Best USB Audio Interfaces for Guitar Recording in 2026
Compare three USB audio interfaces for guitar recording, from a simple home studio setup to smart gain control and a versatile two-microphone workspace.
Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Prices and availability are accurate as of the time of publication and are subject to change.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is our best overall USB audio interface for guitar recording, combining a dedicated instrument input with separate headphone and speaker controls. We compared its documented connections and recording features with the Audient EVO 4 and M-Audio M-Track Solo to find three useful ways to start recording at home.
USB audio interfaces for guitar recording compared
| Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen | Best overall | View |
| Audient EVO 4 | Best for two microphones | View |
| M-Audio M-Track Solo | Best simple setup | View |
All three accept an electric guitar directly, but their inputs and monitoring controls suit different recording habits. The Scarlett and M-Track combine one microphone input with an instrument input. The EVO has two microphone preamps, though its instrument socket uses one of those two channels. Consider the number of sources you need at once, not just the number of physical sockets.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen: best overall
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
The Scarlett Solo fits a songwriter who wants to record an electric guitar and a vocal microphone without a crowded control panel. Its front 6.35 mm input switches between instrument and line level, while the separate rear XLR input accepts a microphone and supplies 48 V phantom power when needed. Headphones and balanced speaker outputs have independent volume controls, which makes moving between recording and playback less disruptive. Direct monitoring lets you hear the input without computer processing; the Air modes provide optional tonal character when recording. It earns our overall pick for combining those practical controls with a clear two-source layout. The limitation is expansion: there is only one microphone preamp, so recording an acoustic guitar with two microphones requires a different interface.
Pros
- Separate headphone and speaker level knobs
- Balanced speaker outputs and dedicated instrument input
- Optional Air modes for input character
Cons
- Only one XLR microphone preamp
- Headphones with a 3.5 mm plug need a 6.35 mm adapter
The independent listening controls are useful if you alternate between speakers and headphones, but they do not create separate playback mixes. Check your cables before ordering: a guitar normally needs a 6.35 mm TS instrument cable, and an XLR microphone needs its own XLR cable. The interface does not include the guitar or microphone.
Audient EVO 4: best for two microphones
Audient EVO 4
The EVO 4 is the stronger choice for a guitarist who also wants to capture an acoustic instrument with two microphones. It has two microphone preamps, and Smartgain can set the selected input levels while you play the loudest passage. Its front JFET instrument input accepts a guitar directly, and the monitor mix control blends incoming sound with computer playback. Audio loopback adds a route for capturing computer audio in supported software. The two preamps justify its badge, but the instrument socket takes over input 1: you cannot record a guitar through that socket and two microphones as three independent sources at once. The single control knob also requires selecting the function before adjustment, unlike separate dedicated level knobs.
Pros
- Two microphone preamps support stereo microphone recording
- Smartgain sets one or both input levels during a performance
- Monitor Mix blends direct input with computer playback
Cons
- Plugging into the instrument socket overrides rear input 1
- A shared knob requires selecting the parameter before adjustment
For singing and playing electric guitar at once, use the instrument connection and the remaining microphone input. For two microphones on an acoustic guitar, leave the instrument socket unused and connect both microphones at the rear. These are two different setups on the same two recording channels, not three simultaneous inputs.
M-Audio M-Track Solo: best simple setup
M-Audio M-Track Solo
The M-Track Solo suits a beginner who needs a straightforward way to capture guitar and voice and already has speakers that accept RCA connections. Its microphone/line combo input provides phantom power for a compatible condenser microphone, while a separate line/instrument input accepts a guitar. The USB/Direct switch lets you choose monitoring from the computer or the incoming signal, and the 3.5 mm headphone socket fits many everyday wired headphones without an adapter. It earns the simple-setup badge for its familiar connections and uncomplicated switching. Its tradeoffs are real: recording is limited to 48 kHz, and its stereo speaker outputs use RCA rather than the balanced 6.35 mm outputs on the other two models. Confirm your speakers' inputs before choosing it.
Pros
- RCA stereo outputs suit speakers with matching inputs
- 3.5 mm headphone socket fits common wired headphones
- Combo microphone/line input and separate guitar input
Cons
- Maximum sample rate is 48 kHz
- RCA speaker outputs are unbalanced rather than balanced jack outputs
The M-Track includes a USB-B to USB-A cable. If your computer has only USB-C ports, plan for a suitable adapter or compatible cable. RCA outputs can be a convenient match for existing equipment, although balanced connections are usually preferable for longer cable runs or electrically noisy rooms.
Choosing inputs and monitoring
A high-impedance instrument input is designed for a guitar or bass plugged in directly. Select the instrument setting where the interface provides one. Set gain while playing the loudest section and leave enough headroom to avoid clipping. A microphone and a guitar can generally be recorded to separate tracks, provided the recording application exposes both channels and is configured accordingly.
Direct monitoring routes the incoming sound to your headphones without waiting for the computer. That makes timing easier, but the direct signal is dry: an amp simulator or other software effect is heard through the computer's monitoring path. If you hear both paths together, turn one off to avoid a distracting doubled sound. Lower software buffer settings may reduce delay, but their reliability depends on the computer and project.
FAQ
Can I record vocals and electric guitar at the same time?
Yes. Each interface offers a microphone input and a separate way to connect a guitar. On the EVO 4, the front instrument input occupies channel 1, leaving channel 2 for the microphone. In your recording software, select the appropriate inputs and create separate tracks if you want to edit voice and guitar independently.
Do I need a special microphone for an acoustic guitar?
An acoustic guitar can be recorded with a compatible microphone through any of the three interfaces. Condenser microphones commonly require 48 V phantom power, so check the microphone instructions before switching it on. If you want two microphone positions recorded simultaneously, the EVO 4 has the two microphone preamps needed for that arrangement.
Can I hear guitar effects while recording?
Yes, if your recording software monitors the guitar through an amp simulator or effects plug-in. That processed sound travels through the computer, so the delay depends on the device and buffer settings. Direct monitoring avoids most computer delay but sends the unprocessed input; choose the path that makes playing comfortable and avoid monitoring both simultaneously.
Prices and availability are accurate at publication and may change.