Best 8 Channel Audio Interface for Recording Music
Are you a musician, producer, or sound engineer who’s tired of making music on a MIDI keyboard and ready to get serious with the best 8 channel audio interface on the market? In this post, we’ll take a look at some of the most popular models and what they have to offer. I know that it can be hard to find an interface with all of your needs but hopefully, after reading this article you’ll have a better idea of which one will work best for you!
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20
Introducing the newest addition to the best-in-class Scarlett range by Focusrite. Eight preamps means you can record with up to 8 microphones or instruments at once. Four monitor outputs feature “anti-thump” technology for optimum desk monitoring. There’s also onboard talkback functionality so everyone knows what is happening when a live performance is in session.
I’ve been a happy Scarlett 2i2 user since I got mine in 2016 and the Focusrite 8-channel audio interface is worth its weight in musical gold. If you’ve been looking for an 8 channel audio interface that delivers professional sound, then look no further than this red beauty.
Technical Specifications
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- 8 Microphone/Line Inputs (XLR/6.3mm Jack)
- 48V Phantom Power
- 2 Stereo Headphone Outputs (6.3mm Jack)
- 10 Line Outputs (6.3mm Jack Balanced)
- MIDI Input and Output
- USB-C Connection
Behringer UMC1820
If you’re looking for something a little more budget-friendly, the 8 channel audio interface UMC1820 by Behringer was designed for true artists. It’s essentially a studio for your living room and it’s loaded with all the inputs and outputs you’ll need for guitars, microphones, and keyboards. It even supports MIDI. Whether you’re an aspiring singer-songwriter or producer; it pretty much offers all the essentials of the Scarlett, at just over half the price. Talk about punching about one’s weight!
Technical Specifications
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- 8 Microphone/Line Inputs (XLR/6.3mm Jack)
- 48V Phantom Power
- 2 Stereo Headphone Outputs (6.3mm Jack)
- 10 Line Outputs (6.3mm Jack Balanced)
- MIDI Input and Output
- USB 2.0 Connection
Zoom LiveTrak L-8
I get it, you’re looking for something with a bit more of that classic analog studio feel that comes with physically pushing those faders and pressing the buttons. Well, I got you covered. The LiveTrak L-8 by Zoom makes it easy; 8 channel audio interface in the style of a professional studio mixing board, only made more compact.
6 inputs that double as XLR/Line, plus an additional 2 line inputs making a total of 8. Unlike the other options here, this mixer offers 6 assignable sound pads, with 13 preset sounds. Optionally, you can also run this mixer on battery power for on-the-go usage.
Technical Specifications
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- 6 Microphone/Line Inputs (XLR/6.3mm Jack)
- 2 Additional Line Inputs (6.3mm Jack)
- 48V Phantom Power
- 4 Stereo Headphone Outputs (6.3mm Jack)
- 10 Line Outputs (6.3mm Jack Balanced)
- Balanced Stereo Output (XLR)
- 6 Assignable Sound Pads
- USB 2.0 Connection
Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre
What does an 8 channel audio interface need to be the most versatile studio expander around? How about 8 channels of premium analog audio, rock-solid sync, and USB-C connectivity all rolled into one gorgeous A/V unit. Channel 1 & 2 can be instantly switched between inputs. 8 TRS/XLR combo inputs with phantom power. Additionally, MIDI input and output, a stereo headphone output in the front and 10 line outputs in the rear, offer an enormous amount of flexibility at your fingertips. Arturia calls the AudioFuse 8Pre an “expander”. They must be referring to expanding your home studio’s full potential!
Technical Specifications
- 24 Bit / 192 kHz
- 8 Microphone/Line Inputs (XLR/6.3mm Jack)
- 48V Phantom Power
- 1 Stereo Headphone Outputs (6.3mm Jack)
- 10 Line Outputs (6.3mm Jack Balanced)
- MIDI Input and Output
- USB-C Connection
Best 8 Channel Audio Interface
For me, the best 8 channel audio interface is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20. This device offers an impressive range of features, including high-quality preamps and digital I/O in a compact design at a reasonable price point for this level of quality. If you’re looking for something with more flexibility but without sacrificing sound production or ease of use, check out Arturia AudioFuse 8Pre. For those who are on a tight budget and want to get by without compromising much in terms of performance, Behringer UMC1820 is probably your best option. Zoom LiveTrak L-8 rounds up our list as another great choice that’s geared more towards analog studio features.