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Recently I had to switch my operating system from my usual Windows to Linux
When I did this, the major challenge I faced was which audio interface would I be using for Linux.
While there are so many products out there for other operating systems, getting one to work with Linux was proving to be a big problem
I did some research and what I noticed that most of the articles out there only covered the very popular and well known OS out there and there was none for linux users
This led me to write this article and mention my findings on the 5 best audio interface for Linux, things you need to look out for before you make a purchase and why Linux is an amazing operating system for recording audio.
Related: Here is an article I wrote showing you the 5 best audio interface for electronic music
Our Winner After Careful research
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- 4 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- 4 studio-grade compressors with super-easy one-knob functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Neo-classic British 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
- New studio-grade FX processor
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 Linux – Comparison Table
| Image | Title | Price | Prime | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Behringer Xenyx Audio Interface | PrimeEligible | Buy Now | ||
| Yamaha AG03 3- Audio Interface | Prime | Buy Now | ||
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface | Prime | Buy Now | ||
| Tascam US-4x4 USB Audio/MIDI Interface | Prime | Buy Now | ||
| Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 | PrimeEligible | Buy Now |
Prices and images pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
5 Best Audio Interface for Linux
1. Behringer Xenyx Q80 Audio Interface
- Premium ultra-low noise, high headroom analog mixer
- 4 state-of-the-art, phantom-powered XENYX Mic Preamps comparable to stand-alone boutique preamps
- 4 studio-grade compressors with super-easy one-knob functionality and control LED for professional vocal and instrumental sound
- Neo-classic British 3-band EQs for warm and musical sound
- New studio-grade FX processor
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 is probably the most popular and well known usb audio interface for Linux in the market today.
It comes with a premium ultra low noise, high headroom analog mixer that delivers awesome sound quality when used.
It has two state of the art and unique Xenyx mic preamps which can be compared to standalone boutique preamps.
Its studio grade compressors come with super easy one knob functionality and control LED for professional voice and instrumental sound
This allows this audio interface to really provide clean and crisp clear audio
It comes with built in stereo USB/Audio interface that allows you to easily connect this product to your Linux computer
It has a unique Neo-classic British 3 band EQ that gives you that warm and crispy musical sound.
It comes equipped with free audio recording, editing and podcasting software that includes 150 instrument effects and plugins.
2. Yamaha AGO3 Audio Interface
- Great bundle that includes the Yamaha AG03 3-Channel Mixer and USB Audio Interface and on-ear stereo headphones.
- The Yamaha AG03 mixer has ¼” and stereo RCA outs for connecting to your PA system or monitor speakers
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.
Made by the popular and well known Yamaha brand, the Yamaha AGO3 audio interface delivers crisp and clear sounds when used.
It features switchable 48V phantom power that can be used to power both dynamic and condenser microphones.
It also comes with a unique switch pad that is ideal for recording loud sources such as amplifiers and guitars.
It has a ¼ inch headphone output and stereo RCA outputs that allows you to easily connect this bad boy to your PA speakers or monitor devices.
It has a special input for a ¼ inch headphone for personal monitoring of audio as you record, as well as a ⅛ inch aux input for monitoring portable devices and headset connectivity.
It comes with a 1 touch on board DSP which compressor and EQ effects to your set path
All in all, this Yamaha AGO3 audio interface is a top quality product that works amazingly well with Linux.
3. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 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:
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 is probably one of the well known audio interfaces out there that works exceptionally well with Linux operating system.
It comes equipped with two natural sounding mic preamps with plenty of even gain which is ideal for delivering that crisp and clear audio quality when needed.
It has two instrument inputs, ¼ inch balanced jack outputs that helps you connect professional studio monitors and one headphone output with gain control.
This bad boy has class leading conversion and sample rates of up to 192Khz / 64 bit
It has super low latency which makes it ideal for recording quality audio on your linux computer.
For a limited time, it comes with FREE venomode DeeQ, maximal 2 and pivot plugins which helps make your audio recordings sound so much clearer and professional.
It comes with professional music DAWS such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite and Softube Time.
While this product is very ideal for the Linux operating system, it is very compatible with Macs and Windows operating systems.
4. Tascam 4X4 Audio Interface
- Combines great audio quality and ergonomic design for a powerful 4-in/4-out USB 2 Audio interface
- Four of TASCAM’s Ultra-HDDA mic/line preamps provide up to 57dB of gain with nearly inaudible noise and distortion specs
- 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
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 amazing product combines great audio quality and ergonomic design for a powerful 4 in 4 out USB audio interface.
It comes with 4 Tascam ultra HDDA mic/line preamps that provides up to 58dB of gain with nearly inaudible noise and distortion specs.
It has an audio design which features high performance, musical components like awesome op amps that deliver clear, crisp sounds without coloring your audio.
It includes class compliant drivers for plug and play operations Mac, Linus and Windows operating systems
It has a Midi in and Midi out which helps you connect external synths, drum machines and controllers.
It comes bundles with two unique DAWs to choose from – Cakewalk Sonar and Ableton Live Lite 6.
It has XLR and TRS inputs that help you accept balanced mic and line levels which gives you the option for recording electric guitar and bass.
5. Native Instrument Komplete Audio 6 Interface
- Record audio in immaculate quality – up to 192 kHz/ 24-bit
- Connect your whole setup – 4 analog in/out, 2 digital in/out, 2 headphone out, and MIDI in/out
- Get creating with all the software you need to record and build tracks, plus synths, effects, and more
- 2x Headphone out with high-power output and individual volume controls
- Usb 2.0 Bus-Power
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.
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio interface helps you record audio in crisp and clear quality – up to 192KHz / 24 bits
It comes with 4 analog in/out, 2 digital in/out, 2 headphone out and Midi in/out which helps you easily connect your whole setup without any issues.
It is compatible with all the major music DAWs which helps you record and build tracks, plus synths, effects and more.
It comes equipped with a 2x headphone out with high power output and individual volume
It is bus powered by USB so you really do not need an external power source for this bad boy.
Its input terminal has 6 connection functions – which helps you easily connect to as many external devices as possible
All in all this particular product is an ideal purchase if you want to get an audio interface for use with Linux operating system.
at least half of these have no linux support, official or even unofficial. what was the thought process behind writing this article? what was going through your head?
It does not appear that the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen has Linux support.
This lists compatible OS’s for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen:
https://resource.focusrite.com/downloads/os?product=Scarlett+2i2+%5B3rd+Gen%5D
The supported OS list includes various versions of macOS and of Windows. It does not mention Ubuntu, Debian, Fedora, etc.
The Focusrite Control application must be installed to install drivers. This application also lists only macOS and Windows as supported OS’s.
In addition to drivers, a number of software tools are also included with the 2i2 such as Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite and more. Pro Tools at least does not appear to be available for generic Linux distributions.