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Finding FL Studio-specific gear can be tough. Despite its popularity, this DAW is often not taken seriously by equipment manufacturers. However, this is slowly changing and more and more brands are making FL-specific gear. In this guide, we look at the best audio interface for FL Studio to help you make the right purchase decision.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Great FL integration
- Well-priced
- Solid feature mix
UA Apollo Twin Duo
- Exceptional preamps
- Bomb-proof build quality
- Solid support
Behringer UMC22
- Highly affordable
- Decent build quality
- Good support & integration
I remember when FL Studio was first launched (and it was still called Fruity Loops). Serious producers I know dismissed it as mostly a toy. A basic tool to help beginners make simple beats. This was a time when producers masochistically took pride in the complexity of their tools. Cubase and Nuendo ruled the roost and Ableton 8.0 was still a few years off.
That, of course, has changed drastically in the recent few years. Fruity Loops matured into FL Studio and became a favorite tool for even serious producers.
While personal preferences will vary, FL Studio can today hold its own against the most advanced DAWs. It is powerful, robust, and fast. And it has enough built-in tools to help anyone produce killer tracks without resorting to outside plugins.
But before you can start producing, you need an audio interface. This little piece of equipment is necessary if you want to connect your headphones, MIDI keyboard, guitar, or microphone to your computer. It's also necessary for ensuring low latency.
To help you choose the right option, we've put together this detailed guide to the best audio interface for FL Studio. Choose from these options to find the perfect interface for your needs.
About your reviewer
Ryan Harrell is the founder of MIDINation and an experienced producer/DJ. His first experience with electronic music production dates back to Cubase 3.0 in the summer of 1997, and he's been a fan ever since. He prefers Ableton as his primary DAW these days, though he is still partial to Cubase and Pro Tools. He lives in San Diego and freelances as a producer and part-time DJ.
5 Best Audio Interfaces for FL Studio
Let's take a closer look at the best audio interfaces for FL Studio you can buy right now, starting with our favorite option in this category:
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
This Focusrite interface is our top recommendation for every beginner starting their production journey. It's also easily the largest selling interface on the planet. The Scarlett 2i2 has just enough I/O options to keep most producers happy, great compatibility with most DAWs (including FL Studio), plug-and-play operation, and of course, a great price.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is simple yet a powerful USB audio interface ever made by Focusrite. It’s not only the best audio interface for fl studio; this third-generation scarlet solo provides the best way to create studio-quality recordings.
This device comes with a whole range of features that sets it apart from the rest. It has two mic preamps, with switchable air mode that helps to brighten your recordings and gives a more open sound. Additionally, it comes with two high-headroom instrument inputs for plugging in the guitar or bass, with two balanced line inputs ideal for connecting line-level sources. Other features include high-performance converters that enhance recording and mixing at up to 24-bit/ 192 kHz and a quick start tool to get you started quickly.
This audio interface is an ideal choice, mainly when working with more than one artist or singer. It is easy to set up and can record up to two sets of vocals concurrently. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 also comes with a Focusrite Plug-in Collective suite software which includes features such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite, Focusrite Creative Pack, among other tools you need to get started.
What we don’t like:
The Focusrite Plug-in Collective suite is cumbersome, requiring more time to set up. Additionally, you have to create several accounts on different platforms for digital licensing and downloads, especially if you're not set up already.
Recommended for: Starting producers or anyone looking for an affordable entry-level audio interface without any compromises.
Pros
- Sound quality
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
- Great price
Cons
- The included software is cumbersome
- No Thunderbolt
UA Apollo Twin MK2 Duo
Key features:
- DAW compatibility
- Compatible with Mac OS and Windows
- Thunderbolt device connectivity
- Console 2.0 software
- Ultralight and portable
If you want sheer sound quality without any compromises, look no further than Universal Audio's offerings, especially the Apollo line.
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin MK2 Duo is a ground-up restructure of a renowned specialized desktop recording interface for Windows and Mac devices, which produces better-quality audio conversion using analog recording feel, tone, and flow.
While it is the best audio interface for fl studio, Universal Audio Apollo Twin MK2 Duo is also EDM industry’s favorite. It comes in a sturdy structure and unique design that lightweight and easily portable. Apollo Twin MK2 Solo is a unique interface and different from the rest because it comes with thunderbolt device connection functionality that makes it easy to use with the computer.
Dating back to the UA’s 60-year legacy of audio artistry, this audio interface is built with two Unison-enabled mic preamps as well as stellar next-generation A/D and D/A conversion which is derived from the UA’s leading Apollo 8p, 8, and 16. With the built-in UAD analog emulation plug-ins bundle, you can track through in real-time using DUO, QUAD Core or UAD-2 SOLO processing.
What we don't like
Pricey. And there are too few I/O options. At this price point, you can get some very competent rackmounted interfaces with far more input/output options.
Recommended for: Best for quality desktop audio conversion with classic analog sound. Recommended for serious producers and small studios.
Pros
- Exceptional sound quality
- Durable construction – will last a lifetime
Cons
- Expensive!
Behringer UMC22
Key features:
- Low latency levels
- MIDAS mic preamp
- Vocal and direct instrument input through XLR/TRS
- Seamless integration with common DAWs
- 48 kHz precision audio quality
If you want a cheap audio interface to start off your production journey, look no further than the UMC22. This ultra affordable interface is dirt cheap but does enough to satisfy starting producers.
I can attest without any doubt that Behringer UMC22 is the best audio interface to choose if you want to make your recording experience a memorable one – without burning a hole in your pocket. Some of its low cost features include an ultra-compact 2×2, 48 kHz precision, USB audio interface with high-quality MIDAS Mic Preamp. It also comes with a fusion of XLR/TRS input for vocal as well as direct instrument and another quarter-inch input for an instrument.
The Behringer UMC22 is compatible with some of the most popular recording software, including FL Studio.. It features two inputs and outputs with extremely low latency to the PC. Besides, it is compatible with Mac OS X and Windows devices.
What sets this audio interface apart from the rest? It boasts of a critical phone output to enable direct monitoring of your sessions, USB powered and additional two outputs. These and many more make UMC22 the most-portable and best audio interface for fl studio and recording interface.
What we don't like
It works quite well, but there is no way to power mic without the inbuilt phantom power.
Recommended for: Budget buyers and starting producers looking for an affordable interface to start their production journey.
Pros
- Great price
- Surprisingly good build quality
- Easy compatibility
Cons
- Mic preamps aren't the best in class
- Mild hiss when gain is set too high
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX
Key features:
- Dual Microphone Inputs
- Super Low-Latency Audio Recordings
- E-MU Chipset for Advanced Effects Processing
- Dedicated High-Quality Headphone Amp
- Bundled Creative recording software
You don't always need a dedicated external audio interface to start producing. A good sound card, such as this Audigy, can double up as a competent enough audio interface for starting producers.
This PCIe interface is particularly good if you want to create podcasts and enjoy multi-channel surround sound without buying additional equipment. The Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX allows for easy integration of many sound effects. This audio interface comes with SNR of 106dB, a 600-ohm headphone amp ideal for studio monitoring, as well as software collection that enables full customization of audio sounds.
Creative Sound Blaster Audigy PCIe RX is the best audio interface for fl studio for many reasons. This advanced audio interface represents engaging cinematic surround sound, unlike the ordinary motherboard audio. It also has an improvised chipset designed to process the legendary EAX reverb engine to produce enhanced audio.
The EAX Studio software suite makes this audio interface best for entertainment enthusiasts. It adds some other hardware-accelerated eco-friendly effects to your music, games, movies as well as communications and voice input.
What we don't like
The software provided has compatibility issues with Windows 10.
Recommended for: Anyone looking for an internal soundcard that can plug into their desktop's PCIe slot and pull double duty as an audio interface.
Pros
- Quality sound
- Easy to install
- Fairly priced
Cons
- Compatibility issues with some Windows 10 builds
PreSonus Studio 68c 6×6
Key features:
- Direct monitoring
- USB 2.0 Recording System
- Four XMAX-L Solid-State Mic Preamps
- 24-Bit/192 kHz
- MIDI I/O
- +48V phantom power (global)
PreSonus Studio 68 6x audio interface is the best choice for small bands, small studios, and intermediate producers. It is designed to record at up to 192 kHz, and it comes with two front-panel combo microphone, line and instrument inputs as well as two rear-panel microphone and line inputs, all with max preamps. Other than the L/R main outputs, you also get two balanced line outputs for monitor mixing, alongside MIDI and s/PDIF I/O.
This audio interface features robust onboard converters that support digital resolution of 24-bit/192kHz. Other features include LED metering, low latency monitoring, and a cue mix A/B function that enables control with headphones as well as toggling between two mixes which is suitable for listening in on the performer monitor mix.
The PreSonus Studio 68 6x is a one-stop recording solution that incorporates most of the hardware and software needs, including the Artist DAW software and Studio Magic Plug-in Suite in one place. It also comes with USB-C to USB-A as well as Usb-c to USB-C cables for compatibility with most PC.
What we don't like
Regrettably, finding reliable technical support regarding its real test/trial is very difficult.
Recommended for: PreSonus Studio 68 6x audio interface is the best choice for small bands, small studios, and producers.
Pros
- Well-priced for what it offers
- Multiple I/O options
- Good alternative to larger rackmounted interfaces
Cons
- Poor support from PreSonus
- No direct stereo monitoring
Over to You
Your audio interface has a big impact on how you perform and produce music. Without one, you're essentially limited to the I/O capabilities and latency of your computer's built-in sound card. For 99% of computers, this isn't enough to produce music.
This is why I recommend every new producer to invest in a quality audio interface. If that describes you, pick from one of these options to find the best audio interface for FL Studio.
For more recommendations and advice, don't hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also read:
- Need general recommendations for audio interfaces? See our best-of list here
- Want the lowest possible latency? Our picks for the best low latency audio interfaces can be found here
- Running a home studio? Choose from these options for the best home studio audio interfaces
References:
- PreSonus (official website)
- Focusrite (official website)
- Behringer (official website)
- Universal Audio (official website)
Where to buy:
I recommend Amazon for their low prices and reliable delivery network. I also recommend that you check out Sweetwater for deals, or try Reverb for used equipment.
- March 18, 2020: Article first published
- September 18, 2020: Minor updates to article structure.