- Audio Interface For Macbook Pro
- Best Sound Interface For Macbook Pro
- Recording Interface For Mac
- Best Audio Recording Interface For Mac
Any recording artist will tell you that an audio interface is essential for optimal recording, whether that’s at home or in the studio – on a Mac or a PC. But what exactly is an audio interface? It’s that little device that connects all your audio equipment to your computer: your microphone, a midi keyboard, studio monitors, and anything else you use while recording. Amazon.com: mac recording interface. Skip to main content. Try Prime All Go Search EN Hello, Sign in Account & Lists Sign in Account & Lists Orders Try Prime. Mac sound settings. As you can see, I have the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 set up as my output device. This routes all of the sound out of the firewire cable and to the interface and then out of the master stereo outputs through the XLR cables to my Adam Audio A7 studio monitors. Open the File menu and select New Audio Recording. You will see a very simple user interface with sound recording controls. You may click on the Down Arrow next to the record button to select your sound input (microphone) and sound Quality settings. Microphone volume is adjustable with the slider under the record button. Mac audio device connectivity There are tons of audio devices and software apps available for Mac which use audio interfaces to playback or record audio. To make sure an audio device is connecting correctly, check the compatibility and drivers, sleep settings, connections, and then restart your Mac.
Building your own home recording studio requires a lot of work. You’ll need to soundproof your room and carefully choose (and invest in) important sound equipment such as microphones, studio monitors, and essential hardware — like an audio interface.
An audio interface is basically the hardware that is responsible for getting sound in and out of your computer, as well as in your speakers for music playback and mixing. Technically speaking, it converts analog signals into digital audio information, so as to maintain the quality of your audio better than the sound cards on your computers can.
Another benefit of using an audio interface is that it allows multiple channels of input and output for recording vocals and instrumentals, sometimes up to a full band. Because of its dedication to recording more professional audio, most audio interfaces are built with preamps for cranking up the mic signal for recording and eliminating audio delays, interference, and jitters.
Bottom line is, you’ll need a reliable audio interface for recording and monitoring production-quality audio in your home studio. To help you choose the best one for your needs, we’ve listed down some of the best (and most popular) audio interfaces on the market today.
Best Audio Interfaces
Whether you’re looking for a USB or Thunderbolt audio interface, you’re sure to find one that will fit your studio recording needs from our list below.
- Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
- Lexicon Alpha
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
- Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
- Apogee Duet
- Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII DUO
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22, (Shop Now)
First on the list is the incredibly affordable and portable Behringer U-Phoria UMC22. At way below $50, this audio interface is capable of helping you record and deliver professional quality audio with its 2-channel USB interface—a mic/line XLR input that allows you to plug in your mic and other audio devices and a 1/4-inch instrument DI for your guitar or bass.
Built into this prized Behringer equipment are the Direct Monitor switch for zero-latency direct monitoring, as well as the switchable +48-volt phantom power and Midas microphone preamp technology for compatibility with dynamic, condenser, and ribbon microphones. It’s a great starting interface for aspiring musicians and podcasters, plus it won’t break the bank.
Key Specifications:
- 1 Mic/Line XLR & 1 1/4″ Instrument Inputs
- 2 1/4″ TRS Outputs
- Sampling Rate up to 48 kHz
- Headphone Output
- 48-Volt Phantom Power
- 2 Midas Mic Preamps
- Selectable Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring
- DAW Software Compatible
- Mac OS & Windows Compatible
- USB Powered
![Mac Mac](/uploads/1/3/4/0/134050686/542111340.png)
Lexicon Alpha, (Shop Now)
The Lexicon Alpha is another low-priced audio interface that many beginners and professionals are raving about, primarily because this small, powerful device has 4 inputs (one XLR mic, two TRS, and one high impedance). And because it’s so affordable, it lacks phantom power and MIDI in/out for your microphone and MIDI controller. Eos utility for mac.
Then again, if you’re looking for a cheap, starter interface that can do what more the more expensive ones can—like record multiple vocal and music inputs, latency-free monitoring and recording, professional audio-to-digital and digital-to-audio conversion, and more—the Lexicon Alpha is worth every penny. It comes with free plug-in software, too.
Key Specifications:
- 1 XLR, 2 1/4″ TRS, & 1 1/4″ Hi-Z Inputs
- 2 1/4″ TRS & 2 RCA Outputs
- 24-Bit/48kHz Audio Conversion
- Low Noise Mic Preamp
- Mini 1/8-Inch TRS Headphone Output
- Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring
- Input Controls with Peak Meters
- Includes Cubase LE 4 & Pantheon Reverb Plug-In
- USB Bus Powered
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, (Shop Now)
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is another widely-known audio interface that features 2 inputs, 2 outputs, and professional quality 24-bit sampling rate of up to 96kHz. Its dual mic inputs offer switchable phantom power, 60dB of gain that also serves as 1/4-inch inputs via combo jacks, stereo main outs, and a headphone output.
This small, portable 2×6-inch device is surprisingly capable of high-resolution recording, operates on USB bus power, offers MIDI in/out for keyboard or MIDI controllers, and even comes with the Studio One 3 Artist software. The Audiobox USB 96 works great for both Mac or Windows computers.
Key Specifications:
- 2 Mic/Line Combo Inputs
- 1/4″ TRS Headphone and Main Outputs
- 24-Bit/96kHz Audio Conversion
- 48-Volt Phantom Power
- Headphone Volume Control
- MIDI Input and Output
- Latency-Free Monitoring with Mix Knob
- Studio One 3 Artist DAW Software
- Mac OS & Windows Compatible
- USB Bus Powered
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre, (Shop Now)
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre utilizes fast Thunderbolt technology to connect to a compatible Mac or Windows computer, which explains the price jump from usual USB interfaces. This ensures extra-low, round-trip latency, at the very least.
In addition, the Clarett 2Pre comes with the brand’s high-quality Clarett preamps and “Air” effect, multiple Focusrite software programs (including the Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite), and a total of 10 inputs and 4 outputs for recording and mixing even more vocals and instruments, making it ideal for more advanced music production.
Key Specifications:
- 10 Inputs / 4 Outputs
- 24-Bit/192kHz Audio Conversion
- 2 Microphone Preamps
- Headphone Output
- Downloadable iOS Remote Control
- Red 2 and Red 3 Plug-In Suite
- Softube Time and Tone Bundle
- Mac OS & Windows Compatible
- Thunderbolt Interface
Apogee Duet, (Shop Now)
For those looking for the highest quality analog-to-digital and digital-to-analog audio conversion and premium preamps in a small and sleek packaging, then the Apogee Duet is an ideal choice. Despite this USB interface being incredibly compact, it offers 2 inputs and 4 outputs, 2 high-gain mic preamps, phantom power, and high-quality conversion of 24-bit/192kHz.
But it’s coolest feature is its full-colored OLED display that conveniently indicates the current status of your inputs and outputs, and many other functions like metering, input grouping, muting, phantom power, and Soft Limit. For increased versatility that’s fitting for professional sound engineers and musicians, this upgraded version has added compatibility with Mac and iOS devices aside from Windows 10 operating systems.
Key Specifications: Roux for mac and cheese.
- 2 Combination XLR and 1/4″ Analog Inputs
- 4 Analog Outputs
- 24-Bit Sampling Rate up to 192kHz
- 2 High-Gain Microphone Preamps
- 48-Volt Phantom Power
- Full Color OLED Screen
- Multi-Function Controller Knob
- Maestro 2 Software Compatibility with Mac and PC
- Maestro App Compatibility with iOS
- Windows 10 Compatible
- USB Interface
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MkII DUO, (Shop Now)
Photo by: Universal Audio
As an aspiring producer, musician, sound engineer, or podcaster, you may have probably already heard of the Mac-compatible Apollo Twin USB DUO. It’s worth exactly the same as this Apollo Twin MkII DUO, and features a lot of the same types of qualities like the high-quality conversion, low-latency audio even with high track counts, two microphone preamps that utilize Unison Technology, high impedance (Hi-Z) input, and many more.
The most noticeable differences are the Twin MkII DUO‘s 2 additional outputs (for a total of 6), Thunderbolt interface, and overall improvement in audio power, conversion, and monitoring.
Key Specifications:
- 2 Inputs / 6 Outputs
- 24-Bit/196kHz Audio Conversion
- Front-Panel Hi-Z Input
- Headphone Output
- Two Mic Preamps with Unison Technology
- Low-Latency High-Resolution Audio
- DUO Core Realtime UAD Processing
- Analog Classics Plug-In Bundle
- Mac OS & Windows Compatible
- Thunderbolt Interface
The famous Logic Pro is one of the most popular digital audio workstations out there at the moment and for good reason. The overall function and capabilities it offers us is exceptional, especially at the affordable cost it comes at. If you’re already set on Logic being your DAW of choice, continue on and let’s get to picking our gear to work with our studio. When it comes down to it, ultimately any audio interface should be able to work with logic, as long as you have a way of connecting the interface to some type of computer with some type of cable (in 2017, we’d hope so, since audio interfaces are pretty universal and it doesn’t really matter what type of software you’re using). Regardless, let’s check out the best audio interface in this article and the recommendations we have specifically for Logic Pro.
How to choose your Logic Pro audio interface
There are a few factors to take into consideration when shopping around. As we saw in our best audio interface article in general, the features you will be using is what comes down to picking your interface. Here’s a checklist to use:
- Your budget – This is an obvious one, but without the dough you can’t get what you need. There is a decent range when it comes to audio interfaces, but the more features you need the more the price will increase. We tried to provide all ranges.
- Ins and outs – How many tracks are you planning on recording at a time? What about XLR inputs for your microphone? The more inputs you need, the more it will cost you. However, if you will actually use the multiple I/O’s then it is worth investing more money, of course.
- Connectivity – A lot of standard interfaces out there connect via USB, but there are some different (and more expensive) that use Fire Wire or even the fast Thunderbolt. USB isn’t slow, so if you’re not too concerned with this you’re fine — I’ve seen a lot of pro studios use USB connectivity with their interfaces and other gear. This article is pretty informative too: Fire Wire vs. USB (found Fire Wire to be 18% faster).
- Additional inputs? Will you be using a microphone or multiple mics? If you’re using more than one microphone, you can get by with 1 XLR input, but you’ll have to plug each one in and out as you need — getting an interface with more than one is just more convenient. Also, do you need to hook up your studio monitors with some balanced or RCA? Pay attention to these as it depends on what you plan on plugging into the interface.
- Add-ons of softwareeffectssounds – A lot of the models we’ve chosen come with some nice VST sounds, effects and other add-ons along with the interface, so if you’re interested in that, some of them have better packages as opposed to others and it made be more worth your money. It shouldn’t be the make or break for you (focus more on ins and outs and overall audio quality), but it is something to take into consideration.
Our picks for the best audio interfaces for Logic
Here are our choices for the best interfaces for logic. What’s nice about Logic Pro is that most of us are using a Mac, so we chose a few Thunderbolt connectivity interfaces as it is the fastest we’ve experienced thus far (albeit a little more expensive). We also chose some Fire Wire and USB for some options. We also outlined the best MIDI controller for Logic, so if you need help there as well check it out after reading. Let’s see what we’ve got.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Many Logic Pro users around the net swear by Focusrite gear when it comes to audio interfaces and we honestly can’t agree more. We’ve used their Scarlett series numerous times and have had little to no latency whatsoever with their interfaces. They also come with a ton of options so you can choose which in and out model based on what you exactly need (and your wallet). We’ve chosen this particular model because it is the most popular. The 2i2 comes with two preamps built-in, made of a stable aluminum body, low latency and high quality sound of rates up to 24-bit96kHz (the standard among most home studios), and it comes with some nice effects that seamlessly integrate with Logic. The plug-in suite has EQ, compression, gate, and reverb — just some little extra spunk to add to your mixes. This is one of the best audio interfaces out there so grab this as our first choice. There are other versions available we list below if you need some more ins and outs.
Audio Interface For Macbook Pro
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![Interface Interface](https://www.belfieldmusic.com.au/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/2000x/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/t/a/tascam-us-2x2-usb-audio-interface.jpg)
Best Sound Interface For Macbook Pro
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
This is one the better audio interfaces in the market that is USB connectivity. It has a few more ins and outs than the 2i2 and 6-channels as well. It’s again USB powered and the audio quality is equal to the 2i2 at 24-bit96 kHz. Two mic inputs with gain control, a dedicated monitor and headphone section with volume control and source switches. The top has a master knob with quite a few nifty indicator lights so you can see what you’re actually doing (a big plus for convenience) Extremely low latency with Logic Pro here and you’re also getting 48V (standard) of phantom power for your mics, guitars and other instruments. Just a solid audio interface in general that is backed up with a huge community of support and reviews. It also comes with some extremely high-quality sounds and effects with Komplete Elements. It’s some of the best we’ve heard, so if you’re in for that andor need some more ins and outs, you should grab this over the 2i2.
Recording Interface For Mac
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Focusrite Saffire Pro 24
This is Focusrite’s other prized interface for Logic but this time it comes in Fire Wire so it’s bit better quality in terms of connectivity (It’s been found Fire Wire to be ~20% faster). You can also hook it up via Thunderbolt but you’ll need an adapter that is sold separately. With the Saffire Pro models, you’re getting some more ins and outs, extra features and faster connection speed. The 24 here has audio quality of 24-bit96 kHz, two high quality preamps, a total of 16 inputs and 8 outputs, a built-in low-latency DSP mixerrouter (lower than 1.4ms latency — very slick), convenient level controls on the front, and MIDI inout while you’re at it. Some better software and plug-in bundles than the Scarlett — a software called Xcite+ which gives you some royalty free loops and samples to play with, a soft-synth (decent) and Ableton Live Lite 8 (although we’ve got our Logic so no use for that unless you at least want to see what the Ableton hype is all about). They also give us their plug-in suite of compression, reverb, gating and EQ which doesn’t hurt, either. Ffxiv for mac. Grab this for an even better solution.
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Apogee Duet
This is a bit of a different spin when it comes to audio interfaces because it doesn’t come with many in and out options, but the overall quality is famous with users. No XLR inputs for your mics here but you can use the analog inputs (two of them) for that (48V phantom power, too). It’s also geared towards those of us who make music using the iPad or even your iPhone (can connect via lightning). This one is so expensive because the digital audio conversion is of very high quality, so if that’s one of your main concerns this is something to look into. It’s also a nice small size for those who are traveling a lot or merely want to fit it in a nifty space for your studiodesk. Finance software for mac. Plugs in via USB to your Mac. Here’s a cool video on recording with Logic Pro and the Duet.
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Universal Audio Apollo Twin DUO
This thing is a huge step up, but we wanted you to check it out before the remaining because it’s Thunderbolt is a popular option if you want to be on the next level as opposed to other musicians. In terms of Logic Pro, this is perfect for some extremely high audio quality and integration. It’s obviously for somebody who has some dough saved up because it’s almost a G in retail price. However, if you can still stomach that and want one of the best out there to really sit atop the gear tree, here’s what you get: UAD processing (DUO means double the processor) for extremely low latency (a whopping 24-bit196 kHz conversion rate — compare that to others!). You also have very high quality preamps (tube and transformer-based) and the construction is built well. A huge knob sits atop the interface for levels and switching, and you also get LED visualizations along with the preamp options (input select, low-cut filter, add phantom power, etc). It connects via Thunderbolt. Grab this if you’re the real deal.
Best Audio Recording Interface For Mac
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