Answer: For guitarists seeking to route guitar through a computer with MIDI capabilities, these five interfaces offer solid MIDI I/O, good preamps, and dependable connectivity. The selections vary from portable bus-powered units to multi-port hubs, making it easier to match a setup with your workflow, whether you’re recording, jamming, or performing live. The top picks cater to players who want reliable MIDI in/out at the interface level, plus clean guitar and vocal paths. The table below summarizes each product’s key MIDI and audio features to help you compare at a glance.
| Product | MIDI I/O | Best For | |
|---|---|---|---|
| PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface | Yes, MIDI I/O | Home studios and portable rigs needing two mic pres and instrument I/O | Value-packed two-channel interface |
| CME H4MIDI WC Advanced USB Host MIDI Interface | Yes, multiple USB MIDI ports | A MIDI-centric setup with stand-alone or computer use | Standalone USB host and multi-port expansion |
| IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface | Does not specify MIDI; focuses on guitar input | Mobile guitar recording on Mac/PC/iPad | Compact, easy for on-the-go recording |
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen | Does not include MIDI I/O | High-fidelity recording with software bundle | Studio-standard mic/guitar paths |
| Synido USB C Audio Interface | Does not specify MIDI I/O | Versatile 2×2 with 24-bit/48kHz for streaming | Three monitoring modes for flexibility |
PreSonus AudioBox 96 25th Anniversary USB Audio Interface
The AudioBox 96 provides two Class-A mic preamps and two instrument inputs, along with MIDI I/O. This makes it suitable for guitar players who want to capture both vocal or instrument tracks and route MIDI notes or control signals to software or external synths. It’s a compact, portable option ideal for bedroom studios or mobile recording setups. Best for guitarists who need simple two-channel recording with reliable MIDI routing.
Best for: Solo artists or small home studios requiring a compact, budget-friendly interface with MIDI I/O and solid guitar DI paths. Limitation: No built-in DSP effects, so monitoring relies on your DAW DSP.
CME H4MIDI WC Advanced USB Host MIDI Interface
The CME H4MIDI WC is designed around MIDI control and stand-alone operation. It can host up to eight USB MIDI device ports via a USB hub and provides four inputs and four outputs of virtual MIDI ports when connected to a computer. It supports USB-C for computer connections and multiple power options for studio or stage use. It’s an excellent choice if your guitar rig relies heavily on MIDI gear or if you want robust standalone MIDI routing.
Best for: Musicians building a MIDI-forward rig with multiple devices, or those needing flexible power and standalone operation. Caution: Some users may require additional hubs or cables to connect all devices in complex setups.
IK Multimedia iRig USB Guitar Audio Interface
The iRig USB Guitar interface emphasizes portability and universal compatibility. It delivers studio-grade 24-bit/48 kHz sound for guitar recordings with direct monitoring, plus a dedicated amp out option. It’s a practical pick for players who prioritize mobility and straightforward connection to modern devices. Best for: On-the-go guitarists who want quick setup with good sound; choose this if you don’t need MIDI I/O built into the interface itself.
Caution: MIDI I/O is not a stated feature in this model, so if MIDI integration is essential, consider a model with explicit MIDI I/O support.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface
Scarlett 2i2 is a studio-standard interface with two mic/line inputs and excellent preamps, but it does not list MIDI I/O. It’s ideal for guitarists who want high-fidelity vocal or instrument recording alongside software-based MIDI, but they will need a separate MIDI interface for MIDI routing. Best for: Guitarists prioritizing sound quality and software compatibility; avoid this if you require built-in MIDI I/O.
Synido USB C Audio Interface
Synido offers a 2-channel USB-C interface with 24-bit depth and 48kHz sampling, plus three monitoring modes. It emphasizes flexible monitoring for recording, streaming, or post-production. It does not explicitly mention MIDI I/O, so use as a general audio interface unless MIDI capability is necessary. Best for: Streamers or podcasters needing flexible monitoring; avoid if you require MIDI I/O for shaping MIDI-based guitar workflows.
Buying Guide
What should you consider when choosing a MIDI-capable interface for guitar?
- MIDI I/O availability: If you plan to control soft synths, drum machines, or external gear via MIDI, verify that the interface provides MIDI IN/OUT or USB MIDI ports.
- Preamps and instrument inputs: High-headroom instrument inputs help you record guitar with minimal clipping, while clean mic pres improve vocal or amp mic recordings.
- Portability vs. expandability: Portable units are great for on-the-go recording, but multi-port devices or USB host options offer more routing flexibility in a fixed studio.
- Direct monitoring and latency: Look for zero-latency monitoring features if you want real-time playback while recording.
- Software and workflow: Bundled software and DAW compatibility can affect your setup time and creative options.
- Future-proofing: Consider whether you might expand to additional guitars, pedals, or MIDI controllers and choose interfaces with scalable MIDI capabilities or USB hubs as needed.
FAQ
- Do all guitar interfaces include MIDI I/O? No. Some models focus on audio inputs and guitar DI paths and may exclude MIDI.
- Is standalone MIDI support important for guitar players? It can be, if you want to run MIDI devices without a computer, enabling rehearsal or live use without a laptop.
- What’s the advantage of two mic preamps? Two mic preamps let you record two vocal or instrument channels simultaneously with gain control and high headroom.
- Should I pick a portable interface for guitar work? If you travel or record away from a desk, portability is important; for fixed studios, expandability can be more important.
- Can I use a non-MIDI interface with MIDI devices? Yes, but you’ll need a separate MIDI interface or USB MIDI device to route MIDI data.
- What does “zero-latency monitoring” mean? It means you can hear your input signal in real time with no perceptible delay while recording.