Best Audio Interface Under 500 (Top 8)
Finding the best audio interface for your home studio setup can be a tricky task.
With so many different options available, it’s hard to know which one is right for your needs and budget. Fortunately, there are some great options out there that don’t cost an arm and a leg.
In this article, we’ll take a look at the best audio interface under 500 (top 8).
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Best Audio Interface Under 500 (Top 8)
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite is one of the most well-known names in audio, and their Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best budget audio interfaces available today.
This 2-in/2-out USB interface features two combination XLR/TRS inputs, with each input boasting Focusrite’s award-winning preamps.
The Scarlett 2i2 also includes 48V phantom power and provides 24-bit/96kHz audio resolution, making it an ideal choice for recording vocals, guitars and other instruments.
Features
• 24-bit resolution at up to 96 kHz sampling rate
• 2 combo mic/instrument inputs
• Stereo 1/4″ main outputs
2. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The AudioBox USB 96 from PreSonus is a perfect pick for those on a tighter budget.
This 2-in/2-out USB audio interface features two combination XLR/TRS inputs, with the first input offering up to 40 dB of gain for connecting dynamic mics and instruments.
The AudioBox also provides 24-bit/96kHz resolution, plus it even includes a version of PreSonus’ Studio One Artist recording software.
Features
• 24-bit resolution at up to 96 kHz sampling rate
• 2 combo mic/instrument inputs
• Stereo 1/4″ main outputs
• MIDI in/out connections
• USB bus powered
• Includes Studio One Artist DAW software
3. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6
The Komplete Audio 6 from Native Instruments is a great choice for those looking for a versatile audio interface with plenty of features.
This 6-in/6-out USB audio interface offers four XLR/TRS combo inputs, each with their own level control, plus two additional 1/4″ inputs.
It also includes MIDI I/O and provides 24-bit/96kHz resolution, making it perfect for recording drums, guitars and other instruments.
Features
• 6-in/6-out USB audio interface
• Four XLR/TRS combo inputs
• Two additional 1/4″ inputs
• MIDI I/O connections
• 24-bit resolution at up to 96 kHz sampling rate
• Includes Cubase LE and Komplete Elements software
4. Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is another great option for those looking for an affordable audio interface.
This 4-in/4-out USB audio interface features two XLR/TRS combo inputs, plus two additional 1/4″ inputs.
It also provides 24-bit resolution at up to 192kHz sampling rate and includes a full version of Tracktion 7 recording software.
Features
• 4-in/4-out USB audio interface
• Two XLR/TRS combo inputs
• Two additional 1/4″ inputs
• 24-bit resolution at up to 192 kHz sampling rate
• Includes a full version of Tracktion 7 recording software
5. M-Audio M-Track 2X2M
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2M is an affordable, compact audio interface that’s perfect for recording on the go.
This 2-in/2-out USB audio interface offers two XLR/TRS combo inputs, with each input providing 48V phantom power and up to 60dB of gain.
It also provides 24-bit/192kHz resolution and includes Pro Tools | First recording software.
Features
• 2-in/2-out USB audio interface
• Two XLR/TRS combo inputs with 48V phantom power
• Up to 60dB of gain per channel
• 24-bit resolution at up to 192 kHz sampling rate
• Includes Pro Tools | First recording software
6. Steinberg UR22mkII
The Steinberg UR22mk2 is your go-to audio interface if you’re looking for an audio interface with low latency performance.
This 2-in/2-out USB audio interface offers two combo XLR/TRS inputs, with each input providing up to 60dB of gain and switchable phantom power.
Moreover, it also provides 24-bit/192kHz resolution and includes a full version of Cubase AI recording software.
Features
• 2-in/2-out USB audio interface
• Two combo XLR/TRS inputs with up to 60dB of gain
• Switchable phantom power
• 24-bit resolution at up to 192 kHz sampling rate
• Includes a full version of Cubase AI recording software
7. Audient iD4
The Audient iD4 is another great pick for those looking for an audio interface with low latency performance.
This 2-in/2-out USB audio interface features a single combo XLR/TRS input with up to 55dB of gain and switchable phantom power.
It also provides 24-bit resolution at up to 96kHz sampling rate and includes Pro Tools | First recording software.
Features
• 2-in/2-out USB audio interface
• Single combo XLR/TRS input with up to 55dB of gain
• Switchable phantom power
• 24-bit resolution at up to 96 kHz sampling rate
• Includes Pro Tools | First recording software
8. Rode NT1-A Interface Pack
The Rode NT1-A Interface Pack is a great choice for those looking for an all-in-one solution.
This package includes the Rode NT1-A microphone, SMR shock mount, XLR cable and the Scarlett Solo audio interface. The audio interface offers two inputs (one combo XLR/TRS input with up to 60dB of gain and one 1/4″ instrument input with up to 20dB of gain).
It also provides 24-bit resolution at up to 96kHz sampling rate and includes Pro Tools | First recording software.
Features
• All-in-one solution containing a microphone, shock mount, XLR cable and audio interface
• One combo XLR/TRS input with up to 60dB of gain
• One 1/4″ instrument input with up to 20dB of gain
• 24-bit resolution at up to 96 kHz sampling rate
• Includes Pro Tools | First recording software
Conclusion
Finding a good audio interface can often be a tricky task, especially when you need to find one that won’t break the bank.
Fortunately, there are some great options available for under $500 which offer excellent performance and features.
Whether it’s for recording vocals or instruments, mixing live sound, podcasts and more, these 8 audio interfaces will provide you with the best bang for your buck.
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