5 of the Best Audio Interfaces for DJs: Plug in and Stream
Top audio interfaces for DJs from Focusrite, Universal Audio, Reloop and more!
On the lookout for a way to get audio from your DJ rig into your computer so you can stream, record or share your mixes? Start your search here with these best audio interfaces for DJs.
All About the Best Audio Interfaces for DJs
The Best Audio Interfaces for DJs
Audio interfaces are extremely common for musicians and producers. If you play an instrument or sing, you need a way to get that sound into your computer to use it in your DAW. DJs have things a little different, though. Working with turntables and an old-school analog mixer? You very much do! DVS-forward DJs need one too, but your needs are a little more specialized. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered too.
No matter your situation, if you find yourself with the need to get audio into your laptop so you can stream, record or share it, you could do with an audio interface. With that in mind, these are five of the best audio interfaces for DJs at a variety of price points and for specific use cases.
Let’s go!
The Best Audio Interfaces for DJs: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 is reportedly the best-selling audio interface on the planet (and probably the moon and Mars and other worlds too, although we don’t have sales data for that). That’s because it’s affordable, it sounds great and it gets the job done. It’ll get the job done for DJs too, and that’s the important bit for today.
Here’s what you get: two inputs that you can access from your main out on your mixer or controller, each with its own volume knob. (These can double as instrument as well as microphone inputs with phantom power should you ever want to test your karaoke skills.) These offer 120dB of dynamic range and boast Auto Gain and Clip Safe modes so you can DJ without having to watch levels, and they also feature Air preamp modes for a high-end boost. It plugs into your computer via USB, and you’ve got two outputs for going straight into your monitors. Done and done!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is available from our affiliate partners Thomann* and Sweetwater*.
The Best Audio Interfaces for DJs: Universal Audio Volt 276
Moving up the food chain a little, we’ve got the Volt series from Universal Audio. I use a Volt myself and I love the way it sounds. I’m recommending the Volt 276 for DJs. It costs a little more than the Scarlett 2i2 (above) but you also get some additional features.
As with the Scarlett, it’s a two-in (mic, instrument or line), two-out configuration with USB to send audio into your computer. I like the additional processing you get on the inputs, which includes Vintage mode, which models the sound of classic UA 610 microphone preamps, and the analog compressor based on the famous 1176 comp. Vintage may go a little dark, so use that to taste, but the compressor is the real deal and can help even out your mixes right on the way in. I also like the way the DACs sound, and the headphone amp is nice too, should you need it.
Universal Audio Volt 276 is available from our affiliate partners Thomann* and Sweetwater*.
The Best Audio Interfaces for DJs: EvermixBox5
The two interfaces we’ve looked at so far will work great when mixing at home, but what about when you’re at the club? Not ideal, to be sure. Enter EvermixBox5, a portable interface made squarely for DJs.
The EvermixBox 5 package includes two elements: hardware and software. The hardware portion of the device is a small aluminum box built to survive the chaos of the DJ booth. Connect it to your mixer, and then your iOS or Android device via USB-C. It records audio at 16-bit, 44.1kHz or 48kHz WAV with a 30Hz to 20kHz frequency response and features auto level limiting to prevent distortion and clipping. The app portion records to your phone as well and also lets you stream live.
EvermixBox 5 is available directly from Evermix for £159. It could be an elegant solution for the livestreaming DJ on the go.
The Best Audio Interfaces for DJs: Reloop Flux
If you’re a DJ making use of DVS (if you aren’t familiar with Digital Vinyl Systems, give this a read and then come back), your needs are a little different than the average DJ. Rather than having a DVS system and a separate audio interface, Reloop has partnered with Serato to create Flux, a combined system that lets you control digital audio on your laptop with Serato DJ Pro (included) from standard turntables and also functions as a standard audio interface.
Here’s what you get: three gold-plated stereo RCA inputs that support turntables, CDJs and other gear, with inset DIP switches to prevent mid-mix mistakes. There are also three stereo outputs, including an aux out that can be routed to Serato DJ Pro’s internal sampler. You also get two Direct Thru buttons on the top of the unit to quickly use turntables and CDs in a conventional manner. It can also double as a standard 24-bit/192kHz audio interface in the studio.
If you need the DVS functionality but not the audio interface part, check out Flux Go instead.
Reloop Flux is available from our affiliate partners Thomann* and Sweetwater*.
The Best Audio Interfaces for DJs: RME Babyface Pro FS
Here’s the thing about audio interfaces. While the price does go up when you add inputs and outputs, the quality of the components – especially the Digital-to-Analog Converters – can also affect how much you pay. If your DJ rig includes an audiophile-grade rotary mixer and expensive needles on your turntables, you should really consider paying a little more for your interface.
One of the best audio interfaces for DJs with concerns for sound quality is RME’s Babyface Pro FS. Incredibly popular, this portable interface gives you four analog inputs for line-level gear, microphones and instruments, meaning you can get on the mix or add some guitar on top of your mixing. It’s got two audio out ports as well as two headphone jacks, plus MIDI in and out too, should you need it. It converts at 24-bit/192kHz audio, with SteadyClock FS on hand for low jitter and high jitter immunity.
Truly one of the best audio interfaces for DJs.
RME Babyface Pro FS is available from our affiliate partners Thomann* and Sweetwater*.
More Information
- More about DJing
- More about audio interfaces
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