The 5 Best Compact Audio Interfaces
A small audio interface can still give you the wrong number of inputs. '4-in/2-out' on a box may count virtual loopback channels, while you can plug in only one microphone. Before buying, draw the sources you actually record at the same time: one voice and a guitar, two microphones, or several instruments. That one-minute check saves buying a second interface later.
For one mic and one instrument, I would start with the Scarlett Solo. The M-Track Duo is the cheaper way to connect two microphones, and the MOTU M4 earns its larger price when you need extra line inputs or MIDI. If headphone monitoring matters most, Audient makes a different case. None of those roles requires pretending that we measured sound quality ourselves.
Our top 5 compact audio interfaces
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th GenDetails ↓ | — | 4.6/5Amazon | Best overall for solo recording |
02 M-Audio M-Track DuoDetails ↓ | — | 4.4/5Amazon | Best budget two-mic interface |
03 MOTU M4Details ↓ | — | 4.6/5Amazon | Best for more sources and MIDI |
04 Audient iD4 MKIIDetails ↓ | — | 4.5/5Amazon | Best for headphone monitoring |
05 MAONO PS22 LiteDetails ↓ | — | 4.2/5Amazon | Best low-cost streaming setup |
01 — Focusrite
Best overall for solo recordingFocusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
I would buy the Scarlett Solo for one person recording a voice and a guitar on a desk. It provides one microphone preamp and a separate instrument input, with direct monitoring and loopback for capturing computer audio. Focusrite documents the signal path and software clearly enough that a first recording setup is easier to plan.
It leads for that common one-person job, not because it has the most sockets. If two people need microphones at once, the M-Track Duo is the more sensible purchase; the Solo has only one physical mic preamp. Do not mistake its virtual loopback inputs for extra XLR connectors.
Specifications: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen ↗
View on Amazon ↗One microphone plus an instrument or computer-audio capture.
You need two physical microphone inputs simultaneously.
What I like
+Clear one-mic workflow with instrument input and loopback.
What to weigh
−Only one physical microphone preamp.
- Physical mic inputs
- One
- Other input
- One instrument input; loopback is virtual
02 — M-AUDIO
Best budget two-mic interfaceM-Audio M-Track Duo
The M-Track Duo is the affordable answer when the second person also needs a microphone. M-Audio specifies two combo mic/line/instrument inputs with phantom power and a switch for direct mono or stereo monitoring. That is a real second socket, not a software channel, and it gives this little box a clear job.
I rank it behind the Scarlett as a general recommendation because the Solo has the more polished single-user path and clearer modern software support. Choose the M-Audio when simultaneous inputs matter more. Its USB connection and monitoring switch are basic; check the exact cable and computer playback setting before a session.
Specifications: M-Audio M-Track Duo specifications ↗
View on Amazon ↗Two microphones or instruments on a tight budget.
You record alone and value a fuller software workflow.
What I like
+Two physical combo inputs with direct monitoring.
What to weigh
−Basic controls and connection compared with pricier interfaces.
- Physical inputs
- Two mic/line/instrument combo sockets
03 — MOTU
Best for more sources and MIDIMOTU M4
I would step up to the MOTU M4 when two front-panel inputs are no longer enough. Its four-input/four-output layout adds rear line connections for other gear, and it has five-pin MIDI in and out. The front display gives you visible level meters, a practical help when several sources are connected.
It is third because its extra routing and price do nothing for a lone podcast microphone. Check which inputs are mic preamps and which are line-level before ordering: four inputs do not mean four XLR mic preamps. For a small keyboard-and-mic studio, though, the expansion is the point.
Specifications: MOTU M Series user guide ↗
View on Amazon ↗A compact studio with line-level gear and five-pin MIDI.
You only record one or two microphones and need the lowest cost.
What I like
+Four-in/four-out layout, MIDI sockets and visible meters.
What to weigh
−Extra inputs are line-level, not four mic preamps.
- ProductType
- audio interface
04 — Audient
Best for headphone monitoringAudient iD4 MKII
Audient’s iD4 MKII is the desk interface I would consider when headphone monitoring and a guitar input are central. Audient specifies one console-style mic preamp, a JFET instrument input and two headphone outputs in a compact 13 × 12cm body. That is a better reason to buy it than an unverified claim that it simply “sounds best.”
It sits below the Scarlett and M-Track because it costs more while still giving you only one physical mic preamp. The two headphone sockets help when listening with another person; they do not create another recording channel. Check USB power requirements if you plan to run it from a tablet.
Specifications: Audient iD4 MKII overview ↗
View on Amazon ↗One-mic guitar recording with two headphone connections.
Two simultaneous microphones or the lowest price matter more.
What I like
+One mic preamp, separate instrument input and two headphone sockets.
What to weigh
−Only one mic preamp despite its higher price.
- Physical mic inputs
- One
- Headphone outputs
- Two
05 — MAONO
Best low-cost streaming setupMAONO PS22 Lite
The PS22 Lite has a narrow but useful role: a budget desk setup with one XLR mic and one instrument. MAONO’s help pages identify one mic/line combo socket and a separate quarter-inch instrument input, plus a USB-C connection. Its virtual routing can be useful for streaming on a supported computer.
I keep it fifth because its “2-in” label can easily be mistaken for two microphone preamps, and the richer routing tools depend on software support. Read MAONO’s current platform notes before counting on loopback. If two XLR mics are the requirement, choose the M-Track Duo instead.
Specifications: MAONO PS22 Lite connections ↗
View on Amazon ↗One XLR microphone plus an instrument for budget streaming.
You need two mic preamps or guaranteed routing on every platform.
What I like
+Mic/line combo and separate instrument input at a low price.
What to weigh
−Only one XLR mic socket; routing features depend on software.
- Physical inputs
- One mic/line combo; one instrument socket
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Compact Audio Interfaces
01Does “4-in” mean four microphone sockets?+
No. Virtual loopback channels may be counted alongside physical inputs. Check the rear and front panel diagrams for the number of actual mic, instrument and line connections.
02What is direct monitoring?+
It lets you hear an incoming signal through the interface before it makes a full trip through recording software. You may still need to balance that signal against computer playback.
03Do I need MIDI ports on an audio interface?+
Only if you use a device with five-pin MIDI connections. A USB MIDI keyboard can usually connect directly to the computer; check your exact instrument.
04Will these work with my phone or tablet?+
Compatibility and power requirements differ by model and device. Check the maker’s current iOS or Android guidance and whether external power is needed before buying for mobile recording.
The short answer
Start with the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen.
I recommend it for one microphone plus an instrument or computer-audio capture. Choose something else if you need two physical microphone inputs simultaneously.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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