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The Top 5 Best Audio Interfaces For Guitar (2024)

September 24, 2023 
BY DAN SPENCER
Last Updated on January 9, 2024

Achieving studio-level sound quality when recording your guitar anywhere is possible with an audio interface. These remarkable devices are pivotal, acting as the conduit between your guitar and the digital world. But, to get these benefits you must choose the right audio interface. So, in this article, we’re walking you through five of the best audio interfaces for guitars in 2024. We’re looking at their features, specs, and pros and cons to help you decide which one deserves to be in your setup!

Included in this guide:

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall
IK Multimedia AXE I/O Audio Interface

IK Multimedia AXE I/O Audio Interface

  • Loaded with Amplitube 5 and Tonex Software
  • Dedicated amp out socket for easy re-amping
  • Comes with MIDI inputs and outputs
4.3
Check Price
Runner-up
Headrush MX5 Amp Modeling Audio Interface

Headrush MX5 Amp Modeling Audio Interface

4.5
Check Price
Top Pick
Zoom GCE-3 Guitar Lab Circuit Emulator Audio Interface

Zoom GCE-3 Guitar Lab Circuit Emulator Audio Interface

  • Pocket-size bus-powered USB interface
  • Computer-friendly interface with built-in DSP processor
  • AUX stereo input and headphone output
3.9
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Top Pick
Orange OMEC Teleport Audio Interface

Orange OMEC Teleport Audio Interface

  • High-precision AD/DA converter and stereo output
  • Compatible with Mac, PC, Android, and IOS
  • Plug-and-play with no drivers required
4
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Lowest Price
Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 Audio Interface

Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 Audio Interface

  • Powered via USB
  • Ultra-low latency ASIO driver
  • Speaker/stereo headphone output with volume control
3.7
Check Price

Related Article: Best Mini Guitar Amps: Compact Powerhouses With Amazing Tone


The Top 5 Best Audio Interfaces For Guitar

The tight-looking IK Multimedia I/O offers one of the best guitar tone-shaping capabilities. It’s packed with Amplitube 5, boasting features such as digital amplifiers, stompboxes, cabinets, a looper, and an eight-track recorder. Its amp-out feature allows users to connect with effects pedals and amplifiers before rerouting to a DAW. As the cherry on top, IK Multimedia AXE I/O’s HD 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion produces a crystal clear signal for a top-notch audio recording experience!

Pros
  • Allows microphone recording with XLR combo inputs
  • Phantom power for condenser microphones
  • Easy switch between PURE and JFET input stages
Cons
  • Tuner needs improvement
  • Not the most budget-friendly
  • Poor technical support

The compact but robust Headrush MX5 is the perfect audio interface for guitarists tired of complicated setups. It comes loaded with virtually everything you need—input, stereo output, effects loop, headphones input, MIDI, and USB ports. One highlighting feature of the Headrush MX5 is its built-in expression pedal, which provides precise sound control, giving it an edge over other interfaces. Headrush MX5 will also make your editing faster and easier with an integrated 4-inch touchscreen display.

Pros
  • Intuitive user interface with crisp and bright touchscreen
  • Competitive pricing for its specs
  • Capable recording interface and re-amp box through USB
Cons
  • Some competitors deliver better effects
  • The user may experience fuzzy distortion in USB mode
  • It comes with a limited number of presets

Don’t let its size fool you—the Zoom GCE-3 Guitar Lab Circuit Emulator is one of the most powerful audio interfaces on the market. Under the miniature hood is an analog-to-digital converter, a digital signal processor, and a Cubase LE, a digital audio workstation. Additionally, each unit comes with Zoom Guitar Lab, letting users access its virtually limitless collection of guitar modeling effects, cabinets, and amps. Zoom GCE-3 Guitar Lab Circuit Emulator and Audio Interface is the perfect guitarist’s tool you can carry everywhere whenever inspiration strikes!

Pros
  • Download Zoom Guitar Lab for Mac or Windows for free
  • Instant access to a plethora of high-quality audio effects
  • Connects with music players and smartphones
Cons
  • Small size with no room for control display
  • Only relies on the Zoom Guitar Lab
  • Fake control panels and knobs on the case

Have you ever considered inserting your favorite desktop and mobile apps in your pedalboard signal chain? Well, the Orange Omec Teleport Audio Interface does just that and more. You don’t even need drivers or software installed on your device, be it a laptop, smartphone, or tablet. It’s a plug-and-play guitar interface housing a high-precision AD/DA converter and stereo output in its miniature chassis. You can use it anywhere in your chain, whether as an insert effect or for capturing pedals before your virtual amp rack—a real versatility champ!

Pros
  • Allows you to incorporate other apps into your pedal chain
  • Loaded with buffer and real-pedal impedance for accurate transfers
  • It comes with Amplitude Orange Edition, seven stomps, and four Orange amps
Cons
  • Requires a power supply
  • You can’t power the Orange OMEC Teleport via USB
  • There are more feature-rich interface brand options

Behringer Guitar Link contends for the most compact guitar interfaces on the market with its bite-size chassis. Still, it’s a remarkable device fully capable of transforming your PC or Mac into a recording system and guitar amp without any other gears. Behringer Guitar Link comes packed with downloadable Audacity Sound Editing Software and Kristal 16-Track Music Production. It also lets you access Native Instrument’s Guitar Combos Behringer Edition, a leading amp modeling software, a valuable tool for serious music makers.

Pros
  • The cheapest option on our list
  • Top-notch amp sims
  • Easy to use than most audio interface
Cons
  • Fewer features compared to competitors
  • Lacks internal shielding
  • Some users experience compatibility issues

Related Article: How To Tune A Guitar Like A Pro - Easy, Simple, And Fast!


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is an audio interface for a guitar?

An audio interface allows you to connect your guitar to a computer. By doing so, you can record your audio and even put a spin on it with computer-generated effects.

Can you practice guitar with an audio interface?

You can use an audio interface to hone your guitar skills in silence. Sharpen your craft on the strings with headphones on if you don’t want to disturb others in the household.

How much does an audio interface cost?

Audio interfaces for guitars range from $30 to $1000. How much you pay for an audio interface depends largely on the brand and model.

Can I travel with my guitar audio interface?

Some audio interfaces are bulky and impractical for travel. However, others are specifically designed with portability in mind.

Do guitar audio interfaces need an external power supply?

While some audio interfaces need to be plugged into a power supply to function, others are USB-powered. A good example is the Behringer Guitar Link.

Product Recap

Achieving professional-sounding guitar recordings is easy-breezy with top-notch audio interfaces. The IK Multimedia AXE I/O is the most solid option for all its features and great sound quality. The Headrush MX5 is also a great choice if you prefer something mobile and portable. But if you’re searching for a more budget-friendly pick without compromising quality, tap that order button for the Behringer Guitar Link.

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"Some of the links within this article are affiliate links. These links are from various companies such as Amazon. This means if you click on any of these links and purchase the item or service, I will receive an affiliate commission. This is at no cost to you and the money gets invested back into Audio Sorcerer LLC."

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