The Best Audio Interfaces of 2023
The standout audio interfaces released this year...
With a range of exciting releases over the course of this year, we’re looking at the Best Audio Interfaces of 2023 for recording and music production.
Looking back, there have been some truly interesting developments in the audio interface market. We’ve selected some of the best options in different price ranges: From affordable budget interfaces to professional multichannel units with amazing connectivity options.
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2023
Sometimes it’s hard to keep up. So if you haven’t been following every single product launch like some of our Gearnews readers this is a great chance to recap. Let’s take a look at the best interfaces released this year.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
With the Focusrite Scarlett series interfaces getting an update this year, it only makes sense to find the popular Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen on this list. As ever, the combination of audio quality, versatile features, and a reasonable price tag justifies its selection.
The two Scarlett mic pres have jack inputs conveniently placed on the front panel, while the XLR inputs are at the back. What’s more, there is a range of features for creators and home recording enthusiasts. These include Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Loopback, and the Air function.
Although it doesn’t have MIDI, the Scarlett 2i2 has some useful design features: direct monitoring and metering via the LED rings around the input and output level controls.
![Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen](https://cdn.gearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/08/focusrite-scarlett-2i2-gen-4.jpg)
![Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/nethumb140x40/pics/herstlogos/focusrite.gif)
![Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/orig/pics/prod/566684.jpg)
- More from Focusrite
Zoom UAC-232
Compact and portable, the Zoom UAC-232 is a versatile 32-bit Float 192 kHz USB interface with a pair of Zoom F-Series mic preamps, one of which has a Hi-Z input for guitars and basses.
All the UAC-232 routing can be operated via the Mix Control software for macOS, Windows, and iOS. Here, you can activate loopback, as well as switch between the modes designed for music recording and live streaming.
in addition, the UAC-232 is equipped with 5-pin MIDI I/O, making it a well-rounded interface for the price, perfect for home studios and streaming setups.
![Zoom UAC-232](https://cdn.gearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/12/zoom-uac-232.jpg)
![Zoom UAC-232](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/nethumb140x40/pics/herstlogos/zoom.gif)
![Zoom UAC-232](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/orig/pics/prod/565420.jpg)
- More from Zoom
Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig
A solution for the modern electronic music producer, the AudioFuse 16Rig is Arturia’s flagship multichannel audio interface. It comes equipped with 16/12 analogue I/O and up to 24-bit 192 kHz recording capabilities.
In addition, the AudioFuse 16Rig provides a low-latency DSP mixer, 16 channels of ADAT I/O, and Wordclock I/O. Meanwhile, it’s built to be the central hub of your studio with a reamping function and eight DC-coupled analogue outputs for sending CV signals from your DAW.
Overall, the AudioFuse 16Rig is an excellent option for the price with a versatile feature set that caters to all styles of music creation, especially if you have a range of hardware instruments and guitar pedals to link up.
![Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig](https://cdn.gearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/10/arturia-audiofuse-16rig-front-back.jpg)
![Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/nethumb140x40/pics/herstlogos/arturia.gif)
![Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/orig/pics/prod/577287.jpg)
- More from Arturia
RME Fireface 802 FS
The Fireface 802 FS is the latest version of the trusty multichannel rackmount interface from RME. Known for the unbelievable quality of their AD/DA converters, the 802 is now SteadyClock FS equipped for increased accuracy and reliability.
The 802 FS is a 60-channel 24-bit 192 kHz interface with 12 channels of analogue I/O and four ultra-clean sounding mic preamps. On the digital side, you have a flexible DSP mixer with effects, controlled by the TotalMix FX software.
In addition, connectivity includes AES/EBU, ADAT, Wordclock, and MIDI I/O. This makes the 802 FS the perfect home studio centrepiece or an ideal fixture for your live recording rig.
![RME Fireface 802 FS](https://cdn.gearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/rme-fireface-802-fs-01.jpg)
![RME Fireface 802 FS](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/nethumb140x40/pics/herstlogos/rme.gif)
![RME Fireface 802 FS](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/orig/pics/prod/568731.jpg)
- More from RME
Neumann MT-48
The MT-48 is Neumann’s first foray into the world of USB audio interfaces and is in fact based on a design licensed from Merging Technologies. This is not a bad thing by any means, as the Anubis interface offers an incredible blueprint.
This compact 12 in/16 out interface gives you DSP effects and a flexible digital mixer that is controlled via the touchscreen. In addition, the MT-48 offers AES67/RAVENNA compatibility, ADAT I/O, as well as ethernet connectivity.
Although the price tag is considerable, the MT-48 offers unique features like the Dual Output Technology. This allows you to simultaneously record pre or post-FX. What’s more, the preamp and AD/DA converter quality is outstanding.
![Neumann MT-48](https://cdn.gearnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/neumann-mt-48-e1680514867755.jpg)
![Neumann MT 48](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/nethumb140x40/pics/herstlogos/neumann.gif)
![Neumann MT 48](https://thumbs.static-thomann.de/thumb/orig/pics/prod/560230.jpg)
- More from Neumann
More about the Best Audio Interfaces of 2023:
- All about Audio Interfaces
- The Best Of 2023
*Note: This article contains affiliate links that help us fund our site. Donโt worry: the price for you always stays the same! If you buy something through these links, we will receive a small commission. Thank you for your support!
- Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen: Focusrite
- Zoom UAC-232: Zoom
- Leave everything connected: AudioFuse 16Rig: Arturia
- RME Fireface 802 FS: RME
- Neumann MT-48: Thomann
4 responses to “The Best Audio Interfaces of 2023”
I think another good one to include would be the Audient ID24, especially for the price. Hard to beat at just $300, especially considering the connectivity it has too!
Disappointed with Zoom for not releasing the UAC 832. I waited long for it.
Zoom should remake the UAC 232. For example: metal case. No wheels please.
audient evo 4 ?