Looking for the best cheap audio interface for your home studio? Well I have opinions on that, baby! Read on for what I think. Ahoy: I sometimes use affiliate links. Some purchases may earn me a commission! 🙂 Alright now that’s done, let’s get on with guiding you to your best budget audio interface!
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – $50-150
The Scarlett boxes sound great, are really fast and stable, and lightweight. The 2i2 is bus powered so no need for extra power, you just get it from the computer. This is the box I have at my house for my remote “reviewing plugins” rig. Love it! The reason for the price range is Scarletts have several generations. It’s on 4th gen as of this writing, and that’s the most expensive, because it’s newest. But you can get 3rd or even 2nd gen boxes used and they’re still awesome.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB – $40
You can’t get cheaper than $40 but Behringer always puts out solid products. The U-Phoria box is popular, solid, and unless you’re a golden ear, I’ll bet you money you can’t hear the difference in sound quality between this guy and others on the list.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 – $100
PreSonus is another company that makes really affordable stuff that’s also pro quality. They always sound good, they’re plenty fast, it’s a good choice. The weird thing right now is, this guy is about $100 new – but people are selling them on Reverb for as low as $33. So if you really want to go cheap and get a lot of bang for your buck, this guy’s a good choice right now.
M-Audio M-Track Solo – $50
Again, M-Audio is good for affordable stuff that’s not bad. I wouldn’t pick this guy over the Scarlett but to tell you the truth you can get it new for $50 whereas the Scarlett is more like 150 new. I linked you to Reverb but watch out – some people are trying to sell it on Reverb for more than list. what??
Ok we’re done! Go buy your thing and then maybe if you’re doing a podcast, checkout these DAWs that are good for podcasting. Bam!
I’m a producer and artist who loves all things production, writes for many trades, and can’t get enough of AX73, Kee Bass, and Scanner Vibrato. Talk to me about it all on social media @RecordingLikeMacGyver!
AND if you want to instantly improve your tracks without buying anything new, grab the 10x Your Tracks eBook!