In a professional studio, you will always find different audio devices or pieces of equipment, and an audio interface is one of them. There is something else, though. Even if you are a newbie in the audio world, you probably have heard about Audacity, which requires an audio interface to work correctly.
Well, this article is all about them! Here, you will find the best audio interfaces for Audacity! I will include five of them so that you can choose your best pick. Let’s start!
A Quick Look at My Favorite Interfaces for Audacity
| Image | Product | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
 | 10 | Check Latest Price | |
 | 9 | Check Latest Price | |
 | 8.5 | Check Latest Price | |
 | 8.8 | Check Latest Price | |
 | 8.6 | Check Latest Price |
Key Takeaways
- Audacity is software that will help you bring out the best of your sound, especially when combined with an audio interface.
- If you are searching for an audio interface that will help you with many purposes, check out Zoom H4N PRO, as it is the most versatile one!
- The perfect choice that you can make regarding audio interfaces for Audacity is Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd, Gen.
- Audio interfaces are primarily used with microphones, but you can also use them with other audio equipment.
- The Audacity software works perfectly with any platform or system you work with.
Top 5 Best Audio Interfaces For Audacity
5. Steinberg UR22 MKII – Most Durable
Let me start this article with Steinberg UR22 MKII, an audio interface known for its durability and extended usage.
As mentioned, this audio interface is one of the most long-living devices, made out of all metal chassis! I have been using this audio interface for a long time now, and I can assure you that it is still strong and working perfectly.
This audio interface connects fully with USB 2.0 and can connect with different devices, especially those in which you have Audacity working.
The microphone preamp this audio interface has will work appropriately with any microphone you may be using, and it is known to deliver excellent audio quality in general. The combination of the frequency response from your microphone and the audio interface will conclude with a great sound in general.
Why Should You Buy It?
As said throughout the review, this audio interface is one buy and long living. So, if you are searching for an audio interface for Audacity and durability is one of your main concerns, check Steinberg UR22MKII out.
| Audio Resolution | 24-Bit/192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Phantom Power | +48V |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Mic Preamps | 1 |
| Weight | 3.4 pounds |
| Size | 8 x 9.2 x 4 inches |
4. Zoom H4N PRO – Most Versatile
Next appears the unique handheld Zoom H4N audio interface that will work correctly and properly with Audacity!
This audio interface is a handheld one just because it is lightweight, a simple recorder, and durable enough to be used for a normal amount of time. Now, you may consider this audio interface a downfall because it is made of plastic, and I don’t like that either.
The Zoom H4N PRO audio interface offers a great connection via USB 2.0, allowing excellent connectivity and compatibility with your Audacity devices. As I mentioned Audacity, you should know that Zoom H4N PRO works with any other audio editor, which makes it super versatile.
The number of channels that Zoom H4N PRO has is four, and it will accept anything you want to connect it with. Something special that this audio interface has is the built-in microphones, which do a great job and provide excellent sound quality.
Why Should You Buy It?
If you are searching for an audio interface that will help you work with different audio editing software, I am presenting to you Zoom H4N PRO, which will do the job in the best way possible!
| Audio Resolution | 24-bit/96 kHz |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Phantom Power | +12/+24/+48V |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Mic Preamps | Built-In Mics |
| Weight | 10.6 ounces |
| Size | 6.25 x 1.5 x 2.75 inches |
3. PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2 – Best Value
There is a super-famous name in the world of audio interfaces: PreSonus! By the way, you may have heard about this brand if you have ever searched for speakers.
PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2 is an excellent audio interface with the exceptional build quality and a complete metal chassis. Based on that, you get that this audio interface is a durable and compact one, and it also is very lightweight. What you will adore about this audio interface is the fact that it also looks beautiful.
The connection is the same as the other audio interfaces, including a cable with an end to USB 2.0. When working with Audacity, you will quickly notice its compatibility and easy usage.
You have two microphone preamps to which you can easily connect the microphones, and they will work with impressive strength, combined with the phantom power of +48V. In general, the sound is quite incredible, and I am sure that you will love it!
Why Should You Buy It?
PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2 is the audio interface to choose from based on many things that it owns. Above everything stands the sound quality and the price range that it comes at. It is affordable, and it sounds perfect! What would you need more?
| Audio Resolution | 24-bit/192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 20Hz-20kHz |
| Phantom Power | +48V |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Weight | 1 pound |
| Size | 7.09 x 6.3 x 1.77 inches |
2. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD – Best High End
Another famous name regarding audio interfaces for Audacity is Behringer, and I couldn’t leave unmentioned their great U-PHORIA UMC404HD, which is a bit pricey but completely worth it as it is one of the most used audio interfaces by many professionals.
First thing first, this audio interface doesn’t look beautiful! It is big and bulky somehow, but if you are a professional, I don’t think that you care too much about the design.
Anyways, the perfect thing that this audio interface has is the great connection via a USB 2.0 cable, which will work on different devices you may have and works perfectly and precisely. Regarding Audacity, this audio interface from Behringer also does an amazing job, as it will bring out the best.
You will be listening to exceptional sound quality! That’s because this audio interface works at an audio resolution of 24-bit and 192kHz. It will work with microphones and other devices, such as headphones.
Why Should You Buy It?
If money isn’t your concern and you just want to find the best audio interface for Audacity, I am pretty sure that Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD is the one to choose and use for a pretty long time.
| Audio Resolution | 24-Bit/192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 43 kHz |
| Phantom Power | +48V |
| Number of Channels | 4 |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 |
| Mic Preamps | 4 |
| Weight | 2.65 pounds |
| Size | 11.5 x 5.12 x 1.81 inches |
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen – Best Overall
Last but not least, we have the amazing Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, which is one of the best choices that you can make regarding audio interfaces for Audacity.
Just like the audio interfaces I mentioned above, this one will also be your friend for an extended period as it boasts a remarkable build. It is a big audio interface that is not very portable but is mostly used in studios.
Regarding the connection, you will find the difference compared to the other ones mentioned, as Focusrite uses a USB type C, which shows its compatibility is indeed on fire! Focusrite Scarlett is the audio interface for any DAW, especially Audacity.
With two channels and two microphone preamps, you can use this audio interface easily and however, you want. The sound this audio interface delivers covers a perfect resolution and an even better frequency response, bringing out the best of any kind of sound.
Why Should You Buy It?
As Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the best overall audio interface for this article, you can easily understand why you should buy it! It brings everything to the perfect form!
| Audio Resolution | 24-Bit/192 kHz |
|---|---|
| Frequency response | 10 Hz – 40 kHz |
| Phantom Power | +48V |
| Number of Channels | 2 |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C |
| Mic Preamps | 2 |
| Weight | 1.1 pounds |
| Size | 7.68 x 2.09 x 1.32 inches |
Frequently Asked Questions
What will an audio interface help me with?
An audio interface’s job is to improve the whole sound quality. It is an audio device that is used by most professionals in the world of sound, but you can be sure that you will notice the differences in sound just by connecting it.
Should I use audio interfaces only with microphones?
Audio interfaces are used with microphones but not only! You can easily plug the instruments you use, and some of them even have an input for headphones.
What is Audacity exactly?
Audacity is software or an audio editor program that will help you mostly when recording live audio, but it also helps with other things.
Can I use Audacity on any platform I want?
Yes! You are free to use Audacity however and whenever you want! It is software that works perfectly on Windows, Linux, macOS, and many other systems.
Final Words
Moving along, here we came at the end of this article; I mentioned some of the most incredible audio interfaces you can choose from, and they are easy to use! Assuring again, all five audio interfaces I mentioned will help you bring out the best while using Audacity, and not only! They work with other software as well.
I hope this article will help you choose the best audio interface for Audacity that you have been looking for, as I am sure you will be more than satisfied with the ones I listed in this article! Have fun!
Further Reading
Since we have started to talk about audio interfaces now, I also have for you the best audio interface for at2020.
If you are attracted to comparisons between audio items, I invite you to read more about in-wall vs tower speakers or active speakers vs passive speakers.
I have also so many other comparison articles, but I wouldn’t like to charge you with more tasks, so for now, these are enough.
Equipment Tester & Reviewer
I’m an unbiased audio equipment tester & reviewer, dedicated to keeping you up-to-date on the latest and greatest in audio gear.
