Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation.
From a guitarist’s perspective, an audio interface is the box that lets you easily record studio-like tones on your laptop or desktop computer. Essentially, interfaces provide the inputs and outputs you need to do this efficiently, help you record at a higher bit rate to achieve a richer sound, and allow you to adjust gain to achieve the tones you desire.
There are a lot of guitar-friendly audio interfaces out there, so let’s take a look at five of the friendliest and most affordable. All offer high-quality preamps and come with software that includes recording and mixing capabilities. They all sound good, but a few have special sauce—more flexibility, more functions, a more solid build. They’re all easy to set up, have headphone outs, and are bus-powered, which means they get juice from the USB port they’re plugged into—although a power adapter may be required when using an iPad. All of these interfaces provide easy, album-quality recording ability for low dough.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Generation.
This fourth generation version of the company’s tried and true interface has been beefed up for guitar, with Auto Gain to optimize recording levels, and Clip Safe, which adjusts gain levels (the overall gain range is a whopping 69 dB) in danger of clipping, plus dynamic gain halos that make it easy to see if you’re overloading the signal. Otherwise, this popular, low-latency device in an anodized aluminum enclosure still has two inputs and outputs, and two mic preamps. It also comes with a free expansion bundle that provides amp plugins (including a killer Silver Jubilee), a reverb plugin modeled on the Hit Factory’s ’verb, plus compression, a synth, a console, and other handy virtual devices. But my favorite feature is the new Air button. Without the Air feature engaged, the preamps sound clean and clear, with loads of headroom. Push the Air button once and you get more high frequencies—it sounds like recording through a high-fidelity console. Push the Air button again and the midrange frequencies are boosted for thick, muscular electric guitar sounds. The 2i2 bundle also includes a three-month Pro Tools Artist subscription and Ableton Live Lite, to get you started.
$199 street, focusrite.com
PreSonus AudioBox USB96 25th Anniversary
PreSonus AudioBox USB96 25th Anniversary.
The latest iteration of the company’s popular AudioBox interface has two ins and outs, and mic preamps—with a 35 dB range—that have an excellent reputation for delivering pristine audio signal. Low latency means you can listen without a hitch as you layer over tracks you’ve already recorded. The steel-chassis box comes with Studio One DAW software, used by a lot of pro recording engineers. The software bundle also includes an extensive collection of plugins, along with the Capture Duo iPad App, which allows easier recording and mixing on an iPad.
$99 street, presonus.com
IK Multimedia iRig HD X
IK Multimedia iRig HD X.
If you’re looking for extreme portability, the pocket-sized HD X might be your jam. It has the same 24-bit/96kHz A/D conversion rate as all these units, and seems designed for quick-and-dirty tracking with an iPhone or iPad. The preamp is instrument-only—no microphones—and it’s got amp and headphone outs, all mono-only. AmpliTube 5SE is included for amp emulations, and TONEX SE, with lots of outboard-gear-modeling options, is also part of the package. Plus, the Loopback+ virtual effects loop brings even more value to this tiny titan.
$129 street, ikmultimedia.com
TASCAM US-2x2HR
TASCAM US-2x2HR.
The big difference with this two-in/two-out interface is its MIDI ins and outs for studio controllers. And while it has a solid build and sturdy controls for gain, ins, and outs, it also comes with Steinberg’s Cubase SE to get you up and tracking, plus the SampleTrack sound and groove workstation.
$129 street, tascam.com
Audient iD4 MkII
Audient iD4 MkII.
This device uses the same discrete class-A preamp that’s in the company’s recording consoles on its channel 1—good for any mics. A separate JFET input handles guitars and other high impedance instruments. The all-metal box has quarter-inch and eighth-inch headphone outs, and you can pan playback and recording tracks, to better hear what you’re cutting. The software bundle is the ARC suite, which provides virtual instruments, cab sims, plugin effects, and Steinberg’s Cubase/Cubasis LE3 for desktop and mobile DAWs.
$199 street, audient.com
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Building upon the legacy of the 1966 Arbiter Fuzz, the Orbiter Fuzz enhances this classic circuit with advanced fine-tuning circuitry.
Key Features:
- Vintage Tone: The Orbiter Fuzz delivers smooth, musical fuzz tones with cutting sustain, offering immediate inspiration.
- Vintage Power: Our unique power circuit internally converts modern wall power to emulate the draw of a vintage carbon zinc battery.
- "Sweet Spot" Dial: An internal mini potentiometer allows you to dial in the perfect impedance response for your favorite pickups.
Versatile Controls:
- FUZZ: Adjusts the overall amount of fuzz by shaping the signal’s waveform from triangular to square as the knob is turned clockwise.
- GAIN: Increases the amount of signal entering the circuit, pushing it into harmonic clipping for smooth overdriven fuzz tones.
- BIAS: Modifies voltage to the matched pair of transistors, unleashing a wide range of vintage fuzz tones. Lower voltages produce spitty Black Keys responses, while higher voltages create smooth American Woman fuzz.
- Compact Design: Optimized for pedalboard space and easy integration with any standard pedal.
- Durable Construction: Crafted for reliability to withstand rigorous touring conditions.
Technical Specifications:
- Input Impedance: 500 kOhm
- Output Impedance: 10 kOhm
- Power Requirements: External 9V DC center-negative power supply
- Dimensions: 4.75" x 2.50" x 1.5"
- Weight: 0.8 lbs
- Bypass: True bypass
Design Details:
- Custom Artwork: Retro space-age design that pays homage to the Arbiter’s flying saucer enclosure.
- High-Quality Housing: Durable reinforced steel enclosure with a vintage metallic blue hammered finish.
Why You Need the SoloDallas Orbiter Fuzz Pedal:
A great fuzz pedal is essential for every guitarist and bassist. The Orbiter Fuzz offers the smooth, singing fuzz tone every musician dreams of, combining musicality with the reliability you need. If you’re looking for a pedal that excels in both sound and style, the Orbiter Fuzz is a must-have. Complete your search for the perfect fuzz pedal with the Orbiter Fuzz.
Arriving on Planet Earth 9/1/24! The Orbiter Fuzz will be available for purchase exclusively at SoloDallas.com starting September 1, 2024. The first 100 orders will include a SoloDallas swag pack guaranteed to impress. All SoloDallas orders ship within 24 hours.
Price: $249 USD.
The Martin D-11E Rock the Vote acoustic-electric guitar is a special edition instrument crafted to inspire people to participate in our democracy. This collaboration between Martin Guitar, David Crosby’s estate, Rock the Vote, and artist Robert Goetzl tells a powerful story. “David was a patriot,” says Executive Chairman Chris Martin IV. “He believed deeply in this great experiment of ours, and his passion for voting is something we wanted to honor and continue.”
The vision for the original D-16E Rock the Vote guitar launched back in 2020 was born from a conversation between Chris and David Crosby, partnering with Rock the Vote to encourage people to register and participate in federal, state, and local elections. That conversation led to blending Robert’s compelling artwork with Martin's renowned craftsmanship. Robert shares, “David threw out this quote, that ‘democracy works if you work it,’ and that became a guiding theme for the artwork.”
A reissue of that original guitar, the all-new D-11E Rock the Vote model includes new features like an LR Baggs M80 soundhole pickup paired exclusively with Luxe by Martin® Kovar™ strings. Kovar is a unique alloy of two ferromagnetic metals, nickel, and cobalt, not found in conventional phosphor bronze strings. When paired with the adjustable M80 humbucking coil, these strings are guaranteed to deliver an exceptional acoustic-electric experience. It’s the ideal pairing for players seeking warm, authentic, amplified tones in any performance setting.
The D-11E Rock the Vote acoustic-electric is crafted with premium materials, including American sycamore satin back and sides and a spruce gloss top showcasing Robert’s custom artwork. Its Dreadnought size and unique 000 depth offer players a powerful, projective sound with strong bass and a comfortable feel. It also features a satin select hardwood neck, ebony bridge and fingerboard, silver binding, and includes a softshell case made of hemp.
This guitar not only commemorates David Crosby’s legacy, but through this collaboration, Martin Guitar is proud to support Rock the Vote with a $5,000 donation. Rock the Vote is a non-partisan, non-profit organization dedicated to building the political power of young people, and over the past 30 years it has helped register over 14 million voters. According to the organization, “In 2024, Millennials and Generation Z will comprise 44% of American voters. Young voters are new voters and as new voters they face unique obstacles to voting... Our efforts focus on research-driven programs and innovative solutions to right the system and ensure each youth generation is represented in our democracy.”
"We are thrilled to partner with Martin Guitar to harness the power of music in inspiring young musicians and their fans to engage in our democracy," said Carolyn DeWitt, President and Executive Director of Rock the Vote. "Music has always been a catalyst for change, uplifting critical issues and driving people to action. As we face the defining challenges of 2024, it's essential that young voices are heard and their passion is transformed into meaningful participation at the polls," adds Carolyn DeWitt, President & Executive Director of Rock The Vote.
With only 47 of these guitars made, honoring the election of the 47th U.S. president, each one represents a commitment to encouraging civic participation through the universal language of music. “I believe it’s our responsibility as citizens to participate in our democracy,” says Chris.
For more information, please visit martinguitar.com.
