Best Budget Audio Interface in 2021
In 2021, there are many cheap and affordable high-quality audio interfaces are available in the market. Here's a list of some of our favorite audio interfaces in 2021:
1. Focusrite Scarlett Solo/2i2 Gen3
How can we not include everyone's favorite "Scarlett" from Focusrite? Scarlett is one of the best budget audio interfaces available in the market. Scarlett Solo and Scarlett 2i2 are the most popular versions among home studio owners. Scarlett Solo comes with one XLR input and one TRS input. On the other hand, Scarlett 2i2 comes with two XLR+TRS inputs. Both variants have two outputs - one TRS headphone jack on the front and line outputs for the speakers/monitors on the back.
2. Presonus Studio 24c
PreSonus Studio 24c is another popular choice among home studio producers. Just like Scarlett 2i2, Studio 24c also comes with 2 inputs and 2 outputs. It also comes with traditional midi inputs and outputs. So, if you have any midi controller with traditional midi output, this one can be a great choice for you.
3. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1/2
Native Instruments is one of the biggest names in the music industry. Komplete Audio 1 and 2 are minimal-looking audio interfaces from Native Instruments. Similar to Scarlett Solo, Komplete Audio 1 comes with one XLR input and one TRS input. On the other hand, just like Scarlett 2i2, Komplete Audio 2 comes with 2 XLR+TRS inputs. Apart from its great audio quality, it is probably one of the best-looking interfaces in this budget range.
4. Audient iD4 MkII
iD4 MkII is an amazing audio interface from Audient. It comes with one XLR+TRS input and one TRS input. It also supports a 3.5mm TRS cable. So, you don't have to worry about TRS to mini TRS converter if you don't have a headphone with a TRS cable.
5. Steinberg UR12
UR12 is a great budget audio interface from Steinberg. Feature-wise, it's quite similar to Scarlett Solo. It comes with one XLR input and one TRS input.
6. Behringer - U-Phoria UMC22
U-Phoria UMC22 is one of the cheapest audio interfaces available in the market. It's great for beginner producers. Feature-wise, again, this one is similar to Scarlett Solo as it also comes with one XLR input and one TRS input. However, I won't recommend this one if your budget is sufficient as its audio quality is not as good as other interfaces in this list. It's better to go for little expensive options if you're not tight on budget.
7. Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2/2.2
Mackie Onyx is also one of the most popular choices among home studio producers. Onyx is famous for its audio quality. This one definitely one of the best-sounding interfaces on this list. Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2 comes with one XLR and one TRS input while 2.2 comes with 2 XLR+TRS inputs.
8. M-Audio M-Track 2X2
M-Track 2X2 is a great-sounding and great-looking interface from M-Audio. It comes with one XLR+TRS input and one TRS input. Its great design makes it easy to use and control different knobs.
Honorable Mention:
Bandlab Link Digital Duo
Bandlab Link Digital Duo is a great alternative for all of the above-mentioned interfaces. It's cheap and also looks good. However, it is available on a request only basis. So, you might have to contact the Bandlab team to get your hands on this interface.
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