Ready to dive into the world of home recording but don’t want to break the bank? You’ve come to the right place. A quality audio interface is the cornerstone of any home studio setup, bridging the gap between your instruments, microphones, and computer.
This list of the top 10 budget audio interfaces for 2024 will help you find the perfect balance of affordability and professional-grade features. Whether you’re a musician, podcaster, or gamer, we’ve got you covered. Let’s get started!
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo has earned its legendary status as a top choice for solo musicians and podcasters.
This compact interface packs in everything you need to record high-quality audio, featuring a single Scarlett mic preamp known for its clarity and low noise.
You also get a dedicated instrument input perfect for guitars or basses, along with 48V phantom power for condenser microphones.
The Scarlett Solo’s simple design and renowned ease of use make it perfect for beginners, while its robust build and impressive sound quality ensure its place in many professional setups.
Behringer UMC22
The Behringer UMC22 consistently secures its spot on “best budget interface” lists, and for good reason. This compact 2×2 interface offers incredible value for its minimal price tag.
Connectivity is straightforward with two combo inputs (XLR/TRS) allowing you to connect both microphones and instruments. Phantom power ensures compatibility with condenser microphones. While the UMC22 lacks extensive I/O, it covers the essentials for solo artists and small recording setups.
Sound quality surpasses expectations at this price point, boasting 48kHz resolution for clear, detailed recordings. The included latency-free monitoring is a welcome addition, facilitating a smooth workflow.
Durability might be a slight concern for some, as the plastic build feels less robust compared to higher-end interfaces. However, with careful handling, the UMC22 proves to be a reliable workhorse, perfect for beginners or anyone on a tight budget.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is a perennial favorite in the budget audio interface category. It’s renowned for its reliable performance, simple setup, and affordable price point.
This compact interface offers two microphone/instrument combo inputs, making it ideal for small recording setups. While it might lack some of the advanced features found in higher-end models, the AudioBox USB 96 provides clean, high-quality audio that is more than sufficient for musicians, podcasters, and content creators starting their journey.
The inclusion of PreSonus’ Studio One Artist software adds further value, providing a comprehensive recording and production suite right out of the box.
Steinberg UR22C
The Steinberg UR22C is a versatile and portable audio interface that’s perfect for musicians, producers, and podcasters on a budget. It features two XLR/TRS combo inputs with Steinberg’s acclaimed D-PRE preamps, ensuring high-quality recordings for both microphones and instruments.
The UR22C boasts 24-bit/192 kHz resolution for pristine audio fidelity. Its USB-C connectivity guarantees fast and stable data transfer with minimal latency. The interface also includes MIDI input and output, expanding your creative possibilities.
Loopback functionality makes it easy to stream and record live performances with minimal setup. Bundled with Steinberg’s Cubase AI recording software, the UR22C provides a complete solution for music production, podcasting, and more.
M-Audio M-Track Solo
The M-Audio M-Track Solo is a fantastic entry-level interface perfect for solo musicians. It features a single XLR/TRS combo input for recording vocals or instruments with crystal-clear audio quality.
The interface boasts an intuitive and user-friendly design, making it ideal for beginners. Its compact size makes it perfect for small studio setups or mobile recording. While it may lack the extensive features of pricier models, the M-Track Solo delivers exceptional value for its affordable price, making it a top contender for budget-conscious musicians.
Audient iD4 MKII
The Audient iD4 MKII is a popular choice for a budget-friendly and high-quality audio interface. It features two Audient console mic preamps known for their clarity and low noise, making it suitable for recording vocals and instruments.
The iD4 MKII also boasts a JFET instrument input, perfect for capturing the true tone of guitars and basses directly. Its compact and durable design makes it ideal for home studios and portable recording setups.
While it only offers two input channels, its impressive sound quality, user-friendly interface, and competitive price point make the Audient iD4 MKII a strong contender for musicians and producers on a budget.
Tascam US-1x2HR
The Tascam US-1x2HR is a fantastic choice for solo musicians and podcasters seeking a simple yet high-quality audio interface. It features a single XLR/TRS combo jack for connecting your microphone or instrument, and it boasts Tascam’s Ultra-HDDA mic preamps, which deliver pristine audio quality with low noise.
While it only has one input, the US-1x2HR supports loopback functionality, making it easy to capture audio from your computer alongside your microphone. Additionally, its compact size and bus-powered operation make it incredibly portable and convenient for recording on the go.
Key Features:
- Single XLR/TRS combo jack
- Ultra-HDDA mic preamp
- 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Loopback functionality
- Bus-powered
Pros:
- Excellent audio quality
- Easy to use
- Affordable
Cons:
- Only one input
Zoom U-22
The Zoom U-22 is a perennial favorite in the budget audio interface category, and for good reason. It’s incredibly portable, bus-powered via USB, and offers two inputs – a combo jack for XLR and 1/4-inch connections, and a dedicated 1/4-inch Hi-Z input for instruments like guitar or bass.
The U-22 delivers solid 24-bit/96kHz recording and playback, ensuring high-quality audio capture. While it may lack some of the advanced features of pricier interfaces, its ease of use, affordability, and dependable performance make it an excellent choice for beginners and mobile recordists.
SSL 2
The Solid State Logic 2 (SSL 2) is a fantastic option for those seeking a compact, high-quality audio interface from a legendary name in audio. Don’t let its size fool you; this interface packs a punch, delivering pristine audio quality and essential features for both recording and production.
The SSL 2 boasts impressive preamps that provide ample gain with minimal noise, ensuring your recordings sound clear and professional. The interface also features the innovative “Legacy 4K” mode, which imparts a subtle saturation reminiscent of classic SSL consoles. This adds warmth and character to vocals, instruments, and even full mixes.
While the SSL 2 is an excellent choice for solo musicians and producers, it may not be suitable for everyone. Its limited I/O options, with only two inputs and two outputs, might not be sufficient for larger projects. Additionally, the lack of MIDI I/O could be a drawback for those heavily reliant on MIDI controllers.
Overall, the SSL 2 offers outstanding value for its price point, delivering professional sound quality, essential features, and the legendary SSL pedigree. If you’re looking for a compact, high-quality interface for recording and production, the SSL 2 deserves serious consideration.
MOTU M2
The MOTU M2 is a renowned name in the budget audio interface market, often praised for its impressive value proposition. It boasts high-quality preamps with a low noise floor, making it suitable for recording both vocals and instruments.
The M2 features two combination inputs for connecting microphones and instruments, along with MIDI connectivity for integrating synths and controllers. Its USB-C compatibility ensures fast and reliable data transfer to your computer.
While it might not have the extensive feature set of higher-end interfaces, the MOTU M2’s combination of solid audio quality, essential features, and an affordable price point makes it a compelling choice for home studios and musicians on a budget.
