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In this article, we’re going to be talking about and reviewing the best 8 channel audio interfaces that exist in 2020.
Altogether, we’ve done an extensive amount of research, finding and filtering through hundreds of audio interfaces, to find ones that firstly provide 8 channels, and secondly are of high enough quality to be worth talking about.
We’re happy to say that all of the interfaces featured within this article are here due to the combination of their features and positive customer review testimonials.
With all that being said, let’s talk more about the specific units, shall we!
Best 8-Channel Audio Interfaces
- Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 8-Channel Audio Interface
- Tascam US-16×08 8 channel Audio Interface
- M-Audio Air 192|14 8-Channel Audio Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) – 8 Channel Audio interface
- PreSonus Studio 1824 8-Channel Audio Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) – 8 Channel Audio Interface
Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 8-Channel Audio Interface
Compatibility
- Mac & PC
- Supports all major DAWs
Features
- Extremely affordable audio interface with 8-channels
- Plenty of input/output types
- Durable, impact-resistant metal chassis
- Rack-mountable
- Eight state of the art MIDAS designed preamps
- Designed & engineered in Germany
- 3-year manufacturers warranty
Technical Specs
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- MIDI input/output
- 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the front)
- 6 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the back)
- 8 TRS outputs (on the back)
- 2 ‘main’ TRS outputs (on the back)
- ADAT input/output
- SPDIF input/output
- Supports all major DAWs
- 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- 48v Phantom Power
Description
The U-Phoria UMC1820 Audiophile by Behringer is the most affordable 8-channel audio interface that we’ve featured on this list.
It’s compatible with both Mac and Windows operating systems and works with all major DAWs, including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Cubase, etc.
The unit is designed and built-in Germany and features 8 MIDAS designed microphone preamps, which is definitely a firm selling point.
All of the channels provide an optional 48v phantom power, great if you’re using condenser microphones.
As for the audio interface’s inputs/outputs, it has a diverse range of ports, including both combination XLR/TRS, TRS, ADAT, MIDI & SPDIF (all of which are specified above in the technical specs section.
The interface provides 96kHz/24-bit recording resolution, and it delivers zero-latency direct monitoring on all analog inputs whilst recording.
Overall, when taking into account the UMC1820’s price, I/O’s, features and 3-year manufacturers warranty, it’s easy to see why it’s an attractive prospect and ultimately a great buy for someone looking for a very affordable 8-channel audio interface.
Pros
- The brand is well-known and reputable
- Product is well-reviewed and scores favorably in customer review ratings
- Includes a diverse range of inputs/outputs
- Impressive technical specifications
- Comes with a 3-year manufacturers warranty
Cons
- There’s a single phantom power switch for all 8 channels
Tascam US-16×08 8 channel audio interface
Compatibility
- Mac & PC
- Supports all major DAWs
Features
- Affordable 8-Channel audio interface
- Tough metal chassis
- Rack-mountable
- Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps
- iPad & iOS device compatible
- Low latency monitoring via the on-board DSP mixer
- 1-Year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specs
- USB 2.0 connectivity
- MIDI input/output
- 8 XLR inputs (on the front)
- 6 TRS inputs (on the back)
- 8 TRS outputs (on the back)
- 1 TRS headphones output
- 2 ‘main’ TRS outputs (on the back)
- Supports all major DAWs
- 24-bit/96 kHz resolution
- 48v Phantom Power
Description
The Tascam US-16×08 is an 8 channel audio interface, aimed at being an affordable option for those wanting a rack-mountable audio interface with a decent amount of inputs/outputs.
The unit is compatible with the majority of digital audio workstations that exist, and can be used with Mac and PC.
Additionally, it can also be used with iPad, iOS and other tablets, by using the class-compliant drivers that Tascam has available for download on their website.
However, it doesn’t include some of the features and ports that the formally discussed Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 audio interface has, including ADAT and SPDIF connectivity, and not to mention the MIDAS designed preamps.
None-the-less, the US-16×08 does provide 96kHz/24-bit recording resolution, so it’s definitely a solid unit, and the customer review ratings affirm this.
Overall, the Tascam US-16×08 is a good quality interface and may be a good option for those who require iPad, iOS and other tablet connectivity.
However, we don’t see many other selling points of this, when comparing it to other interfaces in the list, for example, the cheaper Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820.
Pros
- Well known brand
- Product is well-reviewed and scores favorably in customer review ratings
- iPad, iOS & Tablet compatible
- Impressive technical specifications
Cons
- No real USPs when comparing against other interfaces
- Fairly old, was released in 2014
M-Audio AIR 192|14 8-In 4-Out USB Audio Interface
Compatibility
- Mac & PC
- Supports all major DAWs
Features
- Very well known audio interface manufacturer
- Relatively compact audio interface
- Sleek black interface with metal chassis
- Portable
- Low-noise crystal preamps
- Nearly zero latency (2.59ms roundtrip)
- Software included:
- Pro Tools | First M-Audio Edition, Ableton Live Lite, Eleven Lite, the Avid Effect Collection, AIR’s Creative FX Collection, 2GB of sample content from Touch Loops, Xpand!2, Mini Grand, Vacuum, DB-33, Strike, Hybrid 3 and BOOM from AIR Music Tech.
- 1 Year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specs
- USB Type C connectivity (USB and USB-C connection cables included)
- MIDI input/output
- 4 XLR+¼ TRS combo inputs
- 2 ¼” instrument inputs
- 2 ¼” Line inputs
- Stereo ¼” outputs with direct mono/stereo switch
- 2 ¼” assignable auxiliary outputs
- 2 ¼” headphone outputs
- 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- 48v Phantom Power
Description
The M-Audio Air 192|14 is an 8-channel audio interface, built into an elegant, sleek metal chassis, with black and silver trim. It looks the part, but how does it sound?
Well, it boasts low-noise crystal preamps and high-quality A/D converters, which give it that premium-quality sound.
M-Audio have been sure to only use the best internal circuitry, with the unit having a roundtrip latency of around 2.59ms, which is extremely low.
The unit records at 24-bit/192kHz, and come with a large software suite, which includes a lite edition of Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite and much more (all shown above in the features section).
As far as the unit’s connectivity is concerned, it has all of the basics which include XLR, TRS, and MIDI input/output (all shown in detail within the technical specs section).
Overall, the M-Audio Air 192|4 8 X 4 is definitely a great unit for those who want premium-quality sound.
However, we don’t see how it tops the formerly spoken about Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen). None-the-less, the decision is of course, entirely up to you!
Pros
- Well known brand
- Low latency times (2.59ms)
- Impressive technical specifications
- Portable
Cons
- No ADAT/SPDIF Connectivity
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) – 8 Channel Audio interface
Compatibility
- Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, iPod
- Supports all major DAWs
Features
- Best-selling audio interface
- Extremely reputable brand
- 3rd generation unit (just released 2020) – New Technology
- Sleek design & well-built metal chassis
- Highly portable
- Newly designed, high-quality microphone preamps
- iPad, iPhone, iPod device compatible
- Software included:
- Avid pro tools, Focusrite creative pack, Ableton live lite, Splice sounds (3-month subscription), XLN audio addictive keys, Softube time and tone bundle, Focusrite red plugin suite, Focusrite plugin collective, Focusrite control.
- 2 Year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specs
- USB Type C connectivity
- MIDI input/output
- 4 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the front)
- 4 TRS inputs (on the back)
- 4 TRS outputs (on the back)
- 2 TRS headphones outputs (on the front)
- Optical input
- SPDIF input/output
- Supports all major DAWs
- 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- 48v Phantom Power
Description
The Scarlett 18i8 is the third generation in the iteration of this best-selling, award-winning Scarlett series.
Focusrite has been creating affordable interfaces, which exude premium audio quality since they started the Scarlett series, and the 3rd generation is definitely an interface that packs a punch!
It’s one of the more affordable 8-channel audio interfaces that we’ve featured on the list, yet it provides superior sound quality compared to other interfaces, as it offers 192 kHz/24-bit sound resolution.
Not to mention, the unit has recently been released (in 2020), and they’ve redesigned the preamps for it.
For a preview of exactly how awesome they sound, take a listen to the video demonstration that we’ve included further down below.
The unit also includes MIDI input/output, optical input and a SPDIF input/output.
Additionally, it includes a wide range of free software, including Pro Tools, Ableton live, etc, so this unit is great for those who potentially don’t already have a DAW or plugins.
Overall, as you might be able to tell, we particularly like the Scarlett 18i8, and there’s a reason why this is the 3rd generation and it’s one of the best selling audio interfaces of all time.
Pros
- Highly reputable brand
- One of the best selling audio interfaces
- Brand new generation (new technology)
- iPad, iPhone & iPod compatible
- Extremely impressive technical specs (192 kHz/24-bit)
- Includes lots of software
- Sounds awesome (refer to video demonstration below)
Cons
- We can’t find any faults when considering the price vs value
PreSonus Studio 1824 8-Channel Audio Interface
Compatibility
Mac, PC, iPad & Android
Supports all major DAWs
Features
- Highly reputable manufacturer
- Sleek metal chassis
- Rackmountable
- Low latency unit with high-quality XMAX mic preamps
- LED monitoring on front of the interface
- Compatible with iPad* & Andoid*
- Software included:
- PreSonus Studio One Artist
- 2 Year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specs
- USB Type C or USB-A connectivity (2 versions)
- MIDI input/output
- 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the front)
- 6 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the back)
- 2 TRS headphones outputs (on the front)
- 8 TRS outputs (on the back)
- 2 TRS main outputs (on the back)
- S/PDIF input/output
- 8 channels of ADAT Optical I/O (4 channels at 96 kHz)
- Supports all major DAWs
- 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- 48v Phantom Power
Description
The Presonus Studio 1824c is a premium-priced, rack-mountable audio interface suitable for any professional musician/sound engineer’s studio setup.
It comes with a range of inputs/outputs, including 8 XLR/TRS inputs and 8 TRS outputs (not including the 2 main TRS outputs), as well as MIDI, S/PDIF and ADAT connectivity.
PreSonus is known for producing high-quality audio equipment, and the 1824c doesn’t disappoint, with its high sound resolution (192kHz/24-bit) and XMAX preamps.
Additionally, the unit is compatible with most popular DAWs and even provides iPad/Android compatibility.
Overall, this unit is priced at quite a premium price, and we think that this is a fantastic choice for those wanting plenty of inputs/outputs…
However, we personally prefer the next discussed Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) which is the same price.
However, if you’re not looking for quite so many I/O, take a look at the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) or M-Audio M-Track 8X4M.
Pros
- Reputable brand
- Plenty of Inputs/Outputs
- 2-year manufacturers warranty
- Impressive technical specifications
- Rack-mountable
- Compatible with iPad* & Android*
Cons
- Not many
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) – 8 channel audio interface
Compatibility
Mac, PC, iPad, iPhone, iPod & Android
Supports all major DAWs
Features
- Best-selling audio interface series
- Sleek black metal chassis
- Rackmountable
- Low latency with Scarlett’s top-performing mic preamps
- LED monitoring on front of the interface
- Switchable “Air” function
- Pad switches
- Talkback function with integrated microphone
- Also compatible with iPhone, iPad, iPhone & Android using Focusrite Control
- Software included:
- Pro Tools, Focusrite creative pack, Ableton Live Lite, Softube time & tone bundle, Focusrite’s Red plug-in Suite, 3-month splice subscription, and choice of one free XLN Addictive keys virtual instrument
- 2 Year Manufacturers Warranty
Technical Specs
- USB Type C connectivity
- MIDI input/output
- 2 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the front)
- 6 XLR/TRS combination inputs (on the back)
- 2 TRS headphones outputs (on the front)
- 10 TRS outputs (on the back)
- S/PDIF input/output
- 8 channels of ADAT Optical I/O (4 channels at 96 kHz)
- Supports all major DAWs
- 24-bit/192 kHz resolution
- 48v Phantom Power
Description
The Scarlett 18i20 is the third generation in the iteration of this best-selling, award-winning Scarlett series.
Focusrite has been creating affordable interfaces, which exude premium audio quality since they started the Scarlett series, and the 3rd generation is definitely an interface that packs a punch!
This 8-channel audio interface has a wide range of inputs/outputs, all of which we’ve specified in the Technical Specs section above.
Not to mention, the unit has recently been released (in 2020), and they’ve redesigned the preamps for it.
For a preview of exactly how awesome they sound, take a listen to the video demonstration that we’ve included further down below.
The unit also includes MIDI input/output, optical input and a SPDIF input/output.
Additionally, it includes a wide range of free software, including Pro Tools, Ableton Live, etc, so this unit is great for those who potentially don’t already have a DAW or plugins.
Overall, as you might be able to tell, we particularly like the Scarlett 18i20, and there’s a reason why this is the 3rd generation and it’s one of the best selling audio interfaces of all time.
Pros
- Highly reputable brand
- One of the best selling audio interfaces
- Brand new generation (new technology)
- iPad, iPhone & iPod compatible
- Extremely impressive technical specs (192 kHz/24-bit)
- Includes lots of software
- Sounds awesome (refer to video demonstration below)
Cons
- It’s a little expensive, but considering the functionality and the ideal customer, it’s definitely worth the price
In Conclusion, which is the best 8-Channel Audio Interface?
Now, before we provide our opinion on which 8-channel audio interface we prefer, it’s important to realize that everyone has different requirements, needs, and budgets.
With that being said, we personally think that both of the Focusrite Scarlett products are fantastic!
Not only are they both new releases, meaning they have newer technology than other mentioned interfaces, but they’re from one of the most successful audio interface series (The Scarlett Series).
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen) is ideal for someone who wants a more affordable unit, with fewer outputs.
And the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (3rd Gen) is for the musician/engineer who requires the additional outputs.
None-the-less, whichever audio interface you decide to choose, they’re all fantastic units and have great customer review ratings.
