Best Audio Interfaces for Recording Guitars with a Computer. However, RME stuff isn’t cheap. Their entry-level model, the Babyface Pro, sells for $750. You can also use a DI box to connect a guitar to a computer, like the Radial Pro48, but that’s only part of the equation because an audio interface is still needed. The iPad is rapidly becoming the go-to mobile recording device for audio engineers on the go. More audio device manufacturers are seeing this and have either released iPad-specific hardware or have updated their products with class-compliant firmware for use with the iPad via a Lightning to USB adaptor. In this article, we’re going to be discussing the top 12 Mac OS audio interfaces in 2019. We felt that we really had to create this article, reviewing all of these audio interfaces suitable for Mac, as there seems to be minimal information on the topic, in a condensed, easy to read format! Best iPad Audio Interfaces - Lightning Compatible Below are the top audio interfaces for iPad that come with lightning connectivity. They allow for convenient out-of-the-box use, forgoing the need to purchase usb to lightning adapters separately.
Here’s a list of some of the best audio interfaces to get for playing and recording guitars through a Mac or PC computer.
Apogee JAM is a premium digital converter featuring PureDIGITAL technology which delivers your guitar's true tone to your iPad or Mac without compromise. JAM is the first high quality interface that makes a digital connection to both iOS devices and Mac. You will notice the sonic difference between JAM and other similar products immediately.
This is more of a “starter” list for home studio recording than a “best of” list covering every possible scenario. Obviously some professional audio interfaces sell for several thousand dollars, but you don’t need something with a gazillion inputs and outputs if you’re just recording a direct input guitar signal or a mic’d amp.
Last year when I first started getting into home recording, I had no idea what exactly was required to play and record guitars using a computer.
It turns out the #1 most important thing to start with is an audio interface.
An audio interface lets you connect guitars and microphones to a computer via USB or Firewire, and there are some PCI and thunderbolt interfaces as well.
USB audio interfaces have become the most common in recent years, and they’re also quite affordable.
You definitely want to get a proper audio interface for recording and monitoring because a computer’s sound card and line input aren’t nearly good enough. You need something with a proper Hi-Z input for guitars.
You can get a cheap Behringer interface for as little as $30. But you’re better off buying something better from the get-go because an audio interface is an integral part of audio production.
A number of brands have problems running at low latency and that’s a problem because it’s very important to avoid any extra delay when it comes to recording guitars. The 2nd gen Scarlett interfaces are the best low cost interfaces with low latency.
A $99 Scarlett Solo is going to be a good entry-level interface at the very minimum. If you can afford to spend a little bit more, in the $250 range, you can get something with more inputs and outputs and some extra features like the Roland QuadCapture.
If money is no object just save yourself the trouble and get an RME audio interface. Many consider RME’s interfaces “the best” when it comes to recording guitars, with super low latency, reliable drivers, and crystal clear output. However, RME stuff isn’t cheap. Their entry-level model, the Babyface Pro, sells for $750.
You can also use a DI box to connect a guitar to a computer, like the Radial Pro48, but that’s only part of the equation because an audio interface is still needed. DI boxes are nice for getting a clearer sound and for splitting signals (like listening through an amp while DI recording on a computer), but they aren’t required.
If you’re getting an audio interface for playing and recording guitar with a computer, you’re also going to need a set of studio monitors or a good pair of headphones. Plus here’s a list of some of the best free and paid guitar amp sims to get started.
Best Guitar Audio InterfacesRME Babyface Pro Audio Interface
The RME Babyface Pro is widely regarded by professionals that know what they are talking about as one of the best portable audio interfaces currently available for guitars. I wouldn’t know because I’m neither rich nor a professional but I’d suggest looking into it if you want a high-end audio interface because people rave about RME. 🙂
Quality: up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
I/O: 12 x 12 Other: four analog inputs, four analog outs, ADAT/SPDIF, MIDI port, 48V phantom power, relay-driven PAD, low latency AD/DA converters. Included Software: TotalMix software, with some included effects, available for Windows, Mac OS X, and iOS. Price: $749 Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a really good mid-level audio interface for recording guitars and vocals. The signal is very clear, it has solid build quality, and it comes with a good software bundle. You want to avoid the 1st gen 2i2 and Solo units for guitars because they don’t have enough headroom for active/hot pickups; the 2i4 and higher up models add a pad button to remedy this and the 2nd gen Scarlett models have 8dB extra headroom so it’s not a problem anymore with them.
Quality: up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
I/O: 2 x 2 Other: Dual XLR/TRS connectors, phantom power, direct monitor, halo light indicators, low latency. Included Software: Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack with 12 stompbox pedals and Ableton Live Lite 9, Focusrite Control, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 2GB of Loopmasters samples. Price: $149
See my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review for more information and a video demo.
Steinberg UR22MKII 2-Channel USB Interface
The Steinberg UR22MKII is another popular model in the “affordable” category for beginners. Steinberg interfaces have a solid reputation and a lot of positive reviews. Their drivers are known for being pretty good but the latency isn’t quite as low as Focusrite’s interfaces.
Quality: up to 24-bit, 192 kHz
I/O: 2 x 2 Other: 2 XLR/TRS connectors, MIDI in and out, Hi-Z switch for input 2, phantom power, compatibility with Windows, OS X and iPad. Included Software: Cubase AI and Cubasis LE. Price: $139 Apogee Jam 96k Guitar Interface For Mac & IosBehringer UCA202/UCA222 Audio Interface
The Behringer UCA202 and the nearly identical red version with some extra software, the U-CONTROL UCA222, are among the least expensive audio interfaces that’ll you find on the market capable of recording and playing guitar through a PC or Mac computer. One way to get started if you can’t afford to spend $100 on something better.
Guitar Interface For MacGuitar Interface For Macbook Air
Quality: up to 16-bit, 48 kHz
I/O: 2 x 2 Other: RCA inputs and outputs (need adapter to connect guitar), S/PDIF optical output, no drivers required. Included Software: KRISTAL Audio Engine, Audacity, energyXT2. Price: $29
The quickest and easiest way to start recording your guitar, especially if you are on a very tight budget, is to buy one of these entry-level dedicated guitar-USB interfaces. They have been designed to quickly and easily bridge the gap between your guitar and your computer. So you plug your guitar in one end and connect the other to a USB port. Some even come with guitar recording software. Even if they don’t, you will easily be able to record and edit your guitar in Audacity or any other DAW recording software. You will be recording the ‘dry’ signal of your guitar but will be able to use amp simulators and other effects on your computer to create a big fat guitar sound. And you are not limited just to the amp you have.
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The Neewer Guitar Bass To USB Link Cable Adapter for PC/MAC Recording is THE cheapest way to record your guitar, it is just a simple guitar-USB lead and does what is says on the can. Simple plug and play – guitar one end, USB the other, and start recording. It has a high quality professional shielded cable and 6.5mm jack and a red indicator light flash indication when signal is being transmitted so you can see it is working. Start recording high quality digital music quickly and easily.
Next up is the Guitar Link Guitar/USB Interface. Very inexpensive little recording device which has the additional benefit of a headphone port so you can listen to yourself while recording. N 64 emulator for mac. Audio Quality is 24-bit, 44.1/48kHz. Comes with a free adapter in case your headphones only have mini-jack.
Not USB, but deserves a place here for smartphone capability. The IK Multimedia iRig 2 guitar interface adaptor is the best choice to quickly record your guitar on any device – you can use it to record on iPhone, iPod touch, iPad, Mac and Android Smartphone. It comes with a FREE version of the Amplitube software so you can use all kinds of amp sims and effects, and you can output to heaphones or a guitar amp. We think it is the most fun you can have with a guitar for such a small amount of money, which is why it has been a consistent bestseller since it was launched. Every guitarist should own an iRig!
The Alesis GuitarLink Plus is a dedicated guitar audio interface with a great bit of software thrown in with the cable (Guitar Rig). So whether you’re recording, performing or practicing, the Alesis GuitarLink Plus enables you to easily connect a guitar, bass, and other instruments directly to your computer. Works on Mac, PC and iPad (with iPad-USB adapter). GuitarLink Plus’ internal, analog-to-digital conversion injects studio-quality, 16-bit, 44.1 kHz digital audio straight to a computer without the need to install drivers – you just plug and play! Good value.
The Behringer UCG102 guitar-USB interface is an inexpensive guitar gadget dream come true. What it does is amplify the signal that comes from your guitar and converts it from analog to digital – so you can then record direct onto your computer. You can choose the output method, either listen through your pc speakers, the headphone (or monitor) jack built in to the Behringer, or via computer headphone out. Very simple, and the fact that it has output as well as guitar input is a plus point. Comes with a little suite of software as well.
The Apogee JAM is a Digital USB Guitar Interface that lets you connect a guitar to your iPad, iPhone, Mac or Windows 10 PC and record with superb sound quality. This is a small but perfectly formed plug and play interface for guitarists. Word for mac. It will easily let you capture the warmth and richness of your guitar’s tone. The JAM is built for GarageBand and Logic Pro but works great with any recording software or app you choose.
Guitar Interface For Macbook Pro
If you are also interested in recording your vocals or other instruments, then you might do better buying a full-blown audio interface so you can record your guitar and other instruments and microphones as well. If you want to know more then read about what is an audio interface, and then how to choose the best audio interface for your home recording studio setup.
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