Best Direct Monitoring Audio Interfaces of 2026
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Direct monitoring audio interfaces are a vital tool for any musician or sound engineer looking for low-latency audio recording. These interfaces allow users to monitor their audio input directly, without any delay caused by digital processing. With direct monitoring, musicians can hear themselves in real-time, making it easier to stay in rhythm and perform with precision. These interfaces typically come with multiple inputs and outputs, allowing for versatile recording setups. Whether you're a professional in a studio or a musician on the go, direct monitoring audio interfaces are a must-have for high-quality, lag-free recording.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 8 Direct Monitoring Audio Interfaces
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.
IK Multimedia iRig Stream Audio Interface
The IK Multimedia iRig Stream Audio Interface is a 24-bit, 96 kHz audio interface with stereo RCA inputs for recording, live-streaming, and podcasting with any device. It comes with a complete recording package, loopback function, and direct monitoring with no latency or echo. The global audio level LED indicator makes it easy to adjust the gain, and it works great with almost any app like Clubhouse, Instagram, and Zoom.
IK Multimedia iRig HD X Guitar Interface
The IK Multimedia iRig HD X offers high-quality sound recording with studio-grade 24-bit/96kHz resolution, so you can capture every detail of your guitar playing. It works seamlessly with popular apps on iPhone, iPad, Mac, and PC, giving you access to a wide range of tones through included apps like AmpliTube and TONEX. You’ll appreciate the ultra-low latency performance, which means no distracting delays while you play, allowing real-time monitoring of your guitar. Plus, it’s designed with musicians in mind, featuring a built-in tuner and easy-to-read gain indicator, making setup and tuning quick and simple on any device.
MAONO PS22 Lite Audio Interface
The MAONO PS22 Lite audio interface is designed to enhance your recording experience. With its high-resolution 24-bit/192kHz capability, you can capture every nuance of your sound, making your performances sound incredibly lifelike. If you're a podcaster or voice actor, the interface supports both condenser and dynamic microphones, ensuring rich audio quality for your projects. Guitarists will appreciate the dedicated instrument input, allowing for quick adjustments and effects. Additionally, the powerful ProStudio Routing Software gives you the flexibility to manage your live streams and recordings effortlessly, ensuring a professional output every time.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD Audio Interface
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is a 2-channel USB 2.0 audio interface with 2 MIDAS preamps, allowing for high-quality sound recordings with 24-bit/192kHz resolution. It also features phantom power, providing power to microphones that require it. This audio interface is perfect for musicians and podcasters who need a reliable and high-quality recording device for their home studio setup.
Behringer UMC202HD Audiophile 2x2, 24-Bit/192 kHz USB Audio Interface
BOMGE Mini USB Audio Interface
The BOMGE Mini Audio Interface is a versatile tool for your recording, streaming, and podcasting needs. With its USB sound card, you can achieve high-quality 48 kHz audio resolution, ensuring your recordings are clear and professional. The interface features two combo XLR/MIC/LINE inputs with phantom power, allowing you to connect guitars, vocals, and more effortlessly. It also includes RCA stereo jacks for connecting to speakers and monitors, providing flexibility in your setup. Additionally, the zero-latency monitoring option means you can listen to your audio in real time, making the recording process smoother and more efficient.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Should I have direct monitoring on or off?
To hear the inputs you're recording back in stereo, we recommend monitoring back from your software instead (being sure to turn off Direct Monitor so you don't hear two instances of the signal).
2. How do I record direct monitoring?
MOTU 24AoFocusrite RedNet-X2P 2x2 Dante Audio InterfaceBEHRINGER ADA8200PreSonus STUDIO 1810C Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface 4 PreampsAudient iD44Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1Focusrite Vocaster One Podcast InterfaceSteinberg UR22CFocusrite Scarlett 8i6MOTU USB Audio InterfaceMotu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio InterfaceSolid State Logic SSL2+Tascam US-16x8 USB 2.0 Audio InterfaceFocusrite Saffire Pro 24 DSPAudient ID4 MKIIRode AI-1 USB Audio InterfaceFocusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen)TASCAM MiNiSTUDIO CreatorUniversal Audio Volt USB-C Audio Interface
During our direct monitoring audio interface research, we found 24 direct monitoring audio interface products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 134,191 customer reviews through our big data system to write the direct monitoring audio interfaces list. We found that most customers choose direct monitoring audio interfaces with an average price of $100.92.
The direct monitoring audio interfaces are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of direct monitoring audio interfaces, including M-AUDIO, IK Multimedia, MAONO, Behringer, BOMGE. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.
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.