Are you looking for the best USB audio interface for streaming? It is not a secret that the world of streaming has changed. The way people consume content has shifted, and with it, so too have the standards for equipment.
You can no longer get by on a cheap webcam or microphone to make your dreams come true. People demand high-quality content, which means you need high-quality equipment to deliver it.
That’s where USB Audio Interface comes in. You need a good audio interface to stream live video without compromising sound quality.
There are so many options to choose from that it can be challenging to navigate through the different features and models to find the perfect one for you.
That’s where we come in. We have done all the research, so you don’t have to, and found 10 of the best USB audio interface for streaming that will fit into any budget.
In a Hurry! Then this is my Best Pick
This year’s Best Audio Interface For Streaming is Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen. It comes with high-resolution 24-bit/ 192kHz. It has upgraded 3rd-gen Scarlett mic preamp, switchable air mode, balanced 2 TRS line outputs, high-headroom instrument input, etc., at a reasonable price.
It has USB Type-C connectivity. That is why I selected this. If you don’t have much time, you can go with this. Please read more information about it below.
How To Choose The Right Audio Interface For Your Needs
Before looking at audio interface reviews, you should first know what to look for. Here are some of the essential characteristics you should consider when buying an audio interface.
Budget
Of course, you also need to consider the model’s price that best fits your budget. No one wants to spend a fortune on something they could get for cheap, but at the same time, it’s essential not to compromise on quality.
It would be best always to find a balance between design and functionality to get a high-quality and low-cost product.
Build quality
The second thing to consider is to build quality. Since you will be taking your audio interface with you everywhere, the model must be well made.
The best way to ensure this is by looking for models constructed using metal components. This gives the interface a solid feel and ensures durability over time, even if it falls out of your bag or gets knocked around while traveling.
Inputs
In many cases, you might need only one input if you’re recording a single voice or an acoustic guitar that’s plugging directly in, or something like that. One input may cover what you need, but in most cases, you’ll need at least 2.
So you could record a guitar and a voice simultaneously or a stereo instrument. If you’re working with a band or more than one instrument simultaneously, you want to have enough inputs to cover all of these sources simultaneously. There are audio interfaces that are offering even more inputs than that once.
Outputs
The number of outputs is essential if you are recording more than one speaker or microphone. So, for example, if you plan to record a band with several singers and instrumentalists, you’ll need at least eight analog outputs on your interface.
However, most interfaces have two outputs combined into a stereo signal. Some models offer more advanced connectivity options, like insert cables or digital optical outputs.
No matter how many analog outputs you need, make sure your interface has enough headphone outputs. Multi-channel headphones are essential when recording several musicians or monitoring the sound during the creative process.
Mic preamps
Having good quality preamps is essential to get the best sound possible. The mic preamp converts your vocals into electrical signals so that other components in the system can process them.
A low-quality unit will result in you turning up your vocals loud enough to compensate for the noise, which makes it difficult for listeners to listen in.
Sample rate & Bit depth
The sample rate determines how fast the audio interface can read data from the Mac. The bit depth controls the dynamic range of your recordings (from loud sounds to soft ones). Choosing an interface that can support at least 24 bit/96 kHz rates would be best.
Design
Ensuring that your chosen audio interface isn’t too big or bulky would be best. Some models can be pretty large with multiple inputs and outputs, meaning they take up a lot of room on your desk.
Desktop vs Rackmounted
Desktop audio interfaces are usually very compact, allowing you to keep your desk clean. They have a small number of analog outputs, headphone outputs, and digital inputs or outputs, so they are great for home studios or musicians who need a simple interface to record vocals and instruments.
While Rackmounted audio interfaces are larger and more complex than desktop ones, they usually come with many analog outputs, microphone preamps, and digital inputs or outputs connected to many sound cards at once. If you plan to record heavy guitars with several effects, you should go for a rack-mounted audio interface.
OS and DAW compatibility
Before buying an audio interface, check whether it is compatible with your computer or not. USB, Firewire, and Thunderbolt models are usually compatible with Mac and PCs, but you should check the model’s specifications to be sure.
Most audio interfaces are compatible with many DAWs. If you are using an older version of Logic Pro, then you’d better check whether your audio interface is consistent with it or not.
Phantom power
Having the option of using phantom power is another critical feature. Phantom power supplies the necessary voltage for your mics, making it possible to plug in high-gain studio equipment. This is a power that will allow you to connect your condenser microphones.
Using an un-powered mic will result in a noisy and unprofessional sound, so make sure to find an interface with phantom power if you want to play it safe.
Check the audio interface reviews to determine if the audio interface you’re looking at has phantom power.
Latency
It would be best to find an interface with low latency. Latency is the delay in the time it takes for your microphone to pick up sound and convert it into digital information.
Too much latency means the system couldn’t keep up with your voice, making you sound like you’re talking through a long tube. This will lead to a bad experience for your listeners and will result in you losing followers.
To avoid this, look for an interface with low latency so that the system accurately receives your voice without any delay.
Special features
Finally, you want to look at special features that might be important for what you’re doing in your particular applications, e.g., a ramp output that allows you to send a guitar level signal back out. So you can either run the signal into a guitar amplifier or route it into guitar pedals and then bring that back in when you’re mixing.
Some audio interfaces also offer onboard DSP or digital signal processing chips. Now, these chips allow for latency-free monitoring using a built-in mixer. They can also allow you to run proprietary plugins and special processing effects inside the audio interface without loading down your Mac or computer.
10 Best USB Audio Interface For Streaming In 2023
| # | Products | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen | View on Amazon |
| 2 | MOTU M2 2×2 | View on Amazon |
| 3 | RME Babyface Pro FS | View on Amazon |
| 4 | Steinberg UR242 | View on Amazon |
| 5 | Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD | View on Amazon |
| 6 | PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 | View on Amazon |
| 7 | M-Audio AIR 192|4 | View on Amazon |
| 8 | Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 | View on Amazon |
| 9 | Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 | View on Amazon |
| 10 | Roland Rubix 22 | View on Amazon |
Now, let’s see my top picks for the best USB audio interface for streaming.
See our other reviews and buying guides of audio interface:
1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Key features
- 24-bit/ 192kHz converters
- Upgraded 3rd-generation Scarlett mic preamp
- Switchable Air mode
- High-headroom instrument input
- Unique, intuitive halo level indicators
- Super-low latency
- Balanced 2 TRS line outputs
- Headphone output
- 48v phantom power
- Bus-powered
- USB type-c connectivity
The Focusrite brand has been in business for over 30 years. One of the newest releases is the Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface.
This year’s best USB audio interface for streaming is Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen. The Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface is a simple audio interface with a range of features to make it possible for you to record and stream from three different sources at once.
This audio interface features high-performance 24-bit/ 192kHz converters with a unique halo indicator, visually representing the signal strength.
It has an upgraded 3rd gen Scarlett mic preamp, which gives you a clear sound based on high-quality components. The mic preamps convert your vocals into electrical signals, which means other components in the system will process them without loss or distortion.
The switchable Air Mode makes your vocals sound softer and smoother, giving you a good quality output when live streaming. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen Audio Interface has super-low latency, which lets you monitor Native plug-in effects in real-time.
There’s also a high-headroom instrument input, balanced line outputs, and 48v phantom power. The interface also features a bus-powered USB type-c connectivity, making it easy to connect your devices.
Pros
- Halo indicator
- Switchable Air mode
- Low-latency monitoring
- Hi-Z instrument input
- Excellent sound quality
- 48v phantom power
Cons
- Some DAWs require more I/O
2. MOTU M2 2×2
Key features
- 24-Bit/92 kHz converter
- 2 mic preamps
- Switchable +48 V phantom power
- 2 Line/Hi-Z guitar inputs
- 2 Line outputs
- MIDI input/output
- Loopback feature
- Full-color LCD screen
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology
- USB bus-powered
- 1 ESS-driven headphone output
The best audio interface to purchase is the MOTU M2 2×2 Audio Interface. The MOTU M2 2×2 Audio Interface has many features that stand out from other interfaces.
The MOTU M2 has 2-in/2-out, including two mic/Line/Hi-Z guitar inputs, 2 Line outputs, and a MIDI I/O, perfect for those who enjoy playing music as well as producing it. This is a huge advantage because you can make music using your equipment in real-time.
You also have 1 ESS-driven headphone output and touch hardware monitoring feature on all inputs.
This interface has phantom power, which is required for condenser microphones. It also offers high-quality preamps and an ESS Sabre DAC, ensuring quality sound.
This audio interface has a loopback feature that allows you to monitor the inputs and outputs of your interface while streaming. This means that if you are doing any live video or audio streaming, you can hear everything coming in and out of the interface without having to put up with any background noise.
The MOTU M2 2×2 Audio Interface has a full-color screen and external monitoring for easy setup and configuration settings. The best thing about this interface is that it has USB connection capability, meaning you can connect it directly to your computer with no extra equipment required.
Pros
- Phantom power
- Loopback feature
- High-quality audio
- Low-noise preamps
- Hi-Z input
Cons
- No cable comes in the box
3. RME Babyface Pro FS
Key features
- 12 in/12 out
- 2 mic preamps
- 2 instrument preamps
- Rugged aluminum design
- Ample analog, digital, and MIDI connectivity
- Steadyclock technology
- TotalMix FX with 288-channel mixer with 46-bit internal resolution
- Bus-powered
The RME Babyface Pro FS Audio Interface is an affordable audio interface with many features packed in. It has 12 inputs and 12 outputs, two mic preamps, two instrument preamps, and plenty of connectivity options, including analog, MIDI, and digital.
The Babyface Pro FS also has TotalMix FX software which lets you mix your sound to perfection without external hardware.
This unit is bus-powered for easy portability to be plugged into any laptop or tablet.
The rugged aluminum design makes this interface sturdy when traveling or on the go with your equipment. If you’re looking for something affordable with lots of features, this might be the one for you.
It also has steady clock technology that ensures a constant sample rate, which means you don’t have to set the sample rate manually. With SteadyClock, your interface will automatically detect when incoming signals need to be sampled at higher rates and adjust its sampling rate accordingly.
This is important when recording vocals or using other vocal-related software like ReaPlugs’ AutoPitch.
Pros
- Excellent build quality
- Great sound quality
- Good headphone amps
- Totalmix
- Steadyclock
Cons
- Minimal controls on the front panel
4. Steinberg UR242
Key features
- 4 Input/2 Output
- 24-Bit/192 kHz converter
- Class-A D-PRE mic preamps
- MIDI input/output
- Rugged design
- DSP-based latency-free monitoring with FX
- Line level 1/4″ inputs
- Line level 1/4″ outputs
- Cross-platform compatibility
- 48v phantom power
- Includes Cubase AI music production software
The Steinberg UR242 Audio Interface is a convenient and helpful device for anyone who lives to stream. The interface is durable, compact, and provides all the necessary features to meet your needs.
It’s a sleek metal build, so it’s well suited to be taken on the go. It also has a convenient set of controls on hand and plugs directly into your laptop via USB.
Its sound quality is surprisingly good given its slender profile and low price point. It uses Steinberg’s acclaimed Class-A D-PRE mic preamps, 24bit/192 kHz converters, and offers Latency-free monitoring with effects.
The unit has 1/4″ inputs and outputs to connect your monitors or headphones, as well as MIDI connections for keyboards, controllers, or drum machines.
It has 48v phantom power, which allows you to use condenser microphones. You can also plugin instruments such as electric guitars and basses.
Its Cross-platform compatibility is compatible with Mac and Windows computers and iOS devices like the iPad.
This interface is perhaps one of the best budget options available on the market today for those looking to capture audio with a creative edge.
Pros
- High-quality audio
- Excellent build quality
- Quality D-PRE mic preamps
- Intuitive controls
- Rugged design
Cons
- Some users find software and driver issues with older systems or updated firmware/driver
5. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD
Key features
- 4 inputs/4 outputs
- 24-Bit/192 kHz converter
- High-quality and rugged design
- 1 MIDI I/O with low latency
- MIDAS designed Mic Preamplifiers
- 48 V phantom power
- Monitor A/B source
- Direct monitoring for zero-latency cue mixes
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is an audio interface that provides clear and accurate sound when recording. The unit has a 24-bit/192 kHz converter which means the signal is immediately converted to digital without distortion. This means you will get high-quality sound recordings at all times.
It also comes with four inputs and four outputs, meaning you can plug in up to four instruments and vocals simultaneously. It also has 1 MIDI I/O with low latency, making it easier to control your equipment remotely.
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD also comes packed with features such as MIDAS-designed mic preamps and +48 V phantom power so you can connect higher gain studio equipment to your interface.
It also comes with a monitor A/B source and direct monitoring for zero-latency cue mixes, meaning you can get an accurate recording of your performance without the need to monitor through the computer’s soundcard.
The audio interface is housed in a rugged metal case which ensures it withstands regular use and transport and allows for long-term durability, even if it falls out of your bag or gets knocked around when traveling.
Pros
- Good build quality
- Value for money
- High-quality mic preamps
- Monitor A/B source
Cons
- Some users find latency is awful
6. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Key features
- 24-bit/96kHz recording and playback
- 2 high-quality Class-A mic preamps
- MIDI I/O
- 48-volt phantom power
- Internal analog mixer
- Mobile-friendly USB bus power
- Compatible mac and windows
- Comes with over $1000 worth of recording software
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a solid and durable audio interface that can be used in both Windows and Mac. The USB interface is compatible with both types of computers and has a sleek and stylish design.
It also comes with an internal analog mixer that allows you to easily control different devices’ sound levels.
The AudioBox USB 96 is a simple but powerful audio interface. The AudioBox USB 96 features two high-quality Class-A mic preamps perfect for recording vocals, acoustic instruments, or electric guitars. The preamps on this unit are outstanding, making it possible to plug in high-quality microphones and get crystal clear sound.
This Audio Interface also features MIDI I/O to integrate it into your setup, and the low latency means the system won’t struggle to keep up with your voice – something that will make your listeners happy.
One of the best features of this product is that it has phantom power, so you can use condenser mics without buying a separate power supply. If you’re a singer or distance from the mic, phantom power will pick up your voice better so that your listeners can hear you better.
The audio interface is also very mobile as it only requires USB bus power, so you can use your laptop’s battery to power the interface instead of having to bring along another power supply.
The AudioBox USB 96 comes complete with over $1000 worth of recording software, including Studio One Artist by PreSonus, Lexicon MPX-i Reverb, and more.
Pros
- Great audio quality
- Excellent quality preamps
- Very easy to use
- Good build quality
- MIDI in/out
Cons
- No cons at this price
7. M-Audio AIR 192|4
Key features
- 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Low latency of only 2.59ms
- Transparent crystal preamps
- Ultra-pristine A/D converters
- XLR+1/4 inches TRS combo input
- 1 1/4 inches instrument input
- Stereo 1/4 inches output
- 1/4 inches headphone output
- Rugged metal chassis
- VU LED meters
- USB/Direct knob for zero-latency monitoring
- Large central volume control
M-Audio AIR 192|4 Audio Interface is one of the best models on the market, delivering quality sound with low latency. The product is full of amazing features that will give you the professional sound you need for your recording.
This M-Audio audio interface is suitable for recording and monitoring audio with a higher resolution of 192kHz. The latency of this interface is only 2.59ms, which ensures that the system can keep up with your voice without any delay.
The preamps on this interface are transparent and pristine, meaning that they will capture the clearest range of frequencies possible without noise or distortion.
It also features an XLR+1/4 inches TRS combo input and 1 1/4 inches instrument input so that you can use it for various types of recordings, such as vocals and acoustic instruments.
One of the best features of this interface is its rugged metal chassis, which protects it from unnecessary damage. It also comes with VU LED meters and a large central volume knob.
Pros
- Low price
- Great build quality
- VU LED meters
- Excellent A/D converters
- Transparent crystal preamps
- Very clear sound
Cons
- None
8. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22
Key features
- 16 Bit / 48 kHz resolution
- Combo input with MIDAS preamp
- 48V phantom power
- Dedicated instrument-level input
- Headphone output
- Stereo 1/4″ outputs
- Bus-powered
- Direct monitoring with level control
The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 Audio Interface is a professional audio interface that provides high-quality sound. It has a 16 bit / 48 kHz resolution to deliver clear and precise sound.
It has a convenient combo input with MIDAS preamp to ensure the noise level stays low, which will maximize your ability to hear what’s going on.
This audio interface also provides 48V phantom power so that it is possible to plug in high-gain studio equipment.
In addition, this interface comes equipped with dedicated instrument-level input and a headphone output for easy monitoring.
This audio interface also features stereo 1/4″ outputs, making it easy to pass your sound from the interface to external devices such as monitors, headphones, mixers, or PA equipment.
The Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 Audio Interface is a USB-powered interface that can be used without any additional power supply. With all these great features packed into one unit, the Behringer U-Phoria is sure to give you high-quality sound without breaking the bank.
Pros
- Excellent deal for the money
- Great sound quality
- Great build quality
- High-quality Midas preamp
- Direct monitoring
- Low latency playback
Cons
- Only 16bit
- Some users find driver issues in Windows
9. Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2
Key features
- 2-in/2-out
- 24-bit/192kHz converters
- 1 Onyx mic preamp
- 48-volt phantom power
- 1/4″ input with Hi-Z switch
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- 1 headphone output
- Bus-powered
- Comprehensive software bundle with DAW and plug-ins
The Mackie Onyx Artist 1-2 Audio Interface is the perfect interface for streaming. It has all the features you could want to stream high-quality video back to your viewers. The audio interface includes a microphone preamp, software bundle, and comprehensive plug-ins.
The preamps on these interfaces are designed for high-quality recording and can easily compensate for low-quality microphones. This ensures that your streaming videos are not only audible but pleasant to the ear.
It also has an ultra-low latency direct monitor feature so you can hear yourself at low latency while still seeing your camera’s view of yourself on your computer monitor. It even has a headphone output for when you want to listen to what you’re streaming before publishing it out to your audience.
This interface will grow with you as your streaming needs grow. It’s compatible with most DAWs and can even be used for recording applications in addition to streaming.
Pros
- Good build quality
- MIDI I/O
- Comprehensive software bundle
- Support up to 192 kHz
- Fantastic sound quality
Cons
- No Linux drivers
10. Roland Rubix 22
Key features
- 2-in/2-out
- 2 low-noise mic preamps with XLR combo jacks
- Hi-Z input
- MIDI In/Out ports
- 24-bit/192kHz converter
- Shielded metal chassis
- Low-noise design
- Low latency, class-compliant drivers
- FREE 6-months of Roland Cloud Pro membership
- Compatible with Mac, Pc, and iPad
- 48v phantom power
One of the most impressive models that we found for this list is the Roland Rubix 22 Audio Interface. This model has a lot to offer for such a low price.
The Roland Rubix 22 is a USB audio interface that easily handles input and output. It offers 2-in/2-out and 48V phantom power through the two mic preamps with XLR combo jacks, which means excellent sound quality for your voice or instruments. The Hi-Z input and MIDI In/Out ports also make it one of the most versatile models on this list.
With the Roland Rubix 22 Audio Interface, you can record and playback in high resolution with 24-bit/192kHz recording for cleaner, clearer audio. It also includes a low latency, making this model perfect for live streaming and gaming.
The Roland Rubix 22 Audio Interface is one of the best available options because it is compatible with Mac, PC, and iPad, has an easy setup process and requires no drivers. It also has a shield metal chassis and bus power, so you don’t have to worry about batteries or power outlets.
The Roland Rubix 22 also offers a free six-month Roland Cloud Pro membership, giving you access to their premium sound library and more.
Pros
- Great build quality
- Good sound quality
- Hi-Z input
- MIDI In/Out ports
- Low-noise design
Cons
- Pricey as compared to others with the same features
FAQs
What is the best USB audio interface for streaming?
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is the best USB audio interface for streaming. It has features like upgraded 3rd-generation Scarlett mic preamp, high-headroom instrument input, balanced 2 TRS line outputs, headphone output, phantom power, and more, which is best for streaming twitch, Facebook, etc.
What is the best cheap USB audio interface?
Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22 is the best USB audio interface. It comes with all features for streaming, gaming, etc. It has combo input with MIDAS preamp, phantom power, dedicated instrument input, headphone output, stereo 1/4 output, and a lot more. If you don’t have a budget, this audio interface is best.
What is a bus-powered audio interface?
The bus-powered audio interface is used to simplify the setup process. It means that you can use USB cables to transmit both power and audio signals, meaning you don’t need any other power connection for your device to work.
How important is an audio interface?
An audio interface is one of the most important pieces of gear in your studio. Not only does it convert your signal from digital to analog format, but it ensures the highest possible sound quality- no matter how simple or complicated your setup might be.
Conclusion
The world of streaming has changed dramatically in recent years. Content creators are now demanding high-quality content, which means that you need to have the right equipment for delivering it.
That’s where USB Audio Interface comes into play. There are so many options available on the market today that it can be difficult to find one that suits your needs and budget perfectly—unless you know what you’re looking for.
I hope this article will help make things a little easier by providing 10 of my favorite models with different features and price points so you can find exactly what is suitable for your situation.
Now, I want to know which is your favorite audio interface.
