Best Guitar Audio Interfaces (Electric & Acoustic) [2023 Reviewed]

As an Amazon Associate ProRec.com earns from qualifying purchases. Any links that take you to products are affiliate links, and we may earn a commission if you make a purchase. We appreciate your support.

All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model

Thumbnail	Guitar Audio Interfaces	ProRec Score	Price
	RME Baby Face Pro FS	9.1	Check Price on Amazon
	SSL SSL2+	8.6	Check Price on Amazon
	Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen	8.3	Check Price on Amazon

Introduction

If you’re at the beginning of your guitar journey and you’re looking to explore different styles such as Blues, Rock, Jazz or Metal, as well as different effects, then the best way to get a variety of different sounds is through connecting your guitar to your computer and experimenting with a modeling software such as Guitar Rig.

An audio interface is the only real way to connect external instruments to a computer. You can record your tracks, set up different amp outputs, and experiment with different guitar pedal effect simulators. Experimenting with different sounds is an ongoing process for most guitarists. Modeling software will allow you to get a taste of what the actual equipment sounds like. It’s not perfect, but you get pretty close. Once you figure out what you like, then you can go and invest in the real thing.

When choosing an audio interface for guitar, the biggest thing you want to focus on is latency and the input output configuration (this dictates how many signals you can record and playback at once). Most entry level interfaces have a 2 in / 2 out configuration which is more than enough for any guitar or bass player. However, if you’re looking to record multiple instruments at the same time (such as a live band or drums) then you may want to consider a more elaborate configuration.

You want to make sure that your interface is compatible with your computer, and that it either has a good reputation for being plug and play, or the manufacturer has solid drivers that do not lead to technical issues later down the road. Having good drivers is as important as anything else, so do not overlook this.

If you’re recording acoustic guitar, then you’ll also need a mic such as an AT-2020 or a Shure SM7B. In this case, your interface must offer phantom power on one of the XLR inputs (this is a common trait among modern interfaces). For electric guitars, there has to be a Hi-Z capable input that picks up the pickups of your guitar properly, again a common trait with most modern interfaces.

There are many budget interfaces in the market that are good enough to record guitars with a decent output. A lot of the bundled interfaces (with DAWs) offer a lot of value. However, if you’re serious about production then you should consider increasing your budget and looking into a more permanent solution that you won’t have to upgrade in the future. High end interfaces cost a bit more but are totally worth the investment.

Best Audio Interface for Guitar Reviews

All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model

The RME Babyface Pro FS is a premium 2.0 USB interface with a 12×12 I/O configuration. It offers a sampling rate from 44.1 kHz up to 192 kHz, and a 24 bit depth. The Babyface features RME’s proprietary SteadyClock FS clocking technology that reduces jitter to mere femtoseconds, in contrast to the standard jitter values of nanoseconds in most clocks.

The main panel of the interface features an LED screen, a large rotary encoder, 6 push buttons and 4 LED bands. The LED bands indicate the phantom power status, preamp gain settings, I/O levels and the channel to which the settings are applied, while the six buttons namely the IN, A (SET), B (MIX), OUT, DIM and SELECT are used to control the settings of the interface. The encoder is used for selecting different options, and is used in conjunction with the buttons.

The I/O channels on the interface are present on the side and back panels. The right side features a Kensington lock, two high impedance TS line/instrument inputs and two (high and low impedance) headphone outputs. The left side of the unit has a DC power jack, a USB socket, a MIDI connector and an optical I/O which can be used either as S/PDIF or ADAT.

The back of the interface features two XLR ports and two balanced line outputs. On the underside of the device is a toggle that can switch between 19 dB (which is the default setting) or 4 dB of maximum XLR output level. 4 dB reduces the SNR and is recommended for use with sensitive amps.

In terms of build quality, the Babyface Pro FS has excellent construction. It has a sturdy aluminum body, however, at 680 g, it is heavier than its exterior gives away. The controls on the interface are smooth, especially the encoder which has a really satisfactory response and isn’t clicky at all.

In terms of sound quality, we found the Babyface to live up to its hype. We hooked it up to a MacBook, installed the drivers and TotalMixFX, connected a Gibson Hummingbird acoustic through the Slate Digital Mic and PreAmp and began monitoring through a pair of Genelec 8030C

The sound from the Babyface was very natural as the device doesn’t color the audio at all.

The unit retains a lot of the low end and at the same time has a big lush warm sound that really benefits you in terms of making fewer mixing decisions. RME has built this unit really clean! When you record something it sounds just right without any added color, the natural characteristic in the sound helps in making better mixing decisions overall.

The AD and DA converters on this interface have a dynamic range of up to 115 dB which was visible in our recordings. The unit captured smooth, rich lows while the highs were clean and transparent. The preamps were noiseless and free from distortion.

The device has ultra low latency, you can run eq, compressors and reverbs simultaneously at 48 kHz without experiencing any lag whatsoever. To test the latency limits, we selected the lowest latency settings on our Mac but even then, the RTL was only 2.8 ms at 48 kHz, without any audible cracks or pops.

The interface is able to drive medium to high impedance headphones easily. We plugged in the Beyerdynamic DT990 (250 ohms impedance) and, the output was very loud but crystal clear.

The predecessor of the Babyface Pro FS is the Babyface Pro which was released back in 2015. Compared to the Pro, the new model features a better ADC, which reduces latency by 6 samples. The THD of the mic inputs has also been decreased by 8 dBs while that of the headphone out has been reduced by 10 dBs. One of the most significant upgrades, however, is the addition of the impeccably precise SteadyClock FS in the latest version.

While we found no deal breakers with the Babyface Pro FS, we would like to point out a few things. While the included native plugins BX Opto, Mastering VST are great to play around with, the TotalMix FX software isn’t the easiest to use (there’s a bit of a learning curve), however, we were able to get a hang of it by reading through the user manual and watching some YouTube tutorials. And although the Pro FS is a recent model, it doesn’t come with a USB-C port which is the standard on most devices nowadays. That said, it is still compatible with USB-C devices via the right cable. The USB 2.0 port however introduces no latency or anything like that at all, so it’s not a big deal but still worth a mention.

Overall, the Babyface Pro FS is an all-in-one bundle deal. While its straightforward controls and ease of use are good enough incentives, the sound quality, precise internal clocking and ultra low latency is what really sold us on this interface. If you are seriously looking to take your guitar recordings to the next level, this is the interface to bet your money on!

RME Babyface Pro FS Benefits

The converters on this interface are full of dynamic range and the preamps are very powerful.

The sound quality is supreme; the audio output is clear, transparent and natural.

SteadyClock FS internal clocking is very precise.

The bundled software has great usability and comes in really handy when mixing.

RME Babyface Pro FS Drawbacks

The TotalMix FX software takes some time, and effort, to get used to.

The interface doesn’t include a USB-C port.

All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model

The 4i4 is part of Focusrite’s 3rd Gen of Scarlett interfaces and features 4 inputs and 4 outputs. In addition to a max sampling rate of 192 kHz and 24-bit depth, the interface has MIDI and USB-C connectivity and offers the coveted Air function.

On its front panel, the interface features two combo XLR/TRS inputs, gain knobs for both inputs with halo LED indicators, a ¼” TRS output for headphones, a 48V switch, a large knob to control monitor volume, a smaller knob to control headphone volume and LEDs to indicate if Air/Pad/Inst functions or MIDI I/O are in use.

The back panel is simple and houses two TRS inputs, four balanced line outputs, the MIDI I/O channels, a USB 2.0 port and a Kensington lock. The unit is bus powered and draws power from your computer via the USB port.

As for build quality, the interface is covered with a scarlet metal casing, which gives the unit a weighted and sturdy feel. The knobs on the interface are plastic yet don’t feel cheap or finicky. The controls are well placed and really easy to use while recording.

The setup with the 4i4 is as easy as anything, especially with the Focusrite Easy Start Tool which included step by step tutorials and was extremely beginner friendly. We used the interface with an Ibanez Jem, and for its price, we found the unit’s preamps to be amazing. The controls were easy to use and the led halos around the gain knobs were helpful in indicating signal clipping. The preamps had a low noise floor which made the output really clean.

The AD and DA converters are good (especially for the price) and we were able to get a nice, transparent sound out of the interface. The latency was low and mostly undetectable.

The interface comes with several features such as direct monitoring, Pad and Air. Direct monitoring allows you to monitor your mix in real time (minimal latency) but our favorite was the Pad feature, especially when recording a guitar with active pickups (EMGs in our case). With padding turned on, which reduces the output level, we were able to record hot signals too, without any clipping or distortion. The Air function was great for adding clarity and presence to our guitar recordings and also worked well for vocals..

The headphone amps on the 4i4 are decent, and were able to power our DT770 headphones (80 ohms impedance), although at 100% the headphone volume was too loud and sounded best at about 60-70%. Apart from that, the overall usability of the interface is great.

The 4i4 is an upgraded version of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd generation). It has undergone commendable changes from its predecessor i.e it features a USB-C port in contrast to the USB-B on the previous generation, comes with Focusrite’s Easy Start Tool for an easy setup, has Air and Direct Monitoring features (both missing in the 2i4) however, the most significant upgrade is the addition of two line inputs on the new version.

Although the unit performs well in most areas, there are some things we’d like to highlight. For one, certain functions, such as the individual control of 48V on the inputs, are only accessible via the control software, which is a little annoying. Adding more switches on the hardware, however, can easily remedy this. And although the unit offers USB-C connectivity, it still comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable, and not a USB-C-to-USB-C cable. You can always get one but it would have been nice if Focusrite had included it.

Overall, the Scarlett 4i4 does well. The unit has awesome features and is a bang for your buck interface. If you are looking for an interface to record guitars on a budget, the 4i4 is an option you should definitely consider!

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen Benefits

The unit has a protective metal casing and good build quality.

4 x 4 I/O configuration for a relatively affordable price.

The preamps are clean and noise free.

The interface comes with Pad, Air and Direct Monitoring features, and offers MIDI connectivity.

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen Drawbacks

Some functions i.e. individual input 48V control, are only controllable via the software.

Despite having a USB-C port, the device comes with a USB-C to USB-A cable.

All text and image links lead to Amazon unless stated otherwise. All product scores are based on ProRec’s in-house scoring model

The SSL2+ is a 2×4 I/O USB-C interface that offers a sampling rate of up to 192 kHz and 24 bit depth. The interface is bus powered and is an affordable offering by SSL in an attempt to open the company’s products to a bigger market.

The main panel on the SSL2+ features the monitoring controls whereas all I/O are housed on the rear of the interface. The main (top) panel features separate controls for both inputs and includes a gain knob, a 48V switch, a Hi Z/line toggle, an LED meter that indicates gain levels, a Line button, and the legacy 4K feature switch.

A large volume knob, a Monitor Mix button (with a stereo option to its side), two knobs labeled Phone A and Phone B (to control headphone volume) a button labeled 3 & 4 to choose which channel the stereo settings are applied to, are also present on the top panel.

The back panel is simple and features two combo XLR/TRS inputs, four line outputs, two headphone outs, MIDI I/O channels, a USB port, and a Kensington lock.

In terms of build quality, the unit is sleek and well built. The controls are intuitive and easy to use, the knobs are easily reachable, albeit a bit small in size. The presence of all I/O channels on the back panel gives the interface a neat look, especially when it is plugged in.

Setting up the SSL2+ in a DAW environment was a breeze, the user manual is very straightforward and easy to understand. To start off, we plugged in an SM-57 and connected a 1952 Fender Telecaster (Reissue). The preamps (offer 62 dB of gain) sound clear and pristine without any added noise. The vocal tracks came out clean, and the guitar sounded very natural. The Hi Z input is great at handling high impedance from guitars, we didn’t lose out on any highs or lows while tracking. The ADC and DAC have excellent dynamic range, you can hear the detail in your recordings. Overall, the sound from the interface is very true and transparent, without any digital artifacts such as hiss in the decay tails of either the vocals or the guitar.

The legacy 4K feature on the SSL2+ from SSL’s 4K series will add some EQ and compression to your recordings. It boosted the overall volume and added a little harmonic distortion to our tracks. Although the 4K feature is a handy little addition, we feel it is more marketing than anything else, since the same effect can be produced easily with any DAW.

The headphone amps on the interface are powerful! They drove our DT990 headphones (250 ohms impedance), at about 30% gain. The dual headphone inputs offer excellent usability for when you need simultaneous monitoring. Furthermore, the native SSL plugins included with the interface are quite nice, they allowed us to play around with our mixes creatively.

The SSL2+ was released along with SSL2 as part of its midrange series by SSL. The latter has a 2×2 I/O configuration and is cheaper than its counterpart. Other differences include MIDI connectivity, an additional headphone output, as well as two unbalanced RCA outputs in the SSL2+. I

Although we had a great time recording with the interface, there are some things that could have been better. The buttons on the device aren’t really up to the mark in terms of construction, especially the 4K button which is a little finicky. You have to really push it hard to engage the feature so that it doesn’t come back right up. There’s also no on/off switch on the device which means you have to unplug it whenever you’re done recording.

Overall though, we found the SSL2+ to be worth the money (and more, with the free plugins it comes with!). The design is user friendly and the preamps and converters are powerful and full of dynamic range. The I/O channels give you good flexibility and dual headphone outputs allow for easy monitoring. If you are looking to record guitar, this interface will serve you well!

SSL SSL2+ Benefits

The preamps are very powerful and can provide 62 dB of gain.

The inputs tolerate high impedance really well.

The 4K feature adds free eq and compression which makes a lot of sources sound better.

The free plugins that come with the interface are great!

SSL SSL2+ Drawbacks

The buttons on the interface are a little finicky.

There is no on/off switch on the device.

Verdict

Based on our scoring model, there is a difference of 0.8 points between our highest and lowest scoring units. If you look at the individual scores, you will find the highest variance in the Connectivity category. The RME Babyface Pro FS scores perfectly here since it offers the highest number of I/O channels, which is 24. The lowest scoring unit, which is the SSL2+, has only 2×4 I/O whereas the mid scoring unit, the Scarlett 4i4, has a 4×4 configuration, both way less than a 12×12 configuration.

The Babyface Pro scores the highest in three of the five categories. It takes the lead in the Sound Quality, Additional Features, and I/O categories. It scores a solid 10 in the category of Sound Quality since it delivers a very natural and clear output. In Additional Features, it stands out because it offers the most features of all three interfaces. In I/O, it also leads by a margin of 2.5 points from the lowest scoring unit. It falls behind in Connectivity since it offers a USB-B port and comes last in Price to Performance because it is about 4x as costly as either of the two interfaces.

The SSL2+ leads the scoreboard in two categories, falls second in one category and scores lowest in two categories. The unit has the best score in Price to Performance since it delivers exceptional value, both in terms of sound quality and usability, at a reasonable price. In Connectivity, it shares the stage with the Scarlett 4i4, both of which feature a USB-C port. In Sound Quality, the SSL2+ scores a 9, which is a pretty solid score in itself. The unit falls last in the I/O category and the Additional Features category.

Based on a thorough analysis, the RME Babyface Pro FS emerges as the winner among the best interfaces for guitars, with an average score of 9.1 points! It delivers an extensive I/O configuration that allows for ample flexibility while recording and also has exceptional sound quality which is by far its crowning achievement. The interface comes with amazing plugins and the TotalMix FX software which makes it a worthy investment. If you are serious about recording guitars and music in general, we recommend that you invest in the Babyface Pro FS!

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I play Guitar through an Audio Interface?

Yes you can play your guitar through an Audio Interface! you will need to connect it to the interface using a ¼ inch instrument cable. Once your guitar is connected, you can use a DAW to process the audio signal and add effects such as reverb, delay, and distortion. However, the best way would be to hook up your guitar to an amp and then mic the amp and record that signal instead. You’ll get a much better sound that way. Make sure to get a good pair of monitors for playback. If you’re plugging it in direct, you can also use headphones for playback.

Do you need an Audio Interface for Guitar?

You don’t need an audio interface for a guitar, however, having one will come with the added benefit of recording your tracks and editing them. While you can plug your guitar directly into your computer, even without an interface (using an adapter), an interface will give you better sound quality. If you’re serious about music, or even a hobbyist that is passionate about production then an audio interface is a must have.

How much should I spend on a Guitar Audio Interface?

That really depends on what it is you are trying to do. If you’re just recording at home then even a $200 interface will get the job done. However, if you are a session musician or if you are concerned about sound quality and would like to have more elaborate features, then an interface in the $500+ range will be a better investment.

 

What is the most important aspect of choosing a Guitar Audio Interface?

You want to focus on latency and the input output configuration. Recording guitar only takes a single input but if you want to multitrack then you want to get 1 input for each of your tracks. Generally, a 2 input interface is okay for a home studio, but if you want to record a band then go for something a little more elaborate.