It’s that time of year when we look back at the most exciting releases. Here are some of the best audio interfaces introduced in 2025.
In this Article:The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Universal Audio Volt 876The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Bitwig Connect 4/12The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Audient iD48The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: SSL 18The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: MOTU 848More about the Best Audio Interfaces of 2025
No matter what style of music you make, an audio interface remains a crucial part of your studio setup. It’s the primary connectivity hub between your DAW and the outside world. So, whether you use guitars or synths and drum machines, there are important features to look out for when selecting an interface that suits your workflow.
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025
While some audio interfaces have great mic preamps and AD/DA conversion, others provide a range of digital connectivity formats such as ADAT, AES/EBU, and S/PDIF. Remember this, especially if you’re creating an immersive mixing environment, because your needs are more on the monitoring side than simply the number of recording inputs.
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Universal Audio Volt 876
While the Volt series audio interfaces provide an accessible entry point into the recording realm, the flagship 876 reaches into the world of more versatile multichannel interfaces, competing with similar options from the likes of MOTU, Audient, and SSL. The Volt 876 is a 24×28 USB-C interface with 32-bit 192 kHz recording capabilities and a range of recording workflow functionality.
Universal Audio Volt 876 · Source: Universal Audio
For modern recording needs, the Volt 876 offers eight digitally controlled preamps with 610 console preamp modelling and 1176 compression with three modes, as well as auto-gain and full session recall from the UAD Console software. Meanwhile, you also get two headphone outputs, monitor switching, and an integrated talkback mic.
While the Volt 876 offers iPad and iPhone connectivity, it also functions as a standalone ADAT mic preamp, so you can expand the input count of any ADAT-equipped audio interface. Overall, the Volt 876 is a serious competitor in the $1000 price range, combining the straightforward workflow of the Volt series with some amazing pro features. Get it at Thomann.*
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$955.00 / £859.00 / 975.00€ at
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Bitwig Connect 4/12
The Connect 4/12 is the first-ever hardware unit created by Bitwig as a dedicated companion for Bitwig Studio. This 192 kHz 24-bit bus-powered USB-C desktop interface offers basic recording, monitor control, and CV/Gate I/O functionality, providing an essential gateway into the Bitwig Studio DAW environment and out again.
Bitwig Connect 4/12 · Source: BitwigBitwig Connect 4/12 – Connections · Source: Bitwig
To connect mics, guitars, and instruments, you have a single XLR combo input and another TRS input for guitars or instruments. Meanwhile, on the top panel, there is a pair of 1/8-inch inputs and four outputs for connecting your eurorack modular rig. This allows you to bring the flexibility of Grid devices and Bitwig’s modulation capabilities into your modular workflow with a few patch leads.
What’s more, the Connect 4/12 has three sets of balanced TRS outputs and an Alt function for monitor switching, as well as basic DAW transport controls. Overall, the Connect 4/12 unit offers an impressive set of features for Bitwig users. However, you wouldn’t be out of pocket to expect ADAT connectivity in this price range. Get it at Thomann.*
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Bitwig Connect 4/12
Customer rating: (3)
$477.00 / £424.00 / 489.00€ at
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Audient iD48
The release of the Audient iD48 may have been slightly overshadowed by the hype surrounding some of the other audio interfaces launched around the same time. However, it’s easily one of the most impressive multichannel audio interfaces in its class, with standalone operation and 24-bit 96 kHz recording capabilities.
Audient iD48 · Source: Audient
Besides the eight console-grade mic preamps with 68 dB of gain, the iD48 has 16 channels of digital I/O, two headphone outputs that can drive high impedance headphones (up to 600 ohms), and a pair of JFET instrument inputs. Also, there are dual studio monitor outputs with an Alt switch and a built-in talkback feature.
One of the key aspects of the design is the inclusion of the D-Sub analogue I/O with eight insert channels for linking to a patchbay or console. Overall, the inclusion of a more pro-audio set of features makes the iD48 the perfect choice for those looking to scale up their home studios for recording and mixing workflows. Get it at Thomann.*
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$869.00 / £777.00 / 888.00€ at
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: SSL 18
The inclusion of a rackmount option in SSL’s range of popular budget audio interfaces has been anticipated for some time, and SSL certainly exceeded expectations at NAMM this year with not one but two options in this category. The SSL 18 is a 26×28 USB-C interface with 32-bit 192 kHz recording and a range of different routing and connectivity options.
SSL 18 · Source: SSL
Each of the eight mic preamps is equipped with SSL’s 4K function, modelled on the preamps of the classic 4000 series consoles, and there is a dedicated XLR combo input for talkback with the famous listen mic compressor that can be used to process other signals too. In addition, there is a pair of headphone outputs and a pair of inserts for adding outboard gear into your DAW.
On the digital side, the SSL 18 offers ADAT I/O with 16 channels at 48 kHz or eight channels at 96 kHz. Also, there is S/PDIF I/O and Word clock out for syncing an external conversion stage. The SSL 18 is an impressive option in its price range, and if you don’t require the mic preamps, check out the Alpha 8 for those with a range of synths, samplers, and drum machines to connect. Get it at Thomann.*
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SSL 18
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$899.00 / £822.00 / 929.00€ at
SSL Alpha 8
Customer rating: (5)
$749.00 / £685.00 / 777.00€ at
The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: MOTU 848
If you’re looking for a multichannel audio interface with network audio capabilities, the MOTU 848 is a worthwhile option with ESS Sabre32 conversion and Thunderbolt/USB connectivity for macOS, Windows, and iOS. The 848 is a 28×32 24-bit 192-kHz audio interface with four XLR combo mic preamp inputs, eight line inputs, 12 line outputs, and a pair of insert sends and returns.
MOTU 848 · Source: MOTU
There is also ADAT expansion with 16 channels at 48 kHz or 8 channels at 96 kHz via S/MUX, with optional stereo TOSLink. However, the key to the 848 is its network capabilities with two Gigabit Ethernet ports that allow you to daisy-chain multiple MOTU 848 or 16A units or use an external AVB switch, with the 848 providing 128 audio channels each way (send and receive).
What’s more, the CueMix Pro software turns the 848 into a 64-channel digital mixer with 26 aux busses, compression, EQ, gate, and reverb. Meanwhile, the CueMix patchbay allows you to route and split any signal, and the routing matrix provides a complete overview. Overall, the 848 is a versatile option for a range of professional applications in studio and live sound environments. Get it at Thomann.*
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$1,950.00 / £1,735.00 / 1,999.00€ at
More about the Best Audio Interfaces of 2025
Thomann’s Guide to Audio Interfaces
Read more about Audio Interfaces on Gearnews
The Best Of 2025
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