If you think you might need the extra connections for your recording your gear, then you’ve come to the right buying guide. Let’s take a look at what we think are the best the best 4 channel audio interface devices on the market.
Quick answer: we recommend the MOTU M4 4×4 as the top choice thanks to it’s fair price, transparent sound, cool design, and popularity.
If you want premium performance and have the money to pay for it, the DiGiGrid D Cube is the ultimate machine for you.
If you’re on a budget, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is one of the cheapest options here, as well as extremely popular, with plenty of happy users.
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Top 10 Best 4 Channel Audio Interface
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Universal Audio Volt 476
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Arturia MiniFuse 4
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Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
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MOTU M4 4×4
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Focusrite Scarlett 4i4
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Audient EVO 8
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Zoom U-44 Handy Audio Interface
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Roland Rubix 44
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DiGiGrid D Cube
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TASCAM US-4x4HR
Best 4 Channel Audio Interface Reviews
Universal Audio Volt 476
Pros
- Great UI
- USB-C connectivity
- Vintage classic
Cons
- None
See price @ Sweetwater
Universal Audio Volt 476 gives you 2 microphone preamps with 2 additional line-ins and 6 analog outputs. On top of a very cool 60’s inspired design.
Best features and specs
Each mic preamp has a switchable vintage mode based on classic Universal Audio’s 610 tube preamplifier. This audio interface also features an analog recreation of the UAD 1176 FET compressor.
User impressions
Users say that Universal Audio Volt 476 is liked by many who are in favor of vintage audio. Rock, jazz, country music genres are those which will benefit the most from this interface.
What we think
We’re really fond of how Universal Audio Volt 476 looks. It was clearly designed with a strong vintage heritage in mind, but at the same time, it will fit right in even with a very modernistic setup.
Bottomline
Universal Audio Volt 476 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a premium audio interface with top-shelf analog circuitry and a built-in FET compressor.
Arturia MiniFuse 4
Pros
- Versatile
- Analog lab included
- USB 2.0 compatible
Cons
- Not available for purchase yet
See price @ Sweetwater
Arturia MiniFuse 4 is a bus-powered audio interface from a renowned analog emulation software developer. MiniFuse 4 features 2 USB hub connectors, 2 combo preamps with phantom power, 2 line inputs and 2 separate headphone outputs, each with its own volume control.
Best features and specs
Arturia MiniFuse 4 has a standard MIDI controller input and one virtual stereo channel for capturing computer audio, which is great news for streamers and YouTubers.
User impressions
Users like Arturia MiniFuse 4 for having a huge number of vintage and modern keyboard presets, including some niche reverbs, preamps, echo, and choruses. Another cool feature is that this audio interface is fully compatible with USB 2.0.
What we think
When it comes to software development, Arturia has always impressed with very thorough attention to detail. Luckily, they’ve implemented the same approach while making this audio interface.
Bottomline
Arturia MiniFuse 4 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very decent lightweight and compact audio interface that is equally efficient both in the home studio and on the road.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact form factor
- Lightweight
- Versatile
Cons
- None that we know of
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is an extremely budget-friendly interface that features direct monitoring, 4 inputs, and 4 outputs. It’s an extremely durable device made of high-quality components.
Best features and specs
Each input features top-shelf MIDAS microphone preamplifiers, which deliver extremely pure and clear sound. Headphone output has an A/B source select button to switch between 2 different sound sources.
User impressions
Users say that Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is a very affordable, powerful, and intuitive audio interface with a variety of I/O options. Also, it’s said that this audio interface is a good choice for beginners as well as audio producers who work at home studios and with touring bands.
What we think
To be completely honest, Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD doesn’t have any particular quirks and features. But that’s exactly what makes it so special.
Bottomline
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very reliable and budget-friendly audio interface that doesn’t distract you with extra functionality, which you may not need anyway.
MOTU M4 4×4
Pros
- Friendly UI
- Low latency
Cons
- Drivers won’t work properly
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
MOTU M4 is an extremely portable and lightweight audio interface with refined A/D converters and drivers that deliver 2.5 ms latency at 32 sample buffer.
Best features and specs
To expand its portability even further, this audio interface is bus-powered and a colorful front-panel LCD display significantly improves real-time monitoring.
User impressions
Users like MOTU M4 for having a compact form factor, user-friendly design, and lots of additional features. Users add that this audio interface is for those who value pristine audio and isn’t particularly picky in terms of inputs.
What we think
For someone who is keen on streaming or simply making video tutorials, a built-in loopback stereo channel would be like a breath of fresh air since it makes it significantly easier to capture computer audio.
Bottomline
MOTU M4 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very stylish audio interface with a very cool LED screen, a loopback stereo channel, and a very transparent sound.
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4
Pros
- 4 outputs
- MIDI I/O
- Great UI
Cons
- A bit too lightweight
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is an exceptional audio interface brought to us by the same people who used to make famous Neve audio equipment. It has a direct monitoring function on top of already low-latency and very clean gain-friendly preamplifiers.
Best features and specs
Each preamp features a signature Air mode that provides you with a smooth and gentle high-shelf boost. And each preamp also has a built-in DI box and a volume attenuator.
User impressions
Users agree that Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is a well-thought upgraded version of the previous unit with a dedicated MIDI I/O and excellent sound quality. It has a compact form factor and is extremely easy to use.
What we think
The only interface that we would exchange our trustworthy Scarlett 2i2 would be this one. And it’s safe to say that this pretty much sums up our opinion about this interface.
Bottomline
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a remarkably durable and reliable audio interface with a very stylish design and a very satisfying price range.
Audient EVO 8
Pros
- Affordable
- Smartgain automatic gain setting
- Low-latency
Cons
- No MIDI I/O
- Extra minimalistic interface
- Gets easily scratched
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Audient EVO 8 is an ultra-portable audio interface with 4 extremely transparent preamps, 2 front panel jacks, and a dedicated control app.
Best features and specs
For such a tiny device, this one is truly packed with features but what stands out the most is its Smartgain functionality. This feature automatically sets the input gain in such a way that you would get the strongest signal without clipping or distortion.
User impressions
Users are quite impressed with Audient EVO 8 as it’s packed with features, has a very compact form factor, and is easy to use. Users add that the feature that they liked the most is that this audio interface gives you instant control over preamp gain, which makes it significantly easier to switch between music recording, streaming, and podcasting setups.
What we think
Surprisingly enough, its compact size isn’t what we’re the most impressed with. It’s truly remarkable how well-thought controls layout is and how it fits in the overall design.
Bottomline
Audient EVO 8 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a very stylish and extremely portable audio interface with its own virtual sound mixer and a very sturdy build. Audio producers who are always on the road would benefit from this audio interface the most.
Zoom U-44 Handy Audio Interface
Pros
- Mix of analog and digital connectors
- Low-latency
- Can function on AA batteries
Cons
- Confusing and crowded front panel
- Additional accessories needed to use analog inputs 3-4
See price @ Amazon / @ Sweetwater
Zoom U-44 is a pocket audio interface that can run both on USB bus power or on a pair of AA batteries. It has 2 main analog inputs as well as DI input, optical digital connector, and MIDI interface.
Best features and specs
In a very unlikely case that you would need to expand its functionality, you have the ability to connect any of Zoom’s microphone capsules and use this interface as a pocket recorder.
User impressions
Users say that Zoom U-44 provides a lot of features that can be used in the field and in the studio. Also, this audio interface has many inputs and outputs, though they are placed in close proximity to each other, which makes the front panel a bit overcrowded.
What we think
Back in the day, Zoom devices were something of a meme amongst audio engineers and producers. If you remember a very laughable Zoom 707 processor, you know what we mean. But fortunately enough, this isn’t the case anymore., as this interface does its job perfectly especially on the go.
Bottomline
Zoom U-44 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a pocket-sized and packed with features audio interface that can be converted into a pocket recorder and doesn’t require a constant power source.
Roland Rubix 44
Pros
- Solid build quality
- MIDI I/O
Cons
- Produces high-pitched noise
See price @ Sweetwater
Roland Rubix 44 is a very sturdy audio interface with a ground-lift switch and a pair of compressor circuits for each of the stereo inputs.
Best features and specs
On top of the ground-switch lift, the metal body is completely shielded, which means that you don’t have to worry about any interference or low-quality power from the outlet.
User impressions
Users say that Roland Rubix 44 sounds warm, punchy, open, and is built like a tank. Users add that they find this audio interface having a lot of ports extremely useful, especially when they have to record instruments live.
What we think
Secretly, most of the audio engineers believe that the more gear they have in their studio, the more respectable it looks. This may or may not be true, but this audio interface gives you exactly that feeling despite its compact stature.
Bottomline
Roland Rubix 44 is a great choice for someone who is looking for a professional audio interface that provides you with a great cost-to-value ratio.
DiGiGrid D Cube
Pros
- Ethernet port
- User-friendly interface
Cons
- Not exactly budget-friendly
- To use full potential, SoundGrid software must be installed
- Doesn’t support USB connectivity
See price @ Sweetwater
DiGiGrid D Cube is a premium audio interface that has 4 preamps of the highest quality, ultra-low recording and monitoring latency, and a dedicated headphone amplifier.
Best features and specs
This audio interface connects the DiGiGrid SoundGrid network via Ethernet cable, which makes it possible to set up a modular and versatile recording space.
User impressions
Users like DiGiGrid D Cube for having a very understandable interface, Ethernet cable, and being well-built. The only downside that some of the users point out is that they have to download and install SoundGrid software to enjoy all benefits of connectivity.
What we think
Considering its price range, it’s hard to imagine that this audio interface would be suitable for beginner audio engineers. So if you’re at the start of your journey, tread carefully with this one.
Bottomline
DiGiGrid D Cube is a great choice for someone who is looking for an audio interface of the highest grade that was designed to accommodate very complex and modular recording spaces.
TASCAM US-4x4HR
Pros
- MIDI I/O
- Low-latency
- Licenses for Cubase LE, Cubasis LE, SampleTank SE
Cons
- Buggy Windows drivers
See price @ Sweetwater
TASCAM US-4x4HR is a very capable audio interface with a super low-latency and 4 high-definition mic preamps. 2 of the 4 input channels have a built-in DI box each.
Best features and specs
This audio interface is bus-powered and has a very sturdy 5-in MIDI connector to accommodate your keyboards and drum machines. TASCAM US-4x4HR also comes with its own software bundle that includes the license to Cubase LE and SampleTank SE with more than 30 Gb of content.
User impressions
Users say that TASCAM US-4x4HR has a rock-solid build quality, great sound, and is easy to use. However, some users pointed out that they experienced some major problems with drivers when they wanted to connect this unit.
What we think
To be completely honest, we failed to see how this is a budget audio interface because nothing but its price suggests it.
Bottomline
TASCAM US-4x4HR is a great choice for someone who is looking for a professional audio interface for an entry level price.
4 Channel Audio Interface Buying Guide
To help you to choose your audio interface considerably and more efficiently, we’re listing a few important keynotes for you to keep in mind.
What is an audio interface?
An audio interface is an electronic device that converts analog sound waves into a digital signal and then sends it to your computer. The number of channels of your audio interface shows you how many different sound sources you can capture simultaneously. And the number of outs shows you on how many different devices you can send an output.
Why would you need a 4 channel audio interface?
If you’re aiming for professional-sounding and radio-worthy audio quality both for recording and monitoring, an audio interface is a must. And if you intend to record multiple instruments of one instrument with different mic positions at once, you’ll need an audio interface with a minimum of 4 channels.
Important features
If you want to be confident in your audio interface, you may need to pay attention to its reliability, sound quality, and design.
Reliability
Obviously, you want your audio interface to last as long as possible. But more importantly, you don’t want it to cause any troubles in day-to-day usage. Especially that concerns drivers and software compatibility.
Sound quality
Although every audio interface has a very decent sound, you may as well choose the one with the cleanest preamp that could be pushed significantly hard without any noticeable distortion.
Design
Sometimes beginner audio engineers don’t take aesthetics into consideration while building their new recording setup. And it’s a shame because if you stare at something the whole day, at least it should be nice to look at, and should be able to fit your setup in terms of size and space.
How to choose the right one for you?
To choose the best 4 channel audio interface, you first and foremost should make sure that 4 channels are enough for your particular needs. Then you need to choose the one that has the cleanest preamps, accessibility and doesn’t cause any troubles in day-to-day use.
