Choosing an audio interface with eight microphone inputs can simplify band tracking, podcast production, rehearsal capture, and other setups that require several microphones at once. The right model should combine enough preamps with dependable drivers, low-latency monitoring, suitable connections, and a workflow that fits your computer and recording software.
This roundup includes compact two-channel interfaces as well as more capable multichannel options, so you can compare affordable entry points with equipment better suited to larger recording sessions.
Best 10 Audio Interface with Eight Microphone Inputs Picks for 2026
Best Overall
Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen
- 18-in/16-out design with ADAT and MIDI
- Four mic preamps plus eight line inputs
- 24-bit/192kHz conversion and Auto Gain
Best For: Producers and expanding project studios
Best Budget Pick
- Two combo XLR/TRS inputs
- 24-bit/192kHz recording
- USB-C bus power and direct monitoring
Best For: Solo recording and mobile creators
Best for Podcasting
- Two combo mic, line, and instrument inputs
- Zero-latency USB/direct monitoring
- Includes MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite
Best For: Podcasts, livestreams, and beginner recording
Best Value Starter
- Two Class-A mic preamps
- 24-bit/96 kHz recording
- Bus-powered with included software
Best For: Solo musicians and portable two-channel recording
Budget Simplicity Pick
- Midas-designed mic preamp
- One combo and one instrument input
- Direct monitoring and USB power
Best For: Beginners recording one microphone and one instrument
Streaming-Friendly Compact Pick
- 24-bit/192 kHz recording
- Mic, instrument, and loopback features
- Works with Mac, Windows, and iPad
Best For: Streamers, podcasters, and solo guitar-and-vocal recording
Budget Starter Pick
XTUGA Q-12 USB Audio Interface
- XLR and 3.5mm microphone inputs
- 48V phantom power and low-latency USB operation
- Compact two-channel design for beginners
Best For: Basic home recording, karaoke, and beginner setups
Versatile Creator Pick
USB-C 4-Channel Recording Interface
- Two XLR/TRS inputs plus an instrument input
- Direct monitoring and adjustable echo control
- Compatible with PC, Mac, iOS, and Windows 11
Best For: Podcasts, livestreams, vocals, and guitar recording
High-Resolution Home Studio Pick
- 24-bit/192kHz recording support
- Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power
- Low-latency monitoring and independent outputs
Best For: Small home-studio sessions, podcasts, and instrument recording
Best Overall – Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen
If you need an audio interface with eight microphone inputs, note that the Scarlett 18i16 provides four mic preamps plus eight line inputs, with ADAT expansion for larger recording setups. Its 18-in/16-out design, high-resolution conversion, and workflow tools make it a versatile choice for producers and project studios.
Best For: Producers and home studios needing extensive routing, multiple input types, and expansion options.
Pros:
- 18 inputs and 16 outputs with ADAT, S/PDIF, and MIDI I/O
- Four mic preamps with up to 69dB of gain, plus two Hi-Z inputs
- 24-bit/192kHz converters with a 122dB dynamic range
- Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air modes, and a substantial software bundle
Cons:
- It has four mic preamps rather than eight built-in microphone inputs
- Requires an external power supply
The Scarlett 18i16 is the strongest all-around option here for a growing studio, especially when ADAT expansion and flexible routing matter. It is more capable than a basic two- or four-input interface, though users specifically needing eight simultaneous mic preamps will need additional hardware.
Best Budget Pick – PIYONE Q28 2×2 USB Interface
The PIYONE Q28 is a compact 2×2 option for creators who do not need an audio interface with eight microphone inputs. It offers two combo inputs, USB-C bus power, 24-bit/192kHz recording, and direct monitoring for straightforward computer or mobile recording.
Best For: Solo musicians, vocalists, and mobile creators recording one or two sources at a time.
Pros:
- 24-bit/192kHz recording for high-resolution capture
- Two combo XLR/TRS inputs support microphones, line sources, and Hi-Z instruments
- USB-C connectivity provides data and bus power without an external supply
- Direct monitoring and a 3.5mm headphone output support low-latency tracking
Cons:
- Only two channels, so it cannot handle eight microphones
- Supplied details list Windows compatibility, while broader platform support may require checking before purchase
This is a practical, portable interface for a simple recording rig, but its two-input configuration makes it unsuitable for ensemble tracking. Choose it when convenience and low-cost solo recording matter more than channel count.
Best for Podcasting – M-AUDIO M-Track Duo
The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo is a simple two-channel interface for podcasting, streaming, vocals, and instruments. It is not an audio interface with eight microphone inputs, but its dual combo inputs, phantom power, and zero-latency monitoring cover basic two-source recording without a complicated setup.
Best For: Podcasters, streamers, and beginners recording two microphones or instruments.
Pros:
- Two combo XLR/line/instrument inputs with phantom power
- USB/direct monitoring switch enables zero-latency monitoring
- Headphone and stereo main outputs provide flexible monitoring
- Includes MPC Beats and Ableton Live Lite software
Cons:
- Two channels cannot support an eight-microphone recording session
- Maximum sample rate is 48kHz
- Uses USB Type-B rather than USB-C
The M-Track Duo is a sensible entry-level choice when the goal is a straightforward podcast or livestream setup. Its limited channel count and 48kHz ceiling make it better suited to basic spoken-word and small recording projects than larger studio sessions.
Best Four-Channel Value – Depusheng 4-Channel USB Interface
The Depusheng four-channel interface is a step up from basic two-input models, with four combo inputs for microphones, guitars, and line sources. It still falls short of an audio interface with eight microphone inputs, but 24-bit/192kHz support, +48V phantom power, and ASIO drivers make it useful for small multi-source recording setups.
Best For: Beginners and home-studio users who need four simultaneous input channels and low-latency monitoring.
Pros:
- Four combo inputs accommodate microphones, guitars, and line-level sources
- 24-bit/192kHz recording with ASIO drivers for low-latency operation
- +48V phantom power supports condenser microphones
- Includes direct/DAW monitoring, headphone output, and four TS main outputs
Cons:
- Four inputs are not enough for an eight-microphone setup
- Supplied operating-system details specify Windows compatibility
- Includes a power adapter, so it is less streamlined than bus-powered options
For users who need more than two inputs without moving to a larger studio interface, the Depusheng offers a useful middle ground. Its four-channel layout and ASIO support suit small recording sessions, while larger ensembles will require an eight-input model or expansion hardware.
Best Value Starter – PreSonus AudioBox 96
If you are shopping for an audio interface with eight microphone inputs, note that this model is a compact two-channel option rather than an eight-input interface. It suits personal or portable recording, with two Class-A mic preamps, 24-bit/96 kHz support, and bus-powered USB connectivity.
Best For: Solo musicians, home recordists, and mobile setups needing two microphone or instrument inputs.
Pros:
- Two Class-A mic preamps and two instrument inputs.
- Supports recording and playback up to 24-bit/96 kHz.
- Includes Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic Plug-In Suite after registration.
- USB bus power and zero-latency mixer control support portable recording.
Cons:
- Only two input channels, so it cannot accommodate eight microphones at once.
- Global 48V phantom power may be less flexible for mixed microphone setups.
The AudioBox 96 is a practical value choice when ease of use, included software, and portability matter more than high input capacity. For an eight-microphone recording session, you will need a larger interface.
Budget Simplicity Pick – Behringer UMC22
For shoppers searching for an audio interface with eight microphone inputs, the Behringer UMC22 is important to identify correctly: it is a compact two-channel interface for solo recording, not an eight-mic solution. Its Midas-designed preamp, combination input, and direct monitoring keep basic recording straightforward.
Best For: Solo musicians and beginners who need an affordable USB interface for one microphone and one instrument.
Pros:
- Midas-designed mic preamp for microphone recording.
- Combination XLR/TRS/TS input plus a separate 1/4-inch instrument input.
- Direct monitoring, headphone output, and status and clip LEDs.
- USB-supplied power and compatibility with popular recording software.
Cons:
- Two-channel design cannot record eight microphones simultaneously.
- Its listed maximum sample rate is lower than some newer interfaces.
The UMC22 is best viewed as a low-cost entry point for a simple computer recording setup. Choose a larger multichannel interface if your project involves a full band, drum kit, or multiple vocalists.
Streaming-Friendly Compact Pick – MAONO PS22 Lite
If your search for an audio interface with eight microphone inputs is really about flexible streaming or vocal recording, the MAONO PS22 Lite offers a more focused compact setup. It provides a microphone input, dedicated instrument input, 24-bit/192 kHz recording, direct monitoring, and routing software with virtual channels and loopbacks.
Best For: Beginners, podcasters, voice actors, guitarists, and streamers using a compact Mac, Windows, or iPad setup.
Pros:
- 24-bit/192 kHz recording and a stated 106 dB dynamic range.
- Up to 56 dB of preamp gain and 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Includes ProStudio Routing Software with virtual channels and loopbacks.
- Compact design with direct monitoring and compatibility with Mac, Windows, and iPads.
Cons:
- Its compact input layout is not designed for eight simultaneous microphones.
- Some software setups require selecting the MAONO ASIO driver.
The PS22 Lite is a versatile choice for content creation and one-person recording, especially when routing and loopback features are useful. For multitrack microphone sessions, look for an interface specifically built with eight mic preamps.
Budget Starter Pick – XTUGA Q-12 USB Audio Interface
The XTUGA Q-12 is a compact option for beginners who need an audio interface with eight microphone inputs in their broader studio setup but only require two channels at this stage. It provides XLR and 3.5mm microphone inputs, 48V phantom power, and USB plug-and-play operation for basic recording, karaoke, and streaming.
Best For: Beginners, students, home karaoke, and simple two-channel recording.
Pros:
- Offers XLR and 3.5mm microphone inputs with 16-bit/48kHz audio.
- Switchable 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones.
- USB-powered design requires no external adapter.
- Works with Audacity, Ableton Live, FL Studio, and Pro Tools.
Cons:
- Only provides two channels, so it is not a substitute for a true eight-input interface.
- Maximum sample rate is 48kHz.
The Q-12 makes the most sense as an affordable starter interface rather than a high-channel-count solution. Its straightforward controls and compact build suit basic computer recording, but users planning to connect many microphones should look for a model with substantially more inputs.
Versatile Creator Pick – USB-C 4-Channel Recording Interface
This USB-C recording interface is a practical choice for creators comparing an audio interface with eight microphone inputs, although its supplied specifications describe a smaller four-channel unit with two XLR/TRS combo inputs and one instrument input. Direct monitoring, echo control, and broad device compatibility make it suited to flexible recording and livestreaming workflows.
Best For: Podcasters, streamers, singers, guitarists, and home creators who want direct monitoring and built-in echo control.
Pros:
- Provides two XLR/TRS combo inputs plus a dedicated instrument input.
- 48V phantom power supports condenser microphones.
- Direct Monitor function enables real-time, low-latency listening.
- USB-C connectivity works with PC, Mac, iOS, and Windows 11 systems.
Cons:
- It does not provide eight microphone inputs.
- Maximum sample rate is 48kHz.
- Listed warranty period is three months.
Its independent gain, instrument, echo, and monitor controls give beginners useful hands-on adjustment without a complicated setup. However, the limited input count means it is better for solo or small-format production than recording a large group of microphones at once.
High-Resolution Home Studio Pick – KA2 2×2 USB Audio Interface
The KA2 is aimed at home-studio users who want higher-resolution recording while evaluating options beyond an audio interface with eight microphone inputs. Its two combo XLR/TRS inputs, 48V phantom power, and low-latency monitoring support vocals, guitars, podcasts, and other small-scale productions.
Best For: Home-studio musicians, podcasters, producers, and creators recording one or two sources.
Pros:
- Supports up to 24-bit/192kHz recording.
- Two combo XLR/1/4-inch inputs accept microphones and instruments.
- Includes 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
- Offers independent TRS/TS outputs for monitors, amplifiers, and recording equipment.
Cons:
- Two-channel design cannot handle eight microphone inputs simultaneously.
- Listed manufacturer warranty is 90 days.
The KA2 is a stronger fit for users prioritizing resolution and conventional home-studio connections over a large input count. It provides useful flexibility for small sessions, but larger ensembles will need an interface with more microphone preamps.
How We Picked the Best Audio Interface with Eight Microphone Inputs
We compared these interfaces by looking at input and output counts, microphone preamp support, phantom power, recording resolution, monitoring options, computer compatibility, and overall ease of use. We also considered whether each model makes sense for a specific buyer, since a compact two-input interface can be a better choice for solo recording than an expensive multichannel unit.
For buyers specifically searching for an Audio Interface with Eight Microphone Inputs, the most important distinction is whether the interface offers eight built-in mic preamps or can reach eight microphone channels through digital expansion. Check the manufacturer’s specifications carefully before purchasing.
Quick Comparison
| Best For | What to Prioritize | Typical Configuration |
|---|---|---|
| Solo vocals or guitar | Simple controls and a quality preamp | 1–2 combo inputs |
| Streaming and podcasting | Direct monitoring, headphone control, and easy setup | 2–4 inputs |
| Bands and drum recording | Eight mic preamps or expandable digital inputs | 8+ microphone channels |
| Mobile recording | USB-C or iOS compatibility and bus power | Compact 2-input design |
Key Buying Factors for an Audio Interface with Eight Microphone Inputs
Input Count and Expansion
Count the actual microphone preamps, not only the total number of sockets. Combo XLR/TRS inputs may accept microphones or line-level instruments, while ADAT or other digital ports can add channels through a separate preamp. Expansion is useful, but it adds cost and another device to configure.
Preamp Quality and Phantom Power
Look for clean gain, adequate headroom, and 48V phantom power when using condenser microphones. If you plan to combine condenser and dynamic microphones, confirm that the interface provides enough gain without excessive noise.
Drivers, Latency, and Compatibility
Reliable drivers matter as much as headline sample-rate numbers. Confirm support for your operating system, recording software, and USB connection. Direct monitoring can reduce distracting latency while recording, especially on less powerful computers.
Outputs and Monitoring
Check the number of headphone outputs, monitor outputs, independent volume controls, and routing options. Multiple headphone mixes are particularly useful for bands, interviews, and collaborative sessions.
Build, Power, and Workflow
A larger interface may need external power, while a compact model may run from USB. Consider where it will be used, how often it will be moved, and whether the controls are easy to reach during recording.
Who Should Buy Which Audio Interface with Eight Microphone Inputs?
Choose the Focusrite Scarlett 18i16 4th Gen if you need a more capable hub for multitrack recording, flexible routing, and future expansion. It is the strongest fit for home studios recording several performers or instruments.
Choose a compact 2×2 interface such as the M-AUDIO M-Track Duo, PreSonus AudioBox 96, Behringer UMC22, MAONO PS22 Lite, or one of the generic USB models if you mainly record one or two sources at a time. These options are easier to learn and usually more affordable.
For streaming, vocals, and guitar, prioritize direct monitoring, phantom power, headphone control, and low-latency performance over very high sample-rate claims. If you need eight microphones immediately, select a model with eight built-in preamps; if your needs may grow, choose an expandable interface and budget for compatible external preamp hardware.