The Evolution Never Stops! The World of Audio Interfaces

Hello!
It’s Kaoru the composer here!!

Every year, various manufacturers release innovative products one after another to keep the world of audio interfaces fresh and exciting.
There are many needs not just from composers and players, but also from people working remotely, streamers, and people who want to level up their music listening environment.
Especially recently, high-end audio manufacturers have started releasing entry-level models, making it hard to look away!

This time, I would like to introduce my recommended audio interfaces by price range, including my personal opinions and biases.
I hope this can be of some reference.

【Up to 10,000 yen range】

BEHRINGER / UM2 USB Audio Interface

This is an audio interface from BEHRINGER, a brand known for offering high cost-performance products.
Because the body is made of plastic, it can be somewhat fragile, but it is very lightweight and easy to carry.

It features a control panel on the top and input/output terminals on the sides.
Its compact and simple design makes it perfect as an entry-level device.

With built-in 48V phantom power, it can be used with condenser microphones.
It comes equipped with a XENYX microphone preamp and a dedicated instrument input, allowing you to quickly set up an environment for recording vocals and guitar simultaneously.

While it’s great for music production, I personally recommend it for streamers or those working remotely as well!

It covers the basic functions while still being priced at around 6,000 yen, which I think is incredible!

【～20,000 Yen Range】

PRESONUS / Studio 24c Audio Interface

For those looking in this price range, many are probably thinking that they want to start DTM/home recordings.
This likely means that most people don’t own many plugin software yet (just my guess…).

That’s why I recommend this audio interface, Studio 24c.

First, let’s take a look at the hardware performance:

• Supports high-resolution sound up to 24Bit/192kHz
• Equipped with a MIDI interface
• LED level meters with high visibility
• Durable and compact metal chassis
• Built-in headphone amplifier

It covers everything: sound quality, input/output, and durability.
Moreover, PRESONUS is a highly reputable brand in Japan, so reliability is excellent!

What’s especially notable is the abundance of bundled software:

• Studio One Artist (DAW)
• Ableton Live Lite (DAW)
• Arturia Analog Lab Intro (keyboard sounds)
• Brainworx bx_opto (compressor plugin)
• Brainworx bx_rockrack (guitar amp simulator)
• Cherry Audio Surrealistic MG-1 Plus Synthesizer (synth sounds)
• Cherry Audio Voltage Modular Nucleus (modular synth sounds)
• Ghosthack Essential Sounds (loops, MIDI, one-shots, etc.)
• iZotope Neutron Elements (mixing plugin)
• Klanghelm SDRR2tube (saturator)
• KV331 Audio SynthMaster - Player (synth sounds)
• Lexicon MPX-i Reverb (reverb plugin)
• Maag Audio EQ2 (EQ plugin)
• Melodics (piano lesson tool)
• Native Instruments REPLIKA (delay plugin)
• Output Movement (multi-effect plugin)
• Soundsnap (sound effects)
• SPL Attacker Plus (mic plugin)
• UJAM Virtual Bassist ROWDY (bass sounds)
• UVI Model D (piano sounds)

All of this comes bundled with the interface.
In other words, once you buy this item, you can start recording and programming music right away!

The price is 17,110 yen!! So cheap…
It feels like the world of audio interfaces is being completely disrupted… (in a good way!)

【～40,000 Yen Range】

SSL (Solid State Logic) / SSL2+ USB Audio Interface

SSL, a high-end audio equipment brand trusted by many professionals, is offering this audio interface.
Until now, SSL products had the image of being far too expensive to afford, but the SSL2+ is different!!

For just 33,800 yen, you can get the SSL sound!!
It caused quite a stir, so many of you might already know about it!

The biggest feature of this product is the 4K switch!
Inspired by the sound of the SL 4000 Series console, it allows you to apply analog coloration to any input source with just the push of a button.

What personally attracted me is that it’s a desktop-type design!
The control panel is on the top, making it very easy to operate.

In addition to SSL’s plugins, it also comes with a variety of other software.
If I could ask for one little thing… I wish it were just a little smaller… (;´･ω･)

【～100,000 Yen Range】

At this price range, these items are mostly professional-grade!
They all have excellent sound quality, functionality, and input/output options, so the key point is deciding which aspect you want to prioritize when choosing.

My recommendation is this:
 

APOGEE / Duet 3

A professional-grade audio interface from APOGEE.
While primarily black, its compact body and large knobs give it a slightly futuristic design.

It’s a very stylish desktop model and comes with a dedicated case that makes it easy to carry around.

Equipped with hardware DSP, it allows you to use Apogee FX Plugins without worrying about PC load.

This will be extremely helpful for mixing!
Also, with the separately sold dedicated accessory:

APOGEE / Duet Dock

You can set up this audio interface at an ideal angle for easier operation.
This also improves visibility as you’re using it.

The rear panel connectors on the Duet Dock have all the necessary terminals.
If you want to maximize the performance of Duet 3, this accessory is essential!

That concludes my price-based roundup of audio interfaces!

This isn’t limited to music gear—higher price doesn’t always mean better. The most important thing is to choose a product that fits your usage and environment.
If you’re wondering which one to buy, I hope this guide will help you to make an informed decision!

*Prices are as of October 2021.

---

The “sound & person” column is made up of contributions from you.
For details about contributing, click here.