iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Yes. An audio interface can play music from a computer as well as record sound. Choose the interface as the computer’s playback device, then connect headphones to its headphone jack or compatible speakers to its outputs. The interface converts the computer’s digital audio into an analog signal for listening.
How listening through an audio interface works
An interface is not just an input for microphones and instruments. It can also receive playback audio from a computer and send it to headphones or speakers. Audient explains that computer playback, including music and streaming audio, can be converted by the interface for listening: Audient’s computer-audio playback guide.
The listening device must be connected to the interface, not just to the computer. Focusrite advises connecting headphones or studio monitors directly to the interface for the models covered in its guidance: Focusrite’s monitoring guide. PreSonus likewise notes that headphones or monitors need to be connected to its interface when that interface is selected as the computer’s output: PreSonus AudioBox playback guidance.
Quick wins for a faster PC:
Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →What to connect: headphones or speakers
Headphones for private listening
Plug headphones into the interface’s headphone output and raise its headphone level. Check the connector sizes before using an adapter: some interfaces have a 1/4-inch headphone jack, while many everyday headphones use a 3.5 mm plug. A 3.5 mm-to-1/4-inch TRS adapter works only when those are the respective plug and jack types; confirm the specifications for your particular interface and headphones.
#1 Best Overall
- Pro performance with great pre-amps - Achieve a brighter recording thanks to the high performing mic pre-amps of the Scarlett 3rd Gen. A switchable Air mode will add extra clarity to your acoustic instruments when recording with your Solo 3rd Gen
- Get the perfect guitar and vocal take with - With two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass so that they shine through. Capture your voice and instruments without any unwanted clipping or distortion thanks to our Gain Halos
- Studio quality recording for your music & podcasts - Achieve pro sounding recordings with Scarlett 3rd Gen’s high-performance converters enabling you to record and mix at up to 24-bit/192kHz. Your recordings will retain all of their sonic qualities
- Low-noise for crystal clear listening - 2 low-noise balanced outputs provide clean audio playback with 3rd Gen. Hear all the nuances of your tracks or music from Spotify, Apple & Amazon Music. Plug-in headphones for private listening in high-fidelity
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Speakers for room listening
Connect compatible powered speakers or studio monitors to the interface’s appropriate outputs. An interface’s line outputs do not power passive speakers; passive speakers require a separate amplifier. Focusrite’s setup guidance distinguishes powered monitors from passive speakers that need a stereo amplifier: Focusrite’s monitoring guide.
Set the interface as the playback device
- Connect the listening device. Attach headphones to the headphone jack, or powered speakers to the appropriate outputs. For passive speakers, connect through a suitable amplifier.
- Select the interface for computer playback. In your operating system’s sound settings, choose the interface as the output device. If you are playing from a DAW, select the interface as the DAW’s audio device too.
- Check application and output routing. Confirm that the music app or DAW is sending audio to the interface outputs connected to your headphones or speakers. If the interface includes a mixer or routing application, route computer or DAW playback to those physical outputs.
- Raise the correct level. Turn up the interface’s headphone or monitor control, and check that neither the computer nor the application is muted.
Control names and routing options vary by interface. For example, PreSonus AudioBox guides describe setting the AudioBox as the computer’s playback device and moving its Mixer control toward Playback to hear computer audio. That control is specific to the relevant AudioBox setup, not a universal setting: PreSonus AudioBox playback guidance.
Rank #2
- The new generation of the songwriter's interface: Plug in your mic and guitar and let Scarlett Solo 4th Gen bring big studio sound to wherever you make music
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Find your signature sound: Scarlett 4th Gen's improved Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- All you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
- Everything in the box: Includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and Hitmaker Expansion: a suite of essential effects, powerful software instruments, and easy-to-use mastering tools
Playback, direct monitoring, and DAW monitoring are different
Ordinary computer music playback is audio sent from the computer to the interface’s outputs. Direct monitoring instead sends a connected microphone, instrument, or other physical input to those outputs so a performer can hear it with very little monitoring delay. It is not the setting that enables computer music playback.
If you hear a live microphone or instrument when no music is playing, direct monitoring may be enabled. Turn it off if you do not want to hear that input. When recording, hearing both the direct input and a DAW-monitored copy of the same signal can create an echo because the software path may be delayed. Focusrite describes routing DAW playback to interface outputs and the distinction between input monitoring and playback in its routing guidance: Focusrite’s DAW playback routing guide.
Rank #3
- PLUG IN AND HEAR SOUND IN SECONDS - USB Type-A connector with a 3.5mm stereo headphone output and a separate 3.5mm mono microphone input. No drivers, no software, no external power - the adapter is USB bus-powered and is recognized as a standard USB audio device.
- WORKS ON WINDOWS, MAC AND LINUX - Driverless on Windows 98SE/ME/2000/XP/Server 2003/Vista/7/8, Linux and Mac OSX, and compliant with the USB Audio Device Class 1.0 specification, so any system that supports class-compliant USB audio will see it. Select it as the sound output and input device after plugging it in.
- TWO JACKS, TWO JOBS - The green jack is stereo OUT for headphones or powered speakers; the pink jack is mono microphone IN for a 3.5mm mic. It does NOT support 4-pole headsets on a single combo plug, it does NOT power passive speakers, and it does NOT add surround sound - it is a stereo 2-channel adapter.
- FOR LAPTOPS AND DESKTOPS THAT NEED AN AUDIO PORT BACK - Adds a headphone and mic port to a laptop, desktop, or mini PC whose onboard jack has failed or was never there. Managed and work-issued computers can block new USB audio devices by policy - check with your IT department before ordering for a company machine.
- SABRENT SUPPORT AND WARRANTY - What is in the box: one USB audio sound adapter. Backed by a 1-year limited warranty, extended to 2 years when you register within 90 days on the manufacturer's website.
If you cannot hear music
- Check the selected output. Verify that the operating system and, if applicable, the DAW are using the interface rather than the computer’s built-in speakers or headphone output.
- Check where the headphones or speakers are plugged in. When the interface is the playback device, listening equipment generally needs to be connected to its outputs.
- Check routing and levels. Make sure playback channels are routed to the outputs in use, the interface’s headphone or monitor level is up, and the app and computer are not muted.
- Check for a model-specific mixer control. Some interfaces have a control that blends or selects input and playback signals. Consult the manual for your model rather than assuming every interface uses the same labels.
- On Windows, account for the DAW driver mode. Focusrite says its Windows DAW/ASIO setup uses one device for input and output, so headphones or speakers should be connected to that interface. WDM can allow separate input and output devices, but may add latency. This is a Windows, driver, and application-specific case—not a universal rule for all computers or software: Focusrite’s Windows audio-device guidance.
What to check before choosing a listening setup
- Listening situation: Headphones suit private listening; powered speakers or monitors suit listening in a room.
- Connector fit: Match the headphone plug to the interface jack, using an adapter only when the sizes and connector types are compatible.
- Speaker power: Confirm whether speakers are powered or require a separate amplifier.
- Recording needs: If you also need to hear a live input while recording, check how the interface handles direct monitoring and DAW monitoring.
Exact connector options, routing software, and driver behavior depend on the interface, operating system, and application. Check the manual for your specific model if its available outputs or controls do not match these general steps.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- The new generation of the artist's interface: Connect your mic to Scarlett's 4th Gen mic pres. Plug in your guitar. Fire up the included software. Start making your first big hit
- Studio-quality sound: With a huge 120dB dynamic range, the newest generation of Scarlett uses the same converters as Focusrite’s flagship interfaces, found in the world's biggest studios
- Never lose a great take: Scarlett 4th Gen's Auto Gain sets the perfect level for your mic or guitar, and Clip Safe prevents clipping, so you can focus on the music
- Find your signature sound: Air mode lifts vocals and guitars to the front of the mix, adding musical presence and rich harmonic drive to your recordings
- With Scarlett 4th Gen, you have all you need to record, mix and master your music: Includes industry-leading recording software and a full collection of record-making plugins
Rank #4
- Podcast, Record, Live Stream, This Portable Audio Interface Covers it All - USB sound card for Mac or PC delivers 48kHz audio resolution for pristine recording every time
- Be ready for anything with this versatile M-AUDIO interface - Record guitar, vocals or line input signals with two combo XLR / Line / Instrument Inputs with phantom power
- Everything you Demand from an Audio Interface for Fuss-Free Monitoring - 1/4" headphone output and stereo 1/4" outputs for total monitoring flexibility; USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring
- Get the best out of your Microphones - M-Track Duo’s transparent Crystal Preamps guarantee optimal sound from all your microphones including condenser mics
- The MPC Production Experience - Includes MPC Beats Software complete with the essential production tools from Akai Professional
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
