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This week, we answer your queries on the best audio interface for Logic Pro X. Although most audio interfaces integrate easily with Logic, some perform better than others. This is both because of hardware (especially better Thunderbolt implementation) and because of software (better Mac compatibility). To help you choose the right gear, here's our list of the best audio interfaces for Logic Pro X.
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
- Great Clarett preamps
- Affordable price
- Good integration with Logic Pro
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- Affordable USB interfaace
- Decent performance
- Solid DAW integration
UA Apollo Twin MKII
- Top-notch audio quality
- Low latency, high-fidelity
- Rock solid build quality
Your audio interface has a massive impact on your production. This is the first piece of gear I recommend to anyone starting on their production journey – before they even get a pair of studio headphones. After all, the audio interface is the hub that connects your hardware (mics, headphones, instruments) with your software (DAW).
As a Logic user, you are spoiled for choice when it comes to choosing audio interfaces. Logic has a massive chunk of the DAW market and is still one of the top choices for serious and hobbyists alike.
Logic users also benefit from Mac's dominance in the creative fields. Most brands give Mac compatibility a top priority, which means that outside of a few cases, any audio interface you choose will run smoothly on Logic.
With so many options to choose from, how do you select the best audio interface for Logic Pro X?
To help you out, we put together this list of the interfaces available right now, and the features you should consider when buying.
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.
Contents
The Best Audio Interface for Logic Pro X
If you're a Logic user, these are some of the best audio interfaces you can buy right now:
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre
Readers of this blog know that we've highly recommended Focusrite's Scarlett range in the past (it topped our best audio interfaces list). But as good as the Scarletts are, the Clarett range is even better. They feature Focusrite's top-of-the-line Clarett mic preamps and boast better latency than the Scarletts. This one – Clarett 2Pre – has two mic/line inputs, an innovative ‘Air' mode, ADAT compatibility, and a competitive price tag.
Everything you'd want in the best audio interface for Logic Pro X.
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre is my best audio interface for logic pro x in this list because its USB range is uniquely designed to offer more exceptional performance, low-noise on mic pres and low distortion. This audio interface features an ultra-linear design which enhances the production of open, clean, and transparent sound, thus giving a more accurate depiction of the original act.
It also features a specially designed new software that makes configuration of the monitor and routing setups easy. Besides, this device is not only simple and easy to use; it also offers a conventional mixer workflow; while allowing for instantaneous access to the internal hardware.
When detached from the source of power, you have no reason to worry. Provided it’s connected to a USB-C port of 15W on the host computer it can still run on the bus power. Therefore, the Clarett 2Pre USB is very portable because the user has one less power supply problem to handle.
What we don’t like:
It comes with only one headphone out port and has latency issues with specific computers. Regardless of where you set the latency, it keeps clicking and popping all through the recording process.
Recommended for: Any serious musician looking for a high-fidelity, low-latency, easy to use USB audio interface for Logic Pro X.
Pros
- Easy to use – plug and play operation
- Great USB-C interface
- Amazing, clear sound
Cons
- Latency issues
- Only one headphone out port
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
Key features:
- Quickstart tool
- Focusrite plug-in collective software
- Two balanced line inputs
- High-performance converters
- Includes pro tools in a Focusrite creative pack
This device is not only the best audio interface for Logic Pro X but also the most popular for artists throughout the audio interface genre. The 3rd Gen Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is designed with two microphones, lines, and instruments input features, thus enabling concurrent playback as well as recording with up to two channels both with self-controllable monitor and headphone outputs.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen audio interface comes with two advanced Scarlett mic preamps both with an optional air setting to replicate the air effect and give your acoustic and vocal recordings a cheerful and more open sound.
It is one of the simplest USB audio interfaces made by Scarlett. Provided you have a voice and want to create a quality recording using the guitar; then this 3rd Generation Scarlett Solo is the best choice for you.
What we don't like
Its audio interface has switched to a USB C connector which requires a separate driver. The new driver drops the connection after an extended period. The bundled software is not ready to use and requires many signups and registration during setup.
Recommended for: Perfect entry-level budget interface for any producer. Works great with nearly every DAW and costs less than most of its competitors.
Pros
- Sound quality
- Records without any distortion
- Compatible with PC and Mac
Cons
- Software is not ready to use (requires downloads and signups)
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII
Key features:
- Mix with UAD plug-ins
- Desktop 2×6 Thunderbolt audio interface
- Near-zero latency
- Professional quality recording with Apollo A/D and D/A conversion
- Compatible with Mac and Windows
As with the best audio interface for Logic Pro X, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII is excellent in its way. It offers the best desktop audio interface for conversion and production of typical analog sound. This device comes with a class-leading resolution, real-time UAD processing, and unison preamps.
Apollo Twin MKII takes your desktop music production experience to the next level following the advancement of technology in the present day. Featuring the 10×6 Thunderbolt interface, it is well-suited and compatible with both Windows and Mac devices and allows for recording with near-zero latency, thanks to the full range of UAD powered plug-ins that inventively merges the original features with classic analog tones.
This audio interface records with the first-class Apollo A/D and D/A conversion which is commonly used in most hit records mix with UAD plug-ins. Also, it has new monitor options such as talkback and alt monitor switching that enables remote control of the monitor through Thunderbolt.
What we don't like
Nothing major – except for the price. We would have liked it more if it came with its own USB cable.
Recommended for: Ideal for anyone recording professional or studio-quality sound.
Pros
- Easy to configure
- Professional and quality sound
Cons
- You need to learn how to use
- Plugins are expensive
Apogee ELEMENT 24
Key features:
- Excellent Logic Pro X integration
- Microphone preamps
- Element control
- Thunderbolt connectivity
- Apogee control remote
One reason why I consider Apogee ELEMENT 24 as the best audio interface for Logic Pro X is that it can convert a recording from analog to digital and vice-versa. This, as well as ELEMENT 46 and 88, are a thunderbolt audio input and output boxes for Mac. This audio interface comes with modernized, efficient hardware features, and radical software control.
This device features microphone preamps which are essential for recording dynamic vocals, powerful drums, or delicate strings that may require a quality mic preamp to enable it to capture the best details of the act. The Element series also comes with Thunderbolt connectivity functionality that offers rock-solid stability and unbelievably low-latency performance.
Apogee ELEMENT 24 is part of a series designed and intended to deliver the best possible recording quality and performance. The series also takes the most excellent Apogee apparatus such as ensemble Thunderbolt, Symphony I/O MK II and groove and places them into modest form factors.
What we don't like
The Apogee ELEMENT 24 comes with only one port for the headphone, which limits its performance .
Recommended for: Easily one of the best interfaces when it comes to sheer audio quality. Perfect for anyone who needs serious, studio-grade sound.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Works excellently and produces quality sound
- Incredible price point
Cons
- Really expensive
- Only one headphone-out por
PreSonus Quantum 26×32 Thunderbolt
Key features:
- Tight integration with Logic
- Superior sound quality
- Expandable when you need more I/O – up to 96 in and out
- n excellent choice for any production environment
- Fastest audio interface
If you want to record in varied backgrounds, the Presonus Quantum 26×32 Thunderbolt is the fastest audio/MIDI interface and a must-have in my list of the best audio interface for logic pro x review. This system takes advantage of the high-speed Thunderbolt 2 bus with a no-frills, and direct-to-DAW or no DSP added signal path to realize very low latency.
Furthermore, it brings together 192 kHz converters, innovative 24-bit, the dynamic range of 120 dB and Presonus’ recallable XMAX microphone preamps to produce high-quality audio. For additional input and output channels, stack up to 4 Quantum interfaces through the Thunderbolt to introduce a monster 96×96 system.
What we don't like
If you are using mac devices, it may fail to recognize it because the mac machine blocks it. However, this can be changed in the privacy settings of the device.
Recommended for: Ideal rackmounted alternative to desktop audio interfaces.
Pros
- Great quality
- Perfect size
- Easy to use
Cons
- Requires permission in Mac devices
PreSonus Studio 68c 6×6
Key features:
- Professional quality for small and mid-sized studios
- World-class recording software
- Superior sound
- Designed for the studio and built for the road.
- Versatile, ultra-high-definition USB-C audio interface
The PreSonus Studio 68c 6×6 is a perfect choice when it comes to producers, small bands, and studios. This audio interface USB-C audio interface can record at a maximum of 192 kHz. It comes with two front-panel combo microphone, line and instrument inputs along with two rear-panel microphone and line inputs, all featuring max preamps.
Other than the primary outputs on the left and right, the PreSonus Studio 68c 6×6 has two balanced line outputs; one for monitor mixing plus MIDI and the other for s/PDIF I/O. It also features a cue mix a/B function that allows for toggling between the two combinations while monitoring via the headphones, and this is suitable to listen in using the performer monitor mix.
What we don't like
Middle-tier performance and features make it a poor alternative to some of the better alternatives in the same range – such as the Focusrite Clarett – with better preamps.
Recommended for: A good mid-range option for anyone who wants more than 2 input options and is ready to compromise on preamps.
Pros
- Decent number of ports
- Decent quality sound; preamps
Cons
- Slightly overpriced for what it offers
Over to You
Choosing the best audio interface for Logic Pro X isn't easy, especially considering the sheer number of options in the market. Good integration with Logic is a must, but you also need good quality preamps, decent I/O options, and of course, a robust price.
Pick from these options to find the best interface for Logic available right now.
For more recommendations and advice, don't hesitate to reach out to me here.
Also read:
- See our top options for the best all-around audio interface
- Building a home studio? Here are our top home studio audio interfaces
- On a budget? Choose from our choices for the best audio interfaces under $500
References:
- Focusrite (Official website)
- PreSonus (Official website)
- Logic Pro (Official website)
- Universal Audio (Official website)
- Apogee (Official website)
- March 6, 2020: Article first published
- September 18, 2020: Minor article updates