We analyze the seven best external sound cards for music production that you can find on the market.
Are you looking for a high-quality sound card or audio interface for your recordings? In this guide, you will find a list of the best sound cards for music production, from professional studio models to entry-level home studios and home recording productions.
Like the studio monitor and MIDI controller, an external sound card is also a key element in the composition of the recording chain. It is what converts and digitizes our signal from analog to digital and feeds it into our PC or Mac. So sound cards integrate an external input into your DAW.
But which sound card should I choose? Do you need an 8-input sound card, or will 2 inputs be enough? Will you be able to use this or that audio interface to record your guitar or your voice?
There are so many questions that can be difficult to answer when you’re starting out (or simply when you’re looking to change your sound card).
So, to help you, I offer you this detailed article to help you choose the audio interface model that suits you.
The top 7 external sound cards for music production
Without further ado, let’s see the best audio interfaces on the market right now for both beginners and professionals. Are you ready? Let’s start then.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
This is the cheapest external USB sound card in this selection. It offers two inputs. One in XLR format for connecting a microphone (with phantom power), and another one in jack format for connecting an instrument or device with a line output.
It can act as a sound card, but this Scarlett USB audio interface from the Focusrite brand is the best you can buy to set up a home studio.
Don’t ask for professional quality. But this model is ideal for making music, recordings, podcasts, or whatever you want.
The fact that it connects with a single USB and its small size make it ideal for putting the interface and cables in a backpack and going to record anywhere.
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Audient Audio Interface iD4 MKII
Another minimalist audio interface option for home studio beginners. The small iD4 from Audient is similar in quality but simpler than the iD14 from the same brand.
At the front, we find a good-quality instrument input (DI to JFET). On the back, a microphone/line combo input.
The whole thing is solid and very compact, with two rear outputs in jack format for connecting speakers.
In terms of headphone preamps, we will appreciate the fact that there are two outputs on the front of the device: one in jack format and one in mini-jack format. But the positive point is that it is possible to connect two headphones at the same time. This option is ideal if you are listening to a sound with a friend, for example.
Beyond these considerations, the big advantage of the iD4 is the sound. Indeed, the sound quality of this external USB sound card is very good, both in terms of the preamps and the converters.
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
Without a doubt, it is very difficult to get more for less. Perfect for getting started in music production, with a good price and without having to resort to losing professional quality.
As always, there will be opinions and producers who like more or less the sound quality that can be obtained with the preamps of this sound card, but in any case, it is undeniable that for the price you pay for this equipment, you are not receiving a professional result.
On a Mac computer, you only need to connect the card, and it will be ready. On a PC, it requires drivers, but the installation is just as simple.
Additionally, with the purchase of this card, a download code for multiple recording applications and various music production plug-ins is provided.
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Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
Here we take a small leap in terms of quality and price, but the Komplete is a card that must always be taken into account.
It has two recording combos like previous models, as well as six balanced and two SPDIF outputs. It has something quite interesting, which is the possibility of listening to what is playing in MONO. Also, it will be useful to check if our production is having phase problems.
What distinguishes this card from the other options is the dual role it plays both in the studio and in the DJ booth. If, in addition to producing music, you like to DJ with Traktor at one time or another, you will need one of these to be able to connect a mixer to your computer or DJ players, as well as the Native Instruments Scratch Pro model turntables. So with this option, you will kill two birds with one stone.
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Steinberg UR22C Sound Card
A direct competitor to the Scarlett 2i2, the Steinberg UR22C is slightly more expensive. The UR22C offers two mixed microphone/line inputs, knowing that one of them can be used as a Hi-Z (high-impedance) input to connect an instrument such as a guitar or bass.
In terms of preamps, the sound is quite good. Because these circuits were designed by Yamaha!
At the output level, we find the classic headphone and speaker outputs. No particular comments on this point: everything works well.
On the other hand, the big positive point of the UR22C, especially for the price at which it is sold, is the integration of a MIDI input and output, which will easily allow you to work with hardware synths.
Also, the Steinberg UR22C seems to me to be a particularly relevant choice for a home studio, probably more for beginners or for slightly restricted budgets.
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Behringer UMC404HD
The Behringer UMC404HD sound card is the best low-cost sound card on the market this year. It’s a pleasant surprise. In fact, for the price, one might have expected a second-rate piece of equipment, but it’s quite the opposite. This little wonder does an admirable job of recording instruments online. You can connect your guitar, keyboard, or microphone through one of the interface’s 4 XLR/Jack combo ports and let the preamps do their job. The quality of the output will surprise you.
Additionally, this sound card offers MIDI inputs and outputs and gains control for each XLR/jack input. Although it comes with a power cable, it can only be connected via USB. For the price, why stop having a home studio?
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Behringer Xenyx X1204 USB
Wow, 4 XLR or jack inputs, 2 auxiliary inputs, 2 stereo inputs, an equalizer, and a ton of effects—that’s what the Behringer Xenyx X 1204 USB offers us. That’s why it’s the best sound card of the year. This is the best sound card of the year. So you can be sure that you will be prepared for your rehearsals with equipment of this quality. This mixer is perfect for small groups such as microphones, guitars, basses, and electronic drums, allowing you to amplify and record them all at the same time.
It really is a little gem. It also has a USB port, so you can connect it to a computer. All you have to do is run your recording software, and you will have a small home studio. The price is incredibly low for a product of this quality. So if you are looking for a mixing console for your concerts or a sound card for your studio sessions, combine the two and opt for this excellent model from Behringer.
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Zoom LiveTrak L-12
This is another one of our favorite products of the year. The Zoom LiveTrak L-12 is a high-quality mixer that allows you to record up to 14 tracks simultaneously, all without the need for a computer. In other words, it’s perfect for “old school” recording, where each musician has to rehearse their part until they get the best possible take.
The LiveTrak L-12 is designed, as the name suggests, for live recording. It will be the perfect ally for your live performances. It guarantees very good sound quality thanks to its first-class preamplifiers. This will also allow you to record your live performance. This option is very useful if you want to make a demo, for example.
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External sound cards for music production
As you can see, I have put enough options for those looking for many inputs and outputs and for those who need or want to get a more personal sound through the plugins offered by some of these sound cards for music production. Also, for those who just want to make a quality leap in sound. There are thousands of options, and the decision, in the end, is yours. Lately, I have been working with the Apollo Twin, which has a spectacular sound and really special plugins for mixing the audio.
Tell me, which one are you going to choose? Let us know in the comment section below. Thank you.