The Best Audio Interfaces of 2025: Universal Audio and More

While open-source crusaders and techno-libertarians applaud Universal Audio’s recent efforts to move away from the “walled garden” approach of plug-ins, the truth is that most good ones still require an interface or the presence of a processor core to load and run in your DAW of choice. As we mentioned in the Apollo Twin writeup, above: “Good” is a huge understatement when describing UAD’s most popular plug-ins.

Its optical mix bass compressor, legendary reverbs and digital re-creation of warm, vibey tape machines are unmatched by any other prosumer-level manufacturer, and the fact that its hardware powers CPU-hungry algorithms that apply magical high-end shine to your mixes makes it a valuable leap forward.

Direct monitoring from the four included XLR unison preamps is crystal clear, nearly latency-free, and loaded with clear headroom for anything you plug into it. A wide array of inputs, such as a pair of ADAT I/Os and eight line-level 1/4″ jacks, can handle sessions of all sizes, and the UA Console app makes routing, monitoring, and plug-in management a breeze. If you go to a large studio, this is the most common interface you’ll come across, which can often be combined for multiple channels with a single device.Pete Cotel