So you want a setup for putting together demos, but you need more inputs? To tackle this problem, we’re looking at some of the best multichannel audio interfaces that provide you with the features and expandability to take on recording projects in almost any genre.
Key Facts about Multichannel Audio Interfaces:
- The main reason for using a multichannel interface is to record multiple audio signals simultaneously. These audio interfaces allow you to connect several mics or instruments, for recording a drum kit, for example.
- The I/O of an interface determines how flexible it is across different applications. Some interfaces provide up to eight analog inputs, but allow you to expand this channel count via ADAT, AES/EBU, or other digital connection formats.
- The quality of the preamps is also important, as this decides whether or not you can connect a wide range of different dynamic, condenser, or ribbon mics without requiring an additional preamp stage.
- A multichannel interface can upscale your studio, enabling more demanding recording projects and allowing you to incorporate multiple hardware effects into your DAW workflow via inserts.
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Whether you’re working with a mixing desk, a patch bay, or simply running multiple mics and instruments directly into the interface, having multiple channels gives you plenty of creative flexibility for different workflows and configurations.
Choosing the Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces
Multichannel interfaces are not only a considerable investment, but they also involve connecting with a wide range of equipment. This makes it important to select something future-proof, no matter what end of the market you’re shopping in.
Compatibility with current and future versions of your OS and DAW is essential, and you may even want to expand your interface with additional inputs at a later stage.
For this purpose, we’ll be looking at various affordable options that are rack-mountable, with ADAT expandability to provide versatile solutions with a certain degree of longevity.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Universal Audio Apollo x8p
The Apollo x8p is a 16 x 22 Thunderbolt 3 audio interface with 24-bit / 192 kHz recording, eight Unison mic preamps with modelling capabilities, and a HEXA Core DSP system.
If you want to dive headlong into the UAD universe, look no further than the Apollo X Gen 2 range of rackmount interfaces, equipped with studio monitor calibration, eight channels of ADAT I/O, and a range of plugins for the Apollo DSP platform.
Until 30 September, if you purchase an Apollo X Studio+ interface, you’ll receive a range of additional free plugins and a Sphere DLX modelling mic (while stocks last).
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Audient iD48
The iD48 is the flagship of Audient’s impressive iD line of audio interfaces, with a wide range of features that make it ideally positioned at the center of the modern home studio.
This 24×32 24-bit 96 kHz USB audio interface provides eight preamps with independent gain controls, eight channels of flexible analogue via D-Sub, dual monitor outputs, and 16 channels of ADAT I/O.
The iD48 also offers standalone operation with onboard DSP mixing, loopback functionality for streaming, and assignable function buttons on the front panel. Unfortunately, like the rest of the iD series, there’s no MIDI, but the range is more focused on the audio side of things.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: MOTU 828 (2024)
The original 828 was the first-ever MOTU FireWire audio interface, released over 25 years ago, and the series that followed became firm favourites among musicians for use in studio and on stage. Now in its 5th generation, the 828 is a 28×32 interface with 24-bit/192kHz recording, and the same familiar rackmount format with two XLR combo preamps on the front panel.
As you’d expect, the analog I/O offers plenty of flexibility, with eight TRS inputs, eight DC-coupled outputs which can be used to send CV signals, and a pair of send/return loops for using hardware effects units as DAW inputs. There are also a range of digital connectivity options, including ADAT, S/PDIF, and word clock for expanding the input count further.
For modern applications, there are features like loopback for streaming, MIDI I/O, and all routing is easily managed with the accompanying CueMix software, which is controllable from an iPhone or iPad. Overall, the 828 lives up to its reputation in fine style, providing a competitive and flexible recording solution.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
The widely used Scarlett 18i20 is a 24-bit 192 kHz interface with eight combo inputs and ten outputs. Two of the preamps double up as instrument inputs, and all inputs have access to the AIR function, with Presence and Harmonic Drive,
Aside from this, the 18i20 has S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, and word clock out. Moreover, convenient features like the built-in talkback mic make sense when you’re working with a recording booth.
The headphone preamp has been upgraded on the latest Scarlett series. Moreover, you can expand the number of inputs with a multichannel ADAT preamp.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Audient EVO 16
The EVO 16 is a relatively compact 24-bit 96 kHz USB interface that can be easily used in both desktop and rack-mount configurations with the optional rack ears.* It offers eight inputs with Smartgain, eight outputs, two sets of optical I/O ports, and word clock out.
The EVO interface is incredibly straightforward, and it also allows multichannel Smartgain functionality, even when connected with the SP8 preamp expander.*
All of the front panel features are adjusted via the main rotary encoder, which is certainly simple and fast. Although the design of the EVO series might not be for everyone, you certainly can’t argue with the audio quality.
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The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Focusrite Clarett+ 8Pre
If you’re playing with a slightly bigger budget, the Clarett+ 8Pre features improved conversion, clocking, and smoother-sounding mic preamps than the Scarlett series. Apart from that, the features are very similar between the two.
The Clarett+ 8Pre offers eight inputs, ten outputs, eight channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF, word clock, and MIDI I/O. The inputs are modeled on the sound of the classic ISA110 preamps, so you certainly get your money’s worth there.
When it comes to expandability, you can add eight additional inputs via ADAT with the Clarett Octapre.*
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: SSL 18
With the resounding success of the entry-level SSL audio interfaces, it was only a matter of time before we saw a more comprehensive rackmount version enter the fray.
The SSL 18 is a 26×28 32-bit 192 kHz USB audio interface with eight independently controlled 4K XLR combo preamps, a dedicated talkback channel, and a pair of inserts, as well as ADAT and S/PDIF connectivity.
Overall, the SSL 18 combines a great balance of modern features like loopback with tried-and-tested pro audio standards like WordClock, and they’ve even left room for MIDI.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Arturia AudioFuse 16Rig
The AudioFuse 16Rig has been designed to be the ultimate audio interface for the modern electronic musician. With a total of 16 analogue line inputs, you can keep all your favourite synths, samplers, and drum machines wired up and ready to record.
Also, with extensive MIDI connectivity, you can sequence all your gear via your DAW of choice through the two MIDI out/thru ports, with a MIDI clock out for added accuracy. Meanwhile, the AudioFuse 16Rig also has some neat features, like a USB hub for extra peripherals.
In addition, there is ADAT expandability, and you can even use the AudioFuse 16Rig live as a DSP mixer in standalone mode, so it also caters to your DAWless inclinations when you need it to.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Antelope Discrete 8 Oryx Synergy Core
If you’re looking to enter the more professional domain, the Discrete 8 is an option that offers plenty of value. It’s a 26×38 24-bit 192 kHz USB-C interface with high-end AD/DA converters that give you up to 130 dB of headroom, 64-bit AFC (Acoustically Focused Clocking) technology, and jitter management.
It comes equipped with eight discrete console-grade preamps with 75 dB of gain, two TRS re-amping outs, and eight DC-coupled analog outputs via D-Sub 25. On the digital side, you get 16 channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF I/O, and a word clock I/O with three outs.
In addition, the Discrete 8 has an impressive software-controlled routing matrix and a low-latency DSP processing core with 37 Synergy Core plug-ins included and 60 more that can be added to your library. The Oryx also has four independent headphone outputs with X-Feed and calibration, which adds versatility to your setup.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Focusrite ISA C8X
Before Focusrite became the most widely used brand of audio interfaces, the company actually sold high-end audio consoles designed by none other than Rupert Neve. The ISA C8X draws from this legacy by combining the prestigious ISA preamps with modern features including auto gain and remote preamp control.
The analog front end is impressive, with a total of eight preamps and two send/return loops. Meanwhile, there are 12 outputs with three monitor groups and support for 7.1.4 multichannel monitoring configurations. The front panel is wonderfully lit up with individual channel metering, and there are two easily accessible instrument inputs and a pair of headphone outputs.
With ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI I/O, and word clock connectivity, the ISA C8X provides ample expandability, ready to slot in next to your studio’s patchbay. Also, while the control panel is extensive, the accompanying Focusrite Control 2 software lets you adjust and recall any routing or gain settings from both desktop and mobile devices.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: RME Fireface UFX III
For years, RME audio interfaces have been revered for ultra-clean preamps and conversion stages, as well as rock-solid drivers. The Fireface UFX III combines all the functionality you could ever want in an interface, with up to 94×94 channels of I/O.
This flagship rackmount interface provides an impressive range of connectivity standards, including AES/EBU, MADI, and ADAT. What’s more, it also functions as a standalone digital mixer with low-latency DSP effects via TotalMix FX and direct recording to USB stick.
Overall, you’ll have to dig deep into your pockets to find an audio interface with conversion superior to the Fireface UFX III, while still offering the same level of flexible scalability.
The Best Multichannel Audio Interfaces: Audient ORIA
With the ORIA, Audient set out to create the ideal immersive interface for studios to expand to multichannel monitoring configurations, and they knocked it out the park. The ORIA is an 18×16 24-bit 96 kHz interface with up to 9.1.6 support, and a range of integrated features to make the setup and management of your immersive mixing system a breeze.
If you’re new to this, the ORIA makes it relatively simple by clearly labeling the two pairs of stereo outputs and the 16 surround outputs on the rear panel. Meanwhile, the front panel provides access to the two XLR combo preamp inputs and the two headphone outputs. While the analog input channel count may seem limited, there is expandability via the digital I/O.
This allows you to install an additional preamp running over ADAT with sync via word clock for additional analog inputs. In addition, there is a 16-channel AES port for connecting directly to your DSP monitors. Built-in room calibration features include EQ, trim, speaker delay, and bass management, as well as Sonarworks SoundID Reference integration.
FAQs
- What is a multichannel audio interface?
A multichannel interface is a larger, often 19-inch rack-mount format audio interface with extended analog I/O that allows you to connect a range of mics and instruments at once.
- How many inputs do I need on a multichannel audio interface?
Your input needs will depend on the scale of recording and mixing sessions you’re doing. While 4-8 analog inputs are sufficient for home studios, having 16-24 inputs allows studios to track bands and ensembles.
- Can I expand a multichannel audio interface?
Yes. An ADAT-equipped audio interface can be expanded with a multichannel ADAT mic preamp, which provides additional inputs for larger recording sessions.
- Are multichannel interfaces good for recording drums?
Yes. With multiple mic preamps, an audio interface can provide sufficient channels for the mic setup required for drum kit recording, including mics for the kick, snare, toms, and overheads.
- Do more channels mean better sound quality?
Not in every case. The I/O determines how many signals you can record simultaneously, but the quality of the preamps and converters, as well as the driver stability, are all factors that contribute to the overall sound quality and audio performance.
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