You’re probably attempting to find out what to look for in a higher track audio interface if you’ve found yourself in need of additional simultaneous channels when recording. The functions to prioritize in a 16-channel interface will, as is customary, be determined by your situation and needs.
Today, I’ll go over 16 track audio interface at various pricing ranges, each with its own set of strengths. All three are among the best in their price range, and they can all capture high-quality audio. As a result, all of the products I’m going to recommend today can record at least 16 simultaneous inputs. Some will be able to handle more, but they will all be able to handle 16 inputs.
Table of Contents
RME UFX+ Fireface USB & Thunderbolt Audio Interface
The RME Fireface UFX+ is a powerful audio interface that can handle up to 94 channels of I/O. The Fireface UFX+ builds on the renowned powers of its predecessor by adding MADI I/O, enhanced DSP, and ultra-low-latency Thunderbolt connectivity. Upgraded AD/DA converters and enhanced analogue I/O circuits produce results that are incredibly clear. With the Fireface UFX+’s four high-grade mic preamps, which have a maximum input level of +18dBu and a gain of 75dB, you can easily handle crucial recording conditions. The Fireface UFX+’s DURec connector allows you to record 76 simultaneous audio channels to a thumb drive. The RME Fireface UFX+ belongs in the studio’s heart.
Its wide connectivity, the RME Fireface UFX+ can handle any audio task you throw at it. Its 94 input and output channels include 12 analogue channels (including four high-quality mic/instrument preamps), 16 ADAT channels, two AES channels, and 64 MADI channels. The Fireface UFX+ uses Thunderbolt technology to deliver PCIe-like audio performance, with the lowest latency, system overhead, and CPU load you’ll find in a thunderbolt audio interfaces. The Fireface UFX+ also has a USB 3.0 port, making it compatible with machines that don’t have Thunderbolt. Impedance is low. Hi-Power headphone outputs have a maximum output level of +19dBu, providing enough of power for any pair of headphones outputs, high or low impedance at unbeatable price points for your home studio.
When it came to designing the Fireface UFX+, RME went all out for audio recordings and home recording. Improved SNR and THD values, as well as upgraded AD/DA converters and analogue I/O circuits, result in astonishingly transparent sounds. And you’re hearing exactly what was recorded through your monitors for phantom power. The mic pres on the Fireface UFX+ are likewise outstanding, with a maximum input level of +18dBu and 75dB of gain, which is more than enough to handle any source. Jitter isn’t an issue with the Fireface UFX+ because it uses RME’s famous SteadyClock technology. This is the Best 16-Channel Audio Interface in 2023.
Behringer XR18 Digital Mixer
- Inputs: 16x Combo XLR/TRS mic/line level inputs 2x 1/4" (6.3 mm) TRS line...
- Outputs: 6x XLR Aux outputs 2x XLR main outputs 1x 1/4" (6.3 mm) headphone...
- MIDI: 1x 5-pin DIN MIDI input1x 5-pin DIN MIDI output
The cutting-edge X Air digital mixers from Behringer connect to your iPad or Android tablet for unrivalled mixing capability and mobility. Connect your mic and line level sources, then use the free remote control app to mix from anywhere in the venue or studio with usb audio interfaces. The XR18 is an 18-input, rackmountable stage box unit with 16 Midas-designed gain-programmable microphone preamps, two hi-Z inputs, Behringer’s renowned X32 effects rack, a 100-band Real Time Analyzer on all channel and bus EQs, an 18 x 18 USB interface, and integrated Wi-Fi, all housed in a convenient rackmount chassis. With the addition of microphones, you’ll have everything you need to mix a live show and record immaculate multitrack sessions directly to your DAW using a number of inputs. The Behringer XR18 allows you to mix in a whole new way.
The XR18 from Behringer is the ultimate in mixing mobility. Imagine being able to mix from the most convenient location in the house at all times! The XR18 recognises the realities of modern live mixing: you don’t want to be confined to a single front-of-house mixing spot. Without the need to set up and configure an external router, integrated Wi-Fi allows you to control the mixer’s features remotely from your tablet or laptop. Now you can concentrate on your mix while roaming around the arena to hear what your audience is hearing from any seat in the house. From the balcony, adjust the mix. Adjust the monitors from the perspective of the performers. This is how live mixing should be done: natural and intuitive.
The XR18’s wireless connectivity makes it simple to tweak a monitor mix from the performers’ point of view, but why not let them mix their own IEMs or floor wedges? An Ultranet connection on the XR18 allows for straightforward audio routing over Cat 5e cable to other Ultranet-compatible hardware. Because it’s compatible with Behringer’s P16-M Personal Monitoring System, you can focus on making a fantastic house mix while the performers handle the monitor mix (believe us, they’ll appreciate it). That’s what I’m talking about when I say “smart mixing.” You’ve got it covered with 16 channels of personal monitoring and six aux sends to feed stage wedges, delayed mixes, or secondary rooms. If you’ve got enormous stadium shows planned, you’ll be happy to know that the XR18 can easily be integrated into a larger system by connecting it to a wired network or a monster router via its Ethernet connector. This is the Best 16-Channel Audio Interfaces in 2023.
MOTU 16A 32×32 Thunderbolt / USB 2.0 Audio Interface with AVB
- 32-in/32-out Hybrid Thunderbolt/USB 2.0/iOS Audio Interface with 16 x 16...
- 48-channel DSP Mixer Onboard with Processing Effects - Mac/PC
- AVB Ethernet Compatibility
Check out the MOTU 16A hybrid audio interface if you’re seeking for a system that can handle a wide range of professional audio applications. The 16A provides an excellent conduit for your outboard microphone preamplifiers and other studio gear, with 16 balanced analogue inputs and outputs, as well as an extra 16 channels of ADAT I/O on optical ports for multi-channel mic pres and more. Latency isn’t an issue with the 16A thanks to Thunderbolt connectivity, but the integrated DSP mixer provides latency-free monitoring and mixing. MOTU’s AVB Ethernet allows you to network several AVB interfaces to your 16A, and advanced features even let you to use it as a standalone, iPad-controlled digital mixer.
The 16A is no different. With a self-noise level of -110dB THD+N and a dynamic range of 123dB (A-weighted, 20Hz-20kHz), the 16A’s 16-channel analogue I/O provides some of the cleanest audio available, and an extra 16 channels of digital I/O through ADAT optical ports brings your total channel count to 32 x 32. MOTU supplied the 16A ultra-fast Thunderbolt connectivity (in addition to USB 2.0) to go with this remarkable array of high-quality I/O, so you get epically low system latency as well.
Granted, system latency isn’t an issue with the MOTU 16A’s lightning-fast Thunderbolt connection, but the onboard DSP mixer still has a lot of advantages you’ll find handy in a variety of situations, such as when you’re connected through USB. For starters, this digital mixer can handle up to 48 inputs (through AVB expansion) and 12 stereo buses, allowing you to create incredibly complicated routing schemes without the need for a computer. In fact, if you connect a wifi network to your 16A, you can use an app on your iOS smartphone to access all of its internal mixing functions, including effects and processing, thus turning this powerful audio interface into a standalone mixer. When it comes to onboard processing and effects, the 16A’s DSP EQ, compression, gate, and reverb will come in handy whether you’re in the studio or onstage.
Another fascinating feature of the 16A’s Ethernet connection is the possibility to connect it to other MOTU AVB audio interfaces. This can be done in one of two ways: directly via an Ethernet wire or as part of an audio network using one or more MOTU AVB Switches. You may quickly connect a second 16A or other AVB compatible device to your first one using just a single Ethernet wire. You may establish an audio network of up to five units using MOTU AVB Switches, potentially connecting hundreds of channels of I/O across numerous rooms. Latency and cable runs aren’t an issue because it’s all done over normal Cat-5e Ethernet cable. This is the Best 16-Channel Audio Interface for music production.
Universal Audio Apollo x16 Heritage Edition
- Produce with a special edition of UA's elite-class Apollo x16 interface,...
- Record with elite-class A/D and D/A conversion nearing the widest dynamic...
- Track and mix with powerful HEXA Core processing, featuring 6 UAD DSP chips...
Place the Universal Audio Apollo x16 in the heart of your studio, and your productivity will skyrocket. Thanks to UA’s powerful 6-core HEXA Core CPU, you’ll be able to track and mix with 50 percent more processing power than prior Apollos. The Apollo x16’s enhanced elite-class AD/DA conversion and Dual Crystal clocking deliver top-shelf sound quality. Native 7.1 surround monitoring, configurable +24dBu operation, built-in talkback, and more are all features that pro users will love. Aside from that, with to the Apollo x16’s ultra-fast Thunderbolt 3 interface, you get sub-2ms latency and plenty of expandability.
The Apollo x16 Heritage Edition includes a premium suite of ten award-winning plug-in titles, as well as the Realtime Analog Classics Plus package, which gives you accurate emulations of vintage analogue gear. Finally, the Apollo x16 is compatible with Universal Audio’s LUNA software, allowing you to create a fully integrated recording, editing, and mixing environment that includes full software-based control over your interface’s parameters, global console and tape emulations, and advanced real-time tracking. If there was ever a moment to upgrade to the most recent Apollo, it’s now!
There are instances when your computer’s power and speed are insufficient to handle all of the plug-ins required for your recording session. That’s where the 6-core HEXA Core CPU from UA comes in. This CPU generates 50% more power than the previous model. This means you can use Neve, Manley, or API channel strips to track in real time, or use a huge number of UAD plug-ins while mixing in your DAW.
The Apollo x16’s AD/DA conversion takes it to the next level. Apollos have always sounded excellent, but the Apollo x16’s AD/DA conversion takes it to the next level. UA engineers tested the newest cutting-edge AD/DA technology when building the latest generation of Apollos, eventually marrying elite-class 24-bit/192kHz converters with reworked analogue circuitry. As a result, the signal route has a 133dB dynamic range and a –129dB THD+N. Dual Crystal clocking also provides a low-jitter environment for clean, artifact-free recording and accurate stereo imaging. If you listen closely, you’ll notice that the Apollo x16’s AD/DA rivals any high-end standalone converter on the market, making it one of the best 16 channel audio interface.
PreSonus StudioLive 16R
- AVB stage box for StudioLive Series III consoles with simple stage box mode...
- Fully recallable, 16-channel, Series III digital rack mixer
- 18 total inputs, including 16 locking combo mic/line channel inputs with...
An other digital mixer with an integrated audio interface is the Presonus StudioLive 16R. Unquestionably, it ranks among the top 16-channel digital mixers for your audio rack. An XLR 14″ combination jack that doubles as a mic/line input is present on each of the 16 input channels. This implies that you can connect an XLR or 14″ audio cable to whichever channel you choose.
Also, all of the channels have XMAX preamps integrated into them, allowing them to generate excellent sound with a low noise floor. This is a great audio interface to choose if you mostly record from microphones. On this digital mixer/audio interface, there are various methods for multitrack audio recording. One method is to USB-connect it to your computer and record it straight into your preferred DAW.
To enjoy wireless control, this Presonus StudioLive needs to be connected to a wireless router. With the use of this technology, you may control the StudioLive 16R using PCs or smart devices such an iPad, tablet, or Windows laptop. And setting it up is simple. The Presonus Studiolive 16R can be used as a stagebox for Presonus StudioLive Series III mixers or as a standalone digital mixer for live events at this price point.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
- with 8 Mic/Line Inputs; 2 Instrument Inputs
- Bundled Software - Mac/Win
- USB 2.0 Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a third-generation Focusrite Scarlett that packs a lot of punch into a small package. Two bright Focusrite mic/instrument preamps are exactly where you need them on the front panel, while the back panel houses a load of extra I/O – up to 18-in/20-out at once! There are six more XLR combo inputs on the back, as well as eight channels of ADAT I/O, S/PDIF and MIDI I/O, and word clock out. Focusrite ensured that the Scarlett 18i20 has all of the features you’ll require. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is a solid foundation for serious project studios that may need to expand in the future, with an onboard talkback to communicate with talent, 8-channel LED bar-graph metres, dual headphone outputs with independent level controls, and speaker switching for dual-monitor setups. Connect the device, launch the included software, and you’re ready to go.
With eight upgraded Scarlett mic preamps, high-performance 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA converters, optimised preamp gain structure, vanishingly low latency, instrument inputs that handle scorching hot pickups, and speaker switching technology for dual-monitor setups, the third-generation Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 advances the state-of-the-art in USB audio interfaces. The mic preamps now include Focusrite’s famed Air mode, which gives your voice and instrument recordings a brighter, more open sound by modelling the company’s legendary ISA console transformer. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is the ideal starting point for a serious home or transportable recording studio. Start making great-sounding music right away with the bundled software.
The exterior of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 has been redesigned for the third generation audio gear for audio signals. Scarlett 18i20 has been modified and optimised under the hood to give greater sonics, lower latency, and improved ease of use. With sample rates up to 192kHz, you’ll have studio-quality sound that you can carry with you everywhere you go. Focusrite’s famed Air circuit has been added to their already incredible Scarlett mic preamps. The instrument inputs have also been redesigned to accommodate the most powerful active pickups. Finally, the Scarlett 18i20’s inputs and outputs have wired analogue safety circuitry to protect your interface from destructive power surges.
When you have a great-sounding monitor mix with everything you need to be inspired — for example, reverb and delay on a guitar solo — you know you’re performing better. Because of the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20’s ultra-low latency, you can monitor in real time with native plug-in effects, allowing you to hear your parts exactly as you imagine them and record superior performances. Sweetwater understands that you can’t put a price on that. Simply engage the Direct Monitor circuit if you want the simplicity and convenience of monitoring your input directly with guaranteed low latency. A pair of virtual loopback inputs let you record a stereo feed from any combination of hardware input and software playback channels, making podcasting, live streaming, and sampling a breeze.
Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface
- Captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound quality...
- Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps deliver the cleanest and quietest...
- An additional eight line inputs are provided, two of them switchable to...
The Tascam US 1608 audio interface has excellent hardware and 16 input channels. The other 8 input channels are line-level inputs, whereas 8 of these input channels feature ultra-high resolution microphone preamp inputs. It also offers a stereo headphone output in addition to eight balanced 14 inch outputs. Each input channel on this audio interface has a 4-band EQ and compression.
There is a DSP included into the Tascam US 1608. Its internal DSP is renowned for its convenient processing and quick mixing. This audio interface also offers a MIDI input and output in addition to a switchable +48V phantom power for certain of the channels. Additionally, it contains a Class-compliant USB that works with both Macs and Windows PCs.
This audio interface’s simplicity of setup is a major plus. Its high-quality preamps can maintain robust audio signals while producing minimum noise. Consequently, buying this audio interface is unquestionably a good deal given its pricing. This audio interface’s drivers and software have experienced problems in the past, including high CPU utilization, crashes, and other problems. And as a result, this audio interface received some unfavorable evaluations. But this is a thing of the past now.
Fortunately, a new options panel that is compatible with Windows software and helps to increase driver stability has been introduced. As a result, the majority of these software problems have been significantly fixed. Users of the Tascam US 1608 are generally pleased with its performance. Therefore, you should definitely pay special attention to the Tascam US-1608 if you’re looking for a fantastic 16-channel audio interface. especially if you have a limited budget.
Things to Consider when choosing a 16 Channel Audio Interface (Buying Guide)
When you decide to buy an audio interface for your audio setup, you can use this as a guide. You will already be able to identify the kind of audio interface you require for your setup once you have finished reading this.
Number and Type of Inputs/Outputs
How many outputs and inputs do I need should always be considered when picking an audio interface. One of the first things you should think about is this. This is due to the fact that an audio interface’s input and output ports allow you to connect the appropriate instruments and studio equipment to them while recording. Certainly, the topic of our discussion will be audio interfaces with 16 input channels.
Type of Inputs/Output Port
You should take into account the type of input and output ports an audio interface has in addition to their number. Two different types of audio connections, the XLR and 14″, are typically included with audio interfaces. The majority of audio interfaces offer both in combination. However, some audio interfaces only offer output or input ports that are 14″ or XLR.
The XLR inputs, which include pre-amps, are designed to receive signals from microphones. Yet, some audio interfaces create a combo channel by combining the line level and mic level channels.
Certain audio interfaces could include a number of digital input and output channels in addition to XLR and 14 inch connections. When a setup expansion calls for the usage of digital channels, these digital input channels can be useful.
Digital Signal Processor (DSP) and Phantom Power
Digital signal processing, or DSP, is a feature that some audio interfaces include but many don’t. The built-in effects and microprocessor of audio interfaces with onboard DSP enable you to process any audio signal received by the audio interface before it is transferred to the DAW.
You should think about an audio interface with an onboard DSP if you’re a music production who wants to apply effects like compression or EQ to signals before they are recorded by a DAW, otherwise you can use any audio interface.
A digital signal processor is essentially a microprocessor chip that is mostly used to create systems for digital audio signal processing and telecommunication. A digital signal processor’s job is to take real-world signals—in this example, audio signals—and digitally process them.
Connection Port to Computer
Even though this is the last thing I’ll mention, it is the most crucial and cannot be ignored. To connect to your computer, audio interfaces typically have one of three types of ports: USB, Thunderbolt, or Firewire.
The most common choices are USB audio interfaces. And the reason for that is because each computer has a USB port. Thunderbolt audio interfaces send audio from the interface to the computer much more quickly. However, they are less widespread and cost a little more than USB connections.
Audio interfaces featuring Firewire connections are only available for Macs. They’re also reputed to be a little bit more stable than USB interfaces. Nonetheless, Firewire audio interfaces are progressively becoming less common. And that’s because USB ports are improving and newer Macs lack Firewire ports.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a 16 channel audio interface?
A 16 channel audio interface is a device that allows you to record and play back audio using 16 input and output channels. It typically connects to your computer via USB or Thunderbolt and allows you to record audio from multiple sources simultaneously.
What are the advantages of using a 16 channel audio interface?
One of the main advantages of using a 16 channel audio interface is that it allows you to record multiple sources simultaneously, which is useful for recording a band or a group of musicians. It also allows you to mix and edit multiple tracks separately, giving you more control over your recordings.
What types of inputs and outputs does a 16 channel audio interface have?
A 16 channel audio interface typically has a combination of analog and digital inputs and outputs. The analog inputs and outputs can be used for recording and playback of instruments, microphones, and other audio sources. The digital inputs and outputs are used for connecting to other digital audio devices, such as a digital mixer or a digital audio workstation.
What are some popular brands of 16 channel audio interfaces?
Some popular brands of 16 channel audio interfaces include Focusrite, Presonus, Behringer, Universal Audio, and MOTU.
Do I need special software to use a 16 channel audio interface?
Most 16 channel audio interfaces come with their own software, which is used to configure the device and record and playback audio. However, you may also need a digital audio workstation (DAW) software, such as Pro Tools, Logic, or Ableton Live, to record and edit your audio.