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The other day I was with some friend and we had just finished shooting a short documentary.
Everything looked really good but we needed some film music to accompany it
There was a few equipment we needed but the major one was getting an audio interface to record the original music to accompany our documentary.
While all this was going on, I got a lot of audio interface for film scoring but none of them was able to give me that quality I wanted.
Infact I lost so much money getting crap products that I decided to write this article showing my top 5 audio interface for film scoring.
Also I will be telling you about some important things you need to be aware of before making a purchase.
Our Winner After Careful Research
- USB-C audio interface with 24-bit latest generation AD/DA converters at up to 192kHz sampling rate
- 18 inputs, 20 outputs channels
- Bluetooth audio receiver supporting aptX and AAC
- Robust metal desktop chassis Complete monitoring section with individual level control for speakers and phones
- Includes quickstart guide, SB-C to USB-A cable (1.5m), USB-C to USB-C cable (1.5m) PSU, and two MIDI jack adaptor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
5 Best Audio Interface for Film Scoring
1. Arturia AudioFuse Audio Interface
- USB-C audio interface with 24-bit latest generation AD/DA converters at up to 192kHz sampling rate
- 18 inputs, 20 outputs channels
- Bluetooth audio receiver supporting aptX and AAC
- Robust metal desktop chassis Complete monitoring section with individual level control for speakers and phones
- Includes quickstart guide, SB-C to USB-A cable (1.5m), USB-C to USB-C cable (1.5m) PSU, and two MIDI jack adaptor
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you really are serious about recording music for film, then you absolutely want to get this product.
It comes with a talk back microphone which is built in.
This allows you to also easily record vocals and get high quality recordings easily.
It comes with an ADAT connection which allows you to extend its current 2 mic input to a 14in 14 out setup.
It has a built in USB hub which helps with all your connectivity needs and also has 2 headphone jacks for easy listening with your choice headphones
With all these features packed in the Arturia AudioFuse can be easily bus powered by a single USB cable at maximum output level.
It has all the connections you will need and even comes with a ground cable
The one thing I did not like about this product was that it had a slightly higher latency compared to other products simply because it uses generic drivers.
Also the highly packed control centre can be a little confusing if you are just a beginner.
All in all this particular product is an all round complete audio interface especially suitable for film scoring and recording film music.
2. Focusrite Scarlett Audio Interface
- High-performance converters enable you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.
- Quick start tool to get up and running easier than ever.
- Includes Pro Tools
- LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE Nugen Audio Monofileter Elements plug-in upon registration and download. Focusrite now offers a 3-Year Warranty on this and all other Focusrite products.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you simply want exceptional value for your money, then you cannot go wrong with the Focusrite Scarlett audio interface.
Made from the second generation models, this bad boy has been upgraded to record up to 24bit /192 KHz resolution delivering awesome audio quality and sound every time.
One unique feature of this product is the mic preamps.
It has a great sound and large headroom which is ideal for recording film music and just about any type of audio recording job.
It has 4 inputs and 4 outputs which is ideal for any film recording you want to do.
If you plan on recording MIDI instruments, which I highly recommend then you want to get this audio interface.
Using MIDI makes your work so much easier and gives you that control that you need especially when recording a full orchestra or music band.
This product is known for recording super low latencies especially when working real time with plugins without the need for a DSP
It comes with useful LEDS which changes colors as you hit the headroom which is ideal for monitoring levels when recording.
3. Audient iD14 Audio Interface
- 10-in/4-out USB Desktop Audio Interface with 2 Class A Mic Preamps
- Burr-Brown Converters
- 8-channel ADAT Input
- JFET DI
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If you are ready to really spend some cash on an audio interface that delivers exceptional sounds, then the Audient iD14 is ideal for you.
The Audient line up of features includes Audient’s console microphone preamp and JFET DI built in which gives your audio recording that sharp and clear quality.
Although the high price may put you off from getting this product, if audio quality is your need then you should absolutely get this product.
It has 2 inputs and 2 outputs which can be easily upgraded to as much as 10 inputs and outputs if you so need.
It comes with 2 insert gear jacks which allows you to insert outboard effects while making use of the onboard converters.
This bad boy can be easily bus powered using a USB cable which gives you immense options on how you want it to sound.
It comes with a scroll control feature which allows you to use the volume wheel to also control your DAW and plugin parameters.
This is very useful for automating your recording lines and for avoiding mistakes while recording
It also comes with a direct monitoring function with its own unique Monitor Mix which gives you near zero latency when monitoring.
4. Presonus Studio 192 Audio Interface
- Ultra low latency, 26x32, USB 3.0 audio interface and studio command center with up to 24-bit, 192 kHz operation
- 8 XMAX remote controllable mic preamps, 2 instrument inputs, 6 balanced line level inputs
- Flawless analog signal path with top-quality 118 dB digital conversion
- Expandable: add additional analog i/o using up two DigiMax DP88 A/D/A Converters
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
If there is one audio interface that you can hardly go wrong with, then its the Presonus Studio 192 audio interface
It offers high resolution audio recording up to 24 bit and 192KHz.
It comes inbuilt with Burr converters which are well known to be high quality AD/DA converters and XMAX microphone preamps that deliver awesome high quality sounds when used.
The front panel comes fitted with 2 combo jacks that easily accepts XLR microphones or ¼ jacks for line or instrument inputs
If you are looking to record a band or an orchestra, this product can also be upgraded to up to 10 inputs.
One unique thing about the Presonus Studio 192 Audio interface is that it has DSP processing
What this means is that you can record and monitor your sounds with effects at very low latencies in almost real time.
The one thing I dislike about this product is that it has one headphone jack
But you can fix this by getting an audio splitter so you can create more headphones outputs easily.
5. Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Audio Interface
- Desktop 2x6 Thunderbolt audio interface for Mac and Windows with world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion, uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
- Real-time UAD processing for tracking through vintage compressor, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero (sub-2ms) latency*
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This particular product is seen as an industry standard for desktop audio interface and there is a good reason for it
It comes in built with superior converters, components and preamps with up to 24bits and 192KHz audio recording
It can be easily connected to your Mac or PC using Thunderbolt cable which gives you extremely low latencies
The real-time UAD processing for tracking with effects are so well built that you can add multiple effects to your tracking feed and still get near-zero latency.
It comes with two high quality preamps and microphone lines and also 2 line outputs for your studio outputs.
One good thing is that you can always increase the number of inputs using the ADAT connection.
Besides being expensive, there is a steep learning curve to operate and record with the Apollo Twin.
However, when the dust finally settles, you’ll find that it’s a highly configurable and powerful audio interface with loads of internal processing power under the hood.
On top of the refinements made in the 2nd generation of the Apollo Twin, there’s now an additional feature such as the talkback and alt monitor switching, which you’ll find handy for recording work and doing cross-referencing when mixing.
An amazing desktop portable audio interface if you have the budget for it.
Best Audio Interface for Film Scoring – Buyers Guide
Before you buy an audio interface which is simply a sound card which allows you to record analog audio turning it into digital audio, there are some things you need to be aware off.
Here are 3 things you need to know
1. Number of inputs and outputs
The number of inputs and outputs that comes with your audio interface is very important.
When recording film music, you should be prepared to record a large number of people, so you want to make sure that you get an audio interface that can accommodate all that.
2. The type of connectivity
The next thing you need to know is the type of connectivity
Is it a USB or thunderbolt?
Most of the audio interfaces reviewed above all have USB connections which are actually popular and mostly known.
But a thunderbolt connection offers faster connection and low latency issues.
So depending on your preference you can pick anyone.
3. Does it have manufacturer support?
Because our audio interfaces are designed to work with computers, PC, and Mac, it is good practice to ensure the manufacturer you’re buying from offers updated support for your interface.
The last thing you want is an interface that does not work with your latest computer OS.
