Also, for its very affordable price tag, this interface boasts some serious audio quality, coming from console and interface makers, Audient. We show you what's possible in Logic. Preamps: 1x Mic, 1x Instrument Inputs: 2x combo (XLR/1/4”) The highlight of the SSL 2 2X2M is that it draws from the company’s design strengths – namely on its two preamps and ‘Legacy 4K Mode’ – and packs it into a neat, compact and bus-powered interface. Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4”. Those who use entry-level audio interfaces will tell you that Focusrite is a go-to brand. When I was asked to put together a list of five of the best interfaces for less than $500, it took some careful research and consideration. Seasoned engineers working on more complex setups might have forgotten how daunting even the most basic recording tasks can be to a beginner. With an addictive appetite for partials, saws and plenty more, Rob Papen’s newly updated soft-synth cuts straight to the heart of your mix. levels were carefully calibrated, so any differences you hear are a result of Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4”. We round up some of our favourite sites for fresh, inspiring samples. Price: $219.99 He also produced the world-renowned 3D Audio CDs, a series which allows listeners to compare mics, preamps, analog-to-digital converters, DAWs, and summing, giving them the ability to hear the differences in their own spaces. Add in the Air control (auditioned separately here so you can hear what it does), and you’ve got a winner. The Best Audio Interface Under $200: The Takeaway. Price: $268.50 Price: $199 You get four MIDAS preamps, input monitoring capabilities and, for integrating with your setup, MIDI ins-and-outs and a pair of TRS inserts, for putting any existing hardware into your recording chain after the preamps. Just like with anything, different audio interfaces work best for different needs. The Audient EVO 4 is a compact, no-nonsense interface ideal for those wanting to get into recording quickly without worrying about the more technical aspects, at least yet. Price: $289.99 From home recording stalwarts to great throw-in-your-bag options, here are our top picks for the best audio interfaces you can buy this year for under $300. Connection Protocol: USB-C The innovative Audient EVO 4 is tiny if space in your workspace is at a premium. If you decided which you prefer or if these just made you more curious about options in this range, then call your Sweetwater Sales Engineer at (800) 222-4700. It was a unique opportunity to hear and see exactly what you get and what you’ll hear when you invest in a USB interface under $500. iZotope has tweaked its flagship vocal-production suite with some new features – but are they worth the asking price? The world’s leading media brand at the intersection of music and technology. Home » Audio Interfaces » Best Audio Interface under $500. Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4”, 1x 1/8”. The Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 2-in, 2-out USB 2 interface features Onyx mic preamps and dual hi-Z inputs. We explore how legendary artists incorporated strings into their work, and show you how similar results can be achieved with Orchestral Tools' LA Sessions. Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4”. That’s why it’s critical to have Novation is best known for its MIDI controllers, keyboards and synths, so it’s only natural that their standalone audio interface plays well with others in the product line. Everyone has their favourite, but this DAW certainly has served us best in 2020. Written by Doug Beney on September 20, 2015. All parameters of the lightweight Zoom UAC-2 are controllable via the MixEfx software application. But it’s a big plus that it comes bundled with both Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools First; Eleven Lite, Xpand2!, Vacuum, Boom and 2GB of Touch Loop content. If you are looking to start recording music at home then an audio interface is an essential part of your recording setup. So, engineer Shawn Dealey It’s a two-input/two-output interface, which means you get two dual-function sockets for your XLR and quarter-inch inputs, and a pair of quarter-inch outputs for your speakers. Here is a list I put together of what I consider to be the 8 BEST Audio Interfaces under $300 that will give you the best recording experience. You will have a reliable and decent one with under $200. Others are simple but give the user the ability to record themselves in a variety of different ways. Under $600 - Shopping for USB Audio Interfaces? Preamps: 2x Mic One of the most popular and affordable interfaces among Sweetwater’s lineup of USB interfaces, the Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation has proven itself as a dependable and fuss-free interface with just what you need to get started. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 review – best audio interface under 300. Mic Pre Gain Range: 35db 5 Best Audio Interface under $200 #5: Tascam US-2x2 This is an audio interface that gives users an ergonomic design as well as fantastic audio quality. Looking to record an Axe Fx through the line in on an interface. From the tweakiest techniques to the biggest ideas, our experts work hard to constantly supply inSync with a steady stream of helpful, in-depth demos, reviews, how-tos, news, and interviews. Price: £99 / $129 / €119 Inputs: 2x combo inputs (XLR/1/4″) NOTE: This interface is Windows only and requires USB 3 (not USB 2) to interface with your computer. Preamps: 2x Mic It comes bundled with SSL Native and other software. So, if you’re recording a podcast and you’re working with the notoriously gain-hungry Shure SM7B, this is a great pick. …and that is why I picked out, review and recommend top 5 best USB audio interface that you’re going to see below. Connection Protocol: USB-B Outputs: 2x 1/4″ outputs Inputs: 2x Combo (XLR/1/4″), 2 x 1/4″ (line) you? Here are the winners for our Gear of the Year roundup of the ’20s. If you’re looking for an interface in the sub-$300 price range, then the PreSonus Studio 68 is probably the interface to go for. Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4”. On the interface itself, you’ll find two mic/line combo inputs in the front, two 1/4” inch inputs in the back, a pair of jack outs, headphone out, as well as level and input selector controls. (Image credit: Press Material) Combining a functional, but sleek, smart design, flexible usability and including a very respectable selection of bundled software, Native Instruments’ Komplete Audio 1 is probably the best budget audio interface you can get for under $120/£100 right now. The Solid State Logic SSL2+ 2-in, 4-out interface comes from one of the industry’s foremost console makers whose decades-long track record for making hits is second to none. Carr, and Jacob Dupre to record vocals, guitars, and grand piano through all Or which one sounds best to Mic Pre Gain Range: 58dB Now that you’ve listened and decided which interface sounds To learn more about our cookie policy, please check our Privacy Policy. The legendary organ maker has unveiled a new instrument during the Believe In Music Week. Some are a bit more heavy-duty and require more heavy lifting. We recorded with and without the 4K button engaged so you can hear the difference. The Zoom UAC-2 USB 3.0 2-in, 2-out interface offers dual combo mic/line/instrument inputs and features MIDI I/O. The MOTU M4 4×4 USB-C interface offers four inputs and four outputs instead of the typical two in this price range, so you can hook up two mics (or guitar and bass) plus your stereo keyboard all at the same time. Or can you even hear the difference between a $100 and a $500 interface? the differences in preamps and converters. Not only does this interface come with some solid sounding preamps, but it packs great software to kickstart your plug-in collection as well. Outputs: 2x 1/4″ TRS (DC coupled, monitor), 2x 1/4″ TRS (DC coupled, line), 1x Dual RCA Stereo (monitor), 1 x Dual RCA Stereo (line) The boom of affordable home recording gear has led to fierce competition between brands, which, much to the benefit of music-makers, has led to more affordable devices and some impressive bundled third-party software. Disclaimer: The provided I/O counts consider how many simultaneous input and output channels are offered. Build patches inspired by classic 80s synth tracks with this free Oberheim OB-X emulation. The 25 Best Audio Interfaces Money Can Buy (2020) Audio Interfaces are the beating heart of most producers’ studios. With the push of a button, you can add the “4K” magic from those consoles to your recordings. Top 10 Best Audio Interfaces Under $300 in 2020. by Isaac Stolzer-Gary. If you’re looking for a straightforward interface to take out on the road with you – or maybe to an artist’s house for a quick session – consider Mackie’s Onyx Producer 2×2. could hear, but we also wanted to give you the chance to hear for Outputs: 2x 1/4″ TRS (L/R) Scarlett Mix Control Tutorial (2nd Generation) I believe this mix control software is only available on the higher input interfaces in the Focusrite Line. As the name suggests, the interface has six inputs and eight outputs, which is pretty good for a device in this price range. Click the Download Pro Tools Session button to download the 24/96 Pro Tools session file with high-resolution WAV files. It’s the most wonderful time of the year for your plug-in folder. 5501 U.S. Hwy 30 W, Fort Wayne, IN 46818 An Audio Interfaces is arguably the … Native Instrument’s Komplete Kontrol keyboards demonstrate that the company is on a mission to bring great hardware and software bundles to music production newcomers, and the Komplete Audio 6 follows strongly in this vein. Don Carr performed on a Martin D-18 Authentic 1939 Aged acoustic into a Neumann KM 184 small-diaphragm condenser microphone and a Mojave Audio MA-201fet large-diaphragm condenser microphone, each routed directly to the interface. Preamps: 2 Mic Mic Pre Gain Range: 62dB Unless you have other expensive outboard mic preamps and converters, it is a major This is a two-in, two-out interface equipped with Mackie’s transparent sounding Onyx mic pres (which show up in the brand’s ProFXv3 mixing boards, too). Screens are on most devices these days, so it’s strange that so few interfaces have considered replacing the red clip indicator with something a bit more intuitive. You can also assign a function to the iD button on the front panel, so you have quick access to mute, dim or talkback. But how can you know which interface to buy? Price: $219.95 Outputs: 2x 1/4″ (L/R) Connection Protocol: USB Type-C (USB 2.0) In its second incarnation, World Suite 2 adds even more instruments and functionality for composers. For Mac users, there is a Thunderbolt 3-equipped Apollo Solo that specs and sounds the same. A vocal recording is rarely perfect on the first take. For several years now, Focusrite’s Scarlett interfaces have been considered the modern songwriter’s best friend. Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4″. Well, quite a lot. and I collected them in Sweetwater Studio A and brought in Nick D’Virgilio, Don these interfaces so you can hear them firsthand. Best Audio Interface under $500: Your Top 5 Choices . Outputs: 2x 1/4″ Whether you’re trying to up your recording game or looking for an affordable-yet-useful gift for that special musician in your life, audio interfaces are a great place to start and don’t need to break the bank! It's necessary, then, to apply some effects to bring it up to its potential. I compiled the following list, based on overall sound yourself what these interfaces under $500 sound like. Connection Protocol: USB Type-C (USB 3.0 / 3.1 Gen 1) On the software side, you get Cubase LE 5 and Traktor LE 2 and Komplete Elements. With the 3rd Gen model, Focusrite took an already stellar interface to the next level. Fuston is now the Manager of Written Content for Sweetwater's web and print publications. Take a listen to these recordings and That’s why it’s critical to have the best-sounding audio interface, even if you don’t have a lot of money to spend. Each input has a Hi-Z option for recording guitars or bass direct. Outputs: 2x 1/4″ (monitor out) In a nutshell, the best audio interfaces enable you to get high-quality audio in and out of your computer, and to connect some essential studio gear during your sessions. Headphone Outputs: 1x 1/4″. The Steinberg UR44C USB-C 3.1 interface offers superlative 32-bit/192kHz sampling and twice as many D-Pre Class A mic inputs (for a total of four) along with dual line inputs for a total of six simultaneously recordable inputs. We asked our members to nominate their favourite audio interfaces under $300 and here is what the Gearslutz community told us! 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