10 Best Audio Interface For Mac 2025 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is a solid choice for Mac users looking to record vocals and guitar with studio-quality sound. It offers 2 inputs (one for a mic and one for an instrument) and USB connectivity, which is simple and compatible with most Macs. The preamps and converters are high-quality, delivering a wide 120dB dynamic range that captures detailed audio. The improved Air mode adds brightness and presence, helping your recordings stand out. It also supports phantom power, so you can use condenser microphones if needed. Latency is generally low with USB interfaces like this, making real-time monitoring possible without distracting delays.

The interface comes bundled with popular recording software and plugins, which is great for beginners or those wanting an all-in-one package. However, if you plan to record multiple instruments or microphones simultaneously, the limited 2-channel input might feel restrictive. Also, USB is fine for home studios but less flexible than some thunderbolt or audio-over-Ethernet options for professional setups.

This interface is well-suited for singers, guitarists, and producers who want straightforward, high-quality recording on a Mac without complicated gear.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a solid choice for guitarists, vocalists, podcasters, and music producers looking to achieve studio-quality recordings on their Mac. One of its standout features is the high-performance mic preamps that provide clear and vibrant audio. The Air mode option is particularly useful for adding brilliance to acoustic instruments, which can be a big plus for musicians seeking that extra clarity in their recordings. With 24-bit/192kHz recording capabilities, the Scarlett Solo ensures that your sound retains its integrity during both recording and playback, making it ideal for professional-grade projects.

The interface is designed for simplicity, featuring two high-headroom instrument inputs, which makes it easy for users to connect their guitar or bass without risking distortion or clipping. The low-noise balanced outputs are great for clear audio playback, allowing you to fully appreciate the nuances in your music or podcasts. Additionally, the Easy Start tool provides a user-friendly setup experience, perfect for beginners who may feel overwhelmed by technical procedures.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a reliable option for solo artists and small-scale productions, thanks to its impressive sound quality and ease of use. It's a great tool for anyone looking to elevate their audio recording game without diving too deep into the complexities of professional studio equipment.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a strong choice if you need a professional-grade audio interface for Mac that can handle multitrack recording, music production, or podcasting. It offers a generous number of inputs and outputs—18 in and 20 out—making it great for larger setups involving multiple microphones, instruments, or external gear. The eight high-quality preamps deliver clear, detailed sound with up to 69dB of gain, and include two Hi-Z inputs for guitars or bass. Its 24-bit, 192kHz converters ensure you capture audio with excellent clarity and dynamic range, helping your recordings sound polished and studio-ready.

The Air mode adds a pleasant brightness and presence to vocals and instruments, mimicking classic studio consoles, which can be a nice touch if you want your tracks to stand out. Features like Auto Gain and Clip Safe help beginners avoid common recording mistakes by automatically adjusting levels and preventing distortion. Connectivity is modern and reliable with USB-C, and phantom power supports condenser microphones, which are common in studios. The included software bundle is a bonus, offering popular digital audio workstations and useful plugins to get you started right away.

On the downside, while the interface is powerful, its size and weight mean it’s less portable if you plan to record on the go. Also, for very simple setups or beginners who don’t need many inputs, this might be more than necessary and a bit of an investment. Latency performance is good, but as with all USB interfaces, it depends on your computer’s specs and settings. This makes the Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen well-suited for Mac users who need a flexible, high-quality interface with plenty of connectivity for serious home or project studios.