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Do you want to record music into your Chromebook and don’t know how?
Well, you need an audio interface for that.
Audio interface helps you to enhance the sonic capabilities of your laptop or computer.
You can use an audio interface to connect different audio equipment with your Chromebook.
Buying the best audio interface with the required features is a hard thing.
There are many audio interfaces available today in the market but which one should you buy?
If you are looking for the answer to this question, you are at the right place.
Our Winner After Careful Research
- Two of the best performing mic preamps the Scarlett range has ever seen, now with switchable Air mode to give your vocal recordings a brighter and more open sound.
- 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 | First Focusrite Creative Pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle,
- LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE D16 Devastator 2 upon registration and download.
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.
Best Audio Interface for Chromebook – Comparison Table
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| BEHRINGER audio interface (UMC22) | PrimeEligible | Check Price | ||
| Top | Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | |
| Tascam US-2x2 USB Audio/MIDI Interface | Prime | Buy Now | ||
| PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
| M-Audio AIR 192|6 - 2-In 2-Out USB Audio / MIDI Interface | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
1. Behringer Audio Interface UM2
- 2x2 USB audio interface for recording microphones and instruments
- Audiophile 48 kHz resolution for professional audio quality.Maximum Sampling Rate: 48 kHz
- Compatible with popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools*, Ableton Live*, Steinberg Cubase*, etc.
- Streams 2 inputs / 2 outputs with ultra-low latency to your computer, supporting Mac OS X* and Windows XP* or higher
- State-of-the-art, +48 V-powered XENYX Mic Preamp comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
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.
Behringer Audio Interface comes with a variety of channels.
You can select 1, 2, 4, and 8 channels.
Behringer audio interface works very fast and provides you the option to connect all audio devices such as microphones, guitars, keyboards with it.
You can also connect MDI devices with this audio interface.
It is one of the 5 best audio interfaces for Chromebooks because it is compatible with all devices.
It provides you with 192 kHz resolution which makes it better than most audio interfaces.
Using this audio interface is extremely easy as you find the connecting USB ports right at the front.
Pros
1- High resolution power.
2- Zero-latency ability.
3- Dual monitor output.
4- Mono switches.
Cons
1- Hard to find working drivers.
2- All channels have a single phantom power switch.
2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface
- Two natural-sounding Scarlett mic preamps with plenty of even gain; two instrument inputs. Two 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs to connect professional studio monitors; one headphones output with gain control; MIDI I/O
- Class-leading conversion and sample rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit; super-low roundtrip latency for using your plug-ins in real time without the need for DSP
- LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE Venomode DeeQ, Maximal 2, and Pivot, plug-ins upon registration and download.
- Includes Pro Tools | First Focusrite Creative Pack and Ableton Live Lite, Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Focusrite’s Red Plug-in Suite, 2GB of Loopmasters samples, Choice of one free XLN Addictive Keys virtual instrument, all available via download upon purchase and registration
- Compatible with Windows 7 and higher, and Mac OS X 10.10 and higher. Frequency response - 20 Hz - 20 kHz ± 0.1dB. Supported Sample Rates: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz. 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.
Another USB audio interface which is best for your Chromebook is Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 Audio Interface.
You can connect two instruments with this audio interface at a time.
Its resolution is 192 kHz. Audio interface has 4 analogue outputs.
It provides you the result with lowest possible latency.
You can take this audio interface anywhere easily due to its size and flexibility.
It acts as a cue mix for performing and recording.
The beautiful red color enhances its look which will definitely complement your other audio devices.
You experience no additional hum in this audio interface.
Pros
1- Acceptable latency.
2- Good quality recording.
3- Has Midi connection.
Cons
1- Hard to connect at first due to driver issues.
2- Fragile, so handle with care.
3- Works only on Windows 7 and above.
3. Tascam USB Audio Interface
- Combines great audio quality and ergonomic design for a powerful 2-in/2-out USB 2 Audio interface
- Two of TASCAM’s Ultra-HDDA mic/line preamps provide up to 57dB of gain with nearly inaudible noise and distortion specs
- The audio design features high-performance, musical components like NE5532 op amps for rich sound quality without coloring the source
- Includes class-compliant drivers for plug-and-play operation on Mac OSX and iOS devices, and a simple driver adds ASIO compatibility for Windows
- MIDI in and out are also included for connecting synths, drum machines, and controllers
- Includes two DAW applications to choose from–-both Cakewalk SONAR X3 LE and Abelton Live Lite 9
- Features XLR and TRS inputs that accept balanced mic and line level signals, with a high-impedance option for recording electric guitar and bass
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.
Tascam USB Audio Interface is one of the best audio interfaces for Chromebooks because it has a wide range of channels to select from.
You can choose from 5 models namely 1×2, 2×2, 4×4, 16×8, and 20×20.
Depending upon your requirements, you can buy whichever model suits you.
For daily use, the 2×2 model is best but if you need to connect a lot of audio devices then you can also get 16×8 or 20×20 ones.
Its sound quality is great and provides you with a clear sound.
It has low latency while digital mixing which is perfect for professional use.
Pros
1- Good build quality.
2- Wide range of input channels.
3- Low-latency.
Cons
1- Hard to connect at first as its manual has no relevant information.
2- Not durable.
3- Bad drivers.
4. PreSonus Audio Box USB 96
- Bus-powered USB 2.0/iPad audio and MIDI interface
- (2) combo mic/instrument/line inputs with low-noise, high-headroom, Class A mic preamplifiers and +48 V phantom power; (2) 1/4 TRS Main and (1) 1/4 Headphone outputs
- Start recordings with Capture Duo for iPad one-tap recording application, then finish songs with wireless transfer to included, easy-to-use Studio One music production software for Mac/Windows
- Software includes 27 Native Effects, 4 virtual Instruments, and over 6 GB of beats and sample content
- Compatible with almost all recording software for Mac, Windows, and iPad
- Studio-quality 24-bit resolution; 44.1, 48, 88.2, and 96 kHz sampling rate
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.
PreSonus has great audio interfaces but USB 96 is one of the 5 best audio interfaces for Chromebooks.
You can buy the interface alone or even buy headphones, microphones and studio monitors with it.
It has 2 audio input channels which are enough for daily use.
PreSonus Audio Interface is simple to use and its small size makes it easy to take it anywhere.
You can record 96 kHz music with this audio interface.
It comes with a good recording software which works well.
If you follow the advice given on the manual, you can make it work quite easily and quickly.
Pros
1- Easy to use.
2- Worth the price.
3- Comes with all the required devices.
4- Travel friendly.
Cons
1- Registering for the software is quite difficult.
2- Doesn’t connect with all laptops but works with Chromebook.
5. M-Audio Air Audio Interface
- Capture every detail - premium component selection and 24-bit/192kHz resolution for professional recording and monitoring to your Mac/ PC;
- Low latency - Hi-Speed USB/ USB-C circuitry gives you the fastest connection, with a class-leading round trip latency of only 2. 59Ms*; USB and USB-C connection cables included
- Pristine studio grade capture - transparent crystal preamps and ultra-pristine ad converters for unsurpassed audio recording quality
- Connectivity - XLR+¼” TRS combo input, (1) ¼” instrument input, stereo ¼” Outs and ¼” head-phone out with independent level control
- Unite your MIDI gear - 5-pin MIDI in/ out connections for connecting synths, sequencers and other external MIDI gear
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.
Last but not the least, this audio interface has 2 input channels and 2 output channels.
You can buy the model with or without the MIDI channel.
It also comes with a headphone and microphone so you won’t have to buy them separately.
It provides you with 192 kHz resolution which is ideal for digital mixing.
The metal it is made from provides a great build quality.
It comes with its own software as well so you won’t have to worry about a compatible software.
Pros
1- No latency.
2- Easy to use.
3- Software included.
Cons
1- Hard to work with Windows 10.
How to Choose the Right Audio Interface?
Choosing the right audio interface can be hard.
You can choose the right one if you know what you are looking for.
Some features are essential for mixing and recording while some are not.
Let’s find out about those features!
1. Low Latency
Low latency is essential if you want to record especially professionally.
Not all audio interfaces come with this feature but all of the above have this feature.
2. Input and Output Channels
It is necessary to know how many input channels you need.
Usually, audio interfaces come with 1, 2, 4, and 8 channels.
The usual output analogue is 4 channels.
3. Convenience
The audio interface you buy should be easy to use especially if you are not a tech-savvy.
Easy to use audio interfaces usually have all the things available right at the front.
Can you use an audio interface with a Chromebook?
A chromebook can be used with an audio interface if it is an external audio interface and also if you have a mixer.
This way you can use the chromebook as the main DAW where you have your audio producing software and other softwares
What this means is that the audio interface that comes with your Chromebook might not be ideal enough for the kind of recording you want to do.
So you will need an external audio interface to connect to your Chromebook and then connect as many other equipment and gear that you need.
I saw this YouTube video online that shows you how to get started connecting your audio interface to your computer.
What DAW is compatible with Chromebook?
Most DAWs especially the latest ones require that you have a computer with enough processing power, speed and space to effectively run the programs without any issues
And looking at the specs of the latest Chromebook, I found out that it can actually run the programs easily
Here are some DAWs that are compatible with your chromebook
- Soundtrap
- Flat.io
- Magix Music Maker
- BandLab
- Chrome Music’s Lab Song Maker
- Splash
- JambL
- FL Studio
These digital workstations are all very compatible with your Chromebook and you should have no issues making music with them.
Can you record music on Chromebook?
Yes you can record music on your Chromebook computer
It has a Mic in port and a HDMI port that you can easily plug in your microphone or your external audio device into.
It also has enough processing power and speed to run any recording software that you need to record your music.
Also after recording your songs, you can also them on your Chromebook
One thing you need to know is that Chromebooks have a lot of processing power and speed that can easily run the latest DAWs and recording softwares without any issues.
So you have no problems recording and editing your music with your Chromebooks
What recording software can I use on my Chromebook?
The following softwares are compatible
- Ableton
- Pro Tools
- Audacity
- Soundtrap
Does an audio interface improve sound quality?
An audio interface can greatly improve your audio quality especially if you are recording at home.
Here are some benefits of getting an external audio interface
- They come with drivers that allow for lower latency. What this means is that external audio interfaces allow your computer to compensate for the overall amount of latency so that whatever your record stays in sync with your instrumental.
- External audio interfaces helps to reduce background noise and distortion
- They provide you with higher sample rate and bit depths
- They come with multiple inputs and outputs so you can easily record as many equipment and vocals as you need.
Conclusion
Now that you know which audio interface to buy for your Chromebook.
The best audio interface for your Chromebook is the one which is easy to use, comes with a software, and provides you with clear sound quality.
Build quality is also essential especially if you want to travel with it.
Otherwise, there are chances of damaging the audio interface.
Moreover, choose the right audio interface for yourself by knowing the qualities and features you need in an audio interface.
Once you know that, buying an audio interface becomes easy.
So…you say these are for Chromebooks, but then in some listings, you mention how they are only compatible with Win 7….so are these for Chromebook or not?