Best Audio Interface under 200 (Top 8)
When it comes to recording music, having a good quality audio interface is essential.
An audio interface provides the connection between analog and digital sound sources, allowing you to record your music with clarity and accuracy. Choosing an audio interface can be daunting because of the wide range of options available.
To make things easier for musicians on a budget, we’ve put together a list of the 8 best audio interfaces under 200 dollars.
8 Best Audio Interface Under 200
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
This compact and portable audio interface delivers exceptional clarity, allowing you to capture every nuance of your recordings with precision and detail. With its easy-to-use controls and versatile connectivity options, the Scarlett Solo is the perfect companion for musicians, podcasters, and content creators on the go.
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is one of the most popular USB-based audio interfaces on the market, and for good reason.
It comes with an ample amount of features for an entry-level device, including a mic preamp, a direct instrument input, and zero-latency monitoring. It also features two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments with balanced or unbalanced signals.
The Scarlett Solo is powered by USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features
• USB-powered for easy portability
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• Instrument input for recording guitars
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo
PreSonus AudioBox iTwo
This compact and portable interface offers two high-quality mic/line/instrument inputs, enabling you to capture your music with exceptional clarity and precision. With its 24-bit/96kHz resolution and MIDI I/O, the AudioBox iTwo ensures that every detail of your recordings is faithfully reproduced.
The PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is a great option for those looking for an affordable audio interface that offers professional-level performance.
The AudioBox iTwo features two combo jacks, an instrument/mic preamp, and zero-latency monitoring.
It also includes a MIDI interface for controlling external devices like keyboards and synthesizers. The AudioBox iTwo is powered via USB and is compatible with both Mac and PC.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Instrument/mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD
Behringer U-Phoria
The U-Phoria UMC202HD features 2 combo inputs, MIDI I/O, and direct monitoring for effortless connectivity and seamless integration into your workflow. Equipped with MIDAS-designed preamps and 24-bit/192kHz resolution, it captures every nuance and detail of your recordings with unparalleled clarity.
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is an affordable and feature-packed audio interface. It includes two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a mic preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for connecting external devices.
The U-Phoria also features dedicated headphones and main outputs for monitoring and recording. It is powered via USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
M-Audio M-Track 2X2
M-Audio M-Track
Equipped with a wide range of inputs and outputs, including XLR and 1/4″ combo jacks, MIDI connectivity, and headphone monitoring, the M-Audio M-Track provides the flexibility needed to connect and control all your audio devices.
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2 is a great option for those looking for an entry-level audio interface with professional-level performance.
It features two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a microphone preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for connecting external devices.
Moreover, the M-Track 2X2 includes two dedicated headphone outputs for monitoring recordings in real-time. It is powered via USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
• 2 dedicated headphone outputs for monitoring recordings
Steinberg UR22mkII
Steinberg UR22MK II
Capture every nuance of your music with the UR22MK II’s top-of-the-line preamps and 24-bit/192 kHz resolution. Its rugged construction ensures durability, while the intuitive controls make it easy to use, whether you’re in the studio or on the go.
The Steinberg UR22mkII is a great option for those looking for an audio interface with professional-level performance.
It offers two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a mic preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for connecting external devices.
The UR22mkII also features two dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings in real-time. It is powered via USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
• 2 dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings
• USB-powered for easy portability
Mackie Onyx Blackjack
Mackie Onyx Blackjack
With its intuitive controls and sleek design, the Onyx Blackjack Interface is easy to use and perfect for both home studios and professional setups.Equipped with high-quality Onyx preamps, it delivers studio-grade sound quality with pristine clarity and rich detail.
The Mackie Onyx Blackjack is an affordable and feature-packed audio interface.
It comes with two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a mic preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for connecting external devices.
The Onyx Blackjack also includes two dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings in real-time. It is powered via USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
• 2 dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings
• USB-powered for easy portability
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
Mackie Onyx Blackjack
This compact powerhouse is packed with features that will revolutionize your music production. With its best-in-class preamps and 24-bit/192kHz audio resolution, every detail of your recordings will come to life with incredible clarity and precision. The Scarlett 2i2 offers a user-friendly interface, making it a breeze to navigate and control your audio settings. Plus, with its sturdy build and portable design, you can take your music production anywhere and capture professional-quality sound on the go.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is a great option for those who want a professional-grade audio interface.
It includes two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a mic preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for connecting external devices.
The Scarlett also features two dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings in real-time. It is powered via USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
• 2 dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings
• USB-powered for easy portability
• Built-in software bundle with Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite and much more.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
This interface is perfect for both home studios and musicians on the go. With its 24-bit/96kHz resolution and professional-grade preamps, it ensures crystal-clear audio reproduction and incredible sonic detail. The AudioBox USB 96 also includes the powerful PreSonus Studio One Artist software, providing you with a complete recording solution right out of the box
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is an excellent choice for those looking for a budget-friendly audio interface.
It has two combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a mic preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for connecting external devices.
The AudioBox USB 96 also includes two dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings in real-time. It is powered via USB, making it perfect for recording on the go.
Key Features:
• 2 combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments
• Mic preamp with switchable phantom power
• MIDI interface for connecting external devices
• 2 dedicated outputs for monitoring your recordings
• USB-powered for easy portability
In fact, the majority of the interfaces covered in this article go much beyond the very basic connectivity you may get for under double digits.
In addition to detailing some of the software bundle’s highlights, which may be crucial in influencing your purchase decision, we have listed all the key parameters, such as the number of ins and outs and audio recording quality.
Read More: The Best Audio Interfaces Under $500
Conclusion
To conclude, choosing a good quality audio interface is crucial for recording music with clarity and accuracy. In this article, we have provided a list of the 8 best audio interfaces under $200, catering to musicians on a budget. These interfaces offer a range of features and professional-level performance at an affordable price point.
The article highlights popular audio interfaces such as the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, PreSonus AudioBox iTwo, Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD, M-Audio M-Track 2X2, Steinberg UR22mkII, Mackie Onyx Blackjack, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen), and PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. Each interface offers multiple combo jacks for connecting microphones or instruments, a mic preamp with switchable phantom power, and a MIDI interface for external device connectivity. They also feature dedicated outputs for real-time monitoring and are powered via USB for easy portability.
Furthermore, the article emphasizes the importance of considering software bundles that accompany the interfaces, as they can significantly impact your purchase decision. The software bundles may include popular DAWs (Digital Audio Workstations) like Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite, among others.
In summary, with the wide range of options available, the article has provided valuable insights into affordable audio interfaces that offer professional-level performance. By considering the key parameters, number of inputs and outputs, and the software bundles, musicians can make an informed decision to enhance their recording experience without breaking the bank.
