Best Direct Monitoring Audio Interfaces of 2025

Joseph Hubbard Avatar
Joseph Hubbard
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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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

Creative Live! Audio A3 Interface Cover #TOP 1
Creative Live! Audio A3 Interface
ftb score rating icon 9.9
M-Audio M-Track Solo - USB Audio Interface Cover #TOP 2
M-Audio M-Track Solo - USB Audio Interface
ftb score rating icon 9.8
BOMGE BMG22 USB Audio Interface Cover #TOP 3
BOMGE BMG22 USB Audio Interface
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 7 Direct Monitoring Audio Interfaces

#TOP 1

Creative Live! Audio A3 Interface

SB1890
Black
Creative Live! Audio A3 Interface Cover
Creative Live! Audio A3 USB Audio Interface with High-Resolution Recording and Playback up to 24-bit 96kHz, with Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring

The Creative Audio A3 is designed for high-quality audio recording and playback, reaching up to 24-bit 96kHz. This means you can enjoy your recordings with exceptional clarity. It features a versatile 4-channel mixer, allowing you to mix audio directly from your mobile device, perfect for creators on the go. With balanced stereo outputs and level control, you can adapt your sound to various playback systems easily. The zero-latency direct monitoring ensures that you can hear your audio in real-time, making it ideal for live recordings and streaming without any frustrating delays.

What We Like
High-resolution audio support
Mobile device compatibility
Balanced outputs with control
Real-time monitoring

M-Audio M-Track Solo - USB Audio Interface

M-Track Solo
with 1 Mic Input
M-Audio M-Track Solo - USB Audio Interface Cover
M-Audio M-Track Solo – USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting with XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Plus a Software Suite Included

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.

What We Like
Portable and versatile for recording, live streaming, and podcasting
Combo XLR/Line input with phantom power and Line/Instrument input for guitar, vocals, or line input signals
Flexible monitoring options with 1/8" headphone output and stereo RCA outputs with zero latency
#TOP 3

BOMGE BMG22 USB Audio Interface

BGM22
BOMGE BMG22 USB Audio Interface Cover
BOMGE USB Audio Interface(24 bit/192 kHz) with XLR,phantom power,Direct Monitoring,Loopback for PC Recording,Streaming,Guitarist,Vocalist and Podcasting

The BOMGE BMG22 Interface is a versatile audio solution for musicians and podcasters. With its two combo inputs featuring gain control, you can connect microphones or instruments easily, ensuring exceptional sound quality. The +48V phantom power is perfect for condenser microphones, providing the clarity you need for vocal recordings. This interface is also plug-and-play compatible with various DAWs, giving you the freedom to choose your preferred software. Additionally, the 24-bit/192 kHz high-fidelity sound captures every detail in your recordings, maintaining the integrity of your audio. Enjoy seamless performance with this reliable audio interface.

What We Like
High sound quality
Easy plug-and-play setup
48V phantom power
Zero-latency monitoring
#TOP 4

Froket USB Audio Interface 24 Bit

Froket
DJ Interface
Froket USB Audio Interface 24 Bit Cover
USB Audio Interface 24 Bit/192 KHz with XLR, Phantom Power, Direct Monitoring, Loopback, Sound Card for PC Recording, Streaming, Guitarist, Vocalist and Podcasting

The Froket Audio Interface offers a seamless recording experience for musicians and podcasters. With gain-controlled combo inputs, you can easily connect microphones or instruments, ensuring professional sound quality. The plug-and-play feature allows you to use it right away with your recording software, eliminating the hassle of driver installations. Its loopback function enables you to mix audio effortlessly while providing direct monitoring with no delay, perfect for real-time sound. Additionally, the high fidelity of 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution captures every detail, resulting in pristine recordings that elevate your projects.

What We Like
Easy plug-and-play setup
High-quality audio resolution
Loopback mixing capability
Gain control for inputs
#TOP 5

Sunbuck 2024 2i2 Audio Interface

JSU606
Sunbuck 2024 2i2 Audio Interface Cover
Sunbuck 2024 2i2 Audio Interface, 24Bit/192kHz High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, AIR Mode Add More Extra Clarity for Recording Music, with XLR/48V Phantom Power, Mini and Portable

The Sunbuck Audio Interface is designed for high-quality recording and playback, offering studio-grade audio conversion up to 24bit/192kHz. This means your recordings will sound clear and professional, making your voice resonate like your favorite artists. With a built-in mic pre-amplifier and 48V phantom power, you can achieve low distortion and ultra-low noise, ensuring your vocals shine. The switchable Air mode adds an extra layer of clarity to your recordings. Additionally, enjoy ultra-low latency for seamless monitoring, allowing you to capture every note with precision and confidence.

What We Like
High-quality audio conversion
Low distortion mic pre-amplifier
Ultra-low latency performance
Portable and compact design
#TOP 6

Sunbuck USB Audio Interface

JSU5000
Sunbuck USB Audio Interface Cover
Sunbuck Audio Interface for PC/MAC, 24Bit/192kHz High-Fidelity, AIR Mode Add More Extra Clarity for Recording Music, with XLR/48V Phantom Power, USB Audio Interface for Guitar, Ultra-Low Latency

The Sunbuck USB Audio Interface is a professional recording device that offers studio-quality sound. With its high-quality audio conversion and sound card, it supports high-resolution audio up to 24bit/192kHz, providing clarity, accuracy, and minimal noise. The built-in Mic Pre-amp and 48V phantom power deliver low distortion and ultra-low noise, perfect for injecting clarity and detail into recordings. The interface also offers versatile connectivity with adequate input/output options, including combo XLR/MIC/LINE inputs and TRS/TS stereo jacks. Additionally, the ultra-low latency performance ensures lag-free monitoring and recording, allowing for real-time precision and accuracy. Compatible with popular recording software, this plug-and-play device is portable and perfect for musicians, podcasters, and content creators.

What We Like
High-quality audio conversion
Mic pre-amp with 48V phantom power
Versatile connectivity options
#TOP 7

BOMGE Mini USB Audio Interface

BOMGE Mini USB Audio Interface Cover
BOMGE mini 2 Channel USB Audio Interface for Recording, Streaming and Podcasting, with XLR/48V Phantom Power,Studio Quality Audio Interface for Guitarist, Vocalist, Podcaster or Producer

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.

What We Like
High-quality audio resolution
Multiple input options
Zero-latency monitoring
Plug-and-play compatibility
Buying Guide Image

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

Editor's Notes

During our direct monitoring audio interface research, we found 24 direct monitoring audio interface products and shortlisted 7 quality products. We collected and analyzed 79,070 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 $54.77.

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 Creative, M-Audio, BOMGE, Froket, Sunbuck. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 890 consumers with an average rating of 4.8.

Written by
Joseph Hubbard Avatar

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.