When it comes to recording and producing music, having the right audio interface is essential. Rack mount audio interfaces are the perfect choice for professional studios, offering a wide range of features and capabilities.
They are designed to provide superior sound quality and reliability and are available in a variety of sizes, formats, and price points. From basic models to high-end units, there is a rack-mount audio interface that can meet your needs. In this guide, we will take a look at some of the best rack-mount audio interfaces currently available in the marketplace.
In this article, we are going to cover the following interfaces which are commonly used and compatible with most DAW including Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live & Logic Pro.
Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro
The Antelope Audio Discrete 8 Pro is the ultimate professional recording tool, offering unprecedented flexibility and sound quality. Featuring eight pristine mic preamps, pristine digital conversion, and the world’s first discrete audio interface design, the Discrete 8 Pro delivers impeccable sound in any recording situation.
With its intuitive user interface and powerful onboard DSP, the Discrete 8 Pro is the perfect choice for any recording studio. It has cutting-edge technology. The Discrete 8 Pro can handle any task with ease, from recording vocals and instruments to mixing and mastering. With its high-quality components and robust design, the Discrete 8 Pro is the ideal choice for any professional recording engineer.
Features:
- Eight channels of premium quality, discrete analogue circuitry
- Eight digitally controlled mic preamps
- Eight line-level inputs
- Eight line-level outputs
- Eight insert points
- Eight-channel ADAT I/O
- Word clock I/O 8. MIDI I/O
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- Advanced routing and monitoring capabilities
- Comprehensive metering
- Comprehensive talkback system
- Two headphone outputs
- Built-in talkback mic
- Comprehensive software control
Estimated Price: $1,995
Our Rating: 3.6 out of 5 stars
More details can be found here.
Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface – Rack Mount Audio Interface
The Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface is the perfect solution for any recording studio or live performance setup. With 16 inputs and 8 outputs, you can easily record and monitor multiple sources at once.
The US-16×08 features a rugged, all-metal chassis and is compatible with both Mac and PC computers. It also has MIDI I/O for connecting keyboards and other MIDI controllers. With its combination of high-quality audio and MIDI performance, the US-16×08 is the perfect choice for any recording or live sound setup.
Features:
- 16-in/8-out USB audio/MIDI interface
- 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution
- 8 XLR/TRS combo inputs with D-PRE mic preamps and +48V phantom power
- 8 balanced 1/4″ TRS line outputs
- 2 independent headphone outputs
- Stereo S/PDIF I/O
- MIDI I/O
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- Rugged metal chassis
- Includes Cubase AI recording software
- Compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS
Estimated Price: $305
Our Rating: 4.1 out of 5 stars
More details can be found here.
PreSonus Quantum 2626 26×26 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface
The PreSonus Quantum 2626 26×26 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface is the perfect choice for professional recording and mixing. With 26 inputs and 26 outputs, this interface is designed to provide maximum flexibility and sound quality.
The Quantum 2626 features ultra-low latency performance and pristine 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution. It also includes two headphone outputs with independent level controls, plus two independent monitor mix outputs.
The Quantum 2626 is compatible with both Mac and Windows computers and includes PreSonus’ Studio One® Artist recording software for Mac and Windows.
With its robust feature set and superior sound quality, the Quantum 2626 is the perfect choice for any professional recording setup.
Features:
- 26×26 simultaneous inputs and outputs
- 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution
- Thunderbolt audio 3 connectivity
- 2 combo mic/instrument/line inputs
- 4 mic/line inputs
- 8 balanced line outputs
- 2 headphone outputs
- MIDI I/O
- 2 independent headphone outputs
- Onboard DSP mixer with zero-latency monitoring
- 4-band parametric EQ and compression on all inputs
- 4-band parametric EQ and compression on all outputs
- 4-segment LED level meters
- Reverb and delay effects
- Soft-clip limiter
- Stereo link for stereo inputs and outputs
- Talkback microphone18. Studio One Artist DAW software included
Estimated Price: $499
Our Rating: 4.3 out of 5 stars
More details can be found here.
Universal Audio Apollo x8p Heritage Edition
The Universal Audio Apollo x8p Heritage Edition is the ultimate professional interface for recording and mixing music. This powerful device features 18 x 24 simultaneous analog inputs and outputs, allowing you to capture and mix your music with the utmost precision.
With its built-in UAD-2 QUAD Core DSP processor, you can take advantage of the world’s most authentic analog emulations from renowned brands like Neve, SSL, Manley, and more. Plus, with its intuitive console-style workflow, you can quickly and easily tweak your settings and create the perfect mix.
With its pristine audio quality and cutting-edge features, the Universal Audio Apollo x8p Heritage Edition is the perfect choice for any serious musician.
Features:
- 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution for pristine audio quality
- 8 Unison-enabled mic preamps for tracking through exacting preamp emulations
- 8-channel ADAT optical I/O for connecting outboard preamps, compressors, and more
- 2-channel stereo monitor outputs with dedicated level control
- 4-channel headphone outputs with dedicated level control
- 2 front-panel instrument inputs for recording guitars amps, dynamic mics and basses
- 2 Thunderbolt 3 ports for high-speed audio streaming and low-latency performance
- Built-in UAD-2 QUAD Core processing for running UAD plug-ins with near-zero latency
- Console 2.0 software with real-time workflow enhancements
- Unison technology for tracking through preamp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, and more
- Talkback mic input for communication with talent in the studio
- Word Clock I/O for syncing with other digital audio devices
- Premium Heritage Edition design with silver/black finish and vintage-style knobs
Estimated Price: $3,994
Our Rating: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen – Rack Mount Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the perfect audio interface for any home studio. With its 18 inputs and 20 outputs, you can record and mix with ease. It has eight of Focusrite’s renowned mic preamps, plus two hi-headroom instrument inputs, adjustable line inputs and two monitor outputs.
It also features two headphone outputs with independent level controls. Its ultra-low latency lets you monitor with plugins while recording and its USB-C connection ensures quick and easy setup. The Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen is the perfect choice for any recording engineer or producer looking for a professional-grade audio interface.
Features:
- Eight award-winning Focusrite control quality preamps
- Eight balanced line inputs
- Two re-engineered, high-headroom instrument inputs
- 18 inputs and 20 outputs
- A/D and D/A conversion at up to 24-bit/192kHz
- Two monitor outputs with anti-thump technology
- MIDI I/O8. Two independent headphone outputs
- Analogue insert points for external processing
- Two independent stereo FX returns
- Two balanced line outputs
- ADAT I/O for expanding your system
- USB connection for Mac and PC
- Word clock I/O
- Loopback function for routing audio between software applications
- High-power headphone output for loud monitoring
- Zero-latency monitoring for recording and overdubbing
- Scarlett MixControl low-latency DSP mixer/router
Estimated Price: $550
Our Rating: 4.7 out of 5 stars
More details can be found here.
Round Up
There is a lot to choose from in the marketplace, so it all depends on your budget. Our top Rack Mount Audio Interface pick is the Focusrite, which we feel is amazing value for money compared to others in that price range.
If you are on a super-tight budget, check out this article about the best budget audio interfaces.
Good luck with your production and we hope you found this article of help in your search. The Music Gateway team.
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