Affordable and high-quality budget audio interfaces.
Whether you’re a musician, DJ, or singer, an audio interface should be among the first pieces of equipment you get when you’re setting off on your recording and production journey. Your goal should be to find a model that provides all the essential features for recording, monitoring, and listening to your sessions while being offered at a reasonable price.
Luckily, these days it's entirely feasible to find a solid, fully functional audio interface without breaking the bank. If you're interested in finding the best budget audio interface available right now, this rundown of high-quality options should be right up your alley.
Connectivity: USB Type-A | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is a cost-effective multi-effects processor. Able to interface with many recording and mixing software, this multi-effects processor delivers high-quality sound reproduction. Combining a large mixer section with touch-sensitive controls for an extensive amount of effects and processing options, the AudioBox is an ideal tool for anyone wishing to create innovative music. The audio interface has a comprehensive amount of features that can be used with different types of recording software; you can even connect your computer directly to the AudioBox with the USB Cable.
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface is a perfect tool for the serious musician and audio enthusiast. Utilizing modern technology, it's an ideal solution for recording and mixing music and audio. Whether you need an all in one multi-effects processor or a multi-effects interface with multiple inputs and outputs, this innovative tool will serve your purpose perfectly.
Connectivity: USB Type-B | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
The M-Audio M-Track Solo USB audio interface provides 2-channel recording with 48 kHz resolution in a simple and convenient package that's perfect for making music on almost any Mac, PC or Apple iOS device. This affordable interface is ideal for tracking almost any kind of sound source, and comes with a single Combo Crystal Preamping/ Phantom Power input, making it suitable for any type of instrument or headset. The mixer has several additional functions such as sending a signal through one channel to another or activating the Noise Reduction feature.
The M-Audio M-Track Solo USB interface have a high-quality sound card and an optimized design to deliver clear audio. All controls are fully customizable including the level of noise reduction, panning, treble and bass knobs. An easily to locate padlock button is situated just about hand-reachable for greater handsomeness. If you need to monitor your recording, there is an external audio output port for that.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
Amongst all the great things about Oneme audio interface, its ease of use is one of the most important things. This product is actually a high-end audio interface. It is not so much a computer interface, as it is more to do with a software interface. This interface is one of the best products when it comes to audio interface because it does the job very well and has many features packed into one.
One of the best things about Oneme audio interface is that it works great with any operating system like XP, Window 2021, Mac or even Window Seven! What's more, it also works great with both DVI and HDMI sources! If you want to connect your audio interface to your TV, you have the option of using an analog or digital signal as well.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 3.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/48kHz
The Moukey USB 3.0 audio interface plugs into the USB port of your computer and gives you total freedom over the way your sound device sounds. No longer do you need to use external speakers or any type of speakerphone equipment in order to get the quality sound that you want. With this unique interface, all that is needed is a simple click of the mouse and you can have full use of the sound card.
The device is very easy to set up and easy to use. You do not have to go through any difficult setup procedures or any confusing documentation that makes it more difficult to operate. Just follow the on screen instructions and you will be ready to go in minutes.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
There are many good things about the M-Audio Air/Hub series of USB audio interface cards. First, they are very affordable. These are well worth the money for the quality that you get from these. Second, they are extremely stable and durable. You won't have to worry about your unit falling apart in a few months. M-Audio takes great care of their units, which means you can depend on them for a long time to come.
If you are looking for a USB audio interface with multiple inputs and outputs, the M-Audio Air/Hubs is a great choice. They are small and compact, yet incredibly powerful. With a simple two-button operation system, easy to install and a complete range of useful controls, the M-Audio Air series is perfect for any level of audio interface experience.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
The Midiplus Smartface II audio interface is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a professional quality interface with a price to meet. If you are someone who needs a superior sounding interface but cannot afford the more costly counterparts, this particular product line will fit your needs and your budget. This interface device works with any computer or laptop and is designed specifically so that it can connect to any type of audio source.
Whether you need a computer speaker or you want a multi-speaker system, this particular product line will accommodate your needs. You can connect up to six sources to one single audio interface device. Not only do you get high quality sound from the interface, but you also get superior connectivity and compatibility.
Connectivity: USB Type-C | Protocol: USB 2.0 | Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
The Tascam US-1x2HR USB audio interface is really a wonder product for the home user or the recording studio or even for the professional studio system. For one thing, it is really a cheap USB interface and it has a lot of features as well. So in the end, you could be really amazed on what you could do with this one. Aside from being a cheap interface to record into, it is also very user friendly because most of them have got a user program guide that will help you through the operation of the interface.
You will be able to find lots of features and functions in this little USB audio interface. It can run on PC and MAC at the same time. So if you are looking for an easy-to-use interface that will let you record a sound easily and you don't have to worry about compatibility problems, then this is the right one for you.
| IMAGE | NAME | FEATURES | |
|---|---|---|---|
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PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Multifunctional
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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M-Audio M-Track Solo
Easy to use
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CHECK PRICE → | |
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Oneme Audio Interface
High quality
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CHECK PRICE → |
Bi-channel and single-channel models should be functional enough for most home studios since you can always record the vocals and musical instruments separately and then mix them afterward. However, if you want to capture two or more sources at the same time, then you should prioritize audio interfaces that have 4 channels and more.
The average audio interface employs combo ports that are compatible with XLR and 1/4” inputs. Being equipped with relatively universal ports, such interfaces are both more compact and cheaper compared to the competition. Such a build also makes it easier for non-tech-savvy users to connect different types of microphones and instruments. It’s worth noting that several audio interfaces, particularly older models, still have separate ports for each input type, so keep that in mind when reading the description of each product and picking the best budget audio interface from this list.
Typically ignored by beginners, the question of whether an audio interface supports both line level and instrument level sources is very important. The line-level (low impedance) deals with keyboards and other electronic instruments while the instrument level (high impedance) is designed for guitars and basses that lack an active preamplifier. While it’s possible to get a DI box if the interface isn’t compatible with the instrument level, it’s a better idea to invest in a model that works with both levels to avoid the extra hassle. The best budget audio interface should ideally let you freely swap each input between microphone, instrument, and line levels.
If you’re using a microphone, the preamps can have a drastic impact on the character of the audio. When putting together a home recording studio, pick an audio interface with transparent preamps, as such models provide the most accurate sound possible. That said, if you’re interested in adding a bit of color and character to the audio, feel free to pick a different type of preamp.
Eventually, you'll start using a condenser microphone for your recording sessions. Such microphones usually demand between 11V and 48V of phantom power to function so it's essential to ensure the audio interface you're considering purchasing can provide the necessary power output.
