7 Best Audio Interfaces Under $800
If you’re in the market for the best 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.
Nonetheless, few DJs have endless resources to simply purchase the biggest and best audio interface on the market.
To help you out, we’ve 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.
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, this 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, it’s 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 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. 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 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface – $289
Starting off strong, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd 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, Scarlett 2i2 gives you a compact 2 in / 2 out USB audio interface. As one of the renowned Focusrite Scarlett interfaces, the Scarlett 2i2 has been redesigned; offering you the very best sound possible, with a host of notable upgrades. Equipped with two upgraded, third-generation mic preamps, the Scarlett 2i2 offers next-level sound quality. (Have a watch of the video below to hear it for yourself!)
Scarlett 2i2 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, Scarlett 2i2 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 and highly portable. 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 to boot 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 budget audio interface, you can’t look past the amazingly priced Steinberg UR12. This ultra compact and portable audio interface that is designed to give you an 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, record 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 doesn’t fail to impress! 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.
We’re here to help
With many, many options for budget audio interfaces, the DJ City team understands how overwhelming it can be finding the right one for you. If you need a hand sorting the Rolands 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.
