Affordable and high-quality audio interfaces under $400.
If you want your recording to sound impeccable, but your budget is limited, the best audio interface under 400 dollars might be exactly what you need. The selection of audio interfaces is quite broad on the nowadays’ market, which makes the choice even more difficult. To help you out, we have picked and compared the greatest audio interfaces under 400 dollars so that everyone can find a suitable model for recording music.
Among the main benefits of the best audio interface under 400 dollars are the ability to use professional microphones, record qualitative audio with low noise, and even the presence of a headphone and studio monitor speaker output. Besides, certain interfaces are capable of recording multiple inputs simultaneously, like guitar, keyboards and similar external devices.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is a professional-quality interface designed to run a multitude of different programs. The interface is very easy to use, the user-friendly software allows you to connect the audio interface to your computer and then use it to run several different types of programs, allowing you to work in the same way as a professional recording studio.
You can connect the audio interface to your computer through a USB port or connect through FireWire, making it perfect for the home studio. The audio interface can run at any speed, depending on the operating system that is being used, and is robust enough to run most high-quality home recording software.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
If you are looking for a convenient recording interface with a high-quality sound card, then the PreSonus ioStation 24c is the perfect option. This system comes with a built-in optical input and headphone jack. The front panel contains illuminated status indicators with an audible indication whenever the controls are activated.
The new transparent XMAX Class A mic preamps present in this mixer have an enhanced transient response and a high level of Q factor. The high-quality audio interface also incorporates a cardioid pattern for optimal signal transfer from the mixer to the sound card.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The M-Audio Air 192/4 USB audio interface has been designed for both professional users and home use, and is a superior recording interface than the older versions. The front panel is illuminated, giving even the most novice users a good view of all controls. This is particularly useful for recording vocals and instrumentation.
There are also new "effects" knobs and a large compressor with several settings, which can be used for both recording and mixing. There is a new overdrive/lp regain button which is very useful when a fat or dark tone is required. The compressor works especially well when a vocalist needs a touch of reverb added to their track.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
Due to the fact that the interface has been developed using revolutionary virtual synthesizers, users can expect an extremely natural yet powerful tone and music experience from MeloAudio Tone Shifter Mega. Furthermore, this audio interface has low latency which ensures that you are able to send and receive messages while practicing or working out.
This high end virtual instrument also features knobs and sliders for precise tweaking and great sounding effects. The built-in VST compatible software library will allow you to quickly and easily find and utilize the right program. The included software bundle even provides extensive help tutorials.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Komplete Audio Line series from Native Instruments has been designed for professional users who demand precision, innovation and high performance. With their high durability and minimal low latency, this audio interface makes perfect sense for the busy audio engineer.
It uses a pin-stack output transformer that is designed especially to handle heavy power and high voltage. It is completely isolated from the mixer circuitry and the speakers so that they do not become affected. The output monitoring level and volume controls enable you to monitor your input level and preserve the signal path. This gives maximum reliability and control over the entire process.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
In addition to being an affordable and easy-to-use recording tool, the Zoom H8 USB audio interface can also serve as a great studio monitor and a great to use in an environment where monitoring is necessary.
It has a very large display that is easy to read and it has some very useful features such as a compressor and a meter. This handy tool will make it possible to handle any recording situation whether it is professional or private. This innovative tool makes it possible to process sound in any environment and it comes with a comprehensive list of what it can do for you.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Tascam series 102i USB audio interface provides outstanding quality sound. The 102i has been developed to provide the user with a standard interface that eliminates compatibility problems between various devices such as microphones, keyboards and computer speakers.
It is offers uncompromised quality and reliability. Its compact size makes it perfect for implementation in almost any location and its easy maintenance and reliable operation make it the ideal solution for recording artists and professional sound engineers.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
If you want to add some spice and extra punch to your recording or mixing, then TC Helicon GO TWIN audio interface may be the perfect choice for you. This USB audio interface connects quickly and easily to both your computer and microphone for professional sounding output.
You can connect up to four microphones at a time with the use of this interface, which has a front panel with standard buttons, and conveniently includes a power strip for the battery powered recording tools. It also includes an easy to use MIDI controller that lets you control all your virtual instruments with a single touch.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
Tascam US2X2HR digital audio interface is a user-friendly, low-cost interface for recording vocals and instrumentation. It provides high definition recording and mixing and has been designed to work with any PC or MAC. It is compatible with most popular audio interface devices such as the UTI, Air Guitar Microphone Jacks, USB microphone preamps, etc.
This interface has four channels, which are distinguished by a large center channel and two sides with separate volume controls. The Ultra-HDDA mic preamp can also function as an audio interface with its own independent stereo output.
Connectivity: USB | Protocol: 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
The Monoprice 625909 audio interface is an excellent audio interface. It has all the functions that you may need. The front panel contains dedicated connectors for all the major sources and connectors for microphones, guitars and other audio gear. The interface is also equipped with a standard headphone jack, which plugs into a standard port.
Its high quality digital signal processing and high resolution output to keep all of your recordings incredibly clean and crisp. The total price of this interface is around $80 and you can expect it to last for about ten years if you take good care of it.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Our Choice
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
|
PreSonus ioStation 24c 2x2
Professional
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
|
M-Audio AIR 192/4
Modern
|
CHECK PRICE → |
The required number of channels depends on what you are involved in being a musician, sound engineer, or artist, including the kind of projects you are going to record these days and in the future.
You will come across audio interfaces with a number of outputs and inputs ranging from 2 to 20. Essentially, a solo musician or singer, who is recording one or two tracks in a single sitting, will do perfectly with a 2-channel audio interface and 2 outputs for a pair of studio monitors.
A number of songwriters divided into several groups need an interface with between 6-8 inputs/outputs. The best audio interface under 400 dollars for a full band sound engineer is a model with up to 6 channels – it depends on the number of tracks they will be recording in a single session.
Once you set your eyes on a particular audio interface, make sure to check its feature set first. Carefully examine all the characteristics specified on the product package and manual.
The selected audio interface should have all the elements required for its proper functioning, such as switches, filters and knobs, etc. Before you make your mind, ensure that your laptop is compatible with the chosen interface and includes the correct ports. Also, don’t forget to check the USB, Firewire or Thunderbolt connectivity if necessary.
The audio recording results highly depend on the software used. The majority of models feature one DAW along with a vast assortment of extra plugins and added bonuses. In fact, the top-grade software is the key to turning your music into a real masterpiece.
