Looking for the best audio interface for your Shure SM7B or your Mac or whatever? Let’s talk about that. Read on for what I think. Ahoy: I sometimes use affiliate links. Some purchases may earn me a commission! 🙂 Alright now that’s done, let’s go!
I’ve been seeing questions like this recently: “what’s the best audio interface for mac?” or even more specific, “what’s the best audio interface for shure sm7b?“. So I thought I’d just address this one point – it doesn’t matter much what the other gear is. Interfaces work the same regardless of the mic, and in most cases, regardless of the operating system.
So that’s kind of settled. There’s no better interface for a particular mic like the SM7B than another. And for the most part, interfaces are the same whether you use them with a Mac or Windows. The two exceptions (kinda but not really), are:
- Macs do better with Thunderbolt interfaces than PCs, sometimes.
- ProTools was initially just for Mac. So, there are some older ProTools interfaces out there that aren’t for Windows.
So that’s that. But since you’re here and you did ask about the best audio interface (and not the best cheap audio interface), I thought I’d give you my top four dream team interfaces – the stuff I drool over 🙂 Here we go!
RME Fireface UFX III
Features: 94 channels of I/O, ultra-stable drivers, TotalMix FX with powerful DSP mixing, USB 3.0 and Thunderbolt connectivity, and extensive clocking and conversion technology.
Why it’s awesome: RME is known for its reliability, incredible driver stability, and excellent sound quality, making the UFX III a powerhouse in both studio and live environments.*
*I use this guy’s little brother, the Fireface UCX II – I loooooveeee everything RME does.
Apogee Symphony I/O Mk II 32×32 SE
Features: The Symphony I/O Mk II is known for its pristine sound quality, offering up to 32 channels of AD/DA conversion. It includes Apogee’s Advanced Stepped Gain Architecture mic preamps, and it’s fully modular, allowing you to configure it for your specific needs.
Why it’s awesome: Apogee is synonymous with high-end audio quality, and the Symphony I/O Mk II delivers ultra-low latency and world-class conversion, making it a favorite in top studios around the world.
Prism Sound Atlas
Features: 8 analog I/O channels, world-class AD/DA conversion, ultra-low latency, USB connectivity, and comprehensive clocking features.
Why it’s awesome: Prism Sound interfaces are revered for their crystal-clear audio fidelity, making them a top choice for critical recording and mixing environments.
Antelope Audio Goliath HD
Features: With 64 channels of AD/DA conversion, FPGA-based FX, 16 mic preamps, and Thunderbolt 3, USB 3.0, and HDX connectivity, the Goliath HD is a beast. It also comes with Antelope’s renowned clocking technology.
Why it’s awesome: The Goliath HD is an all-in-one solution for large studios that demand extensive I/O, high-quality preamps, and powerful DSP. Antelope’s clocking ensures ultra-stable and accurate timing, making it a top choice for complex setups.
There you go! My drool-worthy list – it’s definitely not the only possible list of the best audio interfaces out there – but it’s my particular drool worthy list (at least today!! 🙂 )
I’m a producer and artist who loves all things production, writes for many trades, and can’t get enough of AX73, Kee Bass, and Scanner Vibrato. Talk to me about it all on social media @RecordingLikeMacGyver!
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