Top Picks: 7 Portable Audio Interfaces for Mobile Use

Portable audio interfaces are great for musicians, content creators, and podcasters who want a compact solution to record on the go.

In this guide, I have shortlisted 7 best portable audio interfaces for all types of creators and different budgets.

You will see a beginner-friendly Focusrite Scarlett Solo to IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo loaded with features to choose from.

Okay, we’ll dive into the list.

Best Portable Audio Interfaces for Mobile Use

1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)

All Time Hero

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) is one of the most popular audio interfaces in the world. That’s why I have given this audio interface, the first place in my list.

This is built for beginners and is a perfect entry point for them. However, its exceptional sound quality makes it ideal also for professionals who want to record professional-grade audio projects with a portable audio interface.

This audio graphic is equipped with award-winning preamps and features up to 24bit/192kHz sample rate resolution. The minimal and portable design with the blend of durability (metal chassis) makes it an ideal audio interface for Home Studio and on-the-go recordings.

According to a survey in 2023, after Scarlett 2i2, which is another great audio interface by Focusrite, Scarlett Solo was the most bought audio interface in the world.

The “Air” mode introduced in this audio interface, enhances the tonal quality of vocals and instruments. These features make it a perfect pick for singers, songwriters, and podcasters.

Key Features

• Award-winning preamps: Focusrite Scarlett Solo comes with award-winning preamps that can record vocals and instruments with studio-level clarity.
• High sample rate: this audio interface is equipped with up to 24-bit/192kHz sample rate.
• USB Powered: Scarlett Solo is a USB-powered audio interface. That’s why you don’t need to connect any external power supply to it.
• Compact and Durable: The compact design and durable metal build make it ideal for outdoor use.
• Air Mode: the air mode introduced in this audio interface, enhances the quality of vocals and acoustic instruments and adds a rich color to them.

My Verdict

Focusrite Scarlett Solo is for those people who want a compact reliable, but high-quality audio interface with a USB power supply so that they can use it outdoors.

the air mode given in this audio interface stand out this from other competitors. That’s why I think it is an “overall pick” for singers, songwriters, and podcasters.

The affordable price range is great for beginners who want to start their recording journey by setting up a bedroom studio.

2. Apogee Jam+

Best For Jamming

The second portable audio interface in this list is Apogee Jam+ built specially for jamming.

It’s an ideal portable audio interface for guitarists, bassists, and other instrument players. This audio interface is especially designed for musicians who want a convenient and mobile, yet professional audio interface. If you are a macOS or iOS user, then Apogee Jam+ is an ideal audio interface for You.

This audio interface provides shameless compatibility with macOS and iOS operating systems.

The surface of this audio interface is great for musicians, who want to use it on their gigs. This makes it a durable and long-lasting audio interface.

It has a unique feature, “Blend mode” ideal for musicians, who want real-time monitoring of their jamming sessions at zero latency. So this is a great build for the business, and also seasoned musicians.

Key Features

• The blend mode with zero latency monitoring is especially given to musicians who want jamming.
• Up to 24bit/96kHz sampling frequency
• This is a plug-and-play device and doesn’t need complex driver setups.
• The compact and durable design with a durable surface makes it great for record on the go.
• This audio interface comes with Grid Bias FX Jam software

My Verdict

If you are a musician and want a portable and durable audio interface for instrument recording as well as jamming, then this one is the perfect fit for you. This tiny audio interface has a travel-friendly design that you can carry anywhere in your laptop bag. So this is a true portable audio interface. I highly recommend this to you if you are a musician and want to record on the go.

3. IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo

Best in Portability

IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo is one of the best high-quality portable audio interfaces in the world. It is ideal for mobile content, creators as well as musicians who want a portable solution to record outside.

If you want an audio interface compatible with Android, iOS, and PC then this one is built for you. IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo not only supports Mac and Windows but also Android and iOS to use with your mobile devices.

The dual-channel and input-output system and battery power design of the IRig Pro duo make it a really mobile-friendly device. This compact interface is great for live performances, field, recordings, and other travel-friendly setups.

It also has a MIDI In/Out feature, ideal for electronic music producers, who want to connect MIDI devices to their VST instruments.

So whether you are a singer-songwriter, musician, or podcaster iRig Pro Duo is ideal for all.

Key Features

• You will get dual XLR inputs with Phanta power capability to connect condenser microphones to this audio interface.
• Up to 24bit/96kHz sampling frequency
• This audio interface is truly portable as you will also get battery-powered functionality.
• Another great feature is MIDI connectivity.
• this device is universally compatible with all operating systems, including Android, iOS, Mac, and Windows.

My Verdict

IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo is a powerhouse because it is ideal for all types of recording enthusiasts including musicians, podcasters, or a singer-songwriter it will suit all your needs.

This is a great audio interface for mobile content creators, who want a solution to outside recording. The best thing is that it has some pro features like MIDI connectivity, phantom power, and high-resolution audio recording (up to 24bit/96kHz.

4. PreSonus AudioBox GO

Made For Mobile Use

Presonus AudioBox GO is a versatile option in compact audio interfaces. If you want a portable audio interface with multiple instrument inputs, then Presonus AudioBox GO is one of the best choices for you.

You can connect guitar, microphone, and other instruments along with vocals with this audio interface seamlessly. This is a beginner-friendly interface. However, it provides professional-quality audio to the users. The dual input design is very flexible, whether you record vocals, electric guitars, and bass guitars. You will get 48 V Phantom power, which is required for condenser microphones.

Presonus is popular among the content, creators and musicians due to its affordable price range and robust features. This audio interface is also popular because it’s compact in size and compatible to most operating systems.

This audio interface is a perfect package of portability and performance.

Key Features

• Presonus AudioBox GO has dual inputs 1 mic input and another one is 1/4″ instrument input.
• You will get Phantom power to connect condenser microphones with this audio interface.
• 24-bit/96kHz resolution delivers high-quality audio.
• The best thing is USB-C connectivity which is now available in most computers and laptops and supports high-speed data transfer.
• With only 0.5 lbs weight, this is an ultra-lightweight and travel-friendly audio interface, ideal for portable audio applications.

My Verdict

If you are a beginner, then PreSonus AudioBox GO can be a great pick for you but this is not a professional audio interface, so you can’t expect professional quality recording and mixing in your projects.

However, if you are a guitarist, singer, songwriter, or content creator, then you may go for it. The double input with 48 V Phantom power allows you to record your sessions with condenser Mic which is essential for content creators.

So for me, this audio interface is actually built for mobile content creators, guitarists, singers, and songwriters. If you are one of them and want to record your sessions, then you may go for this audio interface.

5. Behringer UMC22

Best Budget Pick

Behringer UMC22 is one of the affordable yet feature-rich audio interfaces for beginners. If you have a limited budget, then you can go for this audio interface. Well, I admit that it’s an entry-level audio interface, but it is a perfect companion to your door when you want a mobile audio recording solution. UMC22 is equipped with a Midas-designed preamp which gives it exceptional clarity and makes low-noise recording equipment.

Its compact and USB bus-powered design is a perfect feature for mobile use. You don’t need an external power supply to run this audio interface. It draws power via USB from your laptop or desktop computer.

The only thing that disappoints me is its sample rate. You can record audio with a sample rate of up to 48 kHz. It should be at least 96 kHz to report in high quality.

overall, this audio interface is a great addition for Singer-songwriters, guitar players, and bedroom studios.

Key Features

• High-quality Midas-designed preamps that record studio-quality sound
• Dual preamp inputs
• Phantom power
• Lightweight, compact, and durable
• Upto 48kHz/24Bit audio resolution

My Verdict

Behringer UMC22 is ideally built for beginners, not for professionals. It has audio resolution up to 48kHz/24Bit which is very basic for a professional. If you want a perfect balance of affordability and functionality then this one is built for you.

However, it’s not a professional audio interface so don’t expect professional-quality sound with this.

6. Audient EVO 4

Best for High-Quality Monitoring

Audient EVO 4 is a game changer in the world of the audio recording industry. For those who want a high-quality recording and monitoring experience, this is a perfect audio interface.

Its futuristic design and easy-to-use user interface with the Samrtgain feature make it a perfect companion for beginners as well as seasoned artists. EVO 4 has a great feature called “SmartGain Mode” which automatically adjusts the input levels and ensures a distortion-free recording environment.

This feature is very helpful for beginners who don’t know how to adjust the levels manually.

This audio interface is perfectly built for mobile recording, whether you are a podcaster, vocalist, or a home producer.

It comes with a USB-C connectivity option which runs on USB 2.0 format. The best thing is, that it is Bus powered, so you don’t need any external power source to run this audio interface. That makes it one of the best mobile audio interfaces.

Key Features

• You will get to EVO Mic Preamps along with class-leading converters
• JFET instrument input
• Compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS
• Monitor mix and pan settings
• Audio look back
• USB 2.0 bus-powered and Phantom power
• Upto 24bit / 96kHz audio resolution
• Free software and plug-ins

My Verdict

Audient EVO 4 is it perfect mobile audio interface for those who want professional-grade audio recording on the go. However, its price is higher than other audio interfaces mentioned in this list.

Its Smartgain technology and loopback function are perfect features for content, creators, streamers, and podcasters.

If you are one of them, and you want professional-grade audio in your projects then you can think of this audio interface. The portable design makes it a companion audio interface for content creators.

7. Rode AI-1

Best for Podcasters

Rode AI-1 premium audio interface is specially designed for podcasters and vocalists. Rod is mainly known for condensers and dynamic microphone, manufacturing. However, they launched their audio interface series in recent years and Rode AI-1 is one of them.

This interface is a simple plug-and-play device that you can connect to your MacBook or Windows laptop easily. This device is equally useful for beginners and seasoned creators. The low latency monitoring feature makes it the first-liner for Podcasters and streamers.

It is built for those creators who want high-quality audio without struggling with and technical complexity of the audio recording setup. The simple design and easy-to-look user interface make it the first love of content creators.

Key Features

• Rode AI-1 is a professional great single-channel audio interface.
• You will get a Neutrik combo jack to connect your microphones, guitar, synthesizers, and other musical instruments.
• Its Studio grade Preamp allows you to record high-quality audio.
• you will also get a high-power headphone amplifier for monitoring with headphones without interrupting others

My Verdict

Rode AI-1 is a simple and easy-to-use audio interface, specially built for vocalists, podcasters, guitarists, and content creators.

however, if you want to record professional quality audio, then you should avoid this audio interface. Because it does not have multiple input channels that are required for multichannel recording sessions.

It is USB-bus powered, so you can use it seamlessly in your outdoor recordings.

How to Choose a Portable Audio Interface for Mobile Use

Choosing a portable audio interface for mobile use depends on some factors that we’ll see in this section.

First off,

Portability

When you are recording on the go, you need an audio interface that is portable and lightweight. So the first condition of a mobile audio interface is portability and lightweight design.

Like, Apogee Jam+ or iRig Pro Duo are very lightweight and portable to carry outdoors. However, your ability is also an important thing when choosing a mobile audio interface such as Focusrite Scarlett Solo which has a metal chassis.

Audio Recording Quality

Audio quality is the second imported factor that you should see in a mobile audio interface. You must want an audio interface with good audio quality and high-resolution audio recording capability. Well, most audio interfaces are equipped with 24-bit/96kHz audio recording resolution. Even some of them have higher resolution up to 192kHz.

Input and Output

You should also say the inputs and output configuration of the audio interface. It must have XLR inputs for mics along with instrument inputs to record guitars and bass. If there are multiple inputs and outputs then it is a plus point of a mobile audio interface.

Compatibility

The audio interface should support at least Windows and Mac platforms so that you can use them with your MacBook or Windows laptop. Make sure it has USB-C or USB-A ports so that you can connect it to your laptop.

Use Case

You should consider the use cases of the mobile audio interface. Like if you are a podcaster then you need an audio interface, which has advanced live monitoring features. If you are a singer, songwriter, or a guitar guitarist then you need at least two inputs to connect your guitar and vocal Mic together.

Budget

Budget is also an important thing. Make sure you have the budget to buy the audio interface that you want, or you can switch to another, that lies under your budget.

FAQs

Conclusion

Portable audio interfaces are the best options for those who want a compact audio recording, set up like streamers, and content creators. If you are a beginner, then Behringer UMC22 and PreSonus AudioBox GO are the best options. For those who want high-quality sound, Audient EVO 4 and Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) are ideal ones.

For mobile creators IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo is the best choice due to its portability and dual-channel recording feature.

Every audio interface mentioned in this article has its own pros and cons. You can choose yours as per your use case and budget. If you want an affordable and versatile solution, then Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a great pick for you. I have tried and tested this audio interface, and I am sure it will fulfill your needs.

So which one you are going to choose, let me know in the comment box!🎧

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