Affordable and high-quality beginner audio interfaces.
If you want to go deeper into the music industry, we recommend choosing an audio interface seriously. We have created an article to help you choose the best beginner audio interface and prove it is a fun process.
You should opt for intuitive interfaces with multiple connectivity options and support for relevant audio hardware. The right model can help simplify your overall workflow and get better sound quality. Thus, you need to focus on three important aspects, including ease of use, high audio performance, and connectivity.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
PreSonus Studio 26C 2x4 USB audio interface is a professional-quality, multi interface audio interface that can be used with the various types of recording media including USB, FireWire, digital out, and audio in. It gives you total audio interface control right from your PC or MAC. Moreover, the software can be used in conjunction with other sound processing software like Cubase, Pro Tools, Sonar, Reason, Digital Performer, Nuendo, and Fruity Loops.
PreSonus Studio 26C can work with up to two sound cards, giving you extra sound cards if needed. This professional sound interface studio is user friendly and easy to operate. It comes with over 90 programmable sounds that can be recorded directly to audio or send through MIDI to other processors. Moreover, the studio also contains a comprehensive audio interface library so that you can make use of additional sound modules without having to learn new interfaces.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 USB audio interface is one of the best and most efficient software interface solutions available for creating high quality audio interface. The system comes with a user manual and user guide DVD along with the complete package. The entire system is portable and you can use it anywhere you like so that you do not need an external sound card. It is very easy to install and hook up which makes it perfect for the beginner or for people who have never made audio interface before.
It has a high definition sound card with 24-bit digital recording and playback as well as an audio interface that use standard RCA connections to connect to your computer. There is also an optional microphone input that allows you to use the built in sound card to monitor your computer or your home studio. An optional Firewire port allows you to connect the AudioBox to your home theater or gaming system as well.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 1.1 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
The M-Audio M-Track Solo USB audio interface provides 2-channel sound recording using 48 kHz resolution with a high-resolution audio interface for professional studio quality sound. This lightweight, professional-looking interface is perfect for capturing any kind of audio source and comes with a single Duo Crystal Preamp and a Switchable Line/ Instrument input making it extremely compatible with virtually any audio equipment. It also includes an extremely helpful library feature that allows the user to save and recall up to three different projects and record up to four tracks at once.
The M-Audio M-Track is also a great addition to any professional studio or home studio as a MIDI interface, or even a general-purpose interface. The fact that it is compatible with a wide range of audio interface devices makes it a popular choice among both professionals and amateurs alike.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 USB audio interface is really the best tool for recording and mixing at home. Unlike other competing brands it does not need a computer to run as it works directly from the device. You can record in the same room as your desktop computer or laptop and then transfer the files to your computer by using an optical or Firewire port. In addition to this it also works great with both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems, which are great if you don't have a lot of experience using different operating systems.
It also has an onboard sound card, which delivers crystal clear sound quality even during recording and mixing. This means that professional sound is delivered through your speakers during your professional production set up. In addition to this the Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 also has a noise reduction microphone which can be used for capturing vocals, this is great if you want to reduce background sounds during your professional recording.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
The Oneme USB audio interface is very affordable as compare to other types of interfaces. It is a plug and play device meaning you do not have to configure any drivers, there is no need for any installation software and it is very compatible with all operating systems. This is one product that will give you many benefits as you will be saving time and money in the long run. Purchasing this audio interface is a big investment as you will save a lot of time and money.
Once you are done plugging your portable device into your computer, the Oneme USB audio interface will install the necessary drivers which will make it work with your operating system. There are no complicated procedures involved and the Oneme USB audio interface is so easy to use even for a beginner that has little or no computer knowledge whatsoever.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB audio interface is compatible with many popular computer applications, including but not limited to Winamp, Cubase, Pro Tools, Sonar and Sound Forge. It also works well with the PC sound card via Firewire or USB interface cards. Focusrite never added any drivers to the audio interface card itself, so no compatibility issues exist with other computer programs. This feature makes it very easy for the beginner to work with the interface in a way he may have never done with standard computer interfaces. It also makes interfacing to Focusrite software very simple.
There is a huge variety of interface cards available in the market today, but the Focusrite ones are among the most durable and user friendly. They are very easy to install and come with a complete installation manual, making them an ideal choice for the novice user.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Pyle PAD33MXUBT is a professional wireless DJ mixer that gives you professional quality sound and control. The innovative DJ Auto EQ feature takes the guesswork out of mixing. Instead of hitting the auto-return button when the signal becomes unstable, you can dial in your level until the signal becomes steady. If you've always wanted a DJ auto-mix, this is your best option because it will be easy for you to learn how to use it.
This high-quality mixer is very intuitive and it lets you quickly find the right track and the right tempo. The mixer has eight zone bands that provide you with plenty of options, and it also has a large, high-quality sound module that separates the musical components and produces excellent audio. You can connect the audio interface to your personal computer, laptop, or iPad for a powerful and flexible device.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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PreSonus Studio 26c 2x4
Multifunctional
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Portable
|
CHECK PRICE → | |
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M-Audio M-Track Solo
Versatile
|
CHECK PRICE → |
USB, Thunderbolt, and USB-3 are the main connection types on the modern market. The connection type affects how fast the data can be transferred from the interface to the laptop or PC. When selecting an 8-channel interface, you need to choose the model with the fastest data transfer rate. Since recording with 8 microphones results in a lot of data output, you need a powerful unit to send it simultaneously. You don’t need that fast device when using a smaller dual-link interface since it has less data to manage.
You can find alternative connection types including FireWire (Apple's predecessor Thunderbolt) and Ethernet. However, these types of connections are less popular.
You will see the “I/O” indicator when shopping for the best beginner audio interface. They refer to inputs and outputs. Typically, interfaces come with inputs and outputs of two mediums such as analog and digital.
Analog input/out offers various types of connections with the support for microphones and instruments. As a rule, these types include two basic inputs – XLR refers to balanced and line/instrument refers to unbalanced. However, analog media may have different options in terms of outputs. The basic one is TRS jack output that refers to a balanced type. However, some medium-sized models may come with XLR outputs, while small-sized ones offer RCA outputs.
Some audio interfaces offer either “S/PDIF” or “optical” digital I/O. You can use these connections to attach relevant external systems such as optional preamp extenders and other forms of studio outboards.
DAW stands for Digital Sound Workstation. This piece of equipment can either make or break your audio recording game.
Most of the described audio interfaces offer a free version of the popular title, including Ableton Intro or Steinberg's Cubase Elements. If your audio interface doesn’t come with a DAW installed, you need to check the brand of software that is compatible with the desired interface. Besides, it’s useful to read articles and view guides that compare different software. You can find this information online for free.
