Best Audio Interface Under $500

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Generation Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a modern audio interface for people who need to be able to record themselves. The best part about it is that you don’t have to spend any extra money on software; since the Scarlett, the software is included!

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface has two inputs and can handle converting analog signals into digital ones. It also offers excellent sound quality, using Focusrite’s best technology to provide a studio-quality recording.

The best part about this Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 audio interface is that you don’t have to spend any extra money on software because Scarlett Software comes with it. This is important for people starting in music production or who want a less expensive option than some of their competitors that cost more than $500.

The only downside would be if your computer doesn’t have an input slot available, but there are adapters that you could buy separately. So, if you’re looking for an inexpensive audio interface, the Scarlett Solo is a great option.

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Behringer U-phoria UMC20HD Audio Interface

Behringer U-Phoria UM20HD is best for those looking for a budget audio interface that doesn’t compromise features and quality. The Behringer can be used with either Windows or Mac OS X, making it compatible with most current computers. The small size also makes this unit perfect for home studios where space might be limited. The Behringer U-Phoria UM20HD offers some very impressive specs for its price: 16 input channels (eight mic/line), 18 outputs (six-line out plus 12 preamp outs) - all completely MIDI-enabled! In addition to these standard features, an ultra-high-resolution mode allows you to record 24 bits at 96 kHz without additional software. Like all Behringer products, it’s covered by their standard warranty of three years. The only downside to this device is the lack of a number pad for direct input, which can be somewhat frustrating at times, but with so many features and such an affordable price tag, it’s hard not to recommend the UM20HD as one of the perfect audio interfaces.

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Presonus Studio 1810c Audio Interface

The Presonus Studio 1810c is a very high-quality interface with various options and has two microphone preamps, four line inputs, and eight outputs to maximize your studio setup’s versatility. The Presonus Studio 1810c is an excellent option if you need an audio interface that will provide top-notch sound quality combined with lower latency which can be crucial when recording vocals or instruments on the fly.

The Presonus Studio 1810c interface is expandable with up to 18 simultaneous inputs, which is great for any studio setup. The 1810c design is sleek and durable, with a metal casing that provides outstanding protection and durability.

The Presonus Studio 1810c also comes with a free full version of Studio One Professional DAW software which is excellent for those just starting in the world of audio production who are looking to get their feet wet without spending any money upfront on expensive studio equipment.

The 1820c has two microphone preamps that can be used separately or combined; this allows you to easily capture high-quality vocals from both sources at once when recording soloists.

The four-line inputs allow you to input electric guitars, keyboards, and other electronic instruments, such as samplers so overall the Presonus Studio 1810c is excellent audio interface is the best on our list because of its versatility, easy-to-use features, and professional sound quality.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 2x2 USB Audio Interface

The Presonus Audiobox USB 96 is an audio interface with many professional features for the best price and comes with many technical specs to make it versatile in any situation, from recording live sound, and mixing, all at different quality levels. The Presonus Audiobox USB 96 also provides MIDI inputs, outputs, and balanced monitor-outs for headphones or powered speakers. The frequency response on this device ranges up to 44 kHz, which is impressive considering its low cost! It can be used with Mac OSX, Windows XP/Vista/Win-2000, and higher versions of these platforms without hassle because drivers are already available. This gadget presents easy controls such as panning knobs and volume faders but not EQs or compressors, but it can be used in conjunction with other gear. So, overall the Presonus Audiobox USB 96 is an excellent audio interface for the price.

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Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 USB Audio Interface

The Behringer UM200M audio interface is an excellent choice because it comes with reasonable quality at a low cost starting at under 500 dollars. The Behringer UM200M provides up to 16 simultaneous inputs through MIDI connections making it perfect if you want to do live recordings or use electronic instruments in your home recording studio setup. The Behringer UM200M provides additional features such as a digital I/O connection, a USB connection, and studio-grade low-latency drivers. The 48 kHz resolution audio quality will be sufficient for most home users.

With the most popular recording software like Avid pro soft, a range of features is available for audio mixing. The Behringer UM200M interface provides ultra-low latency driver performance and is compatible with Windows and Mac operating systems.

The Behringer Audio Interface UMC22 is an excellent option for beginners looking to get their feet wet in audio interfaces and recording equipment without spending too much money. It has an incredible 24-bit conversion, perfect for smaller studios or home setups that need only two channels running simultaneously.

The Behringer UMC22 audio interface also has fantastic sound quality and a black design body that looks sleek and professional, perfect for any studio setup if you are looking for a cost-effective option that is still excellent in every category. So, overall the Behringer is a good buy if you are looking for the best audio interface under $500.

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Steinberg UR22c Audio Interface

The Steinberg UR22c Audio Interface is a compact and affordable USB-powered audio interface that gives you all the tools you need to make music on your computer, with two great-sounding mic preamps, phantom power for the use of condenser microphones, MIDI in/out/thru ports so you can keep it plugged into your keyboard or drum machine. The Steinberg UR22c Audio Interface has a small size, which makes this interface perfect for producers on the go and mobile musicians who want an easy way to capture their ideas when inspiration strikes without having to carry around bulky equipment like laptops and stands. The headphone output means there’s no latency during monitoring either – plug in a set of headphones or monitors and start making music. Its Class-a D-PREAMP mic preamps accurately represent your sound, while the onboard digital effects make you sound like a pro with zero latency. So, overall the UR22c is an excellent choice for a compact, portable interface with many features.

Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 USB Audio Interface

Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 offers a 24-channel monitor mixer, four mic inputs with high-quality preamps, plenty of output routing options, and an onboard compressor/limiter. The Onyx Artist series is all about getting that big professional-sounding production in your studio or on the go at home without breaking the bank. It’s perfect for small project studios, bands, and songwriters who want to mix their music but still need access to expensive gear.

The Onyx Artist series’s interface audio quality is phenomenal and best seen in this interface’s 24-channel analog mixer. The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 audio interface offers many features that will make your mixing experience enjoyable from start to finish.

The Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 has good-quality preamps and many output routing options. It also has an onboard compressor/limiter. So, overall the Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 is the best audio interface under $500 that offers the best of both worlds - versatility and affordability.

Focusrite Clarett 2Pre USB Audio Interface

Focusrite Clarett is the best audio interface under 500. It’s been an industry-standard in the pro audio world for years. The design of this interface may be more flashy and eye-catching than some interfaces out there, but it does the job well at its intended function.

The CLARETT⁺ Range includes two dynamic mic preamps with up to 24 bit/ 192 kHz resolution on each channel and three bands of EQ per input (one high shelving, one low cut filter, and one parametric). There’s also a single-button compressor built into every input module, plus 64x oversampling ensures you have plenty of headroom when recording vocals or instruments such as drums so that your signal doesn’t distort even if you push it hard. The headphone output also features a single-button compressor to ensure your headphones don’t suffer from nasty spikes in level when you’re monitoring the input signal while recording on one channel of an instrument (such as drums). The metering is accurate and lets you know how loud each track is without having to do any math, which can come in handy if things get confusing during complex mixes.

A low-cut filter has two slopes, so it’s easy to dial precisely what frequency range needs attenuating. There’s even a polarity switch for specific microphones that react differently depending on where they are plugged into this interface. It also comes with Steinberg Cubase AI software, which offers a deep library of virtual instruments, including pianos and electric pianos, drums and percussion, strings, and synthesizer sounds.

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Black Lion Audio Revolution 2×2 Audio Interface

Black Lion Audio Revolution USB interface is a good audio interface you can buy on Amazon, and it’s also very affordable. Some great features include two channels with high-quality preamps, ADAT interconnection, MIDI input/output, word clock synchronization, and S/PDIF digital connection.

The Black Lion audio interface has a good solid build quality similar to its higher-priced competitors in this list of budget audio interfaces, so if you’re looking for something more than just your average budget-friendly option, then maybe take a look at what they have available.

The Black Lion audio interface connects via a USB cable, meaning no drivers are needed for your Mac or PC, making setup extremely and problem-free. So, overall the Black Lion Audio Revolution is the best audio interface under $500.

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Komplete Audio 6 USB Audio Interface

Komplete Audio 6, the latest audio interface from Native Instruments, continues to be a staple in the world of music production. Team Wooster Audio will show you what Komplete Audio 6 is and why it is a perfect choice for you if you’re looking to up your audio game and need a powerful audio interface.

You can record audio up to 192 kHz / 24-bit with Komplete Audio 6’s redesigned audio interface, which features MIDI and low-latency performance. DJs may find the Komplete Audio 6 useful for importing loops, creating new instruments, and using it as a DJ interface due to its easy-to-read LED VU-meters on top.

In addition to a built-in Expanded MIDI in/out for Maschine (MIDI controller), the Komplete Audio 6 has a Custom, streamlined circuit design with an analog volume knob and direct monitoring with zero latency.

Using the dynamic range compressor in Komplete Audio 6, you can reduce noise when performing in draggy conditions or recording in draggy situations, and it has four analog inputs, four digital inputs, and four digital stereo inputs (lossless signal transmission).

With Komplete Audio 6, you can compose, record, mix, and master your own music. This application is USB-powered (extra custom USB socket) and offers four balanced analog outputs (1/4" TRS).

With Komplete Audio 6, you can create electronic music, mix and master it, and use its many features on both PCs and Macs. In summary, Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 is an excellent audio interface that lets you produce professional-quality music.

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Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Generation Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett Solo (third-generation) has many features perfect for small home studios. This edition includes three different microphone preamps, which can be used to record vocals or instruments. The question is, Does the Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface affect sound quality? Yes! Its sound quality is superb, with output at 24-bit rates up to 192 kHz sampling rate.

The High-performance converters are another great feature of the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, producing a low distortion and high-resolution sound that mixes up to 24-bit/ 192kHz.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo has a single headphone jack that can monitor the sound. You gain control of input channels and output levels and an LED display showing your signal’s peak levels. It doesn’t have MIDI ports, but it has software to compensate for this lack of functionality.

You can download Pro Tools First to create music or podcasts without trouble. There are two ways of working: one where you use the computer’s power by running all plugins inside Pro Tools; another mode where only some effects will run in real-time while others will need post-processing (this way, you still get great quality tracks). So, overall the Focusrite Scarlett Solo is the best audio interface under $500 and is the perfect device for beginners who want to try their hand at recording.

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