Logic Pro X is a super popular digital audio workstation that is used by many people in the music industry. Recording and editing music is made possible through the use of a digital audio workstation, which gives its users access to a wide range of editing and recording choices.
However, you will need to connect your computer to an audio interface to record audio on it or import MIDI data into it. Neither of these things is possible without the audio interface.
There is a huge variety of audio interfaces
on the market today, ranging from budget-friendly consumer devices to high-end professional ones. They all come equipped with a range of features, some of which include balanced outputs and inputs for many types of instruments, amongst other things.
If you are looking for an upgrade to your current audio interface, or you are looking to get into music for the very first time and so need new equipment, this list is for you. We have picked the top 5 best audio interfaces that are compatible with Logic Pro X.
If you are a beginner, you may not know what features to consider when buying one of these products. To help you out, we have written a buyer’s guide that you can find at the end.
Let’s get on with the list!
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre is the unrivaled champion in this category. The MIDI input and output ports on this audio interface both have a 5-pin configuration, and it also includes eight channels of ADAT optical input. In addition, there are four line outputs located on the back of the unit.
The plugins that are already available from Focusrite allow you to immediately begin making additions to Logic Pro X without having to spend loads of money doing so.
The outputs on the front panel are combo XLR/Jack sockets, and each one has a button that allows the level of amplification as well as the phantom power to be adjusted.
A green light will appear on the gain knob whenever an input signal is recognized. If it is going to start clipping, the knob will begin flashing red.
The microphone preamps offer a sound that is highly clear and has a very low noise level. When you use the Thunderbolt interface, you can expect to have rapid speeds along with minimum latency.
In addition to its total of four balanced outputs, this device features a stereo pair, a MIDI input and output, an ADAT input, and headphone outputs. You now have the opportunity to choose a model with as many as 8 additional line inputs if you so want.
It can transition from analog to digital at a rate of 24 bits per second. In addition to that, the instrument input offers a lot of headroom to work with.
The Focusrite’s Red Plug-In Suite, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, and 2 GB of samples from Loopmasters are all included in this package.
In addition, customers who make a purchase have the opportunity to choose a free XLN Addictive Keys Virtual Instrument to use in their productions.
Pros
- Very high quality – the build and materials used are super high quality and durable, meaning that you will not have to worry about accidentally breaking this device
- Excellent mic prenups – give clear and quality sound
- Up to 8 outputs – you will have all the ones you will need for any music project
Cons
- Needs external power – this can be a bit annoying as you will have to be somewhere with a plug socket
- No Thunderbolt cable – this can be annoying as you have to buy it separately before you can get on with making music
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Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo
The size of this audio interface may seem small, but the high-quality performance it provides has not been affected in any way.
Because of the Apollo Twin MKII Duo, amateur beatmakers and producers may now make use of the same high-quality inputs and outputs, UAD plug-ins, and Unison preamps that are available to pros.
You may either connect it to your device by plugging it into an outlet in the wall or by using the Thunderbolt connection on your device.
In addition to a 14-inch hi-Z guitar input and four 14-inch output jacks, the device has two combo Mic/Line ins that may be found on either the back or the front of the device.
You can add up to eight analog inputs by way of the ADAT protocol with the assistance of the TOSLINK port. If you have the means to do so, this is the instrument that will enable you to acquire the high-quality, professional sound that you have been looking for.
This 2×6 Thunderbolt audio interface is compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems. Plus has a reliable analog design and has been constructed with high-quality materials throughout.
Included in the package are two high-quality microphone and line preamps, two line outputs, an instrument and headphone output on the front panel, and two digital-to-analog monitor outputs. All of these features can be found on the interface.
After you have downloaded the recording system, which is included for free with purchase of this product and consists of the LUNA Instruments, LUNA Application, and the LUNA extension, your audio interface will be transformed into a full-fledged music production device.
This will allow you to record, edit, mix, and master your music.
The Console 2.0 application is uncomplicated to comprehend and is equipped with features such as drag-and-drop functionality, simple window resizing, and predefined channel strips.
Pros
- Excellent audio quality- the quality of the audio that this device produces is proabaly8 the best out of all of the audio interfaces on this list
- Can track and monitor in real-time – this is all thanks to the Unison plug-ins on this interface
- Very easy to use – beginners will appreciate this interface as it is simple to use, and a great gateway for newbies to get into music-making
Cons
- Only connects using a Thunderbolt cable- this would not be too bad in itself, but the Thunderbolt cable isn’t even included in the purchase
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)
The Focusrite Solo is one of the most portable audio interfaces among the ones on the market right now. Despite its little size, the front and rear panels of this device contain all of the necessary audio inputs and outputs.
The Solo’s design and workmanship give it a tough yet attractive appearance. The aluminum chassis and sleek features of this device make it both sturdy and aesthetically beautiful.
This user-friendly audio interface is compatible with every major digital audio workstation (DAW) currently available on the market.
In addition to producing great sound quality, the instrument line pickup has a mic preamp of exceptional quality. Those who are recording and mixing vocals for a song will like the clean sound provided by the integrated preamp. Turn the gain knob until the required amount of gain is achieved.
Depending on your desire, the sample rates and delay levels may be simply raised to 24 bits or 192 kHz. The Solo is an ideal option for producers who are always on the road as well as home studios on a budget.
Air Mode permits the recording of instruments with ample headroom and a lively tone. These inputs perform particularly well for bass and guitar sounds. Two outputs have been calibrated to ensure a clean reproduction.
Thanks to the converters, mixing and recording at up to 24 bits and 192 kHz are also feasible. With the assistance of the fast start tool, beginners will have an easier time beginning their musical journey.
This package includes a version of Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Creative Pack, Focusrite Red Plug-In Suite, Softube Time and Tone, and your choice of an Virtual Instrument, as well as an easy-to-learn version of Pro Tools.
There are three settings available for mic presets, selectable from the menu as 1, 2i2, or 4i4.
Pros
- Pretty cheap – as this device is smaller than a lot of others you can find, it is also cheaper, making it ideal for those on a budget
- Portable – also because it is small, it means that it is very easy to take to live shows or the studio
- Excellent sound – especially at this price point, the sound quality of this device is incredible
Cons
- Control software isn’t great – the software is not very intuitive, meaning it can be a bit difficult to use
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Apogee One
This portable audio interface offers 24-bit audio at up to 48 kHz sampling rates, as well as a phantom-powered mic preamp for use with a condenser microphone. In addition to Mac OS 10.5.7 or later, you will need at least 34 MB of accessible storage space. Installation is straightforward.
The Apogee One is an amazing portable audio device. You will still be able to do low-latency monitoring; however, you will be required to set up the capability via the Maestro Control Panel.
The sound generated by the built-in microphone is clear and of excellent quality. This high-quality audio interface is compact enough to fit in a pocket.
This device has an audio Interface with Integrated Microphone Two Inputs and Two Outputs
This portable and lightweight audio interface guarantee that your recordings are always of the greatest quality, even while you’re away from home.
The microphone’s 360-degree range of vision enables it to capture vocals without missing anything. The D/A converter guarantees that the audience never misses a single aspect of the performance.
Apogee One is capable of simultaneously recording the guitar and the microphone. employing a system that integrates AD/DA conversion and microphone preamps.
The breakout cable has two analog inputs, one of which is a 1/4″ instrument jack and the other an XLR microphone jack. In addition, The One offers uncompromised audio quality from your Mac to your headphones when both devices are utilized together.
Pros
- Very portable- if you are traveling and want to still make music, this is perfect
- Superb sound quality – the microphone audio sounds very good, especially for a device as small as this
- Low cost – considering that this is a product made by Apogee, it is a very low cost
Cons
- Must have a breakout cable – because of how small this device is, you must use one of these cables
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
This next-generation Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is an upgrade from previous models in this line for several reasons.
In addition to inputs and outputs with higher headroom, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface offers a function called Air Mode that increases the sonic subtleties of the music you are listening to. You can change to AirMode for a more open and vibrant sound in your recordings.
There is also a USB-C connector included, which assists in minimizing latency.
The audio interface of the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is equipped with a combo jack for 14-inch and XLR inputs. There includes a switch for the line and instrument levels as well as phantom power, in addition to other functions.
Using this audio interface, the vocals in particular sound like they were recorded in a studio. This USB audio interface does have everything that you need, which is great considering how inexpensive it is.
Two instrument inputs make it possible to simultaneously record microphones and instruments.
Line-level sources can be linked to balanced mic line inputs to ensure high-quality audio output. In addition, there are several predefined microphone settings from which to choose.
With the aid of the quick start guide, users, especially newbies, have the opportunity to begin immediately.
When you purchase Pro Tools, you’ll also receive the Focusrite Creative Pack, the Softube Time and Tone Bundle, and the XLN Addictive Keys Instrument.
Pros
- Portable – easily take this device anywhere you need to
- Used by professionals – professionals trust it with their art, so you can too
- USB interface- the design of this is simple to use and convenient
Cons
- No MIDI outputs/inputs – this is a bit odd seeing as this is the standard on most other devices
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Buyers Guide
Outputs And Inputs
Understanding your device’s outputs and inputs will assist in its operation. Here are a few common ones.
XLR
XLR inputs are utilized by microphones. Ensure your audio interface includes a microphone input if you wish to record using a microphone.
Instrument Line
These inputs are appropriate for passive instrument pickups due to their high impedance. These devices generate line-level voltage levels at the same frequency, but with less strength.
Balanced Stereo Output
The capacity of this audio interface to accept a balanced connection. This will increase the audio quality and clarity.
Headphone Output
These outputs offer adequate power for headphones to work. This permits the production of the desired sound.
Connection Types
Before choosing the right audio interface for your music, you must be familiar with the three basic connection types to choose the most suitable one for your studio.
USB
The main benefit of using USB is that the most effective audio interfaces are designed with abundant USB bus power. Utilizing a laptop to record on the fly is a really handy practice.
Firewire
Firewire is superior to USB because its data transfer rate is more consistent. It is good to record many channels concurrently.
However, there are fewer Firewire audio interfaces than USB ones. Even fewer PCs today have Firewire. You may be required to get a Firewire card.
Thunderbolt
Thunderbolt has reduced latency and a rapid data transmission rate. It is rapidly becoming the standard audio interface connection.
Thunderbolt 3 is double the speed of Thunderbolt 2 and eight times faster than USB3. Optical cables are capable of supporting speeds of up to 40 Gbps and cable lengths of up to 100 meters.
Software
Regardless of whether they are among the best audio interfaces, audio interfaces feature recording software. This is often a basic version of a DAW or a plugin. Examine any included applications with your chosen audio interface.
Free Audio Recording Applications
Free digital audio workstation (DAW) and sound recording software are available if your audio interface does not include any. Audacity, Ocenaudio, and Audiotool are software tools that are compatible with Macs.
Virtual Studio Plugins (VST)
VSTs give you instruments (synthesizers, for instance). VST effects are also beneficial since they process audio instead of producing it. They are capable of simulating outboard equipment like compressors and maximizers. Ensure you have superior support so you don’t miss out on this fantastic material!
Compatibility
These audio interfaces are all compatible with Macs. You will choose an option not included on our list. Always be certain that the downloaded program is Mac-compatible.
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