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3 Must have Audio Interfaces for Music Production

Top Audio Interfaces for Professional Music Production: A Comparison of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen, PreSonus Studio 24c, and M-Audio AIR 192x4

By Liam DyerPublished 3 years ago 4 min read
Focusrite 2i2

Music production has been revolutionized in recent years with the advent of digital technology. The use of audio interfaces has become increasingly popular among musicians, producers, and sound engineers looking to capture high-quality sound recordings for their projects. These devices serve as a crucial link between a computer and various recording equipment such as microphones and instruments. In this article, we will be discussing three must-have audio interfaces for music production: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, the PreSonus Studio 24c, and the M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface. Each of these interfaces boasts unique features and benefits that make them ideal for different recording scenarios. Whether you're a professional musician or just starting, investing in a high-quality audio interface can significantly improve the overall sound quality of your recordings.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is a high-performance audio interface that is perfect for music production and podcasting. With the finest pre-amps in the Scarlett range, you can achieve a brighter and more open recording. The switchable Air mode adds extra clarity to your acoustic instruments, giving you a professional sounding recording. The Scarlett 2i2 also features two high-headroom instrument inputs, allowing you to capture the perfect guitar and vocal take without sacrificing your tone. With Gain Halos, you can record with clarity and capture all the nuances of your instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion.

The Scarlett 2i2 has two low-noise balanced outputs, providing crystal clear audio playback, so you can hear all the details and nuances of your own track or music from Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music. The high-powered output for monitoring in high-fidelity lets you plug in your headphones and hear your recordings with professional clarity.

With the Scarlett’s high-performance converters, you can achieve studio quality recordings and mix at up to 24-bit192kHz, retaining all the sonic qualities of your recordings. Setting up your Scarlett 2i2 is easier than ever with the online tool, Easy Start, which helps you get started with recording and playback audio. The Scarlett 2i2 comes with software and sound content from industry partners, giving you all the tools you need to start recording right away. Whether you're looking to create studio-quality vocals, powerful guitars, luscious keys, or huge drums, the Scarlett 2i2 has you covered.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

PreSonus Studio 24c

The PreSonus Studio 24c is a versatile and professional-grade audio interface that is ideal for music production and recording. With 2 pristine XMAX-L solid-state mic preamps, you can capture every detail of your vocals and acoustic instruments. The Studio 24c also features 2 high-headroom instrument/line inputs, which are perfect for recording guitar, bass, and your favorite line-level devices.

The studio-grade converters of the Studio 24c enable 24-bit192 kHz recording and playback, ensuring that your recordings retain all their sonic qualities. The interface comes with the award-winning Studio One Artist DAW, Ableton Live Lite DAW, and Studio Magic software suite, which includes over 1,000 USD worth of virtual instruments, effects plugins, loops, and more.

The Studio 24c also features professional input metering, allowing you to keep an eye on your recording levels and ensure that your recordings are not clipping. The easy-to-use Mixer knob provides low-latency direct input monitoring, making it easier for you to hear yourself while recording. The high-powered headphone output of the Studio 24c delivers studio-quality monitoring and allows you to hear all the nuances of your recordings.

Overall, the PreSonus Studio 24c is a reliable and feature-packed audio interface that offers professional-grade recording and playback capabilities. It comes with all the necessary software and tools you need to get started with music production, making it a great option for both beginners and professionals.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE PreSonus Studio 24c

PreSonus Studio 24c

M-Audio AIR 192x4

The M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface is a versatile and feature-packed audio interface that provides premium recording and monitoring capabilities for professional and home studios. With 24-bit/192 kHz resolution and premium component selection, the AIR 192x4 delivers unparalleled audio quality and accuracy.

The interface features hi-speed USB/USB-C circuitry that provides the fastest connection with a class-leading round trip latency of only 2.59 ms. This ensures low latency and real-time monitoring, making it perfect for recording and producing music, podcasts, and voiceovers.

The M-Audio AIR 192x4 also boasts transparent Crystal preamps and ultra-pristine A/D converters, which capture every detail of your recordings with exceptional clarity and accuracy. The interface offers a variety of connectivity options, including XLR+¼ Inch TRS combo inputs, ¼ Inch instrument inputs, stereo ¼ Inch outs, and ¼ Inch headphone outs with independent level control.

The AIR 192x4 is also packed with features, including a rugged metal chassis, large central volume control, VU LED meters, and a USB/direct knob for zero-latency monitoring. The interface comes with a suite of software, including MPC Beats, Ableton Live Lite, Touch Loops, Creative FX Collection, Xpand!2, Mini Grand, and Revalver, making it an excellent choice for musicians, producers, and podcasters looking to take their recordings to the next level.

CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE M-Audio AIR 192x4

M-Audio AIR 192x4

In conclusion, all three audio interfaces, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, the PreSonus Studio 24c, and the M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface, offer professional-level features and specifications that make them ideal for music production.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen stands out with its high-performing mic pre-amps, high-headroom instrument inputs, low-noise balanced outputs, and professional-grade converters, making it easy for users to achieve a brighter, clearer sound in their recordings.

The PreSonus Studio 24c is equipped with pristine XMAX-L solid-state mic preamps, high-headroom instrument inputs, and studio-grade converters for high-quality recording and playback. Additionally, it includes professional input metering and a Mixer knob for low-latency direct input monitoring.

The M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface offers premium component selection, ultra-pristine A/D converters, and a rugged metal chassis. It also includes hi-speed USB / USB-C circuitry for low latency recording, and a variety of software such as Ableton Live Lite and MPC Beats to enhance the user's experience.

Overall, each of these audio interfaces offers unique features and advantages that make them suitable for different music production needs. No matter which one you choose, they all offer the necessary tools to capture every detail of your sound with professional quality.

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About the Creator

Liam Dyer

I combine my passion for music and technology to create insightful and informative articles. With a keen ear for sound and an eye for detail, I strive to keep readers up to date on the latest trends and innovations in the industry.

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