Best Audio Interfaces for Monitor of 2026
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Audio interfaces are essential tools for recording music, podcasts, and other audio projects. They connect microphones and instruments to a computer or other recording device, allowing for high-quality sound capture and playback. Many audio interfaces also include headphone jacks and volume controls, making them ideal for monitoring audio during recording and mixing. Some popular audio interfaces include the Focusrite Scarlett series, the Universal Audio Apollo series, and the PreSonus AudioBox series. Each of these interfaces offers unique features and capabilities for different types of recording projects.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks
Top 10 Audio Interfaces for Monitor
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.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Recording Kit
The PreSonus AudioBox Kit offers everything you need to start recording and producing music right at home. The durable AudioBox USB 96 interface allows you to easily record vocals and instruments with high-quality audio. Included is the versatile M7 condenser microphone, perfect for capturing clear vocals and acoustic sounds. You also get HD7 headphones, which let you monitor and mix your tracks without disturbing others around you. This all-in-one package makes it simple and convenient for you to create professional-sounding recordings without extra hassle.
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.
Synido USB C Audio Interface
MAONO E2 Gen2 Podcast Mixer
The MAONO Podcast Mixer enhances your recording experience with its user-friendly design. It features dual XLR inputs with a high-quality preamp, allowing you to capture rich audio whether you're a beginner or an experienced podcaster. The one-touch mute button is a lifesaver for quick adjustments during recordings, ensuring smooth delivery. Plus, with eight customizable sound pads, you can easily add unique effects or music to engage your audience, making your podcast more entertaining. Enjoy crystal-clear sound and hassle-free connections with this all-in-one solution.
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
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can you plug an audio interface into a monitor?
Method 1 – Balanced 1/4″ TRS Cable In our opinion, a pair of 1/4″ balanced TRS cables is the simplest, highest quality option for connecting studio monitors to an audio interface. Use one cable to connect your left speaker to the interface's left output and another to connect the right speaker to the right.
2. Do monitors need audio interface?
You do not need an audio interface to connect your monitor speakers to a laptop or computer. You can do this using a simple 3.5mm headphone jack to ¼ inch “Y” cable. However, it is still recommended that for best performance you eventually use an audio interface to connect.
3. Why do I need an audio interface for studio monitors?
Technically, you do not need an audio interface to connect your studio monitors to your PC, laptop, or sound card. However, it is necessary if you are looking to achieve good, clear, high-quality sound for your recordings and the playback of audio.
4. How do I connect studio monitors without interface?
PreSonus STUDIO 1810C Desktop 18x8 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface 4 PreampsIK Multimedia iRig 2Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUOSteinberg Ur22c 2in/2out USB 3.0 Type C Audio Interface with KRK 5 inch Powered Studio Monitors PackagePreSonus AudioBox USBUniversal Audio Volt 276 USB Audio InterfaceMOTU M2 2x2 USB-C Audio InterfaceRode AI-1 USB Audio InterfaceNative Instruments Komplete Audio 1PreSonus AudioBox iTwoMOTU 828es 28x32 Thunderbolt/USB Audio Interface 9380M-Audio M-Track Solo 2-Channel USB Audio InterfaceAudient iD44Audient Evo 4Yamaha HS SeriesAudient iD22BEHRINGER U-Phoria UM2Focusrite Scarlett 8i6M-Audio AIR 192-6
During our audio interface for monitor research, we found 24 audio interface for monitor products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 121,253 customer reviews through our big data system to write the audio interfaces for monitor list. We found that most customers choose audio interfaces for monitor with an average price of $106.03.
The audio interfaces for monitor are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of audio interfaces for monitor, including M-AUDIO, IK Multimedia, PreSonus, MAONO, Synido. 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.