Computers are an amazing tool for making music, but those of us who have stepped into the world of DAWs and VSTs pretty quickly (almost immediately, in fact) learn that our regular computer audio hardware is not up to the task, and an audio interface is needed.
This also goes for podcasters and voice over artists, and really anyone who is looking to work with high quality audio and minimal latency.
Unfortunately, like most audio gear, prices tend to be a bit on the steep side. Still, there are plenty of affordable audio interfaces out there, and we’ve pulled together our top picks under 200 dollars. So, without further preamble, and in no particular order, let’s help you find a new audio interface and get recording!
This USB-powered interface sports some impressively low latency, MIDI connectivity, and four combo XLR inputs. The build quality of this interface is one of its shining features-it certainly doesn’t feel as though it will crack or break under the slightest pressure.
It features digital stereo (S/PDIF RCA), which is a nice addition for those of you who like to use your computer for DJing, especially combined with the MIDI interface, which will allow you to hook up your MIDI controller of choice. You will also get a copy of Cubase LE 6, Komplete Elements, and Traktor LE 2 to help you get going straight away.
For more of a “no-thrills” type of interface, the Mackie Onyx Artist is a simple interface with a modest price tag to match. It only features one preamp, so it is more suited to a single microphone or microphone and instrument setup.
The Artist has two dedicated outputs for monitors, and boasts zero latency (though “zero” should always be taken with a grain of salt). While it may not have the boutique look of some of the other options on here, the Artist is certainly ruggedly built. We wouldn’t recommend throwing it around, but it should be able to withstand a knock or two.
There was always going to be a Focusrite option in this list (in fact there’s two!), and the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 is first up. Sporting the signature rectangular form factor and anodized red and matte black color scheme, the 2i4 is a two input channels and four out.
Both inputs are XLR combos-which can be found on the front of the interface-and can be switched between line and instrument modes at the flick of a switch.
In addition to the individual gain controls (complete with ring lights to warn you about clipping), you will also have easy control over your main and monitor outputs thanks to the big friendly dials on the front.
When it comes to audio gear, Steinberg are, of course, a name that carries a lot of weight. The UR242 is a two-channel in and out interface that lives up to the Steinberg name, especially when you consider that this is an under 200 dollars audio interface!
The input channels both come in the form of XLR combos on the front, giving you the ability to plug in an XLR cable or a 1/4″ jack. You get MIDI, gain control and clipping lights as you’d expect, but where the UR242 stands out is the fact that you will also get built-in DSP effects, which is far less common on interfaces in this price range!
Behringer may not always make friends in the audio gear business, but few can deny they make some very compelling products for the prices they charge. The UMC404HD is the four-channel option in their UMC range, and one of the largest in terms of physical size on this list.
All of the inputs are XLR combos and can be found on the front, along with gain control for each and monitor and main volume control. Each channel has a clipping light, and you can easily switch between line and instrument for each at the press of a button.
For those looking for a user-friendly option, it does get much friendlier than the M-Track 2×2. A clean, sleek design centered around a big, friendly volume dial with the inputs tucked away on the sides, this is an interface that looks great on any desk.
Only one of your inputs will be XLR, but it is an XLR combo, giving you a second instrument input if needed. The M-Track boasts zero-latency, and comes an edition of Pro Tools and some plug-ins, not to mention a couple of gigabytes worth of samples.
There’s not much to say about the 2i2 that we haven’t covered in the 2i4 section, since the interface is essentially the same. So why did we include it here? Because the 2i2 is more compact, cheaper, and just as good as the 2i4. If you do not need those extra two outputs, this audio interface is a great choice.
Final Thoughts
Any of the audio interfaces on this list would make a great addition to a compact or budget setup, but be sure to check the available inputs/outputs against your intended use case. For example, if you are podcasting, you probably don’t need line inputs. Similarly, if you want to record guitar directly, XLR won’t be much use.