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 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a solid choice for musicians, podcasters, and anyone looking to record high-quality audio at home. One of its greatest strengths lies in its exceptional pre-amps, which deliver bright and clear recordings. The ability to switch to Air mode further enhances acoustic sounds, making it particularly appealing for guitarists and vocalists. With a maximum recording quality of 24-bit/192kHz, it ensures that your recordings capture all the details of your instruments and vocals.

Another plus is the ease of use; the Easy Start tool helps users set up quickly, making it great for beginners. The two instrument inputs allow for flexible recording, and the low-noise outputs provide a clean listening experience, perfect for those who enjoy mixing music or podcasts.

It's worth noting some limitations. The Scarlett Solo features only two inputs, which may not be suitable for those who need to record more than one instrument or microphone simultaneously. As it connects via USB, users need to ensure their computers are compatible and may require additional adapters for certain setups. While the build quality is decent, it’s primarily made for stationary use rather than heavy portability, which could be a drawback for mobile recording artists.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an excellent entry-level audio interface that provides good quality and essential features for solo musicians and podcasters. Those looking for more extensive input options or extreme portability might want to consider alternatives, but for focused recording needs, this interface stands out as a reliable choice.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen is a strong choice for anyone needing a versatile audio interface with plenty of inputs and outputs—offering 18 inputs (including eight high-quality mic preamps with phantom power) and 20 outputs. This makes it ideal for multitrack recording, music production, or podcasting setups that require multiple microphones and instruments at once. The 24-bit/192kHz converters deliver clear, detailed sound with a wide dynamic range, so your recordings sound professional and rich. The Air mode adds a pleasant brightness and warmth, mimicking classic studio gear, which can improve vocal and instrument tones.

You also get handy features like Auto Gain for setting levels automatically and Clip Safe to prevent distortion by managing volume spikes in real-time. Connectivity is smooth via USB-C, compatible with Mac, Windows, and even iOS devices, making it flexible for different setups. The aluminum build feels solid and durable but weighs over 8 pounds, so it’s better suited for a stable studio space than for frequent travel. It comes bundled with useful recording software including Pro Tools Intro and Ableton Live Lite, helping beginners start recording right away.

Latency is low enough for most uses, although users with ultra-demanding real-time needs might want to test it first. This interface offers a professional-level feature set and sound quality at a reasonable price, particularly for musicians or podcasters looking to expand their input options without compromising audio fidelity.