6 audio interfaces from our music production reviews, confirmed by listing title and ranked by editorial score, then buyer rating. Catalogue updated October 3, 2026.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface$224.99 · 8.3/10Best score per dollar
M-AUDIO M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface$49.00 · 7.0/10Start with fit, then weigh the recorded benefit against the limitation. These are review assessments of the top three listings, not measured advantages over every alternative.
Recorded intended fit: Dual-input tracking and small mobile rigs
Why consider it
Dual independent inputs support stereo microphone setups
What could change your decision
Substantial price increase over previous generations
Recorded intended fit: Solo performers prioritizing driver stability
Why consider it
Reliable driver architecture with low latency
What could change your decision
Price approaches dual-input interface alternatives
Recorded intended fit: Single-channel vocal or instrument tracking
Why consider it
Stable low-latency drivers across major platforms
What could change your decision
Only one XLR input available
| Specification | Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio Interface | Behringer UMC22 Audiophile 2x2, 48 kHz USB Audio |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Recorded price | $224.99 | $159.99 | $119.99 | $52.90 |
| Review trade-off | Substantial price increase over previous generations | Price approaches dual-input interface alternatives | Only one XLR input available | Sample rate capped at 48 kHz |
| Compatible Devices | Microphone, Instrument, Personal Computer, Tablet, Headphones, Smartphone, Studio Monitors | Microphone, Instrument, Personal Computer, Headphones, Studio Monitors | Microphone, Instrument, Personal Computer, Headphones, Studio Monitors | Laptop, Personal Computer |
| Connectivity Technology | USB | USB | USB | USB |
| Item Weight | 1.7 pounds | 14.4 ounces | 12.32 ounces | 16 ounces |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 4.61"D x 7.09"W x 1.87"H | 3.78"D x 5.63"W x 1.83"H | 1.71"D x 5.65"W x 3.77"H | Not recorded |
| Original listing | Amazon · B0C5JRTS3Y | Amazon · B0C5JSHP7M | Amazon · B07QR6Z1JB | Amazon · B00FFIGZF6 |
Values are shown as recorded, without unit conversions or inferred compatibility. Not recorded means unknown, not absent. Prices are snapshots, not current offers. Editorial scores are research judgments, not lab results. Amazon links are affiliate links.
Before treating a comparison as complete
A specification appearing in a listing is not independent verification. These counts show which shortlisted records contain the same field; a blank record does not mean the product lacks the feature.
Compatible Devices
Recorded for 4 of 4 shortlisted models
Connectivity Technology
Recorded for 4 of 4 shortlisted models
Item Weight
Recorded for 4 of 4 shortlisted models
Item Dimensions D x W x H
Recorded for 3 of 4 shortlisted models
Included Components
Recorded for 1 of 4 shortlisted models
Audio Input
Recorded for 4 of 4 shortlisted models
Your shortlist
All 6 title-confirmed models, in editorial ranking order. Specification values are copied from their review records, not independently measured. With a price limit set, models without a recorded price are excluded.
6 of 6 models · 0/2 selected
Rank 1 · $224.99 · 8.3/10
Compatible Devices
Microphone, Instrument, Personal Computer, Tablet, Headphones, Smartphone, Studio Monitors
Review limitation: Substantial price increase over previous generations
Rank 2 · $159.99 · 8.0/10
Compatible Devices
Microphone, Instrument, Personal Computer, Headphones, Studio Monitors
Review limitation: Price approaches dual-input interface alternatives
Rank 3 · $119.99 · 7.8/10
Compatible Devices
Microphone, Instrument, Personal Computer, Headphones, Studio Monitors
Review limitation: Only one XLR input available
Rank 4 · $52.90 · 7.1/10
Compatible Devices
Laptop, Personal Computer
Review limitation: Sample rate capped at 48 kHz
Rank 5 · $69.00 · 7.1/10
Compatible Devices
Guitar, Headphone, Keyboard, Laptop, Microphone, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Speaker, Tablet
Review limitation: Lightweight all-plastic exterior chassis
Rank 6 · $49.00 · 7.0/10
Compatible Devices
Guitar, Headphone, Keyboard, Laptop, Microphone, Personal Computer, Smartphone, Speaker, Tablet
Review limitation: Limited channel expansion options
Prices are snapshots. Check exact variants and units; differently named fields may describe the same specification.
No. 01 — Dual-input tracking and small mobile rigs
With two preamps and separate front-panel controls, the 2i2 4th Gen accommodates stereo pairs or simultaneous vocal and guitar tracking. Driver efficiency keeps round-trip latency manageable, which counts for more in software monitoring than preamp color. Verify that your tracking needs require two live inputs before paying the markup over the Solo.
No. 02 — Solo performers prioritizing driver stability
The fourth-generation Solo updates conversion performance and input controls while maintaining Focusrite's stable driver ecosystem. While latency and dynamic range figures are solid, the higher price tag approaches dual-preamp hardware options. It remains an efficient single-channel interface when driver dependability is the main concern.
No. 03 — Single-channel vocal or instrument tracking
Focusrite's third-generation Solo relies on mature, low-latency drivers that matter far more during tracking than marketing claims about preamps. Its physical inputs are limited to one microphone and one instrument, preventing simultaneous stereo mic recording. It remains a dependable, low-cost baseline for single-source tracking.
No. 04 — Entry-level home tracking on a strict budget
The Midas preamp branding matters far less than driver performance and round-trip latency at this price tier. It covers essential two-channel tracking up to 48 kHz, but requires verification of stable low-buffer operation on your operating system. Suitable for basic home capture if budget constraints override latency demands.
No. 05 — Budget two-channel tracking on strict allowances
The M-Track Duo supplies two combination inputs at an unusually low price, enabling stereo tracking on a tight allowance. The trade-offs appear in the lightweight plastic enclosure and latency stability under heavier DAW buffer loads. Buyers should confirm driver stability for their operating system before relying on it for complex sessions.
No. 06 — Single-track voice and instrument capture
Priced at the entry floor, this interface provides bare-minimum analog-to-digital conversion for simple tracking tasks. The primary trade-off will be driver efficiency and headphone output headroom rather than nominal input fidelity. Test round-trip latency immediately to confirm it can handle virtual monitoring.
This page summarizes our research reviews of Amazon listings, listed specifications and captured buyer ratings. It is not a hands-on test. Scores are editorial assessments, not measured performance; prices are recorded snapshots and may change. A category can include both main products and accessories, so its overall price range is not the cost of a complete setup.
Most recent product record update: October 3, 2026. Individual records may be older; this is not a verification date for every claim.
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