When you’re recording your latest song, whether it’s just for leisure or to get a record deal, you need to have a good audio interface.
For those who don’t know, an audio interface is type of sound card that converts audio played on an instrument into a digital format, which allows you to easily mix and master your tunes later on.
If you want music that sounds clean, crisp, and ready to be released, you need to have a good interface. But you’re a starving artist who doesn’t have the cash like the mainstream musicians do, your best action would be to buy a budget interface.
While you should invest in a more expensive interface if you’re serious about being a musician, budget interfaces work well enough for beginners. We’re here to give you the top interfaces that are under $500.
We’ll give you an overview of the product, its price, its features, and what others are saying.
Let’s get started, shall we?
- Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface
The Cost
Behringer is for those on the tightest budget imaginable. As of this review, this unit is selling for about $30 on its Amazon page.
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While it is recommended that your interface be at least $100, this product does work if your budget just doesn’t allow for it. Thankfully, interfaces nowadays have made it so that cost and quality do not have to be mutually exclusive.
Features
This interface is portable, and you could fit it in your pocket if you wanted to. It requires very little power, and it only needs to be connected via USB for the unit to work.
This interface has four connectors and a headphone jack, covering all the essentials. The description claims that it works for Mac or PC, and it doesn’t need any software for you to use it. The site does offer a free audio editing program, so that’s a plus.
At 48 kHz, it’s quite a powerful interface for such a cheap price.
What Others Are Saying
The UCA202 has received positive feedback on its Amazon page at 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most users have been happy with its easy use and quality despite its price. If you’re looking for your first interface, this may be a good one to buy.
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 2 In/2 Out USB Recording Audio Interface
The Cost
This interface can be purchased with more or less mic input and audio output jacks, and can be bundled with headphones. The price ranges from about $84-$250 on its Amazon page. The default cost is about $150, making this unit ideal for those who still have little to spend.
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Features
Like the last unit, this is portable and connects via USB. The Scarlett boasts award-winning preamps for your sound recording needs, making it a great budget interface. Each unit contains a code to download recording software as well, making it an even better value.
With 96 kHz of sound, the Focusrite is worth a purchase if you’re on a budget. But what are others saying about it?
What Others Are Saying
This interface has received positive reviews on Amazon at 4.5 out of 5 stars. Most reviewers say that the product delivers quality sound and is ideal if you’re starting on your musical journey. So if your budget fits, the Focusrite is one of this interfaces that’s a great value.
- Avid Fast Track Duo with Pro Tools Express -Channel Audio Interface
The Cost
This unit is a bit higher than the last two, so your budget needs to match the cost. As of this article, a unit is selling for about $250 on its Amazon page. It’s still cheap for an audio interface, however, making it an ideal first unit if you have the money.
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Features
The Avid Fast Track has jacks for output and mic, as well as a headphone jack. The unit is truly portable, not only boasting a USB connection, but allowing you to connect to your iPad or other portable device as well. At 48 kHz of sound, it’s quite powerful.
It includes your standard features, from free recording software to a six foot USB cable.
What Others Are Saying
The Avid has received positive reviews on its Amazon page, with 4.5 out of 5 stars, like the others so far. Most claim that it’s easy to use and has plenty of quality to it, allowing you to record with ease. Some like the fact that you can record with virtually any device, including your phone.
- Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 18 In/8 Out USB 2.0 Audio Interface with Four Focusrite Mic Preamps
The Cost
For our final comparison, we have the 18i8, and like with the other interface from Focusrite, it has two options for you to pick from. The first has 18 inputs, 4 mic preamps, and 8 outputs. The other has 18 inputs, 8 mic preamps, and 20 outputs.
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For the 8 output unit, it goes for about $309. For the 20 output, it goes for $500, reaching the highest point you’ll reach for a budget audio interface.
Features
This unit has similar features as the 2i2, including award-winning hardware, free software, and a durable body that’s built to last. Overall, it’s not too much different except for better quality. You can also record via your portable device.
What Others Are Saying
It has received 4.5 out of 5 stars on the product’s Amazon page. Many are pleased with the quality of the 18i8, as well as how many outputs it has. Setup seems easy, and people love that you can record on the fly.
Overall
And those are the best audio interfaces you can get for under $500. Like we said, you won’t get studio-quality, but you can get clear enough sound that’s perfect for the emerging artist. Choose an interface that’s fit for your budget, and get recording. Soon, you’ll be the latest hot musician, and it’s all because of your first interface.