7 Best Audio Interfaces Under $800
If you’re in the market for the best budget audio interface, rest assured you’ve come to the right place. An audio interface is an integral piece of equipment that connects an audio source – think microphone or your mixer, or a destination, like speakers- to a computer.
As a DJ, you’ll be making and mixing music from multiple audio sources. An audio interface will help you on your journey and ensure all the hardware and software you use work in synchronicity and harmony with one another. An experienced audio engineer can also provide valuable insights to ensure your setup is optimised for both novice and advanced production environments.
Nonetheless, few DJs have endless resources to simply purchase the biggest and best audio interface on the market.
To help you out, our DJ and audio engineer experts have highlighted the best budget audio interface models on the market.
If you’d like to find out more about each option or place your order through our handy online store, just click on the links provided below or contact the DJ City team today.
Introduction to the Best Budget Audio Interface
Budget audio interfaces have revolutionised the music production industry, offering high-quality recording capabilities at an affordable price. With the advancement of technology, it’s now possible to find excellent audio interfaces that fit any budget. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, a budget audio interface can help you achieve fantastic sounding recordings without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll explore the best options of budget audio interfaces. We will dive into the key considerations to keep in mind when choosing the right one for your needs, as well as provide an overview of the best cheap audio interfaces available in the market, highlighting their features, pros, and cons.
Choosing the Right Audio Interface
Choosing the right audio interface can be a daunting task, especially for those new to music production. With so many options available, it’s essential to consider your specific needs and requirements. Here are some key considerations to keep in mind:
Key Considerations
1. Sound Quality
The quality of an audio interface is paramount. Look for interfaces with high-quality preamps, A/D converters, and a high signal-to-noise ratio.
2. Number of Inputs and Outputs
Consider the number of inputs and outputs you need. If you’re a solo artist, a two-channel interface may suffice. However, if you’re recording a band, you may need an interface with more inputs.
3. Connectivity
Ensure the interface has the right connectivity options for your setup: USB, Thunderbolt, and MIDI are common connectivity options.
4. Compatibility
Check the interface’s compatibility with your digital audio workstation (DAW) and operating system.
5. Budget
Set a budget and stick to it. Budget audio interfaces can range from under $50 to over $500. Whatever your budget is, setting it from the start will make the ultimate choice much easier.
6. Brand Reputation
Research the brand’s reputation for producing high-quality audio interfaces. Not all brands are equal and some are industry-recognised for their quality and reliability.
7. Additional Features
Consider additional features such as phantom power, headphone amplification, and software bundles.
Examples
Some popular budget audio interfaces include the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen, Universal Audio Volt 2, and Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD. These interfaces offer excellent sound quality, multiple inputs and outputs, and a range of connectivity options.
Best Budget Audio Interfaces
1. Universal Audio Volt 176 Audio Interface- $399
The Universal Audio Volt 176 is an all-you-need audio interface at a price that’s all too welcoming.
Portable, USB-connectable and more than compatible with PCs, Macs and Apple products, the Universal Audio Volt interface ensures you enjoy quality sound through its built-in 76 compressor mode. The desktop 1-in/2-out USB audio interface ensures smooth connectivity without the hassle, and the various modes, features and music/audio software offers everything you need without the stress.
From a hardware perspective, the Universal Audio Volt is rugged and durable yet stylish and compact, so it’s really the ultimate budget audio interface option.
SHOP: Universal Audio Volt 176
2. Arturia MiniFuse 1 Audio Interface- $109
If price point is the single most important factor when choosing the best budget audio interface, you can’t go past this equipment from Arturia.
Overall, it has everything you need for effective vocal, instrumental, bass, and podcast recording from your audio interfaces. Producing tracks to studio-level quality is easy and intuitive, and its 1 in/2 out USB 2 interface connectivity makes it one practical solution.
Furthermore, extra features for the technically inclined include a combo Mic/Inst/Line XLR Input with 48V phantom power, two 1/4″ TRS balanced line outputs with volume control, USB 2 and USB-C compatibility, modern and vintage keyboard presets, and a whole lot of exclusive content and add-ons!
3. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB Audio Interface – $289
Starting off strong, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is part of the world’s officially best-selling range of audio interfaces! Not only has the Focusrite Scarlett series gone platinum, but they really pack a punch!
All in all, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen gives you a compact 2 in / 2 out USB audio interface. As one of the renowned Focusrite Scarlett interfaces, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen has been redesigned; offering you the very best sound possible, with a host of notable upgrades. Equipped with two upgraded, fourth-generation mic preamps, the Scarlett 2i2 offers next-level sound quality with high-quality audio equipment components. (Have a watch of the video below to hear it for yourself!)
The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen comes complete with a bundle of software and plugins. With access to some of the most innovative music software on the market, you’ll find the Scarlett 2i2 on the desks of musicians, producers, professionals and home studios worldwide.
Additionally, offering membership to Plug-in Collective, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen continues to keep you up to date with the latest tools, free plugin downloads, and generous discounts.
4. Black Lion Revolution Audio Interface- $670
The Revolution Audio Interface, courtesy of Black Lion, is not just reasonably priced but highly portable and practical to use. That’s what earns it a spot on this list of audio interfaces. It’s a studio-level audio interface infused with cutting edge technology to optimise your signal-to-noise ratio.
Designed to offer the best in recording quality, the fantastic software package it boasts as well will help turn you into the ultimate DJing producer. This bus-powered interface offers USB-C connectivity, macro MMC clocking, an analog circuit design, and PG-i technology.
The analog I/O, made of high quality components, is completely decoupled and balanced to ensure absolutely no noise contamination both during the initial recording and whilst in playback.
5. Steinberg UR12 Audio Interface – $189
If you’re on the hunt for the best cheap audio interface that combines affordability with advanced features, you can’t look past the amazingly priced Steinberg UR12. This ultra compact and portable audio interface is designed to give you amazing sound audio virtually anywhere. Not only is it thoughtfully designed for artists at all stages of their career and experience, it’s a wonderful budget-conscious audio solution!
Enjoy iPad compatibility for musicians and producers on the go! Plus, it includes all the I/O you need to quickly record your tracks. What’s more, it records in stunning 24-bit quality at a whopping 192 kHz. The UR12 offers almost unheard of fidelity for recording in its class!
Check out the video below to see just how awesome it really is!
6. Roland Rubix24 USB Audio Interface – $409
The Roland Rubix24 USB strikes the right balance across everything you need in a budget audio interface. High fidelity audio? Check! Affordably priced? Check! Compact and durable design? Check!
This audio interface is more than up to the task of keeping out noise from your recording and ensuring high resolution thanks to its multiple preamps with XLR combo jacks. What’s more, the USB connectivity makes it easy to use. And the hardware compressor/limiter, MIDI in and out ports, low latency drivers and Hi-Z input for high impedance sources all add up to one serious audio interface.
7. Focusrite Clarett Plus 2 PRE Audio Interface- $799
Coming in at $799, the Focusrite Clarett is among the best budget audio interfaces! Meet a high-performance and immensely capable bus-powered USB-C interface for Mac and PC. Offering users with 2x high-quality professional Clarett+ Preamps that deliver masses of headroom, low distortion and ultra-low noise.
This 10 in / 4 out Interface will maintain the purity of analogue in your recordings and mixes, provide an extremely wide dynamic range, and features 2x powerful and transparent headphone outputs.
But that’s not all! Included with the Clarett Plus 2 PRE is the Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite. This suite accurately models the Focusrite Red range of both the equaliser and compressor hardware.
Final Thoughts on the Best Budget Audio Interface Options
Choosing from Affordable Audio Interfaces
Choosing from among the best audio interfaces can be a challenging task, but by considering your specific needs and requirements, you can find an excellent budget audio interface that meets your needs. Remember to prioritize sound quality, connectivity, and compatibility, and don’t be afraid to read reviews online and conduct your own research.
In conclusion, budget audio interfaces have democratised music production, making it possible for anyone to achieve professional-sounding recordings without breaking the bank. Whether you’re a beginner or a professional, there are budget friendly audio interfaces out there for you.
We’re here to help you find the best budget audio interface
With many, many options for budget audio interfaces, the DJ City team understands how overwhelming it can be finding the right one for your needs. If you need a hand sorting the Rolands audio interfaces from the Black Lions, don’t hesitate to reach out and contact us today.
We’d be more than happy to help you out with everything and anything you need finding the right quality but cheap audio interface.
