Best Cheap Audio Interface Review
An audio interface is a piece of specialized equipment that is used for making the ability of recording sound easy and efficient.
They are equipped with certain capabilities that make the sound recording clear, delivering perfect sound quality with no background sounds.
The selection of the best cheap audio interface requires an understanding of certain important aspects.
We have listed 10 best and affordable audio interfaces which you can select for professional studio-level sound quality.
All the selected equipment is best and delivers amazing performance.
Table Of Content
Top 10 Best Cheap Audio Interface
[amazon bestseller=”audio interface” items=”10″ template=”table”]1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen audio interface – known for its compact size and best choice on Amazon
[amazon link=”B07QR6Z1JB” title=”Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen audio interface”/] is considered as the best affordable audio interface which you can get your hands on.
You can easily plug in your guitar to the audio interface and to a laptop to record amazing sound with no background disturbance.
Its switchable Mic amp and air setting help in recording professional-quality sound with clarity.
The gain halo metering delivers the flexibility to alter the input levels according to your preferences.
No kind of external power is required to make the equipment functional when connected to a PC or Laptop.
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Pros
– Effective and efficient sound recording quality
– Availability of Sound recording tools and software along with the main equipment
– Equipped with one instrument input with two audio outputs
– Delivers high-performance audio output and mixing.
Cons
– May not deliver flexibility concerning Input and output sound quality
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd gen audio interface Features
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2. PreSonus Studio – best known for its USB C type connecter
[amazon link=”B07L9MWWDK” title=”PreSonus Studio”/] is also the best audio interface that is best known for its USB – C type connectivity port for connecting to modern instruments and equipment.
The MIDI interface makes the connectivity with a keyboard and other equipment efficient and hassle-free.
A mixing dial is also made available which can help in easily blending up input sound.
Operating at 192 kHz, the audio interface can record sound with the quality and in high definition.
Preamps can also help in recording every sound from guitar and keyboard smoothly and with no distortion at all.
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Pros
– Availability of 2 input and output ports for connectivity.
– Equipped with preamps and headphone output
– Mixer knob for audio input monitoring
Cons
– Limited support from PreSonus regarding any difficulty in functionality
PreSonus Studio Features
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3. MAudio AIR 192 audio interface – best known for its professional and clear sound recording quality with a dependable brand name
[amazon link=”B07YZLM3DN” title=”MAudio AIR 192″/] is the best audio interface under 300which can deliver amazing and clear sound recording capabilities to you.
The audio interface can record sound with pristine quality at 24 bit 192KHz.
Moreover, the interface is equipped with two audio input and output ports connecting your instruments along with your pc and computer, i.e. hardware.
The preamps make the sound quality amazing and deliver an almost negligible latency period for sound recording and playback.
Effects plug-in and other software solutions are also made available, which can help in making the process of recording sound easy.
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Pros
– Availability of sound recording software equipped with mixing and effects plug-in for better sound recording.
– Easier connectivity with your hardware with USB and USB – C type port.
– Compact in size
– Best audio enhancer under $300
Cons
– You may feel certain issues with new driver software updates for connecting with a PC.
MAudio AIR 192 audio interface Features
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4. Tascam US-4×4 audio interfaces – known for its IOS devices compatibility
[amazon link=”B00MIXF1JW” title=”Tascam US-4×4 audio interfaces”/] are treated as the best compact audio interface that can be used for sound recording without any latency or background jitters.
The audio interface is equipped with 4 Microphone Preamps with a MIDI interface.
The best part about the equipment is that it can be easily connected to an IOS device like MAC and also has a dedicated AC adapter for power.
Two headphones and Four analog balanced outputs are also made available which makes the sound recording capabilities awesome and without any problems.
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Pros
– Separate and dedicated AC power adapter
– Mic Preamps with MIDI interface for perfect sound quality and no distortion.
– Both Windows and IOS compatibility
– Made up of heavy-duty metal that delivers sturdiness.
Cons
– No USB – C type connectivity port
Tascam US-4×4 audio interfaces Features
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5. Behringer audio interface (UMC22) – best known for its small and compact design combined with an excellent and power-packed performance
[amazon link=”B00FFIGZF6″ title=”Behringer audio interface (UMC22)”/] is also the best audio interface under 200 that you can get your hand on.
The 2×2 audio interfaces are perfect for recording sound from an instrument or a mic due to the availability of dedicated mic input.
Sound can be recorded at professional 48 KHz for better quality and resolution.
No special or separate drivers for MAC or windows are required.
Audio can be streamed immediately with zero latency.
2 input and 2 output channels are made available for connecting different devices.
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Pros
– Compact and sturdy
– Preinstalled drivers for connection with windows and mac pcs
– State of the art MIC preamplifier
– Records sound at 48 kHz for nice quality.
Cons
– No USB – C port
– The sound recording quality and rate is low as compared to other audio interfaces available.
Behringer audio interface (UMC22) Features
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6. Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface – best known for availability of MIC and headphones for sound recording
[amazon link=”B07QTDKS59″ title=”Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface”/] is the best audio interface under 500.
The interface is equipped with direct monitor capabilities that deliver sound playback with zero latency.
You receive a mic and a headphone along with the main audio interface which other brands do not offer.
Pro Tools software for sound recording, mixing and other operations are also made available which can be used on Mac or windows.
Mic preamp with air setting can be found on the main interface for better sound recording quality.
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Pros
– Easy to install and setup
– Preamp sound delivers amazing sound quality and clarity
– Value for money
Cons
– The interface has a USB-C to A port which makes it difficult to connect with necessary hardware like MAC
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Studio (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface Features
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7. M-Audio AIR 192 audio interface – best known for its easy to control and intuitive controls
The [amazon link=”B07YYWLGFM” title=”M-Audio AIR 192 audio interface”/] has dedicated input ports for headphones, stereo, instrument, and TRS combo unit.
Considered as the best desktop audio interface, the interface helps to record up to 2 channels at once with the XLR combo unit.
Any musical instrument like a guitar or keyboard can be easily attached to the main audio interface.
You also get your hand on premium software suite which can help in recording music and sound immediately directly without any hassle.
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Pros
– Easy to use and understand interface
– Availability of pro tools and sound recording premium software
– Zero-latency technology
– High-speed USB connection
Cons
– The software made available is lite versions with limited capabilities
– The audio interface may get a certain lag upon use.
M-Audio AIR 192 audio interface Features
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8. Native Instruments Komplete Audio Interface – best known for its solid preamps and best-in-class software bundle
[amazon link=”B07N6RD68M” title=”Native Instruments Komplete Audio Interface”/] is the best external Audio Interface that you can use to record audio directly to your pc.
The audio interface can be used for making podcasts, recording sound, and even for active playback for live performance.
The knobs installed on the audio interface are best, smooth, and known for their amazing functionality.
5 level LED Indicators are also equipped for better productivity and audio recording monitoring.
The Preamps are solid and good gain range.
The software bundles made available can be used for immediate sound recording.
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Pros
– The audio interface is very small and can be used for audio recording and live playback for shows and podcasts.
– Best in class preamps
– Software bundles are effective and efficient
– Best known for its LED indicators
Cons
– Headphone output is weak
– The overall feel is not good
Native Instruments Komplete Audio Interface Features
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9. PreSonusAudioBoxiOne Audio Interface – known for its mobile-friendly design
[amazon link=”B00KBMAJU8″ title=”PreSonusAudioBoxiOne Audio Interface”/] is the best high-end audio interface that can use to record audio sound from anywhere.
The audio interface can be connected to any IOS device or PC for recording sounds.
Studio one artist software is made available which you can use for immediate and professional level sound recording quality.
One instrument input and one mic output are also made available for making the sound recording capabilities hassle-free.
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Pros
– Professional quality 96 kHz converters are made available sound input and output recording
– Easy connectivity with IPAD and IOS devices
– Mic preamplifier with best in class TRS Monitor outputs
– Availability of software for sound recording and transferring the same to iOS devices easily.
Cons
– The interface is difficult to understand and set up for first-time users
PreSonusAudioBoxiOne Audio Interface Features
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10. PreSonusAudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface – best known for its affordable price
[amazon link=”B071W6YVDR” title=”PreSonusAudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface”/] is the best audio interface under 100 if you are on a budget.
The interface is simple, reliable, and easy to understand which can be used by anyone without any problems.
A mixed controls system for controlling the input and computer audio output is made available for minimal distortion or delays.
Simply connect your mic, stereo, and other necessary hardware and start recording your favourite music immediately.
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Pros
– Portable
– Affordable
– MIDI interface for audio playback and recording crystal clear sounds
– Made up of heavy-duty steel which makes it best for travelling
Cons
– Audio output is low and unclear
PreSonusAudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface Features
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Best Cheap Audio Interface Buying Guide
We have mentioned certain tips which can help you in making the right purchasing decisions:
– The first thing to keep in mind for buying the best cheap audio interface is that it must be equipped with USB A and C type ports for easy connectivity with pc, laptop, and hardware.Modern computer with a USB C type port requires an audio interface which can provide the necessary connectivity.
This makes the process of connecting with modern Windows and MAC pc easy.
PreSonus Studio has a USB C type port for connection with MAC and other computer accessories with ease.
– The next point to keep in mind is that the design of the audio interface should be easy to understand and portable too.Audio interfaces are required for versatile uses like making podcasts, recording music, and even for live shows.
This makes it necessary for the audio playback equipment to be compact and small in size that can help with an easy sound recording from anywhere.
PreSonusAudioBoxiOne Audio Interface is the best choice known its user friendly and easy to carry around design.
– The third point to be kept in mind is that the audio interface should possess powerful preamps that can deliver amazing sound quality.Preamps and Mike connectivity are essential that can deliver powerful and clear sound quality.
Native Instruments Komplete Audio Interface has the best and powerful Preamps that can deliver pristine sound quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Which audio interface is best for live performance?
A. There are different types of audio interfaces that you can select for live performance.
But PresonusAudioBoxiOne Audio Interface is the best option that you can select.
The interface is portable and can be easily attached to an IOS device for better recording capabilities.
Q2. Are audio interface suitable for first-timers?
A. An audio interface is dedicated equipment that is used by individuals for recording sound, music, and live performances.
First-timers and beginners may feel certain discomfort in understanding the setting up process and functionality, but they are easy to use after one becomes regular with it.
Certain practices and daily use make them easy to understand and use.
Q3. What one must look for in audio interface portability or performance?
A. There are dedicated audio interfaces that are both portable and deliver amazing performance.
PreSonusAudioBox USB 96 2×2 USB Audio Interface is the best equipment you can select that is compact, easy to install, affordable, and delivers the best performance.
Conclusion
If you wish to purchase are the best cheap audio interface, then you must be aware of various audio preferences, capabilities, and features.
We have compared the best audio interface available on Amazon that you can purchase at an affordable price.
The buying decision depends upon your affordability as well as the requirements.
Selection can be made based upon audio input and output quality, overall design, and support that you receive from the manufacturer.
