Affordable and high-quality audio interfaces under $50.
Looking for an inexpensive audio interface for recording instruments and vocals? Do you doubt whether you can find a worthy option with only 50 bucks in your wallet? We will offer you a list of the top models in this price range.
Thanks to advances in technology, you can get the best audio interface under 50 dollars with many features and great performance.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 1.1 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
The M-Audio M-Track Solo USB audio interface provides 2-channel audio recording with 48 kHz resolution in a convenient and compact format that's perfect for making music on virtually any Mac, PC or iOS platform. This all-in-one interface is perfect for inputting any kind of sound source such as vocals, guitar, and even bass.
The interface also offers a preamp section with a rotary control for added effect and is a one-knob design with touch sensitive buttons for controlling the main monitor. It comes with three levels for input signal and has a dedicated mixer section for even more functionality. This versatile device runs on a Single Cylinder Lead / Lead amp controller board that is designed for optimal performance.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
A TEYUN professional wireless 4 channel audio mixer is not only for professionals, it is also great for beginners who want to add some sound and music to their setups. This mixer is a great addition to a home studio setup, or if you run a small recording studio. It has extra sound effects, and it also have inputs for microphones, amplifiers, and other signal components.
Another feature that is unique to a Teyun mixer is that it has two outputs. The front output can be used to connect to an external source through a USB or parallel cable, while the rear input can be used with a pair of headphones or a speaker. This allows the user to easily do sound checks without plugging in the audio device.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 3.1 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
The TC HELICON GOGUITAR audio interface is a plug and play device designed to interface with the TC Helix and other computer based interfaces. This is used for both creating digital and analog signals as well as implementing sound into the computer system. The TC HELICON is used widely because it is easy to use and inexpensive in comparison to other types of interfaces.
This TC HELICON GOGUITAR audio interface also has an auto shut off feature, low noise generation and distortion free output. This device also has a compact size and is suitable for both single and double hung computers. Another benefit of using this interface is that there are no delays that one experiences when converting from analog to digital signal or digital to analog signal as the TC HELICON audio interface has a high speed processor and a high resolution optical disc drive that ready the incoming digital signal without delay.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
A MidiPlus Audiolink light audio interface plugs into the headphone jack on any computer and acts as a virtual recording interface for any computer with a microphone or headphones. It can be used for any type of computer application that needs a device that duplicates a speaker output for use as an audio input device.
"A MidiPlus Audiolink light audio interface uses a single 16-bit/32-bit compliant sample stream for all types of computer applications. Because there is no need to convert the analog signal into digital data, the audio interface uses a low-latency process called Sysnative for its encoding and decoding. Sysnative, as well as the other controls and procedures in the MIDIplus program (including setup, play, stop, mute, and enabling / disabling of modules) are executed almost instantly when you start up the software.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
The Midiplus SMARTFACE has built in recording and monitoring capabilities, thanks to the onboard mixer that lets the user monitor all incoming instruments and vocals in real time. It has knobs for activating the signal path of certain controls, so that the user can alter the mix from one track to another.
The onboard virtual rack makes it easy to arrange and handle the various plug ins like Serato, Digital Performer, Nuendo, Pro Tools LE and Reason. This excellent audio interface also has knobs for controlling the volume and pan levels of the main instrument.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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M-Audio M-Track Solo
Versatile
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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TEYUN Audio Mixer
Compact
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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TC HELICON GOGUITAR
No delays
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CHECK PRICE → |
If you buy an affordable model, most options won’t differ much in terms of sound quality. Of course, manufacturers are trying to balance affordable prices, good preamps, and small size of audio interfaces. You can find some pretty good options in this budget category. For example, experts advise paying attention to PreSonus's Class A preamps, M‑Audio and their ‘Crystal’ preamps, and the JFET input on the Audient EVO 4. Keep in mind that manufacturers always state high dynamic ranges and low noise floors in their product specifications. But when it comes to practice, the output barely differs from model to model.
The amount of gain available on the mic preamps is a key feature that you should take into account when choosing the best audio interface under 50 bucks. Clean gain such as on the SSL 2 and 2+ is great for recording quiet sources. On the other hand, they offer fewer options for recording loud sources such as guitar amps.
Plus, you should check bit depth and sample rate. Although some users think that high sample rates are not so important, We recommend choosing the 24 ‑ bit recording options.
You don't have to look for a built-in MIDI interface. As a rule, modern MIDI equipment is connected using USB ports. You may need special MIDI sockets if you are using older hardware synthesizers and keyboards. In this price range, you won't find many options with MIDI ports. The PreSonus AudioBox iTwo and Steinberg UR22 MkII have these features, but they are way beyond our budget.
Typically, small audio interfaces have two layouts. The 1U-high, half-rack unit is the most common. Its design is reminiscent of professional audio equipment. Another variation is desktop interfaces (my personal favorites), which are more beginner-friendly as they contain controls on top.
When choosing the best audio interface under 50 dollars, you should consider the accessibility of the gain knobs for the mic inputs, controls for output level, and the panel size. It can be quite confusing if you are uncomfortable holding a musical instrument and trying to adjust something on the audio interface.
