Best Audio Interface for Ableton Live [2024]

Latency is the time it takes for an audio signal to be processed by the audio interface. This is often experienced as the time it takes to hear an input being played back on the speakers. Many modern audio interfaces provide a low-latency recording feature, allowing you to stay on time and keep your audio in sync with your project while adding more tracks. Some interfaces even offer low enough latency to use real-time effect plugins during recording, while others have their own built-in DSP processing capabilities.

It’s worth considering that human hearing can’t detect latencies lower than 8ms, any values lower than 8ms won’t make that much of a difference. Even latencies below 25ms are hard to detect. Most beginner audio interfaces have latencies as low as 13ms which will be suitable for the majority of Ableton producers.

You could just monitor via your headphone output – but, if you’re a musician aiming for high-quality recordings and playback on decent speakers, an audio interface is a must-have. It allows you to capture audio from various sources such as guitars, vocals, drum machines, or even a full band and mix them into your productions in Ableton ( or another digital audio workstation).

When selecting the best audio interface for Ableton, the first step is determining the number and type of inputs and outputs you’ll need. If you primarily generate sounds within your computer and only require one microphone or instrument at a time, one or two inputs will suffice.

However, if you plan to record synths, drum machines, or a live band or require multiple headphone mixes for tasks like DJing, you’ll need to consider a more extensive setup. Additionally, multiple inputs and outputs can be beneficial when routing audio out for further processing and live performances.

Most audio interfaces have XLR and 1/4-inch inputs, usually combined into one input (combo connectors) that allow you to connect microphones, drum machines, guitars, synths, and other instruments to the same input. Additionally, many audio interfaces provide phantom power, which is necessary for certain microphone types.

Certain audio interfaces feature built-in MIDI I/O, eliminating the need for a separate interface when using external MIDI equipment. However, if your intention is solely to use a MIDI keyboard, keep in mind that it can be connected directly to one of your computer’s available USB ports, making MIDI I/O not necessarily a crucial requirement. It is however very useful for syncing multiple external instruments such as drum machines and synths.

You may want to consider how many inputs you need for producing in Ableton by considering how many external instruments you might record at the same time, or how many external instruments you would run into Ableton at a live gig.
If you are not going to be making use of the XLR input signal then make sure you are not spending more money on pre-amps than necessary.

Audio interfaces typically connect to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt, or through a Lightning adaptor for iOS devices. While the cable needed for connectivity is usually included with the interface, it’s important to note that this may not always be the case for Thunderbolt 3 and Lightning connectivity. Be sure to check the contents of the package to confirm what you received.

Most external audio interfaces are class-compliant, meaning they work right away when you plug them in. However, some may require additional software to access advanced functions and routing options. Additionally, a lot of mobile interfaces are bus-powered, eliminating the need for a separate power supply.

Specifications always include the amount of audio inputs, which can be XLR, 1/4-inch jack, or a combination of both, as well as audio outputs. The number of inputs determines how many instruments or microphones you can simultaneously connect for recording. If you plan to use a condenser microphone that requires external power, make sure the interface has a phantom power option.

The number of outputs specified on a audio interface indicates the amount of available connections for your studio speakers or other hardware devices, including outboard effects.

When it comes to choosing an audio interface for Ableton, price is going to play a significant role. Fortunately, the guide above covers a wide range of recommendations, catering to both beginners and professionals.
While audio interfaces are crucial for maintaining high-quality audio during the recording process, the good news is that you don’t have to break the bank to get a good entry-level audio interface.

If you’re an in-the-box Ableton producer, you may only need a single input for recording audio and a few outputs going to your speakers. Even a singer/guitarist can get by with just two audio inputs, and you can find a decent 1 or 2-input/2-output audio interface for as low as $/£50 up to $/£200. As you add more inputs and higher-quality preamps for better audio recording, the price range can increase to $/£200 to $/£700 for a medium-sized interface capable of recording a band’s outputs.

For professional-grade interfaces with fast connectivity, superior sound quality, software power (such as Universal Audio), and digital inputs and outputs, the price can reach into the four figures (sometimes up to $/£2,000). However, you may not necessarily need all the extras they offer. Many interfaces also support digital standards like ADAT, S/PDIF, and Thunderbolt, but these are only essential if you have other audio gear with corresponding inputs and outputs.

The following companies consistently create excellent audio interfaces in terms of build quality, audio quality, features, and value for money: Apogee, Audient, Focusrite, Native Instruments, Steinberg, SSL, and Universal Audio.

Many external audio interfaces are “plug and play,” meaning they are automatically detected by your computer and DAW when you connect them, which makes setting them up a breeze. Your DAW will then list all the physical inputs and outputs of the audio interface as selectable options on its input and output channels.
Sound quality is determined by an interface’s A-D/D-A converters, sample rates, and specified frequencies (such as 24-bit/96kHz).

Some audio interfaces come with additional software that allows you to configure input and output settings and may even provide routing options or effects. The ability to use this software is also an important consideration. If you are familiar with Abelton, the learning curve shouldn’t be too steep for you.

Latency is another factor to consider when buying an audio interface. It refers to the time it takes for audio to travel in and out of your computer DAW through the audio interface. Slow latency results in a high delay between playing a note and hearing it, which is impractical when recording and trying to stay in sync with Ableton playback. You can amend the track delay times in Ableton to compensate, but it is best to mitigate it in the first place by purchasing a low-latency audio interface.