Best Audio Interfaces for Recording Guitar

Parent article: Home Recording Studio Setup

The simplest way to record your guitar is through an audio interface.

These boxes range in complexity and cost, but I would imagine most of you are looking for something on the simpler end of the spectrum, perhaps for quick recording, a YouTube channel, or semi-professional instrument mixing.

For those situations, I've covered four audio interfaces ranging from beginner-friendly to intermediate-level capabilities. 

Of the four, I've used three of them, and have the fourth onboard as a recommendation from a fellow musician. 

For example, I used the PreSonus AudioBox to record this cover of "Thoughtless" by Korn, several years ago:

These boxes have line ins for your guitar, and then send the signal to your recording software via a USB or Thunderbolt connection. 

Finding an Audio Interface for Your Guitar

But what makes one better for guitar? The biggest issue when choosing an audio interface is going to be inputs. If you aren't recording a large group (perhaps only your guitar or one instrument at a time), then you can get away with smaller, desktop form-factor interfaces with one one or two preamps.

How did we make our selections?

With that in mind, I've always targeted smaller audio interfaces which save money on cost and are easier to setup in my office. For these recommendations, here's a full list of what I've looked for in a guitar-friendly interface:

• Target two to four preamps (inputs)
• Inputs for instruments and XLR cables
• Direct headphone monitoring
• Small form (easier to fit on desktop)
• USB or Thunderbolt connection

For most guitar recording situations, this is all you need to get the job done. If you want more information on connecting and recording with an audio interface, here are a few more resources that might be relevant/helpful to you:

• The Complete Home Recording Studio Setup Guide
• The Ultimate Guitar to GarageBand
• Connect your Guitar to your Computer: Quick 4-Step Guide

With that, I'll get into my specific recommendations below.

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4 Best Audio Interfaces for Guitar

Of the four interfaces listed, I've used the Scarlett, the AudioBox, and the Apollo Twin. The MOTU is a newer box that a friend of mine recommended and also seems to get exceptionally good online reviews. Note that the Apollo Twin is the only Thunderbolt-connected interface. The rest are USB.

1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (or solo)

Additional 2i2 Pricing from Multiple Vendors

Price History and Alerts for the 2i2 (based on Sweetwater Retail)

The Scarlett series by Focusrite comes in two different versions that are good options for in-home guitar recording.

1. The 2i2
2. The Solo

Scarlett's current iteration of the 2i2 is the 3rd generation, which has two preamps, each with a combo XLR and line in (instrument) connection. The Solo only has one XLR and one instrument cable connection, each with a separate preamp.

The 2i2 isn't necessarily less functional, but it does give you some more flexibility if you want to add two mics or two instruments, where the Solo can only handle one of each at any given time. For basic home studio or office recording, the 2i2 is one of our favorites and an easy top pick for this list.

We also like the 2i2 because it has the highest sampling rate of the USB devices at 192kHz.

Manufacturer Page: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

IDEAL FOR: Office and home studio recording setups for one or two instruments.

2. PreSonus Audiobox iTwo

The main difference between the Scarlett and the PreSonus AudioBox is that the AudioBox supports a MIDI connection. Additionally the AudioBox is far cheaper, going new for about $130. For smaller, non-professional recording needs, it's one of my favorite recommendations, especially since I've had the chance to use it myself and record quite a bit with it.

Why the lower cost?

PreSonus has a lot of budget-friendly options priced way below their higher-end interfaces. And while it's hard to tell exactly where they've cut costs, the AudioBox 96 - and now the iTwo - both do a great job with the recording basics.

If that's all you need - something to handle simple recording - we'd recommend saving the money and starting with the AudioBox iTwo.

Manufacturer Page: PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

Additional iTwo Pricing from Multiple Vendors

Price History and Alerts for the iTwo (based on Sweetwater Retail)

IDEAL FOR: Lower-budget recording needs, home studios, and simple recording projects

3. Motu M2 2 x 2

Motu includes some upscale features that you don't get in either of the first two recommendations, though it's a lesser-known brand in our circles. The LCD screen for measuring levels is the most recognizable upgrade, with an indicator for both inputs and outputs (four total). These make it easier to see when a channel is clipping (when it's in the red). You also get nearly six gigabytes of free content in the form of Ableton Live Lite, loops, and sound samples. 

It has a phantom power button for each channel, and a loopback function that's really helpful for streaming or podcasting.

There's also something called the "Loopback" feature, which basically lets you record your computers output and input, with the two blended together.

Everything else is pretty similar to the Focusrite and PreSonus boxes, though the MOTU M2 falls closer to the PreSonus price range at $170 retail.

Additional Motu M2 Pricing from Multiple Vendors

Price History and Alerts for the Motu M2 (based on Sweetwater Retail)

IDEAL FOR: Streaming, podcasting, ambient recording, and simple recording setups, price is budget-friendly

4. Universal Audio Apollo Twin (and Twin X) DUO

The Apollo Twin series (the MKII is the one pictured) is what we'd consider a high-end audio interface, capable of handling semi or even fully professional recording jobs. And while we wouldn't recommend it for beginners, anyone who is using a cheaper interface but wants to upgrade to something faster and more intuitive will find the Apollo Twin to be a good fit.

Because with the Thunderbolt port you get a faster and more pristine signal with a 127dB dynamic range.

The result is that it just sounds a lot better and "cleaner" like you would expect from a professional studio recording.

One caveat we should mention is that the Apollo Twin is going to be a lot more compatible with a Mac, which is also the most typical way of getting a Thunderbolt output. If you're going to go the distance and get a more expensive interface like the Apollo, make sure you pair it with a computer that can take full advantage of all its features.

We'd recommend something like an iMac, or Mac Mini with some of the upgrades. If you buy a recent model, they come standard with Thunderbolt ports.

Additional Apollo Twin Duo Pricing from Multiple Vendors

Price History and Alerts for the Apollo Twin Duo (based on Sweetwater Retail)

IDEAL FOR: Professional or semi-professional recording setups

Honorable Mentions

Two of the honorable mentions we've included are higher i/o versions of audio interfaces we've already recommended. For example, the Apollo and Scarlett both come in versions that house four channels, allowing you to record more instruments and/or vocalists simultaneously.

If you're just buying for your guitar and recording in your home, one or two inputs is enough. However, those "upscale" options could be better if you have a full band you're trying to track.

• Universal Audio Apollo x4 (for more simultaneous connections)
  
• Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)
  
• IK Multimedia AXE I/O USB Guitar Audio Interface
  
• Roland Studio-Capture USB Audio Interface
  

We've also included interfaces from IK Multimedia and Roland. Both are USB interfaces, affordable, and a good fit for just recording guitar in your office or bedroom.

Consistent Features

Audio interfaces are surprisingly easy to shop for because there are really just a few features that you need to pay attention to. For guitar players, and those who just want to track an instrument, the difference in features is even less consequential. Still, we want to cover the features that matter so you can easily spot them as you shop.

Feature #1: Inputs and outputs

Perhaps the most important feature you'll notice is the number of inputs and the number of outputs. In most of our recommendations, there are two inputs that can handle either an instrument cable or XLR connection for a microphone. Outputs are usually two, allowing you to send your signal to two studio monitors in a stereo connection. 

Feature #2: Control

You'll want to lookout for gain controls on each channel and then a master volume, as well as a control over monitor volume (headphone output control). We'd also recommend a device with a mixer control, so you can control the volume between your input and playback, perhaps if you're playing guitar along with a music track on your computer.

Feature #3: Connection type

Most audio interfaces use a USB connection that's class compliant with most PCs and Mac computers. The other - less common and more expensive - connection you'll see is Thunderbolt, which is currently up to Thunderbolt 3, though most are backwards compatible with Thunderbolt 1 and 2 as well. If you go with a Thunderbolt audio interface, you'll be better off running it off a Mac computer.

Best Places to Buy

For almost all music gear purchases, we recommend (and partner with) Sweetwater as they're particularly good when it comes to live audio equipment and recording gear. 

For audio interfaces - whether you're recording guitar or some other instrument - we'd recommend buying from them.

For used options, Reverb is the top authority in that department.

• Sweetwater: For buying new, they're a solid option with good customer support and a strong selection of recording and live audio gear
• Reverb: The largest curation of used music gear available is Reverb.com. For audio interfaces, or any kind of recording gear, those who want to buy used can get just about anything at a decently steep discount.
• Amazon: Though not our favorite place to shop, Amazon still keeps most of the interfaces we recommend in stock at reasonable prices.
• Musicians Friend: Similar to Sweetwater's structure, Musicians Friend provides a lot of the same gear, though we don't like their customer support quite as much
  

How much should I spend?

The difference in pricing between the really cheap and really nice audio interfaces is massive. For the high-end units (many are far nicer than even the Apollo Twin) you could be looking at several thousand dollars, while most of the interfaces we recommend here are a few hundred or lower.

Given the context of these recommendations - recording just your guitar from time to time - we wouldn't recommend spending too much, unless you want something with a professional edge like the Apollo Twin.

To get an audio interface for recording guitar, spending somewhere in the $200-$300 range should be adequate.

If not, you could go lower and still get the job done.

$99 isn't "too cheap" at all.

Does my choice really impact sound quality?

We do notice a difference in sound quality when going from something like the PreSonus AudioBox to the Universal Audio Apollo Twin. The technical details that go into explaining the difference are hard to understand, though we've also found that generally the Thunderbolt connections tend to sound better on a recording.

This makes sense when you consider that you're going from a $150 unit to nearly a $1000 unit.

However, within a more limited price scope, the difference in recording quality isn't going to be very noticeable. It's also not going to be impacted by how many inputs or outputs your unit has, as those numbers are strictly related to what you can connect to the interface.

In other words:

As the price difference increases, the recording quality will tend to increase as well.

How long do these units last?

The audio interfaces I've used have never had any problems and - to this day - still work fine. They're a reliable kind of technology where you simply plug them in and they work. You won't have to worry about the unit breaking or wearing out in most situations. Just leave it on your desk or wherever you're wanting to record your guitar, and it'll last you a long time.

Your Questions

Do you have questions about the audio interfaces we've recommended here?

Keep in mind, we've either used or spoken to people who have used this gear, which means there are other options that could be a good fit for you that we just haven't had experience with. This page is meant to either give you helpful suggestions or point you in the right direction.

If you have questions, drop them in the comments section below. I'll take a look and try to help out, and if I can't help, I'll refer you to someone who can.

Personal experience and testimony of those who have used these interfaces are welcome too. 

See you there.

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