Free shipping
within Germany for orders over 29€
55.000 products
ready for shipment
Money Back
30 Day Return Policy
You have placed the following items into your shopping cart
Free shipping
within Germany for orders over 29€
55.000 products
ready for shipment
Money Back
30 Day Return Policy
219 items
A USB audio interface converts analogue signals from microphones, instruments or line sources into digital audio data. It is the central interface for recording, monitoring, podcasts, streaming, music production and many studio applications. A USB audio interface is an external sound card for professional audio recording and playback. It offers better converters, more stable drivers and more suitable connections than many built-in computer sound cards. Microphone inputs, line inputs, instrument inputs, headphone outputs and line outputs allow vocals, speech, guitar, synthesizers, controllers or studio monitors to be integrated flexibly. Many interfaces also offer phantom power for condenser microphones and direct monitoring without distracting latency. The right USB audio interface depends strongly on the intended use. Someone recording only one voice or guitar needs different connections than a band in the rehearsal room or a professional studio setup. The following overview helps with quick orientation. After the intended use, the equipment matters: microphone inputs, instrument inputs, line inputs, line outputs and headphone outputs determine which sources can be connected and how signals can be monitored or routed onward. Microphone inputs with phantom power, Hi-Z inputs for guitar and line inputs determine which sources can be connected directly. Headphone outputs, monitor outputs and additional line outputs are important for monitoring, mixes and external devices. ADAT, S/PDIF, Wordclock, MIDI or network connections make it easier to integrate additional devices, converters or larger studio systems. The maximum resolution in bit and the maximum sample rate in kHz indicate the quality at which an interface can record and play back. For many productions, modern interfaces with 24 bit and common sample rates are more than sufficient; higher values can be useful for specific studio workflows. The USB version also plays a role. USB-C audio interfaces are especially popular with current computers, tablets and mobile setups. Besides the connection itself, reliable drivers and compatibility with the operating system used are also decisive. A USB audio interface should match the operating system being used. Depending on the model, Windows, Mac OS, Linux, iOS, iPadOS, Android or combined setups may be supported. Anyone working mobile should also pay attention to class-compliant operation, suitable adapters and power supply, so the interface works reliably without additional drivers. Bus-powered interfaces draw their power directly via USB and are especially practical for mobile recording setups. Models with a power supply, on the other hand, can offer more power, more inputs or a more stable supply for larger setups. With the right accessories, a USB audio interface can be better integrated, protected or expanded. Depending on the setup, this can include cables, adapters, power supplies, rack accessories, mounts or other practical solutions. Suitable cables, adapters, power supplies, rack accessories and mounts help connect the interface reliably, integrate it securely or use it more flexibly on the move. Before buying, it should be clear whether the USB audio interface will be used for home recording, rehearsal room work, band recording, podcasts, streaming, live use or a professional studio setup. For simple vocal or guitar recordings, a compact model with one or two inputs is often sufficient. For bands, drums or larger setups, more channels, additional headphone outputs, line inputs, line outputs and digital interfaces are useful. Operating system, USB connection, phantom power, headphone outputs, latency, monitoring functions and power supply are also important. Anyone recording on the move benefits from a compact, bus-powered interface. For fixed studio setups, larger interfaces with a power supply, multiple line outputs and expanded connectivity can be the better choice. A USB audio interface converts analogue audio signals from microphones, instruments or line sources into digital signals for a computer, tablet or smartphone. At the same time, it enables high-quality playback via headphones or studio monitors. For beginners, compact interfaces with simple operation, one or two inputs, a headphone output and phantom power are suitable. They make it easy to record vocals, speech, guitar or podcasts. For single voices or instruments, one or two inputs are usually enough. Anyone who wants to record several microphones, stereo sources, bands or larger setups should pay attention to more microphone inputs, line inputs and a suitable channel count. Phantom power supplies condenser microphones with electricity via the microphone cable. It is important when using corresponding studio microphones or vocal microphones with a condenser capsule. USB-C is practical for modern computers and mobile devices. However, the connection is not the only decisive factor; drivers, compatibility, latency, converter quality and the right features for the intended use are also important. Many interfaces can be used with iPad, iPhone or Android devices if they are compatible and the power supply is suitable. Depending on the model, adapters, a power supply or class-compliant operation may be required.
Buy a USB audio interface – high-quality recordings for home recording, podcasts, streaming and studio work
What is a USB audio interface?
Home recording, rehearsal room, podcast, streaming or high-end?
Home recording
1–2 inputs, phantom power, direct monitoring and simple operation for vocals, guitar and songwriting.
Rehearsal room and band recording
More microphone inputs, line inputs, headphone mixes and a suitable channel count for several musicians or drum recording.
Podcast and streaming
Good speech quality, stable drivers, headphone output, low noise level and reliable monitoring.
Studio and high-end
High-quality converters, low latency, flexible outputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, Wordclock or expandable systems.
Stage and live
Robust construction, stable connection, flexible line outputs and reliable performance for playback or live recording.
Connections and expansion
Microphone and instrument inputs
Headphone and line outputs
Digital interfaces
Resolution, sample rate and USB version
Compatibility and power supply
Suitable accessories
Audio interface accessories
What to consider when buying?
Frequently asked questions about USB audio interfaces
What does a USB audio interface do?
Which audio interface is suitable for beginners?
How many inputs does a USB audio interface need?
What does phantom power mean on an audio interface?
Is a USB-C audio interface better?
Can a USB audio interface be used with an iPad or smartphone?
