5 Best Portable Audio Interfaces For Musicians - 2022

These days you don’t have to be signed to a record label or rely on getting that sweet advance to afford studio time. In fact, you don’t even need to go to a studio anymore. Thanks to the portable audio interface, you can get studio quality recordings almost anywhere. Whether you’re at home in your bedroom, in a hotel room on tour or you’re recording music with a friend at their house, there’s a portable audio interface out there that will allow you to make top quality recordings on the go and pack away neatly in your backpack, or in some cases, your pocket! Today, we’re going to look at the top 5 best portable audio interfaces, in price ascending order, that will let you get professional-level recordings instantly and at any time. We'll also throw a couple of bonus items in there, as more are revealed.

The Trumix TM10 is our ultimate choice for the best portable audio interface. Musicians on the move will appreciate the simple dual input and easy-to-use controls which make set-up a breeze.

It's compact and prioritises high-quality components which ensure your recordings are always flawless, no matter where you find yourself recording.

Use it as the focal point of your home studio and then take it to your rehearsal space with minimal effort - allowing you to track guitars, vocals, keys, and more on-the-go.

Record acoustic sessions, get to grips with field recording, and mic up different amps in unique spaces - it's the best portable interface in our opinion, and it's budget-friendly too.

If you need more flexibility, look no further than the Trumix TM-12 which retains all of the same awesome features but with an extra dual-input for two mic set-ups.

The Antelope Audio Zen Go Synergy Core Portable USB-C Audio Interface combines simple connectivity with professional-grade features to deliver a compact interface that performs far above its price point.

Offering two discrete ultra-linear pre-amps and Synergy Core effects, the sleek design and large single volume knob make this interface easy-to-use for producers of every ability.

Weighing in at around 700g, Antelope have managed to cram in 64-bit Acoustically Focused Clocking technology and AD/DA conversion with up to 127db of headroom on a unit that still fits inside the palm of your hand.

The Zen Go manages all of this with USB power, as well as granting the user mixing, playback and recording up to 24-bit/192kHz.

 The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface is an incredibly powerful portable audio interface that allows you to create 24-bit studio-quality recordings anywhere, anytime. An easy to use front panel gives you all the control you need over your 2 channels. You have 2 x XLR + ¼” combo inputs with switchable phantom power, allowing you to power any microphone and connect your line level instruments.

The major reasons that this makes our best portable audio interfaces list is down to its USB bus powered design, incredible sound and near-indestructible construction. Not only will the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio Interface get its power from your PC, Mac or laptop, but it will also power your microphones and allow you to get pristine, dynamic sounds that capture all the subtle nuances of your playing or singing and be totally fine rattling around in your backpack or guitar case whilst you’re on the go. A budget friendly, portable and professional level audio interface ideal for musicians and vloggers – all for under £75.

 The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface is the newest addition to one of the most widely used (and well respected) audio interfaces in the world of music. In fact, it’s the 3rd generation of the best-selling USB audio interface in the world thanks to its super-low latency, class leading sound quality and the inclusion of the award winning Scarlett mic preamps.

This small and very portable audio interface allows you to record both microphones and line level instruments through 2 XLR/Jack combo inputs at studio quality, anywhere, anytime. Both inputs have independent gain stages and the 2 x 1/4 inch balanced jack outputs at the rear allow you to hook up your unit to professional studio monitors and mix direct from the interface. Thanks to the fact the interface is connected and powered by a USB cable from your PC/Laptop/Mac and provides phantom power to your microphones you’re ready to record at any time.

In addition, Focusrite have made it easy to set up and record straight out of the box by including a whole host of different recording software options for you to choose from including Ableton Live Lite, the Softube Time and Tone Bundle as well as Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack, 2GB of Loopmasters samples and free plug ins every month with the Focusrite plug-In Collective. Small, compact and great value for money - if you want professional level recordings wherever you are, this is a great choice and one of the best portable audio interfaces available today.

The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is one of the best-looking portable audio interfaces on this list, designed to provide recording musicians with an easy to use and extremely easy to operate option. Bear in mind, if you want to go smaller the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is also available, at under £80.

You have 2 combi-XLR/Jack inputs which provide 48V phantom power, so you’re ready to record vocals with condenser mics, guitars and any other line level instrument at a moment’s notice. The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 offers 24-Bit, 192kHz hassle-free recording with zero latency monitoring, so you’re ready to go whether you’re recording a band, artist or award-winning podcast. The smaller size and hard-wearing outer chassis makes it a great portable audio interface for roving reporters. The VU meter keeps you informed of your levels, a large volume knob ensures you can make quick adjustments and the Input/host mix allows the option to hear playback while recording – perfect for podcasts.

If you’re making tracks on the fly, in a hotel room or just want the option to record in any environment you’ll appreciate the fact you get a whole host of recording software and plug-ins included such as MASCHINE Essentials, Komplete Start and more. Finally, it’s USB 2.0 powered so you don’t need any batteries or external power supplies as you can power it via your laptop or desktop computer. A perfect portable audio interface for those who want a little more style to their kit.

View a complete range of portable audio interfaces over at PMT Online today, or call in to your local PMT Store to speak to our studio experts about the best interfaces for your needs.