# What features should I look for in a high-end USB audio interface? — Verified Specification Comparison

> All specification data verified from official manufacturer documentation.

What features should I look for in a high-end USB audio interface?

## Products

### Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen
```yaml
product: focusrite-scarlett-18i20-4th-gen
brand: Focusrite
price_gbp: 487.2
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 24-bit
sample_rate: 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz, 192 kHz
phantom_power: 48V (front-panel or software)
number_of_inputs: 18 inputs (8 mic preamps, 2 front instrument, line, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI)
number_of_outputs: 20 outputs (10 line outputs, 2 headphone outputs, ADAT, S/PDIF, MIDI)
```

- **Price:** £487.2 [^1]
- **Summary:** High-I/O USB-C audio interface with eight 4th-gen Scarlett mic preamps, 24-bit/192 kHz converters, dual ADAT for expandability, Auto Gain and Clip Safe workflow features, and dual headphone outputs; suited for project and mid-size professional studios needing extensive I/O. Includes Focusrite Control 2 for routing and mobile control.
- **Ideal For:** Ideal for a high-end USB audio interface because it offers 24-bit/192 kHz conversion, eight high-gain (69dB) mic preamps, and extensive analogue and digital I/O for flexible routing and expansion.

### Universal Audio Volt 876
```yaml
product: universal-audio-volt-876
brand: Universal Audio
price_gbp: 748.8
origin_country: null
confidence_score: null
summary_source: generated_from_verified_specs_v1
bit_depth: 32 bit
sample_rate: 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz
phantom_power: +48V (selectable per channel)
number_of_inputs: 24 (8 analog, 16 via ADAT)
number_of_outputs: 28 (8 analog, 20 via ADAT/optical)
```

- **Price:** £748.8 [^2]
- **Summary:** The Volt 876 is a rack-mount 24-in/28-out USB-C audio interface with eight digitally controlled mic/line preamps, onboard vintage preamp and 1176-style compressor emulations, 32-bit/192 kHz conversion, ADAT expansion, word clock and MIDI I/O. It targets professional and serious home studios needing high channel counts, hardware tone shaping, and comprehensive I/O in a single 1U unit.
- **Ideal For:** Good high-end USB interfaces should offer high sample rates and bit depth, low-latency I/O, per-channel phantom power and expandable ADAT channels; the Volt 876 provides 192 kHz sample rate, 32-bit conversion, selectable +48V per channel, eight analog preamps and ADAT expansion.

---
## References & Sources
[^1]: Recording Magazine (lists retailer price), accessed 2026-06-13. https://www.recordingmag.com/focusrite-scarlett-18i20-4th-gen/
[^2]: Universal Audio (product page), accessed 2026-06-13. https://www.uaudio.com/products/volt-876