Since the dawn of USB, we’ve seen many different mics, cables and preamps with digital audio interfaces onboard. Apogee ONE takes the reverse approach: It’s a high-quality single-channel interface with the mic built in.

FOR: The discerning home studio or mobile recordist. ONE is literally pocket-sized, and USB-powered to record via an onboard mic or instrument and XLR inputs. Apogee offers an optional tabletop stand, but the built-in mic sounded clean everywhere we positioned it.

NOT FOR: PC users, anyone recording multiple channels.