfaces offers a range of improvements including upgraded D/A converters for the monitor and headphone outputs. In addition, there is now Sonarworks SoundID Integration, a useful Auto Gain function for the inputs, low-end management, and enhanced surround features.
What’s more, the features are expanded even further with the new UA Console software. Overall, the Apollo X Gen 2 is as formidable an option as ever, no matter which version you choose.
- For more details, read our UA Apollo X8 Gen 2 Review
- Universal Audio Official
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: SSL 2 MKII
When they were first introduced in 2020, the SSL 2 interfaces marked the console manufacturer’s successful move into home studio territory. With a simple desktop-friendly layout, and clean mic preamps with a 4K mode, the 2 and 2+ interfaces were an instant hit.
Now, the new MKII models are equipped with 32-bit/192kHz conversion and DC-coupled outputs that allow your DAW to interface with modular gear. Although the control panel remains the same, the instrument inputs and headphone outputs have been moved to the front for convenience.
While the MKII upgrades are not major departures from the previous models, they are still great recording solutions that offer even more value for the price. For this reason, the SSL 2 MKII and 2+ MKII get our vote for the best budget interface released in 2024.
- More from SSL
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: PreSonus Quantum HD2
The PreSonus Quantum series interfaces offer a range of solutions in the desktop ES and rackmount HD format. However, the Quantum HD2, specifically, is the perfect inbetweener bringing pro features to home recordists in a compact form factor.
Besides the re-amping outputs on the front, the Quantum HD is also equipped with 16 ADAT inputs and it allows you to switch between two sets of studio monitors. For such a compact interface with a sub-$500 price tag, this is very impressive.
In addition, you also get a breakout cable for S/PDIF and MIDI connectivity, and useful modern features like Auto Gain and loopback, making the HD2 equally appealing to creators and musicians. Overall, the Quantum HD 2 gets our vote for the best audio interface under $500 and the best audio interface for guitarists released this year.
- More from PreSonus
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: Heritage Audio i73 Pro
This year, Heritage Audio made its first foray into the audio interface market. As a manufacturer, Heritage Audio is renowned for its vintage-influenced designs, bringing back classics with modern features for today’s musicians, engineers, and producers.
With the i73 Pro range, Heritage Audio has created compact desktop interfaces around the famous Class-A 1073-style mic preamps with up to 70 dB of gain, used on so many of our favourite recordings.
What’s more, the i73 Pro has JFET instrument inputs, giving your home studio a more professional sound whether you’re recording guitars, synths, or drum machines. Overall, the i73 Pro is an impressive offering from Heritage Audio, with 2 and 12 input options in the range. In my opinion, the i73 Pro One offers the best value in the range and it’s a great choice for vocal recording.
- More from Heritage Audio
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: MOTU 828 (2024)
The MOTU 828 was first released in 2001 and has seen about as much action in both professional live stage and studio environments as any audio interface in history. Considering that the last addition to the range was the 828es back in 2018, the release of the new 2024 edition was met with due excitement.
The new 2024 version of the 828 is a 28 in/32 out interface with ESS Sabre32 24-bit/192kHz converters. On the analogue side, there is a pair of XLR combo inputs on the front panel, two headphone outputs, and a pair of inserts or sends for integrating your outboard gear.
With a total of 10 analogue inputs and 10 DC-coupled analogue outputs, the 828 is well-equipped for recording and mixing. Meanwhile, the digital capabilities include an 8-bus 24-channel digital mixer with DSP and ADAT, S/PDIF, word clock, and MIDI connectivity. Overall, the 828 gets our vote for the best audio interface under $1000 in 2024.
- More from MOTU
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: Audient ORIA
In 2024, we saw a distinct move towards immersive mixing in the audio interface market with options like the Audient ORIA leading the charge. The ORIA is an 18 x 16 24-bit 96 kHz interface with DSP monitor calibration and up to 9.1.6 Dolby Atmos support.
For 9.1.6 monitoring, there are 16 balanced analogue outputs. However, you can also use the 16 ADAT input channels to pair with your current monitor controller or expand your inputs with a multichannel ADAT mic preamp.
Besides the 8-band DSP EQ for manual speaker adjustments, you also have Sonarworks integration and 16 AES outputs for connecting digital monitors. Overall, it’s a great solution for immersive mixing, monitor management, and calibration, so the ORIA gets our vote for the best immersive audio interface in 2024.
- More from Audient
More about the Best Audio Interfaces of 2024
- Thomann’s Guide to Audio Interfaces
- Read more about Audio Interfaces on Gearnews
- The Best Of 2024
*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Don’t worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
This might also interest you
7 responses to “The Best Audio Interfaces of 2024: Our Picks of the Litter”
I think another good one to include would be the Audient ID24, especially for the price. Hard to beat at just $300, especially considering the connectivity it has too!
Disappointed with Zoom for not releasing the UAC 832. I waited long for it.
Zoom should remake the UAC 232. For example: metal case. No wheels please.
audient evo 4 ?
I am disappointed that Zoom has chosen not to release the UAC 832. My anticipation was palpable.
It’s a shame no mention of the new Auria interfaces. They are an excellent interface, especially considering price and quality.
Presonus against UA. Really,….what a joke
You are currently viewing a placeholder content from Facebook. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from Instagram. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More InformationYou are currently viewing a placeholder content from X. To access the actual content, click the button below. Please note that doing so will share data with third-party providers.
More Information