Guitar-Amp-Interface-Mac because, if you want to record the sound of the amp, you'll probably better record the sound that's coming out of the amp's speakers with a mic. If you want to record the clean Guitar signal, better go directly into the interface and use Logics Guitar Amp Pro Plugin to shape the sound. Apogee JAM is a USB guitar interface for connecting and recording studio quality electric guitar or bass with GarageBand on iPad, iPhone and Mac. Radial SGI Studio Guitar Interface - The Radial SGI is a high performance line driver that takes an unbalanced guitar signal and allows you to drive it as far as 100 meters (300ft) without noise. Apogee JAM is a USB guitar interface for connecting and recording studio quality electric guitar or bass with GarageBand on iPad, iPhone and Mac. Radial SGI Studio Guitar Interface - The Radial SGI is a high performance line driver that takes an unbalanced guitar signal and allows you to drive it as far as 100 meters (300ft) without noise.

Best Interface For Using Mac As A Guitar Amplifier
Best Interface For Using Mac As A Guitar Amp

Whether you want to call it an audio interface or a soundcard, if you make music on a Mac, PC, iPad or even iPhone, it makes sense to get the best box of I/O tricks that you possibly can.

But how do you decide which USB audio interface you should buy in 2019, or even if you should buy a ThunderBolt audio interface for your home studio? Well, the product for one person might not be the best one for another.

Firstly, you need to decide how many audio inputs and outputs you need. If you're going to be recording lots of instruments at the same time - in a band, for example - then multiple inputs will be very useful, but if you just plan on plugging in a mic or guitar once in a while, a 2-in device will be sufficient.

If you're a DJ, you'll want an audio interface that lets you cue-up tracks on headphones while the main mix plays out through your speakers.

You'll then use this interface to route the guitar’s output to your Mac. [ Further reading: The best surge protectors for your costly electronics ] Configure GarageBand's input and output settings.
The budget friendly Steinberg UR22mkII USB Audio Interface earns a well-deserved spot in our list of the best audio interfaces. The mkII is the newer upgraded version to the well-loved original UR22. The mkII is the newer upgraded version to the well-loved original UR22.

Think about MIDI connectivity, too - do you plan to plug your MIDI controller directly into your computer over USB, or would full-size MIDI ports on the interface be useful?

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Then there's the issue of how the interface connects to your computer. A majority of models work over USB 2, but you'll also find ThunderBolt interfaces that promise better performance but typically cost a little more. We're also starting to see USB-C audio interfaces coming to market. Whichever you go for, make sure it's compatible with your PC/Mac/iOS device and DAW before you buy.

You also need to decide if you want DSP (Digital Signal Processing) in your interface, which will enable you to use dedicated plugins that won't place any load on your computer. Universal Audio, with its UAD products, is the undisputed king of this market, but there are other options, too.

Form factor is a consideration, too: is your interface for the studio or do you want to take it on the road with you? Audio interfaces comes in all shapes and sizes; some are designed to sit in a rack or on a desk while others can be stuffed in a laptop bag and taken anywhere.

Finally, but crucially, there's the issue of price. You can get a decent audio interface for well under $200/£200, but spend a bit more and you're likely to see better quality, performance and specs.

So, there are lots of great audio interfaces, but which one you should buy depends on your requirements and budget.

Whether you're looking for the best cheap audio interface - the Audient iD4 is our current recommendation - or something from the top end, read on for MusicRadar’s picks of the current crop.

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1. Audient iD4

Great value for money

Well thought-out

Arguably the best audio interface you can buy for less than $200, The iD4 is a simple two-input/two-output offering featuring a mic preamp - complete with phantom power for using condenser mics - as well as an instrument level DI for plugging in your guitar or bass. On top of this, there’s a main output for your speakers and dual headphone outputs. The whole thing is powered via USB and, with Apple’s camera connection kit, it can also work with an iPhone/iPad. However, the studio devilry is in the detail; Audient has really thought about everything with value and usability in mind, making what is a budget solution feel anything but inexpensive. The best USB audio interface we’ve seen at this price for a long time.

Read full review: Audient iD4

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2. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

Super compact

Decent five-part input metering

Komplete Audio 2 is a two-input, two-output design with two identical mic/line/instrument inputs. Connections are on space-saving combi XLRs with individual selector switches to select between line and instrument. 48V phantom power, meanwhile, is engaged globally via a single switch. In addition to the inputs, the front panel includes a hardware monitoring balance knob (Input/Host) and headphone output with independent control. The main output level is controlled from a large output level knob on the top panel. Here you’ll also find the input meters, alongside phantom and USB indicators. Round the back you’ve got the USB B connector, a pair of balanced outputs on TRS 1⁄4-inch jacks and a Kensington Security slot. The performance of the Komplete Audio 2 is as slick as its looks, and though the features are basic, it does its job admirably. And when you consider the excellent software bundle, it's great value.

Read full review: Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

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3. Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2

A hard-wearing 2-channel interface with high audio and build quality

Up to 24-bit/192kHz operation.

Best Interface For Using Mac As A Guitar Amplifier

MIDI input and output

Zero latency control affects both monitor and headphone output

With high-quality Onyx mic pres, balanced analogue connectivity and operation up to 24-bit/192kHz, the bus-powered Onyx Producer is more than capable of getting clean signals in and out of your DAW. There are two identical mic/line inputs with combination XLR/jack connectors. Each has a manual green backlit switch to select a Hi Z instrument, and there’s a global backlit switch for 48V phantom power. Input signals can be monitored with zero latency using the Input/DAW Mix knob, and rounding off the front panel are a large Monitor level knob and headphone output with level knob. Round the back you’ll find a pair of 1⁄4-inch jacks for the monitor output, and also a pair of MIDI connectors (In and Out), which is very handy. Throw in the robust metal case and you’ve got a compact, workhorse device that should last for years. You get a DAW - Tracktion T7 - in the box as well.