When creating high-quality recordings, having a reliable audio interface is essential. Finding the best audio interface can be difficult, especially if you’re on a budget.
You can find great options that perform well and are affordable.
With the advancement of technology, entry-level audio interfaces now deliver pro-level sound. This makes them an ideal choice for beginners and professionals.
I list some of the best audio interfaces under 500 dollars.
They have excellent sound, connectivity options, and great features. These interfaces will record and improve your audio or music.
“Please note that this article contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission from purchases. Read my full disclosure.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. “
1. PreSonus Studio 26c
The PreSonus Studio 26c is an excellent audio device for budget users. It is part of the well-known PreSonus family.
It delivers incredible sound and performance. The Studio 26c’s TRS audio outputs allow you to connect your studio monitors or headphones to them.Â
The design is easy to understand and small, so it suits home studios and travel artists. The Studio 26c is a top-rated budget interface.
It has quality audio conversion at a 192 kHz sample rate for clear sound. You can record and monitor without any delay due to the ultra-low-latency monitoring.
This gives you a smooth experience. The Studio 26c can connect to many devices because it has MIDI I/O and USB-C connectivity.
Plus, its robust build quality ensures durability for years to come. With the PreSonus Studio 26c, musicians, podcasters, and content creators enhance their audio.Â
Pros
Cons
2. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB
The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface by Focusrite is excellent for recording audio at home or on the go.
This small interface is easy to carry and records quality audio. It has two outstanding Scarlett mic preamps.
The converters in this device make sure your audio sounds clear and accurate. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB has two inputs.
These inputs are for vocals, guitars, keyboards, or other instruments.
The balanced TRS outputs provide a clean and professional sound when you connect the device to studio monitors or headphones.
The USB-C connectivity of this interface ensures fast and stable data transfer.
This minimizes latency and allows you to record and monitor in real time. The product includes Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First Creative Pack software.
It has a suite of Focusrite plugins, too.
With these tools, you can start tracking right away. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is ideal for professional and home studios.
It provides excellent quality and versatility.
Pros
Cons
3. Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 is a professional audio interface with a convenient USB connection. It’s designed to deliver studio-quality recordings every time.
This connection makes it compatible with Mac and PC operating systems.
The UMC22 has high quality and lets you capture all the audio details. The audio interface also has a MIDAS microphone preamp.
It provides studio-quality sound and signal integrity.
The audio device has an XLR/TRS combo input. You can connect microphones, guitars, keyboards, and other audio devices to it.
You can listen to your audio without delay with the direct monitoring feature.
The UMC22 is small and easy to carry, making it great for musicians, podcasters, vloggers, and home studio enthusiasts.
Its rugged construction ensures durability, even during extended use.
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 is an excellent choice. It provides an easy-to-use interface and reliable performance.
Perfect for anyone looking for a versatile, high-quality audio interface.
Pros
Cons
4. M-Audio AIR 192×4 USB C
The M-Audio AIR 192×4 USB C is perfect for musicians and producers. The audio interface connections provide excellent sound.
It offers four channels of pristine 24-bit/192kHz audio.
The AIR 192×4 can record vocals, instruments, and more. Gone are the days of muffled recordings and subpar sound.
This USB interface has a MIDI input and output, so it’s an all-in-one system for recording music.
Its sleek and compact design, the AIR 192×4 integrates into any studio setup. No matter where you track, this audio interface gives you professional-level results.
Check out the M-Audio AIR 192×4 USB C if you need a top-notch audio interface.
This interface will improve your audio and boost your music production.
Pros
Cons
5. SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C
The SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C is a high-quality USB audio interface. It provides superior sound performance and versatile connectivity options.
Musicians, producers, and audio enthusiasts love its easy-to-use design and advanced features.
This USB audio interface has two high-quality microphones, line, and Hi-Z inputs, which come with SSL’s top-notch preamps.
These preamps capture studio-quality recordings with exceptional clarity and detail. The SSL SSL2+ has four high-resolution outputs.
You can use them to connect external monitors or speakers for better sound. With its USB-C connectivity, this interface ensures fast and reliable data transfer.
The USB-C will reduce latency and maximize quality.
The SSL SSL2+ can handle audio up to 192 kHz. It adds depth and precision to your audio. This audio interface offers a comprehensive software package.
It includes SSL Production Pack software. It provides a wide range of professional-grade plugins and tools.
The SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C is an excellent choice because it is well-built, has great audio, and many features.
It will elevate your music production or audio projects.
Pros
Cons
6. Universal Audio Volt 476 USB-C
The Volt 476 USB-C is the best audio interface for musicians and producers. This small device has a modern design and advanced technology.
It produces great sound and can do many things.
The Volt 476 USB-C ensures clear audio recording and playback, high-quality sound conversion, and very low latency.
The USB-C fast and dependable data transfer works with many devices.
This interface has four excellent mic preamps. It captures sound well and lets you try different microphone setups. The Volt 476 USB-C features a built-in DSP processor.
The real-time UAD plugin processing takes your recordings to the next level. Monitor and control inputs, outputs, and headphone levels with an easy control panel.
The Volt 476 USB-C comes with great software. It has top-quality plugins and effects that let you be very creative.
The Universal Audio Volt 476 USB-C is great for recording and mixing pro-level music.
Pros
Cons
7. Audient Interface iD14 MKII USB-C
The Audient Audio Interface iD14 MKII is a top-notch audio interface. It provides better recording and production.
The iD14 MKII has better performance and more features, taking it to the next level.
The iD14 MKII has two high-quality mic preamps. These mic pres capture accurate vocals and instruments.
The device has a JFET DI input for recording guitars and basses, ensuring great tone and sound. This audio interface has advanced technology.
It has AD/DA converters and quality audio for your recordings.
The iD14 MKII has a scroll wheel that you can customize. You can use it to control your mix with precision.
With two headphone outputs and control, you can listen and adjust sound anywhere. It has a robust construction and sleek design.
The Audient Audio Interface iD14 MKII is built to last. It will improve your recordings, sound quality, and flexibility.
Pros
Cons
8. Steinberg UR22C 2×2 USB 3.0
The Steinberg UR22C is a small, rigid audio device. Perfect for musicians, producers, and podcasters.
The 2-in/2-out setup has many connecting ways, ideal for recording and playback. The UR22C has excellent converters and can reproduce sound with clarity at 192kHz.
Its Class-A D-PRE mic preamps deliver excellent sonic clarity and transparency. It captures every detail of your recordings.
You can connect microphones, instruments, and line-level sources using two combo inputs.
The inputs have phantom power. During recording or playback, you can monitor with the headphone output. It has a separate volume control.
The UR22C is versatile for music production because it has MIDI I/O ports to connect MIDI devices.
The USB 3.0 connection is speedy and reliable, moving data and boosting performance.
The Steinberg UR22C 2×2 USB 3.0 is great for musicians and content creators. It has a sturdy build and is easy to carry. With it, you can record and play quality audio.Â
Pros
Cons
9. Arturia MiniFuse 1 USB-C
The Arturia MiniFuse 1 USB-C is a small audio device. It is portable and provides high-quality sound and connectivity.
This audio interface connects to computers and mobile devices. It connects using USB-C.
It has a low delay and excellent sound. The MiniFuse 1 has two microphone preamps. They have 48V phantom power so that you can make studio-quality audio.
It includes two line inputs and MIDI I/O, enabling you to connect various devices and instruments.
This audio interface is great for musicians, podcasters, and home studios. It has a comfortable design and robust construction.
The MiniFuse 1 includes top-notch software like Analog Lab Lite and Ableton Live Lite. It’s a versatile and complete production package.
Take your recordings to the next level with the Arturia MiniFuse 1 USB-C audio interface.
Pros
Cons
10. Motu M2 2×2 USB-C
The Motu M2 2×2 USB-C interface is a solid choice for your audio needs.
This audio interface is great for musicians, podcasters, and content creators. It offers high quality in a small and affordable package.
The Motu M2 has two audio inputs and outputs and MIDI I/O. It allows you to connect your microphone, guitar, or other instruments to your computer.
This audio interface has excellent preamps and converters for clear recordings and playback. It captures every nuance of your sound.
The Motu M2 is easy to use thanks to its simple and intuitive controls. Its sleek and sturdy design makes it perfect for studio and portable use.
Whether in a recording studio or on the go, this interface delivers professional-grade audio.
The Motu M2 has excellent audio quality and is worth the price. It is also well-made and has robust features.
Improve your audio setup now with the Motu M2 2×2 USB-C interface. Hear the impressive quality it offers.
Pros
Cons
11. UA Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3
The Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 is perfect for all your audio needs. This audio interface has advanced technology, making the sound high-quality and versatile.
The Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 has a fast connection that transfers data quickly.
This interface is ideal for recording because it lets you record and mix without any delay. It also has two audio channels, so you can record many tracks at the same time.
It integrates with your favorite software, providing a powerful and efficient workflow. What sets this product apart is its ability to be your all-in-one solution.
With the Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3, you no longer need a mixer to start recording.
Its built-in microphone preamps and high-resolution converters deliver studio-quality recordings without extra hardware.
Plug your instrument or microphone into the interface to capture your creativity.
Don’t settle for subpar sound. Get the Universal Audio Apollo Solo Thunderbolt 3 for better audio. It’s a professional grade.
Pros
Cons
What is an audio interface?
An audio interface connects professional audio equipment to a computer or tracking system. It serves as a bridge between the analog world of sound and the digital world of computers.
An audio interface is essential for musicians, producers, and sound engineers. It allows them to record and playback quality audio with precision and clarity.
The function of an audio interface is to convert analog audio into digital data.
This allows a computer to process and manipulate the sound. It also converts digital audio back into analog signals for monitoring or playback.
Most audio interfaces support a wide range of sample rates.
The range is from 44.1 kHz to 192 kHz, ensuring accurate audio reproduction with high fidelity.
The audio interface is essential in pro audio setups. It helps connect and convert to get pro-level results.
Importance of using an audio interface with preamps for recording
Using an audio interface is crucial for achieving professional-quality recordings. Most computer sound cards are not designed to capture quality audio signals.
Using them can result in poor sound quality and latency issues.
The audio interface has excellent sound quality and low delay. It also has extra features like mic preamps and MIDI. It’s essential for audio and making music.
How does an audio interface work?
An audio interface converts analog signals to digital data for your computer. It connects to your computer via a USB or Thunderbolt port.
The audio interface takes sound from your instruments or microphones into digital data.
It uses an analog-to-digital converter (ADC) to do this. Then, it sends the data to your computer for processing.
The device gets audio data from your computer and changes it to analog signals with a converter. Then, it sends it to your speakers or headphones for playback.
Key features to consider
When choosing an audio interface, there are several key features to consider:
Audio interface sound quality
The sound quality of an audio interface is crucial. Good quality determines the value of the captured and reproduced audio.
To get excellent sound, find interfaces with suitable components and advanced converters.
Number of inputs and outputs
The instruments and microphones you use depend on how many ins and outs you have. Consider what you want to track.
Choose an interface with the right inputs and outputs for your needs.
USB connectivity
USB connectivity is essential for connecting the audio interface to your computer.
Ensure your interface has a USB port compatible with your computer’s USB standard (e.g., USB 2.0, USB 3.0, or USB-C).
To connect instruments or microphones, you will need an audio interface. You can use a USB 2.0 audio interface or a newer version to get good sound and a stable connection.
Choosing the correct audio interface for your needs
When selecting an audio interface, consider your specific needs and requirements:
Considerations for home recording
If setting up a studio, focus on ease of use and affordability. Search for interfaces that have a good balance of features and price. Make sure they work with popular recording software.
Factors to consider for a professional studio
For a professional studio, focus on audio quality, versatility, and expandability.
Choose interfaces offering advanced features, such as mic preamps and digital connectivity options. These features accommodate a wide range of recording scenarios.
Future trends in audio interfaces
The audio interface industry is adapting to musicians’ and audio technology needs. Here are some future trends to keep an eye on:
USB-C audio interfaces
USB-C is popular as a connection standard for audio interfaces. It provides faster data transfer and more powerful audio performance for increased reliability.
Advancements in audio resolution
Audio interfaces can handle higher sample rates and bit depths as technology advances. This leads to more accurate and detailed audio recording and playback.
Increased demand for high-quality audio
People want audio interfaces that capture and play sound well. This is due to streaming platforms and better audio formats.
Manufacturers will improve sound quality and add features that cater to this demand.
Conclusion: Best audio interfaces under 500
Selecting the suitable audio interface for a pro recording setup is crucial.
The interface connects your computer to your pro audio gear. It helps you track and edit audio signals.
The kHz audio resolution is necessary for clear and detailed recordings. Find an interface that can handle 24-bit/96Khz audio for excellent sound quality.
Having different ports and connections is essential for using various devices and instruments.
A versatile recording system requires USB, Thunderbolt, and MIDI inputs and outputs.
You can get high-quality sounds at a decent price with the right audio interface.
