10 Best Xlr Audio Interface 2025 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a solid choice for musicians, podcasters, and anyone looking to record high-quality audio at home. One of its greatest strengths lies in its exceptional pre-amps, which deliver bright and clear recordings. The ability to switch to Air mode further enhances acoustic sounds, making it particularly appealing for guitarists and vocalists. With a maximum recording quality of 24-bit/192kHz, it ensures that your recordings capture all the details of your instruments and vocals.

Another plus is the ease of use; the Easy Start tool helps users set up quickly, making it great for beginners. The two instrument inputs allow for flexible recording, and the low-noise outputs provide a clean listening experience, perfect for those who enjoy mixing music or podcasts.

It's worth noting some limitations. The Scarlett Solo features only two inputs, which may not be suitable for those who need to record more than one instrument or microphone simultaneously. As it connects via USB, users need to ensure their computers are compatible and may require additional adapters for certain setups. While the build quality is decent, it’s primarily made for stationary use rather than heavy portability, which could be a drawback for mobile recording artists.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is an excellent entry-level audio interface that provides good quality and essential features for solo musicians and podcasters. Those looking for more extensive input options or extreme portability might want to consider alternatives, but for focused recording needs, this interface stands out as a reliable choice.

The M-Audio M-Track Duo is a versatile USB audio interface designed for recording, streaming, and podcasting. It features two combo XLR/Line/Instrument inputs with phantom power, allowing for a range of audio recording scenarios including guitars, vocals, and line inputs. The bit depth and sample rate of 48 kHz ensure decent audio quality, although some high-end users might desire higher rates for more professional recordings.

The USB/Direct switch provides zero latency monitoring which is critical for real-time audio work. The interface is highly portable, lightweight, and compact, making it an excellent choice for on-the-go recording sessions or small home studios. The build quality is generally solid, though some users might find it less rugged compared to more expensive models.

The device is compatible with both Mac and PC and supports any Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software, making it a flexible option for various users. The included MPC Beats Software from Akai Professional adds value for those looking into music production. It may not meet the needs of professional studios requiring a higher bit depth and sample rate or more extensive input/output options. The M-Audio M-Track Duo is an excellent entry-level audio interface suitable for beginners and intermediate users looking for a reliable, portable, and user-friendly recording solution.

The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a versatile and portable USB audio interface ideal for recording, streaming, and podcasting. It boasts a combo XLR/line input with phantom power, alongside a line/instrument input, allowing users to record vocals, guitars, and other instruments with ease. This makes it suitable for both beginners and professionals working on small-scale projects. The included Crystal Preamp ensures high-quality sound from microphones, including condenser mics, which is a significant advantage for clear recordings.

With 48 kHz audio resolution, it provides decent sound quality for most recording tasks. The interface's zero-latency monitoring capability, facilitated by a USB/Direct switch, is a notable feature for real-time recording without delays, enhancing user experience in monitoring. Connectivity options include a 1/8” headphone output and stereo RCA outputs, offering flexible monitoring solutions.

In terms of build quality, the M-Track Solo is compact and lightweight (10.6 ounces), making it highly portable for on-the-go recording sessions. However, it may feel less durable compared to more premium interfaces. The software bundle, including MPC Beats, adds value by providing essential production tools right out of the box, benefiting users who are new to recording or need reliable software support. One drawback is the limited number of inputs and outputs (only two channels), which might be insufficient for more complex recording setups. Additionally, the bit depth and sample rate are relatively basic, so advanced users might seek higher-end models for more demanding audio production. Despite these limitations, the M-Audio M-Track Solo is a solid choice for those seeking a budget-friendly, easy-to-use audio interface with essential features for various recording needs.