iMacs and MacBooks offer an excellent experience when it comes to music production.
That's why many professional and amateur musicians alike prefer using Apple devices when creating their craft.
However, Apple users have to take note that not all devices are compatible with their chosen computer.
So if you're planning to record audio on your macOS machine, you should ensure that your audio interface will work with it.
Here are the best audio interfaces compatible with Mac available today.
If you're working with multiple audio sources in your recording sessions, you would appreciate the ten-input, ten-output Roland OCTA-CAPTURE. This USB audio interface offers eight hybrid XLR/jack inputs, coaxial input and output ports, and MIDI In and MIDI Out plugs. It features AUTO-SENS technology, ensuring all your preamps are set at the optimal input level.
It has an internal 40-bit DSP, allowing you to create up to four custom and independent monitor mixes. You also get ultra-low latency with your computer recording through the proprietary VS STREAMING technology.
This device is compatible with both Mac and PC through Core Audio and ASIO 2.0/WDM drivers. And if you're making this a permanent part of your studio, the package includes four rackmount ears, so you can keep your space clean and organized.
- Features eight premium microphone pre-amps
- AUTO-SENS lets the device automatically set the optimal input level for all pre-amps
- Ultra low-latency USB performance through the proprierary VS STREAMING technology
- Brand: Roland
- Inputs: 8x Mic/Line In Inputs, 1x Coaxial Input, 1x MIDI Connector
- Outputs: 8x 1/4-inch Output Jacks, 1x Coaxial Output, 1x MIDI Connector
- Weight: 46oz
- Includes four rackmount ears for easy mounting
- Compatible with both Mac and PC, through Core Audio and ASIO 2.0/WDM drivers
- Internal 40-bit DSP can create up to four independent monitor mixes
- Relatively large
The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 lets you record up to four audio sources through two line-in/mic inputs and two line-in inputs. It also features two mic preamps with an optional Air mode, resulting in brighter vocals and more open audio. Its two line-in inputs have high headroom, letting you directly connect your guitars and bass to the interface.
It also has a loopback feature for adding your software audio sources as a dedicated line input, perfect for listening to samples, podcasting, and streaming. Best of all, this device comes with Easy Start, which helps you set it up and get you started recording in minutes.
The Focusrite Control app is compatible with PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod, letting you use this audio interface whatever tool you use.
- Record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz quality
- Mic preamps have optional Air mode for brighter vocals and more open audio
- High headroom instrument inputs allows for direct guitar or bass connection
- Brand: Focusrite
- Inputs: 2x Line-In/Mic Inputs, 2x Line-In Inputs, 1x MIDI In
- Outputs: 4x Line Outputs, 1x MIDI Out, 1x Headphone Jack
- Weight: 29oz
- Easy Start lets you set up the interface and start recording audio in minutes
- Simple and easy to use Focusrite Control app—compatible with PC, Mac, iPad, iPhone, or iPod
- Includes four pro apps to help you with your production
- Requires additional drivers to run
One of the most affordable audio interfaces on the market is the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. This small device gives you two line-in/mic inputs, one main stereo output, a headphone jack interface, and a MIDI In and MIDI Out connection. Despite its affordability, it sports a steel chassis, making it durable enough to withstand constant travel.
It also outputs studio-grade sound, letting you record audio at 24-bit/96kHz quality. And to help you record your next masterpiece, this device comes with the Studio One Artist Digital Audio Workstation. It's also bundled with professional recording software, including Ableton Live Lite and Studio Magic plug-in suite.
The best thing about the AudioBox USB 96 is its native compatibility with Apple silicon. So if you're using a newer model MacBook Pro, you won't have to worry about finding compatible drivers for this device.
- Records high-quality 24-bit/96kHz audio
- Built-in mix control for tweaking input signal and computer playback without any delays
- Comes with the Studio One Artist Digital Audio Workstation
- Brand: PreSonus
- Inputs: 2x Line-In/Mic, 1x MIDI In
- Outputs: 2x Main Out, 1x MIDI Out, 1x Headphone Jack
- Weight: 21oz
- Has a heavy-duty steel chassis for strength and durability
- Natively compatible with M1-powered Apple devices
- Compact size designed for portability
- Installation can be a bit difficult
Those who are looking for a simple audio interface device will appreciate the Audient EVO 4. On its face, the single rotary control knob lets you control everything—from the main monitor level to each input's gain and even your headset output. You also get the Smartgain feature on this device. This lets you automatically set your microphone levels, thus avoiding clipping and distortion in your audio.
The built-in EVO preamps also ensure that you get clean and accurate audio. Pair that with high-performing converters that offer 113dB of dynamic range, and you're bound to get the best quality sound for your recordings. And if you're recording music, you directly plug your instruments into this audio interface via the JFET Direct Input.
It's also compatible with Windows, Mac, and iOS systems, so if you're using multiple computers and devices for your recording, you can use this interface without any problems.
- Smartgain feature automatically sets the levels of your microphones
- Built-in EVO preamps offer clean and accurate audio quality
- High-performing converters offers 113dB of dynamic range
- Brand: Audient
- Inputs: 2x Mic/Line In, 1x DI Line
- Outputs: 2x Line Out, 1x Headphone Jack
- Weight: 13oz
- Compatible with Windows, Mac and iOS
- Comes with a JFET Direct Input for instruments
- Intuitive control system through a single central knob
- Single-knob set up might be insufficient for some professionals
When quality audio is your priority, you should look no further than Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 for your Mac audio interface needs. This device offers two combi-XLR/jack inputs, letting you plug microphones or instruments as you need them. It also allows direct monitoring, so you can blend audio with no latency as you're streaming or recording.
The high-quality control knobs on this interface also reduce the chances of accidental adjustments due to inaccurate movement. It also offers stereo jack outputs, letting you listen to your production over high-fidelity speakers.
And if you're new to this, you can visit the animated Quickstart Guide to help you get started. You also get up to seven pro-grade apps, letting you master your music to professional levels. Compatible with Mac, the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is one of the best audio interfaces you can invest in with multiple control knobs.
- Two combi-XLR/jack inputs offers connection-type flexibility
- Includes an animated Quickstart Guide for new users
- Allows direct monitoring for live audio blending
- Brand: Native Instruments
- Inputs: 2x Mic/Line In
- Outputs: 2x Line Out, 1 Headphone Jack
- Weight: 14oz
- Stereo jack outputs
- High-quality control knobs make it easy to use
- Comes with seven pro-grade audio apps
- No MIDI input/output
Those who love the quality of analog devices, where the imperfections of legacy technology add personality to the sound output, will enjoy the Legacy 4K button on Solid State Logic's SSL 2+. This functionality adds a high-frequency EQ boost and finely-tuned harmonic distortion to your audio—recreating the character of the illustrious SSL 4000-series console.
Aside from that, you get two XLR/line-in inputs, MIDI In and MIDI Out connections, four coaxial and two quarter-inch jack outputs, and two headphone outputs. Two of the four coax outputs are unbalanced and designed for connecting DJ Mixers.
The two professional and high-grade headphone outputs will also let you create a second independent headphone mix. The Monitor Mix control switch is also intuitive to use, making it easy for you to change your audio levels as you need with virtually no latency. A great choice for Mac users looking for a suitable audio interface.
- Legacy 4K Analogue Enhancement adds a high-frequency EQ boost and finely-tuned harmonic distortion for audio enhancement
- Two professional and high-current grade headphone outputs lets you create a second independent headphone mix
- Includes extra unbalanced RCA outputs designed for connecting DJ Mixers
- Brand: Solid State Logic
- Inputs: 2x Mic/Line In, 1x MIDI In
- Outputs: 4x Coaxial, 4x 1/4-Inch Jack, 1x MIDI Out
- Weight: 38oz
- With MIDI Input and Output
- Bundled with SSL Production Pack apps
- Uses an intuitive Monitor Mix control switch
- Housing uses a combination of plastic and metal
Clarity is paramount if you want to produce professional-grade audio. Much of this relies upon the quality of your equipment, so if you're a creator looking to get the best sound quality out of your productions, you should consider the Audient iD4. This device has an ultra-low noise floor, ensuring you will get the best clarity and quality out of your recording equipment.
Beyond that, this Mac audio interface offers two input options—a JFET Instrument Direct Input and a mic/line-in combo input. It's also equipped with a jack and mini jack, allowing you to use headphones with up to 600Ohms impedance. Its all-metal construction adds to its durability, giving you the confidence to bring it around without fearing you'll damage it.
And when producing your music, the central rotary dial also acts as a virtual scroll wheel, letting you control various onscreen parameters. That way, you can customize the dial's function to fit your workflow.
- Compatible with iOS devices for on-the-go recording
- Comes with a JFET Instrument Input
- Audio loop-back
- Brand: Audient
- Inputs: 1x Mic/Line In, 1x Direct Input,
- Outputs: 2x Line Out, 2 Headphone Out
- Weight: 27oz
- All metal construction for durability
- Virtual scroll wheel feature lets you control various onscreen parameters
- Equipped with a jack and mini jack, designed for headphones with up to 600Ohms impedance
- Doesn't include a physical on and off switch
FAQ
Q: What Does an Audio Interface Do?
An audio interface is a device that converts your mic's or instrument's analog signals into digital signals and vice versa. This function allows you to record and process audio on your computer. Most interfaces also have outputs, so you can listen to your creation, whether via a recording or in real-time.
Q: Do Audio Interfaces Improve Sound Quality?
As most microphones only produce low voltage levels, the built-in preamps in an audio interface are required so that its output becomes usable for recording. It's also crucial for converting the analog output of different instruments to digital signals, so your computer can understand and record it.
Q: What's the Difference Between an Audio Interface and a Mixer?
Audio interfaces primarily convert signals from digital to analog and vice versa. On the other hand, a mixer's primary purpose is to combine audio signals. Several mixer models also let you control your audio through equalizers, filtering, panning, and more.
However, if you have an audio interface, you can use a digital audio workstation software as a mixer instead.
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