Best Bus-Powered Audio Interfaces of 2026
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Bus-powered audio interfaces are compact and portable devices that allow musicians and producers to record high-quality audio on the go. These interfaces draw power directly from the computer's USB or Thunderbolt port, eliminating the need for an external power source. They typically feature a variety of inputs and outputs, including mic preamps, instrument inputs, and headphone outputs, as well as MIDI connectivity. Despite their small size, bus-powered audio interfaces offer professional-grade sound quality and can be used with a variety of digital audio workstations. They are ideal for musicians and producers who need to record on location or in small home studios.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Bus-Powered Audio Interfaces
Rockville ROCK-U MINI 2x2 USB Audio Interface, 24 Bit 192kHz, Phantom Power
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface offers pro performance with the finest pre-amps, high headroom instrument input for perfect guitar takes, studio quality recordings, low-noise for crystal clear listening, and an easy start online tool. The Scarlett Solo also includes sound content and software from industry partners.
M-Audio M-Track Solo - USB Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a portable USB audio interface that provides 48 kHz audio resolution for recording, live streaming, and podcasting. It features a combo XLR/Line input with phantom power and a Line/Instrument input for guitar, vocals, or line input signals. You can monitor your recordings with flexible options including a 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs with zero latency. The transparent Crystal Preamp ensures optimal sound from all your microphones, including condenser mics. Additionally, the interface comes with MPC Beats Software for essential production tools.
M-Audio M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Duo is a versatile USB audio interface that covers everything from recording to live streaming, with dual XLR, line, and DI inputs. It delivers 48 kHz audio resolution for pristine recordings and features two combo XLR/line/instrument inputs with phantom power, a 1/4" headphone output, and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility. The USB/Direct switch allows for zero-latency monitoring, while the transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones, including condenser mics. Plus, it comes with the MPC Beats software for essential production tools from Akai Professional.
PreSonus AudioBox iOne Audio Interface
The PreSonus AudioBox iOne is a portable USB audio interface designed for personal recording. It features a single low-noise microphone input with phantom power, making it easy for you to connect studio condenser mics. Additionally, there’s an instrument input for recording guitars and bass, allowing you to capture high-quality audio effortlessly. You’ll also appreciate the included Capture Duo app for iPad, which simplifies recording with just one tap and enables wireless transfer to your studio software.
Arturia MiniFuse 1
The Arturia MiniFuse 1 USB-C Audio Interface is a compact and versatile recording interface that allows you to record your voice, guitar, synths, and more. With its plug-and-play workflow, you can easily create your sound in seconds, whether you're in your home studio or out in the great outdoors. This audio interface offers high-quality sound with best-in-class audio specs, making it perfect for guitarists, vocalists, and content creators. It also features a Loopback feature, allowing you to capture voiceovers alongside in-app or in-game audio. With all the necessary connections, including inputs for microphones and MIDI gear, the MiniFuse 1 is beginner-friendly and comes with a range of software, making it a great choice for any aspiring musician or producer.
Pyle Professional USB Audio Interface - PMUX9
The Pyle USB Audio Interface - PMUX9 is a professional audio interface that allows you to record and connect to your computer with ease. With its USB soundcard, you can achieve amazingly-detailed and pristine recording quality. Whether you're a beginner or a professional, this audio interface is perfect for you. It features an ultra-low noise design, allowing you to adjust audio from different sources and switch between mono and stereo. The multiple connectivity options, including combo jacks, AUX, and RCA inputs, make it easy to connect various instruments and devices. Additionally, the 24 preset digital effects, such as reverb, delay, echo, and chorus, provide endless possibilities for enhancing your voice or instrument. The Pyle USB Audio Interface - PMUX9 also comes with a 48V Phantom power supply, ensuring a reliable power source for your recordings. Compact and easy to store, this audio interface is ideal for both studio and live performances.
YOUSHARES USB Audio Interface
The YOUSHARES Audio Interface is a versatile tool for anyone looking to enhance their recording experience. With two high-headroom inputs, you can easily connect your guitar or bass and capture high-quality audio on your computer. The boutique-quality mic preamps provide superior sound fidelity, allowing you to use studio microphones with ease. You’ll appreciate the outstanding recording quality, as it supports up to 24-bit/192kHz, ensuring clear and crisp audio without unwanted noise. Plus, it’s user-friendly; simply connect it to your Mac or PC and start recording right away.
Rockville R-TRACK SOLO USB C Audio Interface 24Bit 192Khz, ASIO Drivers, Phantom Power, Low Latency, Compact Design
Pyle USB Audio Interface for Recording
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do audio interfaces need power supply?
The power supply for audio interfaces depends on their size and design. Smaller audio interfaces can be powered through the USB or Thunderbolt cable, known as bus-powered. Larger interfaces often come with an external power supply. There are also battery-powered options available for portable audio interfaces used with phones and tablets.
2. Is bus powered better?
Bus-powered audio interfaces offer the advantage of being more portable and easier to manage. They only need to connect to the computer, eliminating the need to be plugged into a wall AC outlet. This makes them a convenient option for users who require a compact and mobile audio setup.
3. Is Babyface Pro bus powered?
Yes, the Babyface Pro audio interface is designed to be incredibly efficient and can be powered by the USB 3 bus or most USB 2 ports. It does not usually require an external power supply. This makes it a convenient and reliable option for users who prefer a bus-powered audio interface.
During our bus-powered audio interface research, we found 13 bus-powered audio interface products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 199,027 customer reviews through our big data system to write the bus-powered audio interfaces list. We found that most customers choose bus-powered audio interfaces with an average price of $57.38.
The bus-powered audio interfaces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of bus-powered audio interfaces, including Rockville, Focusrite, M-AUDIO, PreSonus, Arturia. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 1,526 consumers with an average rating of 4.5.
Joseph Hubbard is a music producer and runs a musical instrument store in Chicago. Joseph is happy to help others choose the instrument that best suits their needs. He loves everything related to music and often publishes articles related to music on key websites.