This year’s tally of the best-selling audio interfaces features plenty of old favorites, but there are also some upgraded models and exciting new releases in the mix. Portable USB-based interfaces are still the clear favorite thanks to their convenience and ease of use, but the feature set across these models is probably the most diverse we’ve seen yet. With heavyweight brands like Universal Audio, Neve, Focusrite, and Neumann on the list, you’re bound to find the right audio interface for you. 

UNIVERSAL AUDIO APOLLO TWIN X DUO USB HERITAGE EDITION

Given that this is the Apollo Twin’s fourth year in a row in the top three (and first year as number one), it’s safe to say that Universal Audio’s flagship interface is a certified modern classic. From the LED metering suite to the big, shiny master knob, using the Apollo is equal parts easy and satisfying. But underneath the simple design is an impressive level of versatility: The dual Unison mic preamps offer pure sonic clarity on their own and pair well with UA’s preamp emulations, and the UAD-2 DUO processing technology fully supports UA’s many plugins and recreations of iconic gear. Speaking of plugins, the Heritage Edition plugin bundle gives you a massive collection of essential tools right out of the box, including UA 1176 compressors, Fairchild limiters, Helios-style preamps, and more. 

SOLID STATE LOGIC SSL 2+

The SSL2+ has been a top seller every year since its 2020 debut, no doubt thanks to its perfect balance of SSL's decades-long commitment to excellence and the convenience of a USB interface. Both channels feature a studio-grade analog preamp with a Legacy 4K button, which adds saturation for warmth and presence akin to SSL 4000 Series consoles—perfect for vocals and lead guitars! And with individual mixes for the monitor and headphone inputs, the comprehensive SSL Production Pack, and 1.5GB of Loopcloud loops and samples, you have everything you need to record with confidence.

ANTELOPE AUDIO ORION 32+ GEN4

This latest iteration of the Orion 32+ came out just this year, but it has already made a splash by improving upon an already fantastic interface. The fourth-gen Orion builds upon each of the previous models’ best features with updates for modern workflows, like A/D and D/A converters with up to 130dB of dynamic range and an astonishing 128 available channels via Thunderbolt and MADI (and that’s not even including the additional ADAT port). Whether you’re tracking a small combo or a full orchestra, the Orion’s redesigned Software Control Panel and new preset recall system make managing and monitoring your sessions a breeze. 

NEUMANN MT 48

The MT 48 is Neumann’s first foray into the world of audio interfaces, and as expected, it doesn’t disappoint. An advanced DSP and responsive touchscreen interface make for a unique and distinctly modern recording experience unlike any other USB interface, all with Neumann’s eye for design and industry-leading specs. Each channel sports a mic preamp with up to 78 dB of clean boost, a fully parametric four-band EQ, and a robust three-way dynamic processor, all of which are readily available via the touchscreen. Plus, Neumann’s exclusive Dual Output technology lets you simultaneously record wet and dry signals, and the USB, ADAT, and AES67 ports offer an impressive amount of input options for a portable interface. In fact, you can even use the MT 48 as a standalone, computer-free mixing console for live sessions. 

NEVE 88M

Neve preamps have been a studio staple for decades, so it’s no shock that the beloved 88M is on our list of best-selling audio interfaces. Don’t be fooled by the ultra-compact size; this two-channel USB interface is made with the same DNA found in Neve’s most prestigious consoles. The 88M sports the same legendary preamps found in the 88RS console—the one used in Abbey Road and Capitol Studios among other places—and the advanced ESS converters ensure that every ounce of that Neve sound comes through at peak quality. Plus, with dedicated send/return jacks per channel for outboard gear and ADAT ports, this box can easily expand and keep up with bigger boards. 

AVID MBOX STUDIO

The original Avid MBOX was an incredibly influential interface released at the dawn of digital home recording, while Avid's new MBOX Studio has been completely redesigned for modern workflows. Not only do you have expected features like studio-grade preamps and ample input options, the MBOX Studio also has unique features like effects loops, loopback recording, and even assignable buttons. Just like Avid’s ubiquitous Pro Tools software, the MBOX Studio gives the user maximum flexibility and the power to customize your workflow to your heart’s content. This adaptability makes the MBOX Studio a great choice for music, podcasting, live streaming, and anything else in need of no-compromise sound. 

FOCUSRITE SCARLETT 2I2 (4TH GEN)

No best-selling interface list is complete without this iconic red box—Focusrite's friendly Scarlett Series. Scarlett interfaces have always been about making the recording process easy and accessible to all, and the latest generation takes that creed even further. The interface comes with innovative features like Auto Gain for setting levels fast, Air mode for instantly pushing vocals or lead parts to the front of the mix, and Clip Safe technology, which automatically detects clipping and adjusts gain in real time. Plus, this bundle includes a digital toolkit with Pro Tools Artist and Ableton Live Lite among others, cementing the Scarlett as one of the best entry points for recording and production. 


RME BABYFACE PRO FS

Would you believe us if we said this interface (the smallest one on this list) has a whopping 24 channels? Well, it’s true! The Babyface Pro FS is designed to offer the best possible recording experience while taking up the least amount of space. RME’s staple TotalMix FX technology allows for real-time mixing, while the SteadyClock FS circuit ensures consistently stable recording in the studio or on the road. And the new TotalMix Remote lets you operate your interface via a tablet using a network connection, letting you make adjustments from anywhere in the studio without running back and forth.

APOGEE SYMPHONY I/O MKII 

This new version of the Symphony somehow improves upon the original’s (also a best-seller) already-solid AD/DA conversion capabilities, and the results are impressive, to say the least. Each of the 16 I/O channels has a bountiful 128dB of dynamic range and is compatible with Dolby Atmos and other immersive audio systems. With minimal setup and space, this one box can transform your studio into an audio powerhouse that’s ready for even the most high-bandwidth sessions. 

MERGING TECHNOLOGIES ANUBIS PRO SPS

Designed for high-demand recording and broadcast setups, the Anubis Pro is a cost-effective option for Ethernet-based monitoring and management. We’ve covered AoIP audio setups before, but the short of it is that they have a lot of advantages for full-sized or multi-room recording studios. Using an Ethernet-based interface like the Anubis Pro not only reduces cable clutter and makes reorganizing or expanding your setup quick and painless, but it also keeps things running smoothly and without extraneous power demands. Additionally, specs like DC and POE power options and remote control support make tracking simple, organized, and stress-free.

Check out more of the best-selling gear of 2023 on our blog!

Michael CarnariusIf you’re interested in purchasing any of the audio interfaces mentioned in this blog, we're here to help! Please contact a Vintage King Audio Consultant via email or by phone at 866.644.0160.

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