It is very difficult to gather a list of the best audio interfaces and select one that’ll best match your studio requirements. For this reason, I gathered some of the best audio interfaces under $400 that have numerous great features.
Furthermore, all these budget audio interfaces are highly versatile and can adapt to various environments.
You can place them in a studio, home studio, live settings, or on tour. It will further help you to reach a creative peak.
Let’s dive in!
3 Extremely Important things in an audio interface – Buyer’s Guide
Before looking at the audio interface, let me tell you the most important thing that you should always consider while buying an audio interface.
There are three of them.
1) Inputs and outputs
The first thing you need to consider is how many inputs and outputs do you need. It mostly depends on the number of instruments and studio gear you have in your studio.
Another important thing is to analyze your future goals. If you are planning to buy a new studio gear or instrument, see whether they will complement the interface or not.
Most people buy an interface that cannot pair with MIDI instruments. Such mistake can cost you in two ways:
- You may need to buy a new audio interface with MIDI ports,
- Or, you may not buy a MIDI instrument.
Both these mistakes can turn out to be a huge hindrance to your creative workflow. So, pick wisely!
If you are trying to make a home studio, you can be assured that the below-mentioned audio interfaces will provide you with enough options.
2) Sound quality
The sound quality of an interface depends on various factors of which main are:
- Mic preamps,
- converter quality,
- sound resolution,
- And sampling rates.
Look for an interface with 24-bit sound resolution and high sampling rates, preferably up to 192 kHz.
The Mic preamps and converter quality almost remain the same in budget interfaces due to the rapid rise in technology.
3) Dynamic range
The dynamic range is another important factor to consider before buying an interface.
A high dynamic range is recommended as it provides a high headroom for recording purposes at least above 100 dB.
A high headroom means that the audio signal can attain a higher peak before it starts to clip or distort.
Also check: Top 15 Things to know before buying an audio interface
So, what are the Best Audio interfaces under $400?
Here is the list of best audio interfaces under $400.
1) SSL 2+
Product Features
- 2 combo Mic/Line/Hi-Z/instrument input,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- 2 SSL designed mic preamps,
- MIDI I/O to connect MIDI instruments,
- Legacy 4K for analogue colour enhancement,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- Instrument input dynamic Range – 120 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Ultra low latency,
- LED panel to meter input gain levels,
- 2 Headphone output with separate gain control and capability to have separate audio mix,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Secondary USB-C port allowing reverse-charging
- Upto 8 additional inputs via ADAT or SPDIF,
- A wide range of software plugins included(more discussed below),
- Windows/Mac/ M1 Mac compatible.
view the price of SSL 2+ on Amazon
A deeper Analysis
The SSL 2+ is a mini version of the Solid State’s mixing consoles. All the characteristics of SSL 2+ resemble very closely to solid state’s previous work. You can see it in the design of the interface, a bit dated color, clear LED indicators, colorful and distinctive knobs, and embedded switches come from the solid-state logic’s rich legacy.
Inputs & outputs
There are two mic / line / instrument inputs on the SSL 2+. These inputs are great for pairing and recording any instrument like guitar, mics, keyboards, MIDI Instruments, drums, or any other instrument you might have in your studio. The settings of these inputs can be changed by pressing the buttons on the channel section.
The legacy 4K switch brings a more bright and subtle distortion to the audio recordings, which SSL is well known for.
Moreover, the preamp quality on SSL 2 & SSL 2+ is one of the best you’ll find in an interface. It is one of the best audio interfaces to buy if you have a Shure SM7B due to ultra low noise preamps and audio converters.
The outputs promote a healthy and dedicated mix for producers to collaborate and work with other artists. There are two main outputs and two headphone outputs that can have a separate mix per artist’s convenience. Furthermore, there are four additional unbalanced outputs included.
Also check: Audio Interface setup diagram to connect various studio gears and instruments
Sound quality
The SSL 2+ has very well-built mic preamps and converters that provide a crystal clear audio quality. It is better than most budget audio interfaces. In addition, the 24-bit resolution makes the sound shine even more!
The distortion is minimum, and the mic preamps induce little to no noise even with low sensitive mics like Shure SM7B.
Among various audio interfaces mentioned below, the SSL 2+ has the least amount of noise induction.
PROS
- Superb built quality,
- an ultra clean and crisp sound quality,
- clear LED indicators,
- contains all the features required for a perfect stuio setup.
CONS
- feels a bit dated.
2) PreSonus Studio 1810c
Product Features
- 2 mic/instrument/line inputs with XMAX Class A mic preamps,
- 4 balanced ¼-inch TRS direct-to-ADC line inputs,
- 2 mic/line inputs with XMAX Class A mic preamps,
- 8 channels of ADAT Optical input (4 channels at 96 kHz),
- 2 balanced ¼-inch TRS main outputs,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- 2 Headphone o/p with different or same mixes,
- MIDI I/O to connect MIDI instruments,
- 6 ladder-style LED level meters,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- insrument input dynamic Range – 112 dB,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- A wide range of software plugins included,
- Windows/Mac/ M1 Mac compatible.
view the price of PreSonus Studio 1810c on Amazon
A deeper Analysis
The PreSonus Studio 1810c is one of the best audio interfaces for a home studio. It is a type of an interface that you would want to fix on your desk rather than carrying on tours. The reason why you should keep it fixed is high number of features and expansion capabilites using ADAT.
Also check: Best high end audio interfaces for serious music producers
Inputs
The best part about having a PreSonus Studio 1810c is that it will easily connect to all of your studio gears and instruments. Even if it fails to do so, you can easily connect a new audio interface using ADAT, which is pretty cool.
There are a plethora of inputs on the PreSonus Studio 1810c.
Four Combo inputs are located at the front panel of the interface. These inputs can record and connect to mics, hi-z instruments, and line-level instruments.
On the back of the interface, you can find four extra line inputs that can connect to drum machines, mixers, and a hell of a lot of other equipment.
Furthermore, there is one MIDI port that makes it a well-rounded audio interface.
Outputs
The PreSonus studio 1810c incorporates many outputs that are great for connecting and routing audio to individual external channels.
There are two headphone outputs with separate gain knobs making life a lot easier for co-producers and people who collaborate.
Not to forget, there are two main and four extra 1/4″ TRS line-level outputs. The two main outputs usually connect to a high-quality studio monitor. The other four outputs can be used to:
- connect extra studio monitors,
- Route audio to a different instrument,
- create separate audio channels for monitoring.
And if you think that it, you’re probably mistaken.
You can easily pair a new audio interface anytime in the future to expand your input and output capabilities.
Audio quality
The audio quality remains intact throughout the recording sessions, with no noise whatsoever. The surprising fact is that even on a Shure SM7B, I saw a very faint noise level.
I would say that the noise levels on the PreSonus Studio series are deficient; in addition, all the interfaces have an ultra-clean and transparent audio quality.
PROS
- A great choice for home studio/studio type of a setting,
- easily expandable,
- Future proof.
CONS
- I think the drivers may cause issues in the inital setup.
3) IK Multimedia AXE I/O
Product Features
- 2 Mic/Line/Instrument inputs,
- Built-in Tuner,
- +48V Phantom powered,
- MIDI I/O,
- Exclusive Triple topology guitar input with Z-Tone,
- Ultra low-noise Class A mic preamps,
- 1 Headphone output,
- Amp out to connect external amps,
- 4 line-level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- 2 fully configurable external control input
- Instrument input dynamic Range – 117 dB,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1 kHz, 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, 96 kHz, 176.4 kHz and 192 kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Direct Monitoring available,
- A wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac/ M1 mac compatible.
view the price of IK Multimedia AXE I/O on Amazon
A deeper Analysis
The IK Multimedia AXE I/O is one of the best audio interfaces for recording guitars and other instruments and studio gear.
What makes it perfect for a guitar player?
The AXE I/O has got two dedicated guitar inputs, one of which comes with a Z-tone knob. The Z-tone knob allows you to change the impedance of the input according to the type of guitar you are using.
Below the Z-tone knob, you can select either the active or passive pickups. Next to the pickup switch is another switch that allows you to opt for a pure or bold JFET signal.
All in all, the guitar inputs and the guitar segment allow you to create your sound. You can go either clean or add a bit of texture by playing with different switches and knobs.
The inbuilt tuner is an extremely handy feature that can improve your workflow by a bit. But, the main thing that we are getting with AXE I/O is the AMP OUT.
The AMP OUT allows you to re-amp an audio signal coming from a guitar. It is like an inbuilt DI Box that keeps you away from any extra nuisance. The sound recording on the AMP OUT is ultra-clean with no noise whatsoever.
There’s more!!!
With the audio interface, you get a free plugin bundle that has some of the famous 25 amplifiers, 33 stompboxes, 29 cabinets, 15 rack units, mixing and mastering plugins. The overall cost of this bundle is around $1000.
Also check: A detailed AXE I/O review – Is it the best guitar interface ever made?
Inputs & outputs
Other than two guitar inputs, there are two mic/line inputs on AXE I/O used to record mics and line-level instruments. A MIDI port is also provided to connect to MIDI instruments like samplers, synths, etc.
Features like direct monitoring and phantom power can be selected from the front panel of the interface.
In terms of outputs ports, you get four line-level outputs to connect to studio monitors. The two additional o/p ports can also be connected to separate speakers, compressors, FX racks, and other types of studio equipment.
One disadvantage is that there is only one headphone output which can make co-producing tracks a bit difficult.
PROS
- Built in tuner and AMP Out,
- great build quality,
- Clear audio quality,
- One of the best audio interface for guitarists,
- Free plugin bundle worth $1000,
- Z-tone feature allows you to create your own sound,
- perfect interface for any guitar recordings.
CONS
- A single headphone output makes it difficult to collaborate,
- Driver issues.
4) Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface
Product Features
- 6 balanced line inputs,
- 2 combo Mic/Instrument inputs,
- Exclusive Air Mode feature,
- MIDI port available,
- 2 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- 4 balanced line level/ Studio monitors outputs,
- 2 channels of S/PDIF,
- Direct Monitoring Available in Mono and Stereo,
- Instrument input dynamic Range – 110 dB,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac Compatible
view the price of Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 USB Audio Interface on Amazon
A deeper Analysis
The Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 is another great option for a home studio setting. The 8i6 is a very flexible audio interface. I have used it in my studio, during live performances, on tours, and in my college music club.
Inputs
The Scarlett 8i6 has two combo inputs suitable for recording mic, line, and Hi-Z inputs. On the back panel of the interface, four additional line inputs are provided, along with a MIDI port. These line inputs can connect and record line instruments like drum machines, mixers, keyboards, or synths.
Outputs
On the back panel of the interface, the 8i6 has four line outputs. Two line outputs connect to studio monitors, and the other two outputs can be used to:
- connect extra pair of studio monitors,
- route audio through external channel,
- send audio to an FX rack,
- separate channel monitoring.
But, the thing that makes 8i6 exciting for collaborating with other artists is the dual headphone o/p with separate gain knobs. You can set four different mixes for various artists.
Audio quality
The audio quality of the entire Scarlett series is very good. The Scarlett preamps have improved over the years with each new generation.
The mic preamps of the 8i6 are well built and have pristine sound quality. The noise and distortion levels are well tamed, and there is no notable noise that I ever experienced.
PROS
- Very flexible,
- highly portable,
- A perfect choice for collaborating.
CONS
- Plugins are not that great.
5) Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2
Product Features
- 2 combo Mic/Instrument/line inputs,
- 2 balanced line inputs,
- MIDI port available,
- 2 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- 4 balanced line level outputs,
- Four LED level input meters
- +48V Phantom powered Mic preamps,
- Direct Monitoring using mixer knob,
- SPDIF ports available,
- instrument input dynamic Range – 102 dB,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac Compatible.
view the price of Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 Mk2 on Amazon
A deeper Analysis
The Native Instrument Komplete Audio 6 mkII is complete in itself. It has features that will suit solo artists, mixing engineering, touring artists, live performances, and many more.
The color of the interface is well thought out as it will match most of the studio interiors. I will also add that the build quality is pretty heavy and does not feel like holding a budget audio interface.
Currently, it is one of the best budget audio interfaces you can buy due to its huge versatility.
Inputs
The Komplete Audio 6 has got two combo inputs for recording mic/line/instrument level inputs. In addition, at the back of the interface, you can find a total of two line-level inputs as well.
Hence, a total of four inputs are limited to record line-level instruments like keyboards, synths, or drum machines.
The MIDI port is present at the back of the interface. It allows you to set up any one of your MIDI instruments at a time.
The gain levels and whether the individual input signal is clipping or not can be monitored from the LED gain metering present on the top side of the interface. It also shows the phantom power status.
Outputs
Coming to the output ports, four line levels outputs can go straight to a set of external studio monitors. The two extra outputs ports can also be used to reroute audio through different channels without any signal loss.
Wait, there’s more!
You also get two headphone outputs on the front panel of the interface with separate gain knobs. It is very convenient for producers or music artists who want to collaborate with other studio artists. A great feature indeed!
And if you think that’s it, then wait.
The SPDIF port is beneficial to transmit the stereo signal to an external piece of studio equipment. This feature is pretty handy for mixing and mastering engineers.
The output meters can be also be monitored from the top surface of the interface.
Audio quality
The audio quality of Komplete Audio 6 is quite good as compared to some of its competitors in a similar price range. The preamps record very good quality sound without any significant noise levels. Also, the preamps are very transparent and does not add any color to the audio.
The point is as you pay more, you will get better mic preamps, converters and supreme audio quality!
Also check: Best audio interfaces under $500!
PROS
- Access to Native Instrument premium plugin,
- Extremely portable,
- Clean and easy to use audio interface.
CONS
- Driver issues,
- Overall loudness is a bit low.
6) Focusrite Scarlett 4i4
Product Features
- 2 combo Mic/Instrument inputs,
- 2 balanced line inputs,
- MIDI port available,
- 1 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- 4 balanced line level outputs,
- +48V Phantom powered Mic preamps,
- Exclusive Air Mode feature,
- Direct Monitoring Available in Mono and Stereo,
- instrument input dynamic Range – 110 dB,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac Compatible.
view the price of Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 on Amazon
A deeper Analysis
The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 gives tough competition to all its competitors in audio quality, design, build, and features. The Scarlett 4i4 is highly portable and cheaper than most audio interfaces that provide the exact specifications.
Also check: Best portable audio interfaces perfect for any kind of artist
Inputs
This little beast comes packed with two mic/line/Hi-Z inputs. These inputs can be used to record any instrument. You can connect mixers, guitars, mics, keyboards, etc.
On the back of the interface, two additional line-level inputs are located. These line-level inputs increase the flexibility of Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 in a colossal way.
What it means is that you can have the two inputs on the front reserved for mics and guitars because line-level inputs can be easily accommodated on the backside.
The icing on the cake comes in the form of a MIDI port, which increases the versatility of 4i4 even more.
Outputs
Audio quality
There is no question about audio quality on Scarlett audio interface. The mic preamps have always been better than the last generation. The sound resolution at 24-bit and high sampling rate brings the audio to life.
The sound quality can be improved further by using right kind of microphone. Even with a budget microphone, the noise levels are very subtle.
The air mode that is exclusive to Scarlett line adds widens your mixes a bit. It can be handy while recording live instruments.
PROS
- A very economical audio interface,
- Extremely portable and versatile,
- Can be used in numerous ways.
CONS
- Would have loved to see two headphone outputs.
7) BEHRINGER UMC 404HD USB Audio Interface
Product Features
- 4 Mic/line/ Hi-Z inputs,
- 4 balanced line inputs,
- MIDI port available,
- 1 Headphone output with dedicated gain knob,
- 4 balanced line level outputs,
- +48V Phantom powered Mic preamps,
- Exclusive Air Mode feature,
- Direct Monitoring Available in Mono and Stereo,
- instrument input dynamic Range – 103.8 dB,
- 24-bit resolution,
- Supported sample rates – 44.1kHz, 48kHz, 88.2kHz, 96kHz, 176.4kHz, 192kHz,
- One USB-C port to connect to laptops/Desktop PCs,
- Wide range of softwares included,
- Windows/Mac Compatible.
view the price of BEHRINGER UMC 404HD on amazon
A deeper Analysis
There have been many controversies regarding Behringer’s product. But, in terms of audio interfaces, I think they are great. After using the UMC 404HD, you’ll be surprised by what you get in a $169 audio interface.
What is on the front panel?
There are four combo inputs on the front panel of this pretty comprehensive audio interface. These inputs can be used to record mics, line and Hi-Z level inputs.
Further on the right, there are corresponding gain knobs and switches to control each input. You can link two inputs by using the stereo switch.
On the rightmost side, direct monitoring is controlled using a mixer knob. The mixer knob adjusts the audio coming from DAW and the inputs. It lets you hear your voice or instruments on top of a backing track. It is a handy feature for the singer to record their vocals perfectly on top of a way.
What is on the back panel?
On the rear side of the UMC 404HD, there is a massive list of outputs.
Starting from the left first comes the MIDI port. Next to the MIDI port is that phantom power switch that controls all the inputs’ phantom power.
Moving left, you’ll see a set of balanced and unbalanced outputs that can connect to external speakers.
The main outputs come in both XLR as well as 1/4″ TRS type ports.
Lastly, the INSERTS connects to external studio gear like EQ’s, compressors and other outboard equipment.
Audio quality
The sound quality of UMC404HD is on par with a much excellent audio interface like Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The mic preamps are very transparent and do not add much colour to the recordings.
Also check: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen Review – Is it Best in Class?
The noise levels are also very minimal, which is very surprising for an interface of this price range, even on a dynamic microphone.
PROS
- Perfect for a beginner music producer,
- A lot of options in terms of inputs and outputs,
- Ultra low latency,
- very low noise levels.
CONS
- very confusing output settings,
- driver issues.
Conclusion
All in all, here is a complete list of best audio interfaces under $400.
These audio interfaces are great, timeless and can be used to connect most of your studio equipments.
However, if you want to cut down your investment, check out the best audio interfaces under $200.
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