Discover how built-in analog filters in new audio interfaces add warmth and creative sound-shaping, transforming recording and production in 2025.
The world of audio interfaces is evolving rapidly, and one of the most intriguing trends in 2025 is the integration of built-in analog filters. Once the domain of synthesizers and high-end outboard gear, analog filters are now appearing in compact, affordable audio interfaces-offering producers and musicians a whole new palette of creative possibilities. Here’s how this technology is reshaping the recording landscape.
What Are Analog Filters in Audio Interfaces?
Analog filters are electronic circuits that shape the tone of an audio signal by allowing certain frequencies to pass while attenuating others. Classic analog filters are beloved for their warm, musical sound and are a staple in iconic synthesizers. When built into an audio interface, these filters let you process vocals, instruments, or any input signal with real analog character before the sound even hits your recording software.
Why Built-in Analog Filters Matter
1. Creative Sound Shaping at the Source
With an analog filter in your interface, you can sculpt your sound during recording, not just in post-production. This encourages a more hands-on, performance-driven approach and can lead to unique, inspiring results.
2. Analog Warmth and Character
Digital plugins are powerful, but analog filters are prized for their organic, musical response. Adding an analog filter to your recording chain can impart warmth, depth, and movement that’s hard to replicate with software alone.
3. Streamlined Workflow
Having analog processing built into your interface means less reliance on external gear or complex routing. This is especially valuable for home studios or mobile setups where space and simplicity are priorities.
Who Benefits Most from This Technology?
- Electronic Music Producers: Shape synths, drum machines, and samples with classic analog filtering.
- Guitarists and Vocalists: Add warmth, presence, or special effects to live performances or recordings.
- Content Creators: Stand out with unique audio textures and real-time sound design.
Korg microAudio 722: A Pioneer
At NAMM 2025, Korg unveiled the microAudio 722-a compact audio interface that’s turning heads for its integrated analog filter235. Here’s what makes it special:
- 700S Analog Filter: Borrowed from the legendary miniKORG 700S synthesizer, this filter offers both low-pass and high-pass modes, with hands-on controls for cutoff and resonance.
- Real-Time Modulation: The microAudio 722 includes a modulation engine with a sync-able LFO and envelope follower, allowing for dynamic, evolving filter effects on any audio source.
- Onboard DSP Effects: Alongside the analog filter, you get hardware-based noise gate and compression, making it easy to shape your sound before it even reaches your DAW.
Onboard DSP Effects: Alongside the analog filter, you get hardware-based noise gate and compression, making it easy to shape your sound before it even reaches your DAW.
Are There Other Interfaces with Analog Processing?
While Korg’s microAudio 722 is leading the charge with a true analog filter, other interfaces-like the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X-offer analog-style processing via onboard DSP and vintage-inspired circuitry14. However, a dedicated, tweakable analog filter built into a compact interface is a new and exciting development for 2025.
The Future of Audio Interfaces
Built-in analog filters are redefining what audio interfaces can do. By merging classic analog sound-shaping with modern recording convenience, products like the Korg microAudio 722 are empowering musicians and producers to capture unique, professional-quality tones from the very start. As this technology becomes more widespread, expect to see even more creative tools built directly into the interfaces at the heart of every studio.
Ready to upgrade your sound? Keep an eye on the latest audio interfaces with built-in analog filters-they might just change the way you record forever.
What is a built-in analog filter in an audio interface?
A built-in analog filter in an audio interface is a hardware circuit that shapes the tone of your audio signal by allowing certain frequencies to pass and reducing others. For example, the Korg microAudio 722 includes a 700S analog filter, giving users real-time control over sound coloration and warmth directly from the interface.
What are the benefits of having an analog filter in an audio interface?
Analog filters add warmth, character, and creative sound-shaping possibilities to your recordings. With real-time controls, you can tweak cutoff and resonance as you record, helping you achieve a unique, professional sound without relying solely on software plugins.
Which new audio interfaces feature built-in analog filters?
The Korg microAudio 722, unveiled at NAMM 2025, is a standout example. It features a 700S analog filter based on the classic miniKORG 700S synthesizer, offering both low-pass and high-pass modes with hands-on hardware controls for creative processing.
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Bassist, guitarist and producer with a long history in bands, I’ve spent more than 20 years immersed in music and gear. When I’m not playing, I’m writing about audio music, studio setups, recording and everything that helps musicians sound their best.