The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces for Home Recording
A Range Multichannel Recording Interfaces for Different Budgets.
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So you want a setup for putting together demos, but you need more inputs? To tackle this problem, we’re looking at some of the best multichannel audio interfaces that provide you with the features and expandability to take on recording projects in almost any genre.
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Whether you’re working with a mixing desk, a patch bay, or simply running multiple mics and instruments directly into the interface, having multiple channels gives you plenty of creative flexibility for different workflows and configurations.
Choosing the Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces
Multichannel interfaces are not only a considerable investment, but they also involve connecting with a wide range of equipment. This makes it important to select something future-proof, no matter what end of the market you’re shopping in.
Compatibility with current and future versions of your OS and DAW is essential, and you may even want to expand your interface with additional inputs at a later stage.
For this purpose, we’ll be looking at various affordable options that are rack-mountable, with ADAT expandability to provide versatile solutions with a certain degree of longevity.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Universal Audio Apollo x8p
The Apollo x8p is a 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with 24-bit / 192 kHz recording, eight Unison mic preamps with modelling capabilities, and a HEXA Core DSP system.
If you want to dive headlong into the UAD universe, look no further than the Apollo X Gen 2 range of rackmount interfaces, equipped with studio monitor calibration, eight channels of ADAT I/O, and a range of plugins for the Apollo DSP platform.
Until 30 September, if you purchase an Apollo X Studio+ interface, you’ll receive a range of additional free plugins and a Sphere DLX modelling mic (while stocks last). Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Audient iD48
The iD48 is the flagship of Audient’s impressive iD line of audio interfaces, with a wide range of features that make it ideally positioned at the center of the modern home studio.
This 24×32 24-bit 96 kHz USB audio interface provides eight preamps with independent gain controls, eight channels of flexible analogue via D-Sub, dual monitor outputs, and 16 channels of ADAT I/O.
The iD48 also offers standalone operation with onboard DSP mixing, loopback functionality for streaming, and assignable function buttons on the front panel. Unfortunately, like the rest of the iD series, there’s no MIDI, but the range is more focussed on the audio side of things. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: PreSonus Studio 1824c
The Studio 1824c interface from PreSonus offers a huge amount of connectivity and up to 24-bit 192 kHz recording at a reasonable price. It offers eight preamps and ten DC-coupled line outputs that allow you to send CV/Gate signals from your DAW.
On the digital side, you get 16 channels of ADAT I/O. In addition, the Studio 1824c is equipped with S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, and word clock out.
On the front panel, you have two independently controlled headphones outs, input gain controls, and the main level knob. What’s more, the 1824c connects via USB-C and offers latency-free monitoring for quick play-through access.
- More from PreSonus
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
The widely used Scarlett 18i20 is a 24-bit 192 kHz interface with eight combo inputs and ten outputs. Two of the preamps double up as instrument inputs, and all inputs have access to the AIR function, with Presence and Harmonic Drive,
Aside from this, the 18i20 has S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, and word clock out. Moreover, convenient features like the built-in talkback mic make sense when you’re working with a recording booth.
The headphone preamp has been upgraded on the latest Scarlett series. Moreover, you can expand the number of inputs with the Octapre and Octapre Dynamic.
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The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Audient EVO 16
The EVO 16 is a relatively compact 24-bit 96 kHz USB interface that can be easily used in both desktop or rack mount configurations with the optional rack ears. It offers eight inputs with Smartgain, eight outputs, two sets of optical I/O ports, and word clock out.
The EVO interface is incredibly straightforward and it also allows multichannel Smartgain functionality, even when connected with the SP8 preamp expander.
All of the front panel features are adjusted via the main rotary encoder, which is certainly simple and fast. Although the design of the EVO series might not be for everyone, you certainly can’t argue with the audio quality.
- More from Audient
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
If you’re playing with a slightly bigger budget, the Clarett+ 8Pre features improved conversion, clocking, and smoother-sounding mic pres than the Scarlett series. Apart from that, the features are very similar between the two.
The Clarett+ 8Pre offers eight inputs, ten outputs, eight channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF, word clock, and MIDI I/O. The inputs are modeled on the sound of the classic ISA110 preamps, so you certainly get your money’s worth there.
When it comes to expandability, you can add eight additional inputs via ADAT with the Clarett Octapre.
- More from Focusrite
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: SSL 18
With the resounding success of the entry-level SSL audio interfaces, it was only a matter of time before we saw a more comprehensive rackmount version enter the fray.
The SSL 18 is a 26×28 32-bit 192 kHz USB audio interface with eight independently controlled 4K XLR combo preamps, a dedicated talkback channel, and a pair of inserts, as well as ADAT and S/PDIF connectivity.
Overall, the SSL 18 combines a great balance of modern features like loopback with tried and tested pro audio standards like WordClock, and they’ve even left room for MIDI. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig
The AudioFuse 16Rig has been designed to be the ultimate audio interface for the modern electronic musician. With a total of 16 analogue line inputs, you can keep all your favourite synths, samplers, and drum machines wired up and ready to record.
Also, with extensive MIDI connectivity, you can sequence all your gear via your DAW of choice via the two MIDI out/thru ports with a MIDI clock out for added accuracy. Meanwhile, the AudioFuse 16Rig also has some neat features, like a USB hub for extra peripherals.
In addition, there is ADAT expandability, and you can even use the AudioFuse 16Rig live as a DSP mixer in standalone mode, so it also caters to your Dawless inclinations when you need it to. Get it at Thomann.*
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Antelope Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core
If you’re looking to enter the more professional domain, the Discrete 8 Pro Synergy Core is an option that offers plenty of value. It’s a 24-bit 192 kHz USB/Thunderbolt interface with high-end AD/DA converters that give you up to 130 dB of headroom and 64-bit AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology and jitter management.
It comes equipped with eight discrete console-grade 6-transistor preamps, two TRS re-amping outs, and eight DC-coupled analog outputs via D-Sub 25. On the digital side, you get 16 channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and a word clock I/O with three outs.
In addition, the Discrete 8 Pro has an impressive software-controlled routing matrix and a low-latency DSP processing core with 37 Synergy Core plug-ins included and 60 more that can be added to your library.
- More from Antelope Audio
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: RME Fireface UFX III
For years, RME audio interfaces have been revered for ultra-clean preamps and conversion stages, as well as rock-solid drivers. The Fireface UFX III combines all the functionality you could ever want in an interface, with up to 94×94 channels of I/O.
This flagship rackmount interface provides an impressive range of connectivity standards, including AES/EBU, MADI, and ADAT. What’s more, it also functions as a standalone digital mixer with low-latency DSP effects via TotalMix FX and direct recording to USB stick.
Overall, you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets to find an audio interface with conversion superior to the Fireface UFX III, while still offering the same level of flexible scalability. Get it at Thomann.*
More about the Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces:
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9 responses to “The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces for Home Recording”
The best? Presonus 2626 is standout in term of the latency.
i just use the standard audio one interface with my 16 channel stereo mixer board . it’s basically the same as using your new unit ..but I have a discreet way of mixing and submitting prior to my interface connection.
No UA Apollo? Really?
Yep
I think the key here is in the title…..under $1500.
Having used all of these, plus the Apollos, in a professional and home studio environment, it’s clear to anyone that the Apollo wipes the floor with all of them. However, at full price it comes in more expensive than the budget of $1500 like for like (i.e. number of channels etc).
Still, I’d take a second hand Apollo over these any day
I wanna learn music production is possible to get lessons from you thank
MOTU 828 USB 3.0 should be on this list!
AGREED and I seriously doubt the review is from a pro user… Tje Focusrite has issues with the redundant front end software…. Would not use it again
Presonus and Audient are reliable but I fell into Tascam.
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