10 Best Xlr Audio Interface 2025 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a popular and reliable USB audio interface designed mainly for musicians, podcasters, and streamers who want high-quality recordings without complex setups. It offers two combo XLR/instrument inputs with phantom power, making it easy to connect microphones and guitars. The built-in preamps provide studio-quality sound with a wide dynamic range of 120dB, which means your recordings will be clear and detailed, capturing subtle nuances. The interface supports up to 24-bit depth and 192kHz sample rate, ensuring professional-level audio fidelity. It also features very low latency, so you can monitor your recordings in real time without annoying delays.

Connectivity is straightforward via USB-C, compatible with Macs, Windows PCs, and even some tablets and smartphones, adding flexibility. The sturdy aluminum build is compact and portable, ideal for home studios or on-the-go recording. A standout feature is the Auto Gain mode, which automatically sets ideal input levels, making it beginner-friendly by preventing distortion from clipping. Additionally, the Air mode enhances vocals and guitars by adding brightness and presence to your tracks.

The Scarlett 2i2 comes bundled with popular recording software like Pro Tools Intro, Ableton Live Lite, and FL Studio Producer Edition, along with useful plugins, so you have everything needed to start producing music right away. The 2-input limit might feel restrictive if you plan to record larger setups or multiple instruments simultaneously. While USB 2.0 is widespread, some users might prefer USB 3.0 or Thunderbolt for potentially faster data transfer, but this interface delivers solid performance regardless. This makes the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen an excellent choice for solo artists, songwriters, and podcasters seeking a straightforward, high-quality audio interface that includes helpful software and user-friendly features.

The Universal Audio Volt 2 is a compact 2-channel USB audio interface designed for musicians and home studio users seeking high-quality recordings. It offers professional-grade 24-bit/192 kHz converters and the classic UA 610 preamps, which help capture clear and detailed sound. It supports phantom power, allowing you to use condenser microphones, which is essential for many recording setups. Its USB 2.0 connection ensures broad compatibility with Windows and macOS computers, making it easy to integrate with popular software like Ableton and Melodyne.

The Volt 2 comes bundled with the LUNA Digital Audio Workstation, a well-regarded recording program that mimics the feel of an analog studio, plus industry-standard UAD plugins for shaping your sound. This combination is especially helpful for beginners and intermediate users who want professional tools without extra purchases. In terms of build, it’s lightweight and portable, so you can easily move it around or use it on the go. Latency is generally low, which means you’ll experience minimal delay between playing or singing and hearing the sound, important for real-time monitoring.

With only two inputs and outputs, it might be limiting if you plan to record larger groups or multiple instruments simultaneously. While USB 2.0 is widely compatible, it’s not the fastest connection compared to newer standards, but it should be sufficient for most home studio needs. This makes the Volt 2 an excellent option for solo artists, podcasters, and small home studio setups seeking high-quality sound and useful software in a simple, reliable package.

The Audient iD24 is a solid choice for musicians and producers who need a reliable USB-C audio interface with quality sound capture. It offers 8 channels with 2 excellent Class-A Audient Console mic preamps, known for their low noise and natural warmth, great for clear vocal and instrument recordings. The 32-bit converters provide detailed sound with wide dynamic range, helping you catch subtle audio details for better mixing. Phantom power is available for condenser mics, which is essential for many recording setups.

One standout feature is the ADAT input/output, allowing you to expand your setup by adding up to 8 more mic preamps, useful for larger sessions like bands or drum kits. The interface also includes balanced inserts to easily connect external effects gear before conversion, which can improve your workflow. In terms of connectivity, it uses USB-C, ensuring fast, stable connection mostly with Macs and Windows PCs. The build is compact and lightweight, making it portable but mostly made from plastic, so it may not feel as rugged as some metal-bodied alternatives. Users appreciate the assignable monitor controls that speed up session work by letting you switch monitoring modes quickly.

If you need more than 8 channels or multiple mic preamps included upfront, this interface might be limiting without expansion gear. The iD24 is well suited for home studio owners and project studios looking for clean sound, expandability, and handy monitor controls without a complex setup.