Today, we are going to see the best audio interfaces under $200. The motivation to tell you about the best interfaces in this price range is simple. And the reason goes somewhat like this.
Last week, I stumbled upon an article on medium that said, ‘you cannot buy a low-priced audio interface and expect good results. The statement made is very, very misleading & puts you in a bubble of endless thinking of which audio interfaces you must get.
So, if you are someone looking for a budget interface, this might be it for you. These budget-friendly audio interfaces under $200 are somewhat portable, have a clean audio quality, good mic preamps and enough inputs to fit your instruments.
So, let us have a look at them one by one.
Related: Best budget audio interfaces!
Best Audio Interfaces under $200
When you start thinking of audio interfaces, there are a ton of options.
However, even at low prices, there are very mind-blowing audio interfaces for less than $200 that are a bang. These interfaces are characterized by industry-standard mic preamps, enough mic/line/Hi-Z/ instrument inputs and two standard output ports for studio monitoring.
Other features might change, but the foundation is what remains the same.
1) BEHRINGER UMC404HD Audio Interface
product features
- 4 inputs / 4 outputs,
- One MIDI port available,
- 4 Mic / line / Hi-Z inputs,
- Direct monitoring given,
- Dedicated control knobs,
- Four Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- Zero Latency direct monitoring,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac,
- 24-Bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
click to view price of BEHRINGER UMC404HD on amazon
Description
Behringer has been under constant criticism for most of the time about their products. But not really when it comes to Behringer’s UMC404HD. This Behringer’s audio interface is just under $200 and has features that many of its competitors are unwilling to provide at such a comparatively low cost.
It is one of the audio interfaces that stays well under $300 or 20000INR.
A Deeper Analysis
The UMC404HD contains four MIDAS-based mic preamps. These are the same preamps you’ll find in most of Behringer’s audio interfaces. All the inputs are phantom-powered, meaning each piece of information on the front panel can record any microphone. In addition, these four inputs are suitable to record line-level inputs or High headroom instruments.
The indicators on the front panel easily guide you as to when a signal is clipping or distorting. The indicators are present right next to the individual input gain knobs. Also, I noticed the ability of the UMC404HD to monitor the mixes in Mono and Stereo, another important feature that most interfaces fail to promise.
The presence of a MIDI I/O port makes sure that you have the maximum number of inputs possible. When you are working with a low to medium-sized band, you naturally want that inputs are readily available so that each member can contribute their part to the record.
The audio quality is fairly good, and the recording also sounds very much balanced with no sign of hum or noise, with the maximum threshold being 24 bit/192 kHz.
Lastly, the Uphoria UMC404HD is compatible with most of the major DAWs and on both Windows and Mac OS.
Drawbacks
- Low gain range,
- Slim product reliability which occurs mostly due to defective manufacturing unit sales.
Final Words
All in all, the UMC404HD is a sturdy and metal build audio interface that cost just under $200 currently. Although, I am not a fan of Behringer’s product, this one, however, crossed my expectation levels in a good way. I have used it for co-producing 4-5 side records & I am amazed by the quality of recordings.
The UMC404HD is a portable and an affordable option that can put you straight on your music journey. The only reason for putting it at number 1 is because there are so many features for such a low price of less than $200.
2) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Product features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- Two Mic / line / Hi-Z inputs,
- Air Mode Feature,
- Direct Monitoring,
- Dedicated control knobs,
- Two Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- No MIDI I/O available,
- Ultra low latency,
- USB Driven,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac,
- 24-Bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
click to view the price of Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 on amazon
Description
The 2i2 was the first-ever audio interface I used for my home studio. It has a durable metal body and matches well with any studio theme. Besides, there is one feature exclusive only to Focusrite Line of Products, and it’s the Air Mode.
[You may like: Best Audio Interfaces for home studio]
A Deeper Analysis
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is now available in the 3rd generation. It is far better than what the first or second generation offered. Take it from me; I have used all three generations of 2i2. One thing you get from Focusrite is the assurance of high-quality products.
The 2i2 has got two Mic/Line/Hi-Z inputs. These inputs are located on the front panel of Interface. Along with it, you can see two dedicated gain knobs that change color from green to red once you start to clip or Distort. The Mic preamps provide high-definition recording without any noise or hum. A great Preamp Indeed! You can record great vocal sessions, Hi-Z or line level instruments.
There are two output ports for connecting studio Monitors. Also, one headphone port is given to listening to your tracks or vocal recording. Direct monitoring caters to low latency and makes life much easier when recording vocals. Direct monitoring lets you hear your voice through headphones or speakers when you sing in the Microphone.
Read the full Focusite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Audio interface.
The sound quality is on par with the best audio interfaces under $200 and crossers many of its competitors at 24-bit/192 kHz. Also, the phantom power makes it possible to record any Microphone, be it condenser or dynamic.
However, the lack of MIDI I/O makes the 2i2 a little less perfect for producers who rely heavily on MIDI instruments like samplers or synths. Next, the Air Mode feature makes and adds an extra layer of space in your vocals which can be a cool effect to add to your vocals.
Drawbacks
- May cause issues while installing the drivers.
- No MIDI I/O.
- Placement of gain knobs might have been more accessible on top.
Final Words
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an accessible budget friendly audio interface with high audio quality than most of its competitors. I would recommend this audio interface to any budding music producer as it is very simple and straight-forward to use. Not to forget, with many amazing features. I consider it among the top audio interfaces that are beginner friendly.
But, the lack of MIDI I/O makes it a little less pianist friendly interface. This would make me reconsider Behringer UMC 404HD.
3) M-Audio AIR 192|6 – 2-In 2-Out USB Audio / MIDI Interface
product features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- Two Mic / line / Hi-Z inputs,
- One MIDI I/O available,
- Direct monitoring given,
- Dedicated control knobs,
- Two Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- Ultra low latency,
- USB Driven,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac,
- 24-Bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
click to view price of Audio AIR 192 on amazon
Description
The M-Audio AIR 192 is another of best audio interfaces under $200. Lets see some of the promising feature this audio interface has to offer.
A Deeper Analysis
First of all, the audio interface itself is very well planned out. You have two mic/line inputs at one side and two guitar inputs on the opposite side. There are clear indicators that shows you the status of your signals that if they are clipping or distorting. And one big gain knob to control the master gain level. In addition, there is one MIDI port available. Phantom power is present can be turned on when you need to record condenser microphones.
The audio quality is a bit controversial as some users were hearing a crackling sound even after resetting it multiple times and talking with customer support. However, the unit I got was very clean and sharp in terms of its audio quality which I recorded at 24-bit/192 kHz.
Related: Best audio interfaces for Shure SM7B!
The drivers got some issues but with a bit of effort, I was able to get them running. The latency is quite low and the feedback stands amazing with direct monitoring.
Nothing extra in terms of output port. Just enough to get the audio on headphones and studio monitors. The M-Audio AIR 192 is compatible with major DAWs and with windows and MAC OS.
Drawbacks
- No GUI for controling the knobs,
- The driver issues are for real.
Final Words
The M-Audio AIR 192 is a well balanced and provides an all rounded performance. It is a great portable audio interface that can turn extremely valuable when you want to work remote, on vacations or while touring.
[you may also like: Best portable audio interfaces that stay in your gear budget]
4) PreSonus Studio 24C USB Audio Interface
product features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- Two Mic / line / Hi-Z inputs,
- One MIDI I/O available,
- Direct monitoring given,
- LCD to monitor gain levels,
- Dedicated control knobs,
- Two Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- USB Driven,
- Ultra low latency,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac,
- 24-Bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
click to view price of PreSonus Studio 24C on amazon
Description
The PreSonus Studio 24C is the mini version of PreSonus Studio 1824C which is one of the most astonishing high end audio interfaces out there. It has everything but in a limit that stays in an affordable price range for home artists/solo artists. I found it extremely portable & well versed with modern requirements.
A Deeper Analysis
PreSonus Studio 24C is equipped with two inputs that can handle Microphones, line inputs and Hi-Z instruments. In addition, there is also one MIDI port available which is honestly a great addon in such a tiny interface. Th sound quality is ultra-clean and stays sharp at 24-bit/192 kHz. Also, the Preamps record a very deep and almost clean sound without any notable noise. Although, I do sometimes hear a little crackle noise. Indeed a very faint one. Maybe it was coming from something else and not the interface. I don’t know.
All the basic features are included such as direct monitoring, headphone port with dedicated gain knob, phantom powered preamps, two output ports that connect to your external speakers or in a more professional way, studio monitors.
I don’t think that the PreSonus Studio 24C lacks anywhere. However, it is the sound quality I am concerned about when using this audio interface. I am not saying it is poor or very degraded, but just lower quality than I expected.
Read the full PreSonus Studio 24c audio interface review.
Drawbacks
- Firmware Issues,
- Supports very low gain levels.
Final Words
In the end, PreSonus Studio 24C is one of the best audio interfaces under $200. It is portable, great for solo artists or anyone starting their music journey and wants to feel how music-making feels.
5) Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 [Two-Channel] Audio Interface
The NI line of hardware is very well packed with all the necessary features. Let’s see if the NI komplete audio 2 is capable of being one of the best audio interfaces under $200.
Product Features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- Two Mic / line Hi-Z inputs,
- No MIDI I/O available,
- Input – Host direct monitoring,
- Dedicated control knobs,
- Two Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- Ultra low latency,
- USB Driven,
- 24-Bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
- Sample rates – 44.1, 48, 88.2, 96, 176.4, 192 kHz,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac.
click to view price of Native Instruments Komplete Audio on amazon
Desription
The NI Komplete Audio 2 is a very well built audio interface with enough features to make your producing journey smoother than ever, especially if your switching from a low cost or no audio interface at all. And Oh, the colour, that looks amazing as well- as black as it can get.
A Deeper Analysis
Now, lets us dive an inch deeper into the analysis of the NI audio interface Komplete Audio 2.
The Komplete audio has two inputs of which both are capable of handling any of your Mics, guitar(electric or bass), line level synths or samplers. A simple switch tells you what the input is capable of handling, named as LINE and INST.
I love Komplete audio two because you get metering and status LED on the top of the interface lying next to the master gain knob. It is convenient to know what the gain levels are and whether you are clipping or distorting without going back and forth between your DAW and instruments. You can see everything right on the interface and that too with the levels. An indeed great feature to have in an interface.
But, with the addition of certain features, some are dropped, like there is no MIDI I/O. Now, this is the point where you start to reconsider your definition of a good audio interface and what you are looking for. Are you willing to compromise on one feature to get different, or do you want both? All these questions have to be answered from your end.
But that’s okay! You don’t have to rush things. Take your time.
At the back of the interface, it is pretty much all the basic stuff that you have seen multiple times earlier. But let me again repeat it for you. Two ports can accept your external speakers or, to be more professional, studio monitors.
The sound quality is one of the best in class with studio grade mic preamps with ultra low latency. You can immediately listen as to what is going inside the interface.
Lastly, the Komplete audio 2 is capable and compatible with any of the Windows or MacOS.
Drawbacks
- Issues with drivers and bonus software that come with the audio interface,
- Compatibility issues when certain units were not able to recognize Windows 10,
- No one channel (mono) input.
Final Words
In conclusion, NI Komplete Audio 2 is a very versatile and well versed with modern producer requirements. Besides the absence of MIDI port, NI Komplete audio 2 is a complete package whether be it in terms of built quality or the features.
6) Audient EVO 4 USB Audio Interface
product features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- 1 Hi-Z inputs,
- 2 Mic / line inputs,
- Single knob,
- Smart gain Feature,
- No MIDI I/O available,
- Ultra low latency,
- USB Driven,
- Two Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- 24-Bit/96 kHz audio resolution,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac.
click to view price of on Audient EVO 4 amazon
Description
The Evo 4 is an extremely portable audio interface that can sit right in your pocket. It has got a number of features that most of the audio interface manufacture offers and one exclusive feature called the smart gain. The smart gain is the key highlight of the Evo 4 which automatically sets the gain levels of incoming signal to avoid clipping or distortion. Hence, maintaining an overall clean sound.
A Deeper Analysis
The Evo 4 packs two mic/line inputs located at the side of the interface. There is also one Hi-Z input at the backside to plug in your Hi-Z inputs and record great bass and electric guitars. Output port are basic providing you the choice to either use headphone or listen to the mixes on external/studio monitors.
[You may also like: Sensational, afforable and feature loaded audio interfaces under $500]
The controls like gain knob, input selection, smart gain and phantom power sit at the top of the interface. The controls on the top are spot on and easily accessible, where each control is differentiated from the other.
The sound quality tries to compete with most of the other interface qualities at 24-bit/96 kHz, which I feel is good enough for an audio interface at a comparatively lower price. Also, the audio is quite clean which I was not expecting. There were no irritating hums or noise.
The latency is quite low and you can immediate monitor what you play. No problems whatsoever.
Drawbacks
- The audio quality fails to compete with other audio interfaces,
- Plastic quality feels “off”,
- No MIDI port.
Final Words
There are no final words for Evo 4. It can turn very good when you’re in a mood to plug and play. The rest is handled by the smart gain. However, the sound quality is not of which I am a fan of in this interface.
7) Donner Audio Interface Livejack Lite
Product Features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- Two Mic / line / Hi-Z inputs,
- No MIDI I/O available,
- Direct monitoring,
- Dedicated control knobs,
- Two Phantom boosted Class A Mic preamps(+48V),
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- USB Driven,
- Ultra low latency,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac,
- 24-Bit/192 kHz audio resolution.
click to view price of Donner Audio Interface Livejack Lite on amazon
Description
The Donner audio interface Livejack Lite has emerged like no other audio interface. It looks much like Focusrite 2i2 but it has its own distinct features. Again, this audio interface under $200, is expanding at a very fast pace.
Is it because of its not-so-conventional color code?
I don’t know. But who cares if the units are selling quickly and, in turn, receiving many great amazon reviews.
A Deeper Analysis
The Donner audio interface Livejack Lite is a two-input and two output audio interface. The inputs are capable of recording two mic, line or Hi-Z inputs. One thing that seems to worry me is the gain range, as I couldn’t locate it anywhere. Next, both the inputs are phantom-powered, making recordings effortless using a condenser or dynamic microphone. The latency might be high for you depending upon how capable your computer is.
There is a single headphone port and two studio monitor ports to hear the audio—nothing fancy here. The lack of MIDI I/O makes Donner’s audio interface much comparable to Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The Mic preamps are called Dyna on this little beast with no sign of any distinctive noise. However, there can be some faint instances of hum or distort reported.
The recording sessions have been very quick and responsive without any driver issues whatsoever.
Drawbacks
- Audio quality might suffer sometimes,
- No MIDI Port,
- There is no exclusivity to the interface.
Final Words
It is an all-in-one basic interface that is good enough for your solo/chill sessions. However, I still think the Donner audio interface has some things to improve.
8) PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio interface
product features
- 2-input / 2-output,
- Two Mic / line / Hi-Z inputs,
- One MIDI I/O available,
- Two Phantom boosted MIC preamps(+48V),
- Five different gain knobs for each I/O.
- One headphone o/p with dedicated control knob,
- Ultra low latency,
- USB Driven,
- 24-Bit/96 kHz audio resolution,
- Compatible with Windows / Mac.
click to view price of PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio interface on Amazon
Description
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 Audio interface can be a great companion in your initial years of music production. It is quite sturdy and provides a very good value for a price of less than $100.
A Deeper Analysis
The AudioBox USB 96 ships with two inputs that can be used for plugging in Mic/Line/Hi-Z inputs. These can be used to record vocals, bass or electric guitars, samplers or regular instruments. The audio quality is something that can be justified for a price range of less than $100. The audio sounds good enough at 24-bit/96 kHz.
Presence of a MIDI port makes life so much easier if you want the front two inputs always available to record other instruments or vocals. As we speak of vocal recording, any microphone can be used, be it condenser or dynamic microphone, thanks to phantom boost.
The output ports contains provision to connect two studio grade monitors. In addition, one headphone port is available at the back of the interface. The latency is quite low and instantly you can hear what you are producing and recording.
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is under $100 and compatible with all major DAWs and with both Windows and Mac OS.
Drawbacks
- There is a small amount of noise.
- May cause issues while setting up for the first time,
- No LCD Metering.
Final Words
I don’t think that the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 could have been any better. The price you pay for is the quality and number of features you receive. Again, to emphasize my opening remark, it is one of the best audio interfaces under $100. It has good built quality, enough inputs for beginner or solo artists and extremely portable. Many things could have been better. But that, in turn, would have increased the price of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
Conclusion
All in all, these are the Best Audio Interfaces under $200 that are really good and what I’ll recommend to anyone. These provide a well balanced audio quality and their prices stay well under budget.
If you still want to lower your budget, you may check the Vibeyy’s editor special article which takes you through some of the best picks for audio interface under $100.
Lastly, feel free to drop any recommendation in the comment box. And don’t forget to mention your favourite audio interface.
Leave a Reply