1. The quick list
2. Best overall
3. Best budget
4. Best for PC
5. Best for Mac
6. Best for bass
7. Best for iPad
8. More options...
9. Buying advice
10. How we test
Recording guitars at home has gotten a lot easier over the past few years thanks to the advances in technology through amp modelling and plugins. If you want to join in the fun, then you'll need one of the best guitar audio interfaces for your rig. An interface allows you to both plug your guitar directly in and use software, as well as capture your amp traditionally using a microphone and far from being an afterthought, an audio interface for guitar is now an integral part of the modern player's rig.
If you're looking for the best overall guitar audio interface, then we'd go for the IK Multimedia Axe I/O. It's one of few guitar-specific interfaces out there and comes with plenty of features that make tone-shaping super easy. It's not the cheapest though, so if you want something on a budget, then the IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 is a fantastic choice, coming in just below the $/£100 price point.
Here at MusicRadar we've been testing audio interfaces for yonks. If you can name an interface chances are we've had our hands on it, testing them to their extremes recording electric guitars direct, acoustic guitars via microphones, and miking up our guitar amps and cabinets to go the traditional studio route of recording. Safe to say we know our stuff, so if you're unsure about anything then head over to our buying advice section, which features loads of common questions answered by our expert team of musicians. To see the best audio interfaces for guitar available today, just keep scrolling.
The quick list
The only audio interface on this list specifically designed for guitar, it makes total sense that the IK Multimedia Axe I/O is our top pick. Featuring loads of guitar-specific features like active or passive pickup switching and an amp-out connection for reamping, for guitarists it doesn't get much better than this.
If you're looking for a cheap and easy way to record your guitar, it doesn't get much better than the IK Multimedia iRig HD 2. Designed specifically for recording guitars, the plug-and-play functionality and inclusion of Amplitube make it a no-brainer for the recording guitarist on a budget.
If you're a Windows user, then the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is the best guitar interface for PC. Rock solid drivers deliver excellent low latency performance coupled with loads of useful workflow features that'll make recording your guitar a breeze. It works brilliantly on Mac machines as well.
If you're recording guitar on Mac, there's no better experience than the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X. Its powerful onboard DSP processing gives you an analogue studio experience, and we prefer using it on Mac versus Windows due to the Thunderbolt connectivity.
To be totally honest, you could use any of the interfaces on this list with your bass guitar but for us, the PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is a great choice thanks to its low cost and excellent software bundle. Crystal clear preamps make for a great bass DI and it features MIDI for external controllers.
For reliable performance with an iPad, it doesn't come much better than the Motu M2 for us. Bus-powered with ultra-low latency and featuring professional-level digital audio converters, it's not the cheapest out there but if you want a solution to record your guitar with an iPad it's a brilliant choice.
Best overall
✅ Buy if you want a guitar-specific interface: This is one of few audio interfaces designed specifically for guitar, so it packs loads of useful features for guitar players that make recording guitars easy.
❌ Avoid if you prefer simplicity: With so many features it can be a little bit distracting having so many tone-shaping options. So for those who like things simple, you may wish to look elsewhere.
Tone is an essential consideration for every recording guitarist, and the Axe I/O comes with bucketloads of options, thanks to the inclusion of IK Multimedia’s Amplitube 4 Deluxe amp/FX modeller which features digital amplifiers, cabinets and stompboxes, as well as an eight-track recorder and looper.
If you prefer ‘out of the box’ recording, the Axe I/O has you covered with twin mic/line connectors for stereo recording and a reamp option to re-record DI’d parts through your favourite guitar amp.
With phantom power for condenser mics, MIDI/expression pedal connections to control Amplitube 5, as well as an onboard tuner, the Axe I/O proves to be one of the best-equipped audio interfaces available for guitarists. If it’s good enough for Joe Satriani…
Read our full IK Multimedia Axe I/O review
Best budget
✅ Buy if you want to watch your budget: Coming in just below the $/£100 mark, this super simple and compact audio interface from IK Multimedia is the perfect choice for the recording guitarist on a budget.
❌ Avoid if you're using an Android device: It doesn't currently support Android which is a shame, so if you want to use a non-Apple smartphone to record your guitar you'll need to look elsewhere.
One of the simplest and most affordable interfaces in this guide, the iRig HD 2 is perfect for guitarists taking their first steps in recording. It's ultra-low cost, one of the best audio interfaces below $200, and is specifically designed for guitar players.
With no complicated setup, it’s a case of just ‘plug in and play’, sending your signal digitally to your Mac, PC or iOS device, or from the HD 2’s analogue output to an amplifier – the latter can add effects from Amplitube (provided you’re connected to a device running the program) or send an unprocessed signal.
A separate out for your studio headphones gets you around the modern-day smartphone and tablet trend for removing headphone inputs, providing accurate monitoring when you're recording. Is it simple? You bet! But with Amplitube 5 for Mac and PC as well as Amplitube for iOS included in the deal, you get a whole lot of interface here.
Read our full IK Multimedia iRig HD 2 review
Best for PC
✅ Buy if you want the best guitar interface for PC: With fantastic driver support and low latency performance on Windows, the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is our pick for PC and Windows laptop users.
❌ Avoid if you want a direct monitor button: The direct monitor option can only be accessed via software, so avoid if you like to hear the sound of your guitar going into the interface.
Focusrite audio interfaces have an enviable reputation for high-quality mic preamps and digital converters – a quality which can be found in their latest Scarlett 2i2 model. The dual inputs feature Focusrite’s ‘Air’ effect for a taste of the company’s classic ISA preamps, offering both a high-end and mid-boost function.
This new version does away with the combination inputs, leaving just 1/4" jack inputs for your guitar on the front, and XLR inputs on the back should you want to mic up your amplifier or cabinet. Some may love this, but it could prove divisive if you perfer combi inputs on the front.
The brand-new auto gain and clip-safe features ensure you'll never overload your input and get a clipped audio source, which means your gain staging will always be at the right amount. We love the fresh look of the new 2i2 as well, with its handy coloured display meters for your inputs and outputs, tactile knobs, and sleek front end with soft touch but sturdy buttons.
Read our full Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen review
Best for Mac
✅ Buy if you want a high-end audio interface for Mac devices: With its Thunderbolt connectivity, the Apollo Twin X is a great match for Apple devices which tend to come with Thunderbolt as standard.
❌ Avoid if you only have USB available: If your laptop or PC doesn't support Thunderbolt then you won't be able to use this audio interface with it, or you may have to invest in a potentially expensive Thunderbolt card.
Arguably one of the most powerful audio interfaces around at the moment, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X is the perfect match if you're recording your device through a Mac. The Thunderbolt connection comes as standard on Mac, whereas not all Windows devices have this so although you can use it on Windows, you may find you need an add-on card or converter to do so.
We love the Apollo Twin X for its analogue studio-style workflow. The onboard DSP-processing power means you can load plugins before you record, tweaking your tones prior to it going into the DAW which is exactly what happens in actual recording studios. The on-board processing of the Apollo Twin X also makes latency levels absolutely tiny which is great for guitar playing.
It's a heavy and ruggedly built piece of kit, with a great feature set of buttons on the front that ensure a speedy workflow. There's plenty of connectivity on board with two mic/line-ins, a dedicated guitar input, four outputs, and an ADAT connection for expanding your inputs.
Read our full Universal Audio Apollo Twin X review
Best for bass
✅ Buy if you want a great budget audio interface for bass: Our pick for bass guitar due to its great quality preamp and excellent software bundle, the AudioBox 96 is fantastic value for money too.
❌ Avoid if you want your interface to look good: It's a black box essentially, so if you're looking to add some visual vibes to your studio then this probably isn't the interface you're looking for.
You can use any interface for bass guitar, but we've given the Presonus Audiobox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition our nod thanks to its combination of extra features, usability, and ultra-low cost.
Presonus have cannily delivered an impressive package in the Audiobox 96 USB thanks to the inclusion of their Studio One DAW and Studio Magic plugin suite. Just install the software to your computer, connect up, then plug your guitar into the Hi-Z input and start recording in one of the most respected DAWs on the market.
The interface is bus-powered, which means you can take it anywhere and run it directly from USB. Mobile laptop recording, anyone? Yes indeed! And, with 48v phantom power, dual mic/line inputs and MIDI I/O for use with external controllers and expression pedals, it’s fair to say that Presonus’ robust little box delivers everything a guitarist could need without any unnecessary extras!
Best for iPad
✅ Buy if you want a great budget audio interface for bass: Our pick for bass guitar due to its great quality preamp and excellent software bundle, the AudioBox 96 is fantastic value for money too.
❌ Avoid if you want your interface to look good: It's a black box essentially, so if you're looking to add some visual vibes to your studio then this probably isn't the interface you're looking for.
Working with an iPad can be a fickle beast at times thanks to limited connection options and issues with powering bus devices. For us, the Motu M2 provided the most reliable performance when paired with a tablet, making it our top pick for recording your guitar alongside Apple’s compact but powerful device.
We absolutely love the high-definition screen on the front, which gives you a usable way to measure your input gain versus the halo lights you typically see on modern interfaces. It also means making for one less bit of software you need to have open on your device, and makes it easier to switch between different instruments without having to resort back to software to see your levels.
The latency figures are amongst the best we’ve seen at the consumer-interface level, making it great for playing with guitar VSTs, synth plugins, and any other software. The converters are the same that feature in Motu’s thousand-dollar interfaces, so you’re assured of great quality sound too.
More options...
✅ Buy if you need great preamp quality on a budget: Featuring the same preamps of the Audient's high-end studio consoles, the iD4 offers fantastic audio quality.
❌ Avoid if you don't have USB 3.0: The iD4 MkII needs USB 3.0 for proper operation, so if you don't have this on your PC or laptop you should look elsewhere.
There’s a saying that quality doesn’t come cheap. Well, one look at this interface suggests the folks at Audient are not living by that old adage. A simple two-in/two-out USB interface, the iD4 includes class A mic preamps from the company’s high-end consoles, and high performance digital converters too – all wrapped up in a robust all-metal casing.
There’s no stereo connectivity, but the all-important Hi-Z guitar and bass input is present, as is a 48v phantom powered mic/line in for condenser mics. The tactile knob controls on screen switches and faders in your DAW and there’s iOS support for recording on the go.
Factor in the dual headphones (handy if you’re recording another musician) and you have a tidy package for only a little of your hard-earned!
Read our full Audient iD4 review
✅ Buy if you want a simple audio interface for recording your guitar: With its ease of use and simplicity, the Riff is fantastic for those who don't want loads of bells and whistles from their audio interface.
❌ Avoid if you want connectivity: If you're the type that's looking to expand your inputs or do more than just guitars, then this isn't the right interface for you.
Positive Grid - the company behind the insanely popular Spark practice amp - has entered the world of recording interfaces with their latest guitar-focused product, Riff. This slimline USB audio interface is developed with guitar and players in mind and can be fully integrated with the award-winning amp and effects software, Bias FX 2.
Positive Grid has stripped back the Riff to its bare essentials, giving you only one control on the front of the unit. This oversized control knob allows you to adjust various parameters of the Riff, from the input and output levels, direct monitoring level - for zero-latency tracking - and even switch between three preamp emulations. This knob is also fully customizable and can be assigned to perform tasks such as changing amp models within Bias FX 2.
The rugged metal enclosure houses a single 1/4-inch instrument input as well as a 1/4-inch line-level out and 1/8-inch headphone output, so it's perfect for guitarists just starting out with recording at home.
Read our full Positive Grid Riff review
✅ Buy if you want valve tone on your recordings: The built-in valve preamp makes this an audio interface with a difference, allowing you to add some valve warmth to your tone before it hits your DAW.
❌ Avoid if you monitor via headphones: The Sono is quite noisy when using headphones which might be off putting some users who want to hear a pure signal.
Combining a 12AX7 valve preamp and three-band tone controls with Two Notes Torpedo power amp modelling and cab simulation, Audient’s Sono is aimed squarely at guitarists.
The valve offers analogue warmth and you can drive it harder with both gain and tone controls – just like a real tube amp! Dial in one of Torpedo’s 20 included amp/cab models and there’s enough heft for medium-gain rock and blues tones.
The clear layout makes the Sono one of the best guitar audio interfaces to use out of the box, and the virtual recording space, power amp and mic models of the Torpedo interface feel intuitive to use. And, with connections for DI’d guitar/bass, reamping and high-quality stereo mic preamps, including 48v phantom power, the Sono proves to be a versatile interface.
Read our full Audient Sono review
Buying advice
What is an audio interface?
So, you’ve been riffing and writing away on your guitar, and now you’re ready to lay down your killer new track. Well, first things first, you’re going to need a recording interface. Simply put, an interface is a device used to turn your instrument’s sound into ones and zeros for your laptop or PC to process. The newly digitized audio is then routed back through the headphones or studio monitors plugged into the device so you can hear it.
Some audio interfaces also allow you to plug in a microphone via an XLR input, power condenser mics via phantom power, and some even offer MIDI capabilities.
So, in short, if you want to record at home, you need an audio interface to make it possible.
What types of inputs and outputs do I need?
Well, assuming you're recording at home, your requirements are likely to be pretty basic, at least in terms of the inputs you'll need – and the good news with this is that you don't need to spend considerable sums to start recording.
All of the interfaces we've recommended in this guide include a Hi-Z instrument input which accepts the low output of passive bass and electric guitar pickups – just plug in your guitar cable as you would into your amp and flip the Hi-Z button if there is one.
If you plan on mic'ing up acoustic guitars, pianos or hooking up a vocal mic, then you'll need an interface with more than one input. You'll most likely use an XLR cable, so look for XLR - or even better, combo XLR/jack - connectors. While one is useful, two would mean you could record in stereo for wider dispersion in your mix.
It's also worth noting that, if you've splashed some extra cash on a snazzy condenser mic, your interface will need to supply phantom power - 48V - or your fancy new microphone won't work.
What software do I need?
Now, to record, you’ll need some form of recording software - or digital audio workstation. Luckily most interfaces come bundled with software, so you can get started tracking right away.
For guitarists, you can’t beat amp modelling and FX plugins. You may be happy with your pedalboard, but it’s super handy to be able to chop and change the plugins at mixdown.
Does audio interface affect the sound quality on guitar?
In a way, yes. An audio interface acts as a preamp when you plug a guitar directly into it, so you'll need something nice and clean with plenty of power to use with your chosen amp sim. That said, the majority of modern audio interfaces will do a great job of amplifying your tone, and many come with Hi-Z or instrument inputs to boost the signal of your guitar.
Can you play guitar through an audio interface?
Yes you can play your guitar through an audio interface, however you will need a pair of studio monitors or studio headphones to hear it. Most audio interfaces can actually be used in a standalone mode, so you don't necessarily need to even switch on your computer if you're plugging an amp modeller into your interface.
If you're playing with software then you'll need a laptop or PC to go with it, as this will act as the host for your amp simulator software. It's important to note that to reduce latency, you'll need a reasonably powerful computer, otherwise you may find there's a jarring delay between what you play and the sound coming out of your speakers.
Is it better to record guitar with a mic or audio interface?
This is a divisive question and to be truthful, there's no right or wrong answer here. Many will argue there's nothing quite like the sound of a real amp in a real room, and the majority of recording artists still do it this way.
Conversely amp modelling technology has never been better, and getting great results this way is entirely feasible in the modern age with a lot less faff than you would have to undertake recording the traditional way. As the tech gets better, more and more big artists are using modelled amps and effects for recording.
At the end of the day we'd go by the old adage, 'if it sounds good, it is good', no matter whether it was recorded through super expensive mics or a cheap audio interface and modeller combo.
How we test
When testing the best audio interfaces for guitar, we give our choices the same stress tests as we would any audio interface, just through the lens of a guitarist. The needs of a guitarist versus that of a musician recording purely 'in the box' are completely different, so for this guide the interfaces we've picked our influenced by our testers who are guitarists themselves..
We've tested a huge amount of audio interfaces over the years which gives us an excellent overview of what will be great for a guitarist. This testing knowledge leads which interfaces make the cut, and will continue to inform us as we test future audio interfaces for guitar players.
To help you understand exactly how we test guitar audio interfaces, we've listed the following steps that make up our review guidelines.
1. Features - First of all we look at all the features the interface has. Whether its physical connections or included software, we want to judge whether or not the interface is up to the task of making great quality guitar recordings from the off.
2. Build quality - Our next step is to check the quality of the unit. We're looking for durability from any interface that we test, so we'll look at the chassis and what it's made of, the sturdiness of the buttons and knobs, as well as the general design ethos.
3. Installation - Next we'll look at the installation process and how easy it is. We'll ascertain whether or not you need to download firmware updates and additional software, how long it the whole process is and that will help inform our testing. We'll also install on both Windows and Mac OS to determine any differences between the two most popular operating systems.
4. Usability - Our next test is the usability of the interface in question. We'll test this by actually using it record guitars, making notes of first how easy it is to perform the actual recording process, then to mark the quality of the results that we get. We'll perform tests recording both direct in guitars as well as miking up and amp to record in a traditional way, or using a condenser mic with an acoustic guitar to help determine just how easy to use the interface is.
5. Sound - It's very subjective, but we'll also be listening throughout the process to determine the sound quality of the audio interface we're reviewing. Most audio interfaces deliver similar sound quality across the board, with sound quality more likely to be determined by the sound going in and the player rather than the interface itself. But it is important to note how good it sounds, how much dynamic range is on offer, and how hard it drives headphones and studio monitors.
Typically we will test an audio interface for at least two weeks before starting our reviews, in some cases even longer. Like the end user, we want to live with the interface as part of our recording setup for a period of time to determine its overall quality. This means integrating it into our usual setup and workflows and seeing how it performs relative to our regular interface and any others we may have tested.
Read more about how we test audio interfaces at MusicRadar.
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