The 5 Best Audio Interface For FL Studio: Guide and Reviews

Let’s cut to the chase… the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface takes the top honors as the best audio interface for FL Studio.

Creating music at home has never been easier thanks to the likes of top digital audio workstations—or DAWs— that are compatible with FL Studio.

If you’re working with DAWs and FL Studio, you need a quality audio interface to supplement your music with additional inputs.

For this purpose, we’ve scoured the internet to find you these 5 best audio interfaces for FL Studio:

Reviews of the Top 5 Best Audio Interfaces for FL Studio

Check out this comprehensive overview of our best picks below. It includes the strengths, weaknesses and features of our top five audio interfaces for FL Studio.

This breakdown should help you find the ideal interface for your needs.

Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHzInput channels: 2Output channels: 2Preamps: 1Line inputs: 1Connector: USB-C

This Focusrite interface takes top honors as the best audio interface for FL studio. This is thanks to its incredible build quality and impressive features.

To boot, the Scarlett Solo is also our best budget audio interface for FL studio, being the most affordable option we’ve reviewed. This also means you get the powerful combination of affordability and quality.

The highly reputed Scarlett range now comes with a switchable air mode with this model. Thanks to this addition, your recordings have a much more open and brighter sound. This makes all the difference in the final output.

In addition, this interface includes two hum-free balanced output channels to attain a clean audio playback. This combines well with the solitary high-headroom instrument input. You can now attach your bass or guitar to the system.

It also includes two input channels, a preamp and a line input, giving you a wide range of options in your recording process. This combines well with the top-of-the-line converter, allowing you to mix your music at 24 bits and 192kHz for incredible quality.

Installing and utilizing this interface is also easy, thanks to the tool kit. It enables you to hit the ground running. This includes various software packs, such as:

However, the included Windows drivers have caused hardware connectivity issues for some customers. Some resolved the problem with driver updates, but others had to get a replacement.

PROS

  • Includes a wide range of start-up tools.
  • Brighter sound that’s also more open.
  • Enables high-quality mixing and recording.

CONS

  • Windows drivers need an update.

Steinberg UR44

Best Balanced Interface

Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHzInput channels: 2Output channels: 2Preamps: 4Line inputs: 1Connector: USB 2.0

The Steinberg UR44 Audio Interface is the best-balanced interface, in our opinion. It offers excellent features both in terms of connectivity and portability.

This includes a 24-bit/192 kHz audio interface with USB 2.0 connectivity. It’s compatible with all versions of Windows and macOS, going back to Windows 7 and macOS 10.7.

The interface also includes two input and output channels and a line input channel for diverse recording. On top of this, the four preamps add recording variation.

You also have access to four class-A D-PRE mic preamps that help you record and modify your musical creations with ease.

In terms of the audio interface design, a full-metal, rugged casing ensures durability and sturdiness. This is particularly useful if you’re one to move your recording setup around or generally like the look and feel of a solid interface.

Expect to use this audio interface with a wide range of recording software, including the likes of FL Studio and Ableton. The only major software this device doesn’t seem to be compatible with is Pro Tools.

Customers love the high-quality recording, thanks to the latency-free hardware monitoring.

PROS

  • Excellent balance between portability and connectivity.
  • Four preamp options.
  • Latency-free hardware monitoring.
  • Sturdy full-metal casing.

CONS

  • Poor compatibility with Pro Tools.
Resolution: Up to 24-bit/96kHzInput channels: 2Output channels: 1Preamps: 1Line inputs: 1Connector: USB 2.0

Consider this PreSonus product if you have a home studio setup and are seeking a high-quality audio interface.

This is because you receive a free Virtual Studio Live software to get you started if you’re used to the complexities of the FL Studio software. This software allows you to compose a DSP monitor mix of 4×4 and use features such as reverb, delay, EQ and dynamics processing.

You’ll find a set of popular combo mic pres/line inputs and XMAX mic pres/instruments inputs, too. Combining these features with a top-of-the-line 96kHz sampling rate and a 24-bit resolution system is a win! You’ll get world-class sounds right in your home studio.

This is because XMAX uses high-quality A/D converters in its products, allowing greater clarity during recording than the competition. Customers back this up with positive comments regarding the sound quality.

The only real downside of this best audio interface for FL studio is poor reverse compatibility. This means that it won’t work well with older versions of Mac or Windows OS.

PROS

  • Ideal for home recording.
  • Crystal-clear sound.
  • Includes a powerful VSL software.

CONS

  • Poor reverse compatibility with computer OS.

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo

Best Audio Conversion

Resolution: Up to 24-bit/192kHzInput channels: 2Output channels: 2Preamps: 2Line inputs: 1Connector: Thunderbolt

This is a desktop 2×6 Thunderbolt audio interface that’s compatible with Windows and macOS. So, for those of you with different computer setups, this is a good option to check out.

It includes a world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio converter and an excellent analog design. It also uses superior components, giving it an excellent build quality. In particular, the analog design creates a more authentic sound, according to user reviews.

One of its most impressive features is the real-time UAD processing. It allows you to track through vintage compressors, tape machines, mic preamps, EQs and guitar amp plug-ins without any latency. The lack of latency ensures a reliable connection between the hardware and software, providing as close to perfect sound as possible.

It also includes two premium mic/line preamps and two line output channels to give you options both in sending and receiving audio signals. This allows you to use multiple devices while recording, and it redirects the signal to dual channels in your output.

This model also includes eight digital input channels and two digitally controlled analog monitor outputs. There’s also a front-panel HiZ instrument input and headphone output.

Thanks to these options, you can conduct recordings using various sources at the same time when necessary. This allows you to take on large bands in your recording.

Additionally, a state-of-the-art Console 2.0 software also includes channel strip presets, drag and drop functionality and the option to dynamically resize your windows. This improves the interface experience during mixing and allows you to edit with greater ease.

The main issue customers talk about is the high cost of the plug-ins. You should budget for the add-ons while making this purchase or be ready to work within the confines of the existing options.

PROS

  • Excellent audio conversion.
  • Brilliant analog design.
  • Premium build quality.
  • Enables real-time UAD processing.

CONS

  • Additional plug-ins are expensive.
Resolution: Up to 24-bit/96kHzInput channels: 2Output channels: 1Preamps: 1Line inputs: 1Connector: USB 2.0

This Tascam model works well as an entry-level alternative—you get all the features you need to record in your home studio without a hefty price tag.

This best audio interface contender includes a high-quality ultra-HDDA mic preamp and a ¼-inch line input. This gives you the option of switching the instrument level for your guitar or bass, fine-tuning the sound levels during recording to perfection.

Also, the audio interface’s side has a unique bio-cell angle to help connect the lines from your computer with ease. This allows for plug-and-play access, getting you recording immediately.

In terms of the mic input quality, the professional XLR connector supplies 48V phantom power for your condenser mics. Thanks to this, you can record at up to 96kHz and attain a 24-bit resolution.

However, customers note that they could only mic channels with either the left or right end rather than both. This reduces you to only one vocals at a time, despite having the hardware to support two.

PROS

  • Bio-cell side panel angles for easy connectivity.
  • Stereo line input and output channels located.
  • Easy to install.
  • Very affordable.

CONS

  • Can’t use both left and right mic channels for recording.

How to Pick the Best Audio Interface for FL Studio

5 Best Audio Interfaces For Fl Studio

Focus on these points to get the most out of your FL Studio audio interface setup:

Usage

You need to answer this question with clarity before making your decision: what do you want to record?

Based on your answer, you’ll know the type of input and output channels you’ll need. 

For example, if you’re a casual artist looking to record music, your requirements will be quite specific.

You’ll need a single microphone to record your vocals, and you can use this to record any instruments you play as well. For this, you’ll only need a single input channel to conduct the recording process.

On the other hand, a band will need a larger set of input channels to record various sources simultaneously. 

A close up of a mixing board in a studio
(source)

Number of Input and Output Channels

Most of the audio interfaces around, and in our list, include either 2, 4 or 6 input and output channels.

Align the number of instruments/voices with the number of channels you need. For example, larger bands and ensembles will include the likes of a keyboard, guitarist, bassist, drummer, vocalists and other percussion instruments. In such cases, opt for an interface with six channels.

In contrast, a solo artist or a singer/guitar duo will only need one or two input channels.

Up-and-coming artists can make do with two to four channels. In this scenario, consider a quality product, such as the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface.

Output channels allow you to connect the audio interface to various external effects, compressors and limiters. The number of output channels you’ll need depends on the complexity of your recording process.

Those who are new to recording and have a home studio setup can do with two output channels. In contrast, advanced users should seek eight or more channels based on their requirements.

Connector Types

There are five major connector types:

  • USB-C.
  • USB 3.
  • USB 2.0.
  • Thunderbolt.
  • Ethernet.

The connector type you need is directly driven by the connectors your computer uses.

Once you ascertain this, you’ll be able to match with the appropriate interface.

You always have the option of using convertor cables to match mismatched connectors. However, these don’t offer the same quality level as using the right connector in the first place.

Most PC and Mac computers utilize USB connectors, while Thunderbolt only works with Mac systems.

USB 2.0 connectors are an old version but this doesn’t make it completely redundant. USB 3.0 is faster, but some of the top audio interfaces have 2.0 due to their age.

Both USB and Thunderbolt connections average a speed close to 500 Mbps. This is good enough to record over 60 tracks at once, on average. Based on your system, you should seek out the latest connector types in these variants.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Audio Interface Works With FL Studio?

The audio interface that works best with FL Studio is the Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface. Any of the other products on our list will also work well, but this is our preferred choice.

Do I Need an Audio Interface for FL Studio?

Yes, you’ll need an audio interface for FL Studio if you intend to create, record or mix music using your computer. The audio interface allows you to execute these tasks with greater ease and clarity.

How Do I Connect My Audio Interface to FL Studio?

To connect your audio interface with your FL Studio software:

  1. Get the software running on your system.
  2. Next, open the system settings on your software. Here, you can navigate the input/output tab and connect your audio interface channels with your software.

Winner of the Audio Interface-Off

An artist singing into mic with his back to the camera

Recording artists consider audio interfaces to be the bread and butter of their profession. But even beginners can benefit from them.

The trick is to align the connectors and channel requirements first. That way, you know you’re getting an audio interface that is compatible with your computer. Then, it’s a matter of reviewing the different ones for FL Studio.

In our opinion, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB Audio Interface is the best audio interface for FL studio. It’s an excellent option for beginners and experts alike. This product has a great build quality and offers a warm and open sound. It also has four input/output channels to help you take your skills to the next decibel.



Michael Southard

Michael is a multi-instrumentalist with extensive knowledge of audio production. He loves trying new gear to discover gems to create unique sound.