Top 5 Cheap Audio Interfaces That Don't Suck! What's the best budget audio interface?
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- čas přidán 12. 09. 2024
- Sam takes a look at 5 of the best USB audio interfaces available for under £200! These are the best budget audio interfaces in the world today (we think so, anyway!).
Check them all out here...
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen): www.pmtonline....
Presonus Audiobox USB 96: www.pmtonline....
Roland GO:Mixer Pro: www.pmtonline....
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2: www.pmtonline....
Solid State Logic SSL2: www.pmtonline....
Special thanks to our very own Megan Linford for singing us a few of her songs to demonstrate these interfaces. For more of her music visit www.meganlinford.co.uk or check out here latest music video here: • Autumn - Megan Linford...
Whether you're a songwriter, producer, podcaster or live performer, a USB audio interface is one of the most essential pieces of kit that you'll need when building a computer-based recording setup...but you don't have to spend a fortune to get a good one!
In this buyers guide, we've chosen 5 of the most affordable interfaces on the market which combine great sound quality with versatile features, in a price range of between £70 to around £200.
With the exception of the Roland Go Mixer, which has been specifically designed to record high-quality audio to a smartphone, all of the these USB recording interfaces feature 2 inputs for microphones or instruments, 48v phantom power for use with condenser mics, outputs for monitor speakers, headphone outputs, low to zero-latency monitoring and direct monitoring mix control.
So if you're looking for the best budget audio interface for your home studio or mobile recording, take a look at five of the best cheap USB audio interfaces here with PMTVUK and check out our full range of interfaces and studio gear at your nearest Professional Music Technology store...
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Although they all sound very good I'm giving my ten points to the Presonus Audiobox USB 96. Excellent presentation.
There is word "cheap" in the tittle by mistake. I think u need to fix that.
You obviously haven't cross-shopped higher-end interfaces... talk about sticker shock...!
Because anything cheaper DOES suck
tittle
Tittle…😆
Brrrrrrrooookkeeyyyy
If your looking for something that is hard to break and really reliable go with focusrite I owned one that was thunderbolt for my Mac and it went through alot
the singer Megan does deserve the credit. just checked out her youtube channel, no doubt a talented musician that worths more notice.
Thank you for a good introduction to affordable audio interfaces, with nice voice and guitar musical interludes to demonstrate the interfaces. I enjoyed watching and listening to this, even though I am only looking for Studio Monitors at the moment. Well done.
I'm not even a music producer, but I'm subscribing because the video is so well produced and you presented everything so well. I feel like I could make a choice and get started recording.
Thank you! My current USB interface is dying and I'm shopping for an affordable replacement. This has given me a lot to chew on. The SSL2 sounds amazing. Why would one ever not have the 4K switch on? Such a difference!
The main monitor level dial on mine produced loud cracking through my speakers, also the 4k mode seemed to just bloat the signal - not good at all, better to have a cleaner signal then EQ in post. I had medium to high expectations of this UK designed device; sent it back, awful.
@@juliansimmons7700 The SSL 2 is a plastic piece of junk. Mine failed after just a year of use, and it was always extremely noisy.
I've watched a bunch of technical type videos on audio interfaces recently, until harmonic distortion/dynamic range/noise floor numbers are making my eyes bleed. I appreciate the actual music samples. I changed my opinion of a couple of these devices... thanks.
Thank you Sam and Megan. Good video but the SubZero AI2, the Steinberg UR22 MkII and the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD where not mentioned. Was there a reason for?
i was blown away by the presonus, which i didn't expect too much of, probably because of its price and looks. presonus and the ssl2, with the 4k engaged. without it, the ssl doesn't match the presonus. weird thing is that, with the 4k engaged, the two are incredibly close, but i still prefer the presonus, it seems a little less muddy, more defined, and fuller.
I don't know man, the presonus sounds kinda "metallic" and boxy, and I use it like 5 years now , the good thing about the interface is the price and the midi in and out , as for the build is ok , the knobs are wobbly af
Hey is it still running good? Would you still recommend? Have a nice day bro.
You must be def.....Lmao...You must own a presonus, surely....There are 2 brands i ll never buy presonus and line 6.....They suck big time dude
@@gibson2623 Stay away from the SSL2 as well ... mine sounds like crap and the second channel completely stopped working. At first I thought it might be a grounding issue, but running through all options I realized 'nope, ... The SSL2 is just a gimmicky piece of plastic garbage.' ... There's nothing you can't get with that stupid 4k button that you wouldn't be able to achieve with a bit of eq. Doesn't matter really because the signal is total crap to begin with ... If it hasn't failed within a year or 2, you can bet it will eventually.
@@Fiveash-Art sounds fine mine and the preeamps are very quiet
Video didn’t disappoint thanks for the great tips!
This video is well made. Really like it. Btw, why didn't Behringer make it on the list? It's ridiculously cheap.
he wasn't being loud about it in this video, but look up the edgelords of music/behringer video on yt. A lot of people can't stand thier business practices but are afraid to speak on it because behringer has bullied its critics hard online and publicly.
im guessing because ridiculously cheqp things suck
Wow, I have found detailed videos from UK about interfaces, very detailed and I enjoyed the music and her voice.
Where's the Motu M2 and audient id4 /14....the M2 is probably the main competitor to the ssl2.
These are some of the main interfaces and competition in this price range.
Otherwise a great video with good explanations and demonstrations..
Those aren't budget budget
@@xoxo-pp7ru not budget ? It says under £200 pounds ,
The M2 is £169
The id14 is around £179..
The id4 is £99
Yet they show the SSL2 which is also around the £170 mark..
@@theblackcountrybandit1430 the Scarlet is better
@@xoxo-pp7ru Scarlett are craps.
@@yannclemence8366 mate it's not a huge difference
Great video. May i ask if what daw you using please?
3:46 7:04 10:33 13:27 19:00
Loving the musical interludes!
subbed to this channel now. I'm currently looking for a replacement for my old E-MU 0404 usb interface, because that old thing just doesn't have drivers anywhere to work on anything. Its good when it works (rarely it does now).
this is a Great review, to the point unlike many other veeery overly technical reviews Ive seen on other channels.
many good alternatives in this video, I dont know much about audio nowadays so Im really trying to get back into recording my music again.
Thanks, Sam, I really enjoy and appreciate your videos.
Brother why you forget behniger uphoria hd 404 audio interface 4in 4out..
Personally, I do not recommend this interface. From my experience, this interface is not very travel friendly, even when you wrap it with bubble wrap it can be quite sensitive to travel with. Additionally, the knobs stop to work over time (had it for about 5 years) and you start noticing bumps below 200Hz and around ultrasound (20kHz and higher). Unfortunately, I have to throw this one out despite all of its options in the back
What about behringer umc202hd?
Great video. Great useful info. The singer is incredible. SSL wow I will certainly consider it. Thanks.
What about Audient id4
Not cheap.
M-audio is insane aswell, better than half of these, but at the end of the day its just preference
M-audio is total garbage. Let me know when your unit stops working after a year.
I agree, M-audio is garbage, it is just to have fun for a while. Scarlett Focusrite is so much better, the British product.
“USB bus” might be the most egregious permutation of “ATM machine” I’ve ever seen 🤣🤣🤣
I really enjoyed your video with it's easy to understand breakdowns and audio examples. Really enjoy the lady singing and playing too. Thank you.
How can you have a video on "best Cheap" audio interfaces and not mention Behringer?
Learn proper grammar. You can't use BEST and BEHRINGER in the same sentence. ..
@@johanjacobsson6133 That would be funny if you actually knew anything about Behringer and its history, where do you think the chips come from for your favorite guitar overdrives?
PMT don't sell Behringer products as far as I'm aware. Don't forget these videos are just advertisements for products on their website.
@@SidBonkers51 I used U-Phoria. Is a bad interface, but it works. It is not at the same level of the interfaces mentioned in the video. Behringer has some good and affordable products, but the U-Phoria is just for beginners with low budget.
@@OscarBrashMusic Everyone had one. They add a lot of distorcion inna hashness way tho. And tend to start messing things up after couple years.
Hello, great video but You are missing The USB interface from Moukey, it seems to be interesant For a comparation.
please tell me the store you filmed this in still has the Zack Wylde Signature still for sale behind you !
Musicians friend always has them
The SSL 2 looks like a treat.
great video
Fantastic video. Is the singer signed to a record label. She should be. 🙂
Nice video, very informative but how are these cheap??
Compared to something more expensive.
@@ThreadBomb of course a Tesla will be cheaper than a Lambo, but that doesn't mean it's cheap. There's Toyota, Ford and many many other car brands that do the same thing for less
The Go Mixer Pro seems like quite a useful portable device. I don't totally understand loopback yet though. Would it allow you to play music from your iPhone while also recording on the iPhone and using a mic at the same time because I thought that was not possible?
ssl 2 it's on other level, sounds so much better
The main monitor level dial on mine produced loud cracking through my speakers, also the 4k mode seemed to just bloat the signal - not good at all, better to have a cleaner signal then EQ in post. I had medium to high expectations of this UK designed device; sent it back, awful.
They're not good interfaces .. mine is noisy and the second channel completely failed. Don't buy the SSL2.
Very helpful. Thanks.
Which one has better audio quality? M track 2x2 or Presonus Itwo ???
Motu M2/M4
Pretty much what I'm doing is getting a cheap one to use with my laptop, take some Softsynth stuff from that and run it though my better equipment into my better actual audio interface
which mics are being used? they sound great!
great job!
I have a noob question for this but what would happen if I plugged in a guitar with 1/4 jack whilst the phantom power is turned on? would that hurt anything? I plan to have a condenser mic in one and guitar in the other.
Nothing would happen, as the 6.5 jack cable (= TRS) doesn't provide phantom power. Only your microphone cable does (= XLR).
Hi. I want to take my voice with a backing track out of my power mixer ,into a cellphone and record my self singing.
Will all these products let me do that ?? .
If not. Do you know.what I would need. Thanks for any reply. Dave
yes.
Megan is killing it 👏👏👏
You must be kidding! She was terrible! She is not even a decent amateur. It undermines his entire credibility!
@@Ficktao Boy shut the hell up
Fark, I thought Focusrite will be claimed the best.
I think a Uphoria by behringer would have been a good addition. Cheaper than these still good
Don't be silly
dont get the presonus one, they consistently depricate their software to make you update the interface.
The Steinberg UR12 USB Audio Interface doesn't suck. Only $99
Preamps are relatively bad though. Compared to the competition in the 100$ price range.
Hi! I just subbed! Are all of these interfaces Class Compliant & therefore compatible with iOS 13 & above? I record on my iPad Pro, 2018. Cheapskates at Apple decided I no longer required a headphone out .........smh........PS I use HarmonicDog DAW for the actual recordings. Thanks!
I was actually planning to do the same...have you bought any of the audio interfaces mentioned?
ShreZ Yes Sir. I have the Focusrite Solo Gen 3 but drivers are required and the Solo only records monophonically into the HarmonicDog DAW & pans hard right. I am learning Garage Band & The Solo sounds great and works fine in my 6 year old MacBook Air. Now I use the iPad to make my wacky tracks from the GB app stuff only available on iPad, move it via USB into the MacBook Air & then add my guitar parts. Works well with iReal Pro too when I want to get my jazz stuff going. The ONLY solution to actually recording into my iPad directly is via Baseo’s Multiport device that does have a headphone out (no volume but the iPad volume controls but it works). I am trying to get my Solo to run but due to no drivers for iPad the volume is panned hard right. No problem with other DAWs but all that may work is somehow using my Apogee Jam which ONLY puts out a monophonic signal, works great with my iPad DAW and sounds good. That’s all I’ve done so far. Hope that helps & good luck!
Bob Marley thank you so much for your reply. It will rly help me decide which one to purchase. Best of luck to you too❤️
Prices are really different here in the US today, $249.00 is the price for Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2, unless that is a different model? it looks the same. the SSL SSL2+ 2-In/4-Out USB-C Audio Interface wasn't much more at $279.99; weirdly though the most expensive one at $299.99 was the cheap plastic Roland one "Roland GOMIXERPRO Professional-Quality Audio Mixer for Smartphones" the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface, Blue, PC/Mac - 2 Mic Pres was a penny under $100 and the Focusrite came in at $199.99, all prices as seen on Amazon, which is the only place I can buy these anymore, since the guitar center went bankrupt and there is no where to shop in person these days anyway.
Focusrite is actually $169.92, I got initial price off a different unit, the one you demo in this video is $169.92 not 199
3:45 it sounded like she was playing The Only Exception by Paramore for a second
Same chord sequence
I am Scarlett 2i4 1st gen user. but this time I ordered MOTU I will see how it goes..
Well, how did it go ?
ID 14, STEINBERG UR24C ?
Sooooo...a regular guitar cord plugs into the funny looking input holes? Kind of hard to understand what you are saying...
How about one that’ll let pan hard left and right.
none of these are cheap
They are for good audio interfaces
@@Ethan-yb3kf try living in an underdeveloped country. The cheapest one of these costs more than a month's worth of minimum wage.
@@gcasag what are you on about
@@Ethan-yb3kf he’s on about how these aren’t cheap
@@rgtimberlake9608 they’re cheap for good audio interfaces
I dont think you even really need to go further than a scarlett (unless you get like a fuck expensive mic)
Why's that? Scarlett doesn't work properly with expensive mics?
@@Somelights_NL if you spend 8k on a microphone it makes no sense to record with a cheap interface. It would work just fine, but you’ve already shelled out so much cash just to limit the mic to the quality of the interface and it’s cheap ADDA converters.
@@sc9604 Hahaha. Have you ever been in a real studio? It seems that you don't know what you're talking about. Actually it's not cheap one, the quality remains the same even if you buy an expensive interface, you just buy a more advanced one with more features.
@@Somelights_NL Why would you assume I don't know what I am talking about? If you can't understand the difference between a 1073 or an API preamp and a Scarlett its obvious that you are the one with little experience in proper studios.
The roland unit, if you would rather use your phone power to record, the battery compartment can also be used for stashing your coke or joint!
I am looking for digital audio interface for audiobook narrator. Which one should I should? Plz guide; the budget one.
Noob question: Is the USB connection generally bidirectional on devices like these? In particular, do those interfaces each allow audio output from a PC (connected via USB) to be mixed in with the headphone output? Can they be used, for example, during a Skype call to be able to connect a quality microphone, while still being able to hear the remote party thru the headphones?
They should.
what software is it?
I bought a Pod Farm UX1 for my first audio interface, as you already know, it’s pretty awful, the sound isn’t crisp and the tones aren’t very good, So I’m looking for a new one. I have a budget of about $500.
So, apart from these audio interfaces shown in the video, which would you guys suggest for good sound quality?
I’m more of a complete beginner with audio interfaces, so I would really love some suggestions!
Side note; I play mostly metal music on a 7 and 8 string.
Thanks!
You have $500 for a audio interface
@@Portnowthrifts ?
I assume the scarlett solo is the same as the 2i2 minus the 2nd input?
And a missing volume control for the headphones vs monitor outputs.
Which would be best for ipad lighting cable connection for podcasting for 1 person no guests, maybe zoom or phone guests but not live?
Focusrite I think. Sangah Noona used it got a while so go look at her older videos and her mic video for it
I have one for 30€. What seperates a cheap and expensive one?
Where’s the motu 2x ? It’s actually batter than all of these devices.
Me: Newbie,Bought Sennheiser Momentum 2 True Wireless earphones it has Blue Tooth 5.1
Since MP3 players with 5.1 BT are rare & $$$. Was told that I can use MP3 with Blue Tooth 4.2 & Sennheiser 5.1 BT with the SAME audio quality. Will use MP3 ,ONLY will listen to uploaded CZcams songs SHOULD I still try to find MP3 player with 5.1?? Thank YOU
The Behringer UMC404HD doesn't suck either
if your talking budget neither does the Behringer UMC202HD, has everything I need.
I’m new to this but I’m looking at the rode podmic and I saw it’s a XLR mic (never had one before) so would the 2nd choice would be good for the mic I want ??
i dont have a lot of money, but should i buy 1: just a usb mic, probably the blue yeti.. or 2: a Interface like the scarlett solo,with a at2020 mic voor example... how big is the difference exactly, cause tbh i do not really have the money for the second option
do not buy the yeti is shit..get samson q2u and motu m2. Alternatively 2i2 2nd gen is miles better than 3rd gen on headphone output if you find it used
brother i am in same boat what did u do
@@jorgecamacho4359 i chose for the interface, because that’s the best at long range, as models i chose the scarlett solo as the interface, and the akg p120 as the mic
Any of these devices have stereo?
what device gets the static out of your vocal recording, with u only using a laptop, usb mic, headphones and speakers, no mixer 2 plug in the A.I, R Instruments, really every thing in the laptop is usb, u use mixers in mixcraft 7, not handheld mixers
I used to use Mixcraft.. it always used to mess up on me.and static out , since then I switched to Mac os and use logic. Hope u figure out the issue, mixcraft was my favorite daw other then the static issue
Woooowwwwww. The song played at 4 minutes was MOVING. She was INCREDIBLE.
Which soundcard is better - Komplete Audio1 vs Yamaha AG03 ?
The ag is nice ..steinberg driver..legit
Uhm...Focusrite!
Do you know if the behringer umc22 is any good?
why would anybody buy the focusrite when the SSl2 sounds so much better?
Did you see the price tag on SSL2?
Because there is nothing better than Scarlett Focusrite Solo in this price range, nothing.
presonus audiobox sucks. i have bought 2 so far & both have given me nothing but a headache
Agreed, avoid at all costs. Mine makes a hissing sound that gets into all mic recordings when phantom power is turned on (i.e. if I use a condenser mic). I've troubleshot everything and realized it's the box.
She sang louder with the blue one. this doesn't prove that its better to the red one. I have both but haven't tried the red I just upgraded to the red one.
Damn worlds best singer
Liked the recorded sound from Presonus Audiobox better, go figure.
is the studio one daw fullly free with it? or is it a scaled down lite version?
Behringer um2???
Motu M2 and Audient EVO4 czcams.com/video/xLShpyzwvJs/video.html One of the best reviews to see which has better quality with headphones. Maybe you do not care, but it is what most leave out the interfaces.
Where's the IK Multimedia AXE I/O ?
referring to the title, the axe i/o aint cheap.
Can i use in laptop?
yes if it has usb
Which interface is good for Logic Pro x on high Sierra??
any of these. go with the Scarlett iSolo if you are jist getting started
What ab the evo 4 compere to all of these?
Hello guys, need a audio USB interface for producing in Ableton, i dont need to plug any instrument (i'm only using vst/vsti), just need mic (not the best one, i just use it for playing game with friends), but i need really good sound for my headphone (atx m50x) and good sound for my Prodipe TDC 5 with, for sure, good latence, someone can help me ? thanks.
Could one of them drive mine HD600 Headphones?
I’d get something like a Liquid Spark
I use the Focusrite to drive my HD650, works well.
I'd strike the SSL2 off the list ... It's plastic gimmicky junk that will fail within a year or two ... At least that's what happened to mine. The first instrument channel got increasingly more noise with this awful buzzing hum and the second instrument channel just completely failed outright. Maybe I just got a lemon, but I'd be careful about purchasing this model ... The SSL2 is getting mostly rave revues and personally I think there's something rotten with that.
3:50
Dude looks like a reformed ed kemper.
Title: "Cheap"
Description: "Under £200"
Some people *ARE BUGGING* for that sweet, sweet dislike!
The Presonus Audiobox was the most frustrating and cheapest sounding Interface i ever got... Latency at 15ms, Sound on the Headphone Output thin and useless.... Dropouts.. With onboard Sound i got a much better Latency with Asio 4 All and the Sound was better too... Now i am happy with a used NI Audio Kontrol 1 for 20$
wanna try an ssl 2(+) vs motu m2/m4 test? i'll bring you cookies...
i just got fl studio and i want a m2 or m4 so i can hookup my microkorg, but all the retailers say its back ordered for several weeks! im impatient af lol
@@matthewjohnbauer yeah, it seems to sell like crazy.
Can i take output in my amp speaker ?
yes that's what microphones are for lol..
Which would u say is best for someone just doing rap vocals?
i'd say go with the ssl2 dude. best quality of the options here.
Use the cheapest interface you can find.
@@kyron42 But not too cheap, especially if you are on Windows.
apollo twin
Jimmy Hill !
can you insert external gear into any of these?
Of course, you have to plug in Microphones
Not trying to be funny, but how come this video sounds crap? (Not normal on my studio monitors)
CHEAP?! These are not "cheap!"
For a good audio interface they are.
For cheap you gotta get behringer. Which works fine but it does have very minor issues