So, you’ve been improvising and composing for a while, and now you’re ready to invest in a fantastic home recording system so you can record your songs. First and foremost, what should be your primary concerns while looking for the best guitar audio interface?
So, assuming you’re recording at home, your needs are likely to be quite simple, at least in terms of the capabilities you’ll want – and the good news is that you won’t have to spend a fortune to get started.
It builds on its original popularity by introducing significant new capabilities, such as adjustable input gain, cross-platform functionality, and a 1/4″ amplifier output that will indeed revolutionize the way you make music while on the go. However, if you’re seeking alternatives that share some of the same qualities as iRig 2, the following list may be of interest to you.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) has excellent potential for excellent quality preamps and digital converters. As a bonus, the dual-input preamps incorporate Focusrite’s “Air” effect, which gives them a vintage ISA preamp sound.
They can also be used as Hi-Z connections for guitar and bass, while jack or XLR cables may be used to interface to line-level inputs, which can offer 48v phantom power for condenser microphones. At this budget, it would be churlish to complain about the lack of digital connectivity.
PreSonus Audiobox USB 96
With Studio One DAW plugins, Presonus has put together an excellent package with the Audiobox 96 USB. Start recording with one of the most recognized DAWs in the industry by installing the software program on your computer, connecting up, and plugging your instrument into the Hi-Z input.
The interface is bus-powered, so you can carry it with you and use it directly from your computer’s USB port. Featuring 48v phantom power, twin mic/line inputs, and MIDI I/O to be used with additional controllers and expressing pedals, it’s safe to say that Presonus’ rugged little box seems to have everything a musician could want without the trappings!
Antelope Audio Zen Tour
This UI has so many great features. Its feature set is remarkable, despite the lack of MIDI I/O. The straightforward and responsive layout, along with its metal shell and touchpad functionality, provide Antelope Audio’s Zen Tour that greatest of beasts: an audio interface worth thinking about!
Antelope Audio has musicians in mind; the built-in DSP effects include amp and cab simulations, as well as a bunch of new classic recording gear emulations for fine-tuning your mixes.
Boss GT-001
The GT-001, which is now obsolete, is a computer version of Roland’s GT-100 multi-FX floor pedal, containing 200 presets, 200 user patches, and Roland’s effects and COSM amp simulators. In addition, it’s a fully functional audio interface.
With only a single XLR input, one 6.5mm Hi-Z jack, and a 3.5mm auxiliary in, it’s a little short on features, so stereo mixing isn’t an option. Even yet, phantom power for condenser microphones is provided at 48 volts.