Not only does it work as a regular two-input audio interface that you can use to record microphones straight to your DAW, but it also features an instrument input with a built-in tube preamp including 12AX7 tube and 3-band EQ to shape your tone. Here’s another addition by Audient, and this is one of my favorite Audio Interfaces for the simple fact that I’m also a Guitarist. Plus, if two channels aren’t enough and you need more inputs you can expand by connecting an A-D and D-A converter such as the Audient ASP800 or maybe, if this one is too expensive, a cheaper option like the Behringer ADA8200, to the optical input on the back.įind out more about the Audient iD14 here.

I give the Audient iD14 the first spot on this list because even though it only has two channels, the sound quality is just too good for what you are paying.Īlso, the price may seem a bit high for someone who is just starting out, but getting a cheaper one when you know that down the road you are going to want an upgrade, isn’t the best idea. It comes with a great software control panel where you can show and hide different sections of the mixer and have a lot of control over what is going on! Taking a look at the outputs you can see that it only has one pair of line outputs which are on the back, and also a headphone jack in the front which is powerful enough to drive various sets of headphones such as the Sennheiser 650HD. The Audient iD14 can draw the power it needs to work through the USB port, but that won’t be enough to use phantom power though, you will need to plug in the DC adapter for this. The sound quality is absolutely fantastic, that is why it’s my top pick on this list.Įven though it only has 2 inputs, each with a mic/line input on combi XLR/jack sockets, it can be expanded through the optical input which allows for an extra 8 channels of ADAT at 44.1kHZ or 48kHz, 4 channels of ADAT at 88.2kHz or 96kHZ, or 2 channels of S/PDIF between 44.1kHz and 96kHz.Ĭhannel one also has a ¼” instrument input.īoth channels have separate phantom power switches and they can increase the gain by up to 56dB. The Audient iD14, despite being an entry-level Audio Interface, comes with the ASP8024 Class-A Mic Preamp Circuit which is the same one used in the Audient consoles and it also has the Burr-Brown Converters.

Let’s get straight into the list, starting with the Audio Interface that I actually use every day at home! Audient iD14 Go to Site Best Audio Interfaces under $300 Interface

Best audio interface for mac 2020