Best Drum Recording Interface – A Look into the Best Recording Equipment for Excellent Sound

Skill alone is not sufficient for great music. The quality of instruments and accessories used play a vital role in determining the excellence of your craft more so for instrumentalists. For drummers who look forward to recording pieces for a YouTube channel or a soundtrack in the studio, a good recording interface is a must-have. Recording directly without an interface is a sure way to get a horrible sound. In this regard, an audio interface is a piece of equipment that makes it possible to obtain a clean, high-quality drum sound by recording it through a PC.

I am Chad, an experienced drummer who dedicated all his life to playing in various music bands. I tried different types of this instrument and want to share my knowledge with you. The right drum interface is essential in helping one express themselves much better as a drummer by getting the best sound quality possible. Considering there are hundreds of interface products in the market, not all are of commendable quality and therefore, great consideration is to be embraced when selecting an audio interface. Several factors come into play when considering which the best interface for recording drums.

However, the most appropriate interface is relative and varies from one drummer to the other as this depends on the player’s needs and preferences. For example, some drummers will find it necessary for an audio interface to have a headphones output port, while others may not regard it highly. Again, depending on the type of drum kit and the number of pieces you have, this will also influence the audio interface one picks in regard to the number of input ports.

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Top 10 Drum Recording Interface Brands

Over the years in my extensive drumming career, I have used a wide range of drum recording interface brands and observed their overall quality and shortcomings. In this review, I will be covering ten of the best interfaces I have used so far, highlighting their features and notable advantages.

Depending on your setup, some of these brands may be ideal for you, and some may not. For example, if you want to record your drumming simultaneously with another instrument such as a piano or a vocalist, you will need an interface that has several input ports. The highlighted interfaces are of commendable quality and outstanding performance, by their suitability for your needs will solely depend on your arrangement and feature preferences. Let’s have a look at them:

1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen) – Best 8 Channel Audio Interface

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB Type-C
• Frequency: 24-bit/ 192kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: Antares, Relab, Softube, XLN Audio, Brainworx, Splice, Focusrite, Ableton, and Avid

Whenever the brand name Focusrite is mentioned, excellence is an attribute one cannot help but think about. This brand has played a vital role in shaping the digital music instruments industry by steering innovations that have evolved to be esteemed as industry standards. They have some of the best drum mic interface products, as they have ingeniously constructed their digital equipment with a relentless pursuit of impeccable quality and excellence. The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 is every musician’s desired recording interface as its quality standards are second to none. Talk of flexibility, excellent sound quality, irrelevant latency, this unit has it all. Zooming in the specific features, this interface has eight microphone preamps characterized by a natural-sounding tone.

Some interfaces have poorly sounding preamps, and this greatly affects the quality of the output. If you are one of the players who delight in extreme loudness, this unit has a resourceful gain, which you can crank up to the maximum during live settings and recordings. However, one of the features that bring about concerns for drummers in need of several input ports is the integration of two input ports only. Improvisation would be a necessity in case there would be a need to connect more than two instruments, and this is not convenient. When it comes to the outputs, the manufacturers were generous enough as the unit features ten output ports. These include a pair of headphone ports with dedicated gain knobs, two stereo outputs, and a MIDI port among others.

One of the aspects, I like the most is the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, the instrument unbelievably cancels latency, thanks to the superior conversion rates characteristic of the unit, seeing that it has a sample rate of 192 kHz. Owing to the minimum latency levels, it would not be necessary to integrate with a DSP. Noteworthy, the unit also has an iOS control. Unlike many other audio interfaces for drums, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 has a free adjustment app, and this enables one to carry cues right from their iOS handheld device such as iPhone. Though a limited offer, once one purchases this unit, they are given free access to several essential features and plugins including Maximal 2 and Pivot. These come in handy in expanding sound option opportunities.

In addition, the packages come with Pro Tools, some of them are issued free while others are available for purchase. Some of the resourceful digital tools available include Ableton Live Lite, Loopmasters samples, and the Focusrite creative pack. Some of the featured effects and simulations can be selected free upon registration while others will cost a few more bucks. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 has a considerable range of frequency response, seeing that it has a range of 20 Hz to 20 kHz.

What’s included:

• Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface, for Producers, Musicians, Bands, Content Creators

Let’s take a glimpse of the notable positives and the negatives that stood out:

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2. Behringer U-Phoria UMC1820 – Affordable Quality for Home Recording Drums

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-Bit/96 kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase

The name of Behringer is closely associated with frill-free quality for many musicians who don’t feel like overinvesting in bells and whistles but do appreciate good sound. U-Phoria UMC1820 is a vivid example of this approach. With 8 inputs and 8 outputs, the interface provides for a resolution of up to 24-bit/ 96 kHz. Combined with MIDAS preamps, it’s capable of producing a very clean sound, especially when it comes to recording drums; also, you might hear occasional noise which is far from being obtrusive.

What’s included:

• Audiophile 18×20, 24-Bit/96 kHz USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Midas Mic Preamplifiers

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3. PreSonus Studio 1824c – Well-Integrated Drum Recording Equipment

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite

If you are looking for a universally compatible and reasonably powerful audio interface that won’t leave a hole in your pocket, you’ll appreciate how Studio 1824c by the well-known PreSonus combines USB-C connectivity with a maximum resolution of 192 kHz. It’s an outstanding machine when it comes to recording drums on a budget. I was impressed by how latency-free it sounds, combined with XMAX preamps that make the sound rich and smooth at the same time.

What’s included:

• PreSonus Studio 1824c 18×20, 192 kHz

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4. Universal Audio Apollo x8p – Premium Audio Interface for Drum Recording

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: Neve, API, SSL, Helios, Manley, Avalon, and more using Unison technology

Designed and built by one of the leading manufacturers of global recording and audio processing equipment, the entire Apollo X series boasts a combination of the company’s iconic Thunderbolt 3 audio interfaces and a wide range of pro-class features. Indeed, you can find its name behind a number of Grammy-winning hits. The Apollo x8p Heritage Edition model brings the line’s many virtues to a new level by relieving your hardware with the help of ten HEXA Core UAD plugin options that ensure quick plug-in processing with near-zero latency.

What’s included:

• Universal Audio Apollo x8p Heritage Edition

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5. Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface – Best Interface for Recording Drums

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 16
• Software: –

Tascam is one of the main players in the sound equipment space, having demonstrated great keenness in designing and manufacturing high-performance products. The Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount interface is one of the best that I’ve used so far, more so for recording drums alone. It has 16 input ports for mic and instruments, and these can be linked to the PC for great sound quality and managing output during live sessions.

The interface has high-end mic preamps designed to minimize noise while delivering super clean signals and a generous 56dB of gain. The unit also features 8-line inputs, and two of these are switchable for direct input connectivity with other instruments such as guitars. In regards to the outputs, the interface has eight balanced ports for linking with multiple monitors and speakers. Two of these ports have level controls, which have been positioned on the front panel of the interface for efficient monitoring. It is one of the best products in the market when one considers latency levels, as it has an onboard DSP that facilitates minimal latency input mixing and recording.

Noteworthy, the interface has four-band equalizers and compression effects integrated on each of the channels, and this makes it possible to obtain varying output qualities by adjusting these variants. Another functionality that I love most about this unit is that you can conveniently switch between the interface and preamp mode. One of the essential attributes to consider when selecting any instrument is whether it has multi-purpose functionality. The Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount usability extends to serving as a standalone microphone preamp. The unit comes with PC drivers both for Mac and Windows operating systems. Also, it comes with USB 2.0 drivers for compatibility with Mac handheld devices such as the iPad. For enhanced options, the Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount has a pair of MIDI input and output ports that are located at the back of the interface.

What’s included:

• Tascam US-16×08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface

Let’s shift gears to looking at the units’ admirable features and downsides:

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6. Behringer U-PHORIA UMC404HD Audio/MIDI Interface – Audio Interface for Drums

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 4
• Software: Avid Pro, Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase

Behringer is a famous music equipment brand that has been around for over a decade and has carved its niche in the music equipment space by delivering excellent quality products. They are a leading manufacturer of high-end recording drum interfaces The U-PHORIA UMC404HD Audio/MIDI Interface, one of Behringer’s best, is a top-quality product that is characterized by high performance, efficiency, and reliability. It is one of my favorite products in this line, putting into consideration the flexibility it serves.

One of the outstanding factors about this equipment is that it is an 8-channel music device, which serves both as an A/D and D/A interface. The essence of this is that this makes it possible for the U-PHORIA UMC404HD Audio/MIDI Interface to be used for almost any digital recording need. I love the vastness of the application possibilities of this interface, as one doesn’t have to purchase other interfaces for specified requirements. The unit also utilizes phantom power for every mic input. This means that the interface is not only power efficient but also performs greatly in producing clear and powerful sounds with significantly minimized latency levels.

The excellence of the audio can also be attributed to the circus logic 24-bit converters that translate the input signal to exceptional integrity output signals. In addition, during shipping, the package comes with quality three 20 inches microphone cords coupled with a single stereo breakout cable. It is a device that I like and found of using, as it is one of the most efficient interfaces you can find for recording your instrument right to your digital DAW. Other features that are handy when coupling your drum recording with other instruments or vocals are the ingeniously developed mic preamps. Depending on what one has at their disposal, one can use either XLR or TRS input jacks.

What’s included:

• Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD

Let’s check the good aspects and the low sides of the unit:

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7. Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX | Eight-Channel USB Audio Mixer with Integrated DSP Effects

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: –

The Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX Audio Mixer is a reliable quality piece of equipment that is a great option if you’re on a budget. It is one of my favorite pieces of sound equipment in regard to drum recording, considering that it comes with its DSP effects. Looking at its specifications, the mixer has eight input channels, making it convenient when using multiple instruments or when playing a kit with more pieces than the standard. The mixer features a 16-bit stereo USB port that makes it possible to record to the PC or playback from the device.

There are also XLR input ports, and these give the user increased options in regard to the instrument cables to use. There are also controlled high-pass filters, which can be switched on and off, and this enhances the sound quality options when recording. Another thing I like most about it is that the mixer can work with an iPad, but one has to purchase an Apple USB adopter for this functionality to be used. I have tried this, and it brings about a lot of convenience when managing the sound settings right from the handheld device. Coming with the Cubase LE software, the mixer is ready to connect with the PC without necessitating the installation of drivers.

The DSP effects can be bypassed using the footswitch control. There is also an AUX bus resource during external processing. One can listen to the output simultaneously via headphones and external speakers, as the mixer has both ports with separate level controls. These are essential in some settings. One would need to listen to their output without necessarily having to use the monitors. In addition, the mixer features colorful LED metering, which makes it easy for the user to track the control levels on the mixer.

What’s included:

• Alesis MultiMix 8 USB FX

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8. Behringer X AIR XR12 12-Input Digital Mixer – Best Audio Interface for Drums

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 12
• Software: –

Another of Behringer’s ingenious recording interfaces is the Behringer X AIR XR12. It is a sturdy and efficient piece of equipment, offering enhanced options in regards to connectivity, processing, and preference adjustments. Firstly, this interface is among the first to feature a Wi-Fi router. The X AIR XR12 has a tri-mode variant, which comes in handy when connecting to networks and with other devices. As it is the industry’s standard, this interface supports USB connectivity and therefore facilitates stereo recording. It is equipment one would consider hands-off as it features revolutionary auto-mixing.

What’s included:

• Behringer X AIR XR12

Here are the merits and drawbacks of the group:

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9. PreSonus Studio 1824c 18×20, 192 kHz, USB-C Audio Interface, 8 Mic Pres-10 Line Outs-ADAT

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: Studio One Artist і Ableton Live Lite

PreSonus is a name that has been associated with incredible quality sound equipment. The PreSonus Studio 1824c is an audio interface that uses the USB type C when linking with a PC during recording. It is one of the best interfaces for recording drums, featuring two input ports that can be used as line, mic, or instrument ports, and six separate line or mic inputs all linked to superior XMAX mic preamps each powered by phantom power for enhanced boost and outstanding sound quality.

The unit has two ¼-output ports located on the back of the interface, and these have their controls positioned on the front panel with separate mute or mono switches. It also features eight separate ¼ inches line output ports. For greater user flexibility, the unit has a pair of headphone output ports, each having different mix streams. Noteworthy, the output signal via these headphones ports is stereo. Monitoring and visualizing control levels and mix settings is not such a hassle as the unit has colorful LED metering that is conveniently conspicuous. With the Studio magic plugin included in the package, the drummer has numerous sound quality options in regards to controls, mixing, and recording.

What’s included:

• PreSonus Studio 1824c

Let’s see the pros and the wanting factors of this audio interface:

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10. Apogee – Element 88 Thunderbolt Audio I/O Box for Mac – Best Interface for Recording Drums

Specifications:

• Compatible Devices: Personal Computer
• Connectivity Technology: USB
• Frequency: 24-bit/192 kHz
• Channels: 8
• Software: Studio One Artist і Ableton Live Lite

Apogee is a top sound equipment brand known for its high-performance systems. If you’re looking for an audio interface that will give you super clean sound with minimal latency, the Element 88 would be a perfect pick. It is ingeniously drafted to enable drummers to record their best grooves efficiently without any sound hitches. This device had to make it to my list of favorite recording interfaces owing to its original features, uncommon among other audio interfaces in the market. One of the things I like most about it is the single port connectivity with Apple devices, specifically Macs, in order to enhance low latency.

The interface has a 1.41 M/s roundtrip at a frequency of 96 kHz, which enables it to output a quality sound. When using this equipment, I have figured out an added advantage since I can as well connect two audio ports from the recording interface directly to your computer. This will enable me to record my play without any interference and in the end, have a perfect audio sound. Also, with several ports in the drum audio interface, you can introduce as many mics as possible to enhance a substantial, clear, and clean sound from the interface.

When recording a drum sound, one realizes that the speed at which music moves from the source to the recording interface is intensively fast hence saving and creating more time for the advancement of the sound being recorded. With the above features, the apogee drum sound interface is the best drum recording interface one can get due to its high performance. When using the equipment, you’ll notice how easy it is to operate it. This is because there is no wide range of settings while using it.

What’s included:

• Apogee ELEMENT 88

Having mentioned the significance of the apogee audio interface for recording drums, below are some pros and cons of the same:

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Recording Interface Buyer’s Guide

If you are new to recording drums, there are a couple of important factors to take into account in order to spare yourself some frustrating experiences. Here’s a brief guide to using an audio interface for this purpose.

What to Know When Recording?

It’s becoming increasingly common to record at home rather than invest in studio time, and for a good reason. Apart from being a money-saving option, home studios offer musicians adequate flexibility for recording purposes. The key to using the opportunities of your home studio to your advantage lies in combining the right drums with the right recording hardware and software while also keeping the environment recording-friendly.

The general idea is to start small. A kick, a snare, and overheads are the absolute minimum that will cover the needs of many beginner musicians without being a headache to the mic. It’s preferable to choose a medium-sized room over a cramped or huge one.

Take care to position the microphones so that you don’t hit them as you play, and make sure the cables are all flat on the ground. Generally, it’s best to mic each part of the kit separately. Yet, the maximum number of microphones you can use is limited by how many inputs you have on your audio interface – the hardware that collects your audio signals for further sound processing. The processing is the last stage of recording, and it is done using digital audio station software such as Pro Tools, Garage Band, and many more.

What Is an Audio Interface?

As I have mentioned above, an audio interface is the hardware brain behind the whole recording operation. What it does is take the signals from your microphones and translate them into digital information for the software to understand and process. That is, the audio interface acts as an analog to the digital bridge.

When it comes to recording at home, inputs are the most essential part of an interface. Most units are equipped with up to eight XML mic inputs for taking in the signals you create by playing and feature preamplifiers that bring your mic level sound to a whole new level, called line level, by enhancing it and sometimes giving it a unique “color”. While some interfaces can be daisy-chained to handle many microphones, this is rarely the case with home studios.

Beginner-level audio interfaces are usually priced way below 1000 USD, while higher prices should be indicative of pro-grade, extra pristine sound. Yet, there’s nothing like practice when it comes to improving your recording quality. The main threat to beware of when it comes to affordable interfaces is latency, i.e. time lags that can dramatically affect the way your drums sound.

How to Record Drums?

Just like with other instruments, drum recording begins with extensive preparation that includes setting up and tuning up your instruments in an appropriate environment, installing the microphones the right way, connecting them to the inputs of your audio interface, and adjusting the latter’s parameters as needed. You’ll also need to install and learn to use the software you’ll be using beforehand.

Make sure the room you have chosen has some furniture in it to absorb part of the sound so that it doesn’t feel too boomy. The key is to find a balance between too much echo and dead-sounding drums and the best way to ensure it is by experimenting. This also applies to a drum set and mic layout. Concerning microphones, the most common wiring technique is kick-overhead-snare as it reduces the risk of mutual interference.

At this stage, you are almost ready for a test take and then a recording session. One important decision every drummer faces is whether to apply compression and distortion for a fuller, more unique sound while recording. While rewarding, the practice can limit further processing, so you should decide based on your skill and ambition.

Common Questions About Recording Interfaces

There are questions that a lot of drummers feel tempted to ask when they first start considering an audio interface. Here are the ones I’ve received many times, with brief, concise answers just in case you have been wondering.

How much to spend on an audio interface?

This one is tricky as the answer entirely depends on your skill level (and, obviously, budget). The price of a potentially decent interface generally starts at around 400 USD, 600 USD being the upper threshold of what can be referred to as entry-level equipment. Models that fall within this range often produce reasonably good sound. The main problem to avoid in a cheap audio interface is latency, which the reviews by ordinary users and experts alike tend to highlight, especially when they focus on drums. Thus it’s always a wise approach to gather first-hand information before you actually invest in any device of the kind.

Sound quality tends to slightly improve as you are near the mark of 1000 USD. Typically, this also brings about some extra bells and whistles that can improve your experience as a user such as more intuitive controls, better overall build quality, and so on. Yet, noticeable improvement is unlikely when you cross the one-thousand line as a beginner. That is, a premium-grade interface won’t make up for a lack of skill, rather, it will produce mercilessly accurate accounts of what and how you play.

To sum up, my recommendation is that you stick to under a thousand dollars for your first-ever audio interface.

How many inputs do I need on my interface?

If you’re just about to start your drum recording journey, chances are high that you are using a limited number of microphones (or even one) to record the entire drum kit. While this is fine, it’s generally advisable to look for at least eight inputs. The reason is that your set will most likely grow with you, bringing about an ever-increasing hunger for inputs.

Given that even a modestly-priced audio interface is far from being cheap equipment, the best solution is to get your needs covered at the beginning. Eight inputs have become the standard in the world of drum-friendly interfaces, and I won’t encourage you to skimp on this part since the result might prove so limiting that you’ll feel forced to invest even more than you would otherwise.

Before you go looking for the biggest number of inputs, though, here’s a note. Chances are very low that you’ll need more than eight microphones for drums alone anytime soon because a set like this would be hard to position and manage without creating numerous interference hazards. This is to say that a typical eight-input unit is likely to fit your purpose of recording drums perfectly well.

Which Is Your Favorite Drum Recording Interface?

Now that we have looked at some of the best recording interfaces in the market, which one best appeal to you? Before picking one, you should take into consideration the number of inputs you require, as this is very important. A reliable recording interface characterized by excellent performance is essential for obtaining super clean records of excellent quality.

It is essential if you’re looking forward to not only recording your drumming but also your bandmates including the vocalist, then an interface with several mics and line inputs is a must. You should also take into consideration factors such as latency rates, inbuilt effects, plug-ins, and compatibility with other gadgets such as handheld devices. In case you’ve used any of the reviewed audio interfaces for recording drums, please leave me a comment and share your opinion with me below. What is best for you? Which features are essential for your comfortable playing?