If you’ve read our guide to the 10 Best Audio Interfaces For Home And Project Studios and are looking for lower-priced alternatives, you’ve come to the right place! Here we present some more solid performers that clock in at less than $200. So if you’re on a budget but don’t want to sacrifice reliability and performance, read on!
Best audio interfaces under $200
1. Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
Quick specs:
Inputs: One combination mic/line and one instrument input
Outputs: One balanced TRS stereo pair, headphone out
Maximum sample rate: 48kHz
Maximum resolution: 16-bit
Bundled software: Traktion, UMC22 plugin bundle
Pros:
- One of the cheapest audio interfaces on the market
- Decent features and functionality for the price
Cons:
- 16-bit resolution
- Doesn’t have a dedicated driver
The UMC22 is part of Behringer’s celebrated U-Phoria line of affordably priced audio interfaces. This particular model is the cheapest of the lot, with a price tag even lower than all but the cheapest guitar pedals. Even so, it delivers outstanding bang-for-the-buck, with the well-regarded Midas-designed preamp circuitry onboard.
For the price, you get a simple yet solid device that should handle most basic recording tasks. Of course, it doesn’t have the bells and whistles of higher-priced audio interfaces, such as those in the rest of the U-Phoria line. It also tops out at 16-bit, 48 kHz, which will not win it any awards for fidelity.
The UMC22 also doesn’t have a dedicated audio driver, which means you will have to use ASIO4ALL. But it should work well in most home recording scenarios, particularly if you will be recording only one voice or instrument at a time.
Bottom-line: The UMC22 is a decent and very serviceable audio interface for the price of a guitar pedal. Not a bad choice if you are just starting out.
2. BandLab Link Digital
Quick specs:
Inputs: One combination input
Outputs: TRRS speaker out, headphone out
Maximum sample rate: 44.1 kHz
Maximum resolution: 16-bit
Pros:
- Affordably priced
- Comes with both USB and USB-C cables
Cons:
- Only has a single set of inputs and outputs
The BandLab Link Digital is another budget offering that is priced not much higher than the UMC22. The release of this particular device caught quite a few recording hobbyists and professionals off-guard, considering that BandLab is better known for its range of collaborative music software.
Surprisingly, the Link Digital is a pretty solid performer and reliable piece of equipment for a company’s first foray into recording hardware. It has a combination mic/instrument input and gain control, which should cover you for most tasks.
Where the Link Digital shows its entry-level pedigree is in its outputs. Although it has a headphone out, the main output is only a single stereo jack. This output type is more commonly seen in consumer audio equipment than recording interfaces, so it’s a bit of a letdown.
Nevertheless, the Link Digital does a pretty good job of capturing audio, and it is compatible with PCs, Macs, and iOS and Android devices.
Bottom-line: The Link Digital is a basic audio interface that handles simple recording applications pretty well. Not bad for a company’s first audio interface.
3. IK Multimedia iRig HD 2
Quick specs:
Inputs: One instrument input
Outputs: Headphone out, amplifier out
Maximum sample rate: 96 kHz
Maximum resolution: 24-bit
Bundled software: iOS and desktop versions of AmpliTube
Pros:
- Ideal for recording electric guitar
- Small footprint
Cons:
- Lacks monitor outputs
IK Multimedia is another company that is better known for its software than its hardware, having produced a stellar line of guitar effects and amplification software, among others. With the iRig HD 2, the Italian company proves that it has what it takes to measure up to the competition in the audio interface arena.
Unsurprisingly, the iRig HD 2 is geared mainly towards recording guitarists. But the single instrument interface will accept any monophonic signal source, including a mic preamp.
The unit itself is compact and very portable and is an excellent addition to a mobile setup. IK clearly had the mobile musician in mind, making the iRig HD 2 compatible with iOS and PC and Mac platforms. Users have a choice between USB and Lightning connections, with the appropriate connector cables conveniently provided.
One of the drawbacks is the absence of monitor outputs. On the other hand, it has a headphone output and a monophonic jack output from which you could run a cable into a guitar amp.
Bottom-line: The iRig HD 2 is ideally suited for mobile guitarists, but it could also be useful in a home studio.
4. Focusrite Scarlett Solo Gen3
Quick specs:
Inputs: One mic and one line/instrument input
Outputs: Balanced TRS stereo outs, headphone out
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Maximum resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Ableton Live Lite 10, Pro Tools First, Softube Time & Tone Bundle, Focusrite Red Plugin Suite, XLN Audio Addictive Keys, plus a 3-month subscription to Splice
Pros:
- Has excellent preamps
- Comes with an array of useful plugins
Cons:
- Only has one mic and one line/instrument inputs
Focusrite is a brand that needs no introduction. But if you are unaware of the company’s reputation for excellence, you might be interested to know that the Scarlett Solo Gen3 also boasts of the highly regarded Focusrite preamps.
Of course, this particular unit is a cut-down version of the higher-end audio interfaces that have won the company much acclaim. Even so, it can capture audio with the accuracy and clarity that you would expect from a higher-priced unit.
The budget part rears its head in the one mic and one line/instrument inputs. Unfortunately, neither of these are the much more useful combo line/XLR inputs, so versatility is a bit limited. Even so, the quality of the preamps is undeniable, and you get a nice selection of Focusrite plugins as well.
Bottom-line: One of the best budget audio interfaces around, with pro-level preamps.
5. Steinberg UR12
Quick specs:
Inputs: One mic and one instrument input
Outputs: Unbalanced RCA outs
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Maximum resolution: 24-bit
Bundled software: Cubase AI, Cubasis LE
Pros:
- Build quality is excellent
- iOS-compliant
Cons:
- A bit heavier than other interfaces of its size
- Only one level control for all the outputs
Steinberg is known for its software and hardware, with the UR12 belonging to the latter category. This particular device has been around for quite some time. Still, it remains a viable option for anyone in need of a reasonably priced audio interface with a host of useful features.
A 2-in/2-out interface, the UR12 has a durable metal enclosure that inspires confidence. It does weigh quite a bit more than other devices in its class, but the rugged build means you don’t have to worry about losing a knob or cracking the case when you toss it into your backpack.
One thing we found issue with was the single volume control shared between the main and headphone outs. This could be problematic when recording a performance taking place in the same room.
The inclusion of Cubase AI and Cubasis LE is a definite plus, allowing you to get started on recording without having to cough up the cash for a DAW. The Steinberg UR12 supports iOS devices as well as PCs and Macs.
Bottom-line: A rugged and durable audio interface that’s ready for the road.
6. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1
Quick specs:
Inputs: One mic and one instrument/line input
Outputs: Unbalanced RCA outs, headphone out
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Maximum resolution: 24 bit
Bundled software: Monark, Replika, Phasis, Solid Bus Comp, Maschine Essentials, Ableton Live Lite 10, Komplete Start, plus a $25 E-Voucher and a 2-month subscription to Sounds.com
Pros:
- Stylish, modern design
- Excellent build quality
- Comes with useful software
Cons:
- The main RCA outs are unbalanced
- The inputs aren’t combination types
Native Instruments is yet another company that made its mark in the audio industry with its software rather than its hardware. But the Komplete Audio 1 is an impressive piece of equipment all the same.
This particular device is one of three Native Instruments I/O products, which include the higher-priced Komplete Audio 2. Like its higher spec’d sibling, the Komplete Audio 1 boasts excellent design and robust build quality. The input preamps are clean and crisp, and do a great job capturing a variety of audio sources.
For the price, you also get a staggering array of software that includes software synths, effects, and even a cut-down version of Ableton Live. If all you have are a computer, a mic, and a pair of speakers, the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is all you need to get up and running.
Bottom-line: A stylish-looking and well-built audio interface with a good range of bundled software included.
7. Mackie Onyx Artist 1.2
Quick specs:
Inputs: One mic and one line/instrument input
Outputs: Balanced TRS stereo outs, headphone out
Maximum sample rate: 192 kHz
Maximum resolution: 24-bit
Bundled software: Tracktion Waveform OEM
Pros:
- Impressive performance and features for the price
- Rugged build
Cons:
- The bundled software isn’t particularly impressive
Who hasn’t heard of Mackie? The company is famous for its extensive line of audio equipment, highlighted by its mixing consoles and monitor speakers. Its mixers are especially popular in the home and project studio markets, and even among professionals who need rugged and reliable audio equipment that offers excellent bang-for-the-buck.
With the Onyx Artist 1.2, Mackie shows that it is more than just about mixers and speakers. This particular unit is pretty simple, with just one mic and one combination line/instrument input. But it works well for the most part, and the preamps are as clean, crisp, and clear as you would expect from Mackie.
The Onyx Artist 1.2 has a nice black casing, which gives it a stylish and modern appearance. Plus, you get a cut-down version of Tracktion Waveform, which is a pretty capable DAW that can handle all your basic recording needs until you decide to invest in a full-featured program.
Bottom-line: The build and performance are pretty impressive for the price.
8. Presonus Studio 24c
Quick specs:
Inputs: Two ¼”/XLR combination inputs
Outputs: Two ¼” main outs, one ¼” headphone out
Maximum sample rate: 192kHz
Maximum resolution: 24-bit
Bundled software: Studio One Artist, Studio Magic Plug-in Suite
Pros:
- Has MIDI I/O onboard
- Excellent value for the money
Cons:
- None really
Presonus Studio 24c is another highly regarded brand, both for its software and its hardware. Like Focusrite, the company is known for its reasonably priced audio interfaces with excellent preamps.
Guitarists may want to check out the company’s other guitar-friendly interfaces, such as the Presonus Audiobox USB 96. We reviewed that particular unit in our guide to the best audio interfaces for home and project studios (if you haven’t read that yet, check it out!).
But if you want a more fully featured interface that works well for a variety of other recording scenarios, the Presonus Studio 24c should be right up your alley. The preamps are pristine and loud, and there is a ladder-style LED monitoring display on the front panel to help you keep your levels in check.
You also get a pair of main outs, and headphones out, and MIDI I/O. Plus, it has a loopback feature that makes it a cinch to route audio internally between two applications without having to plug in a cable.
Bottom-line: A powerful and versatile audio interface that is equally suitable for streamers and recording musicians.
9. Audient iD4 MkII
Quick specs:
Inputs: One ¼” input and one XLR input
Outputs: Two ¼” main outs, one ¼” headphone out, and one mini-jack out
Maximum sample rate: 96kHz
Maximum resolution: 24-bit
Bundled software: Audient ARC software bundle
Pros:
- Modern features and capabilities
- The headphone out is a convenient ⅛” mini-jack
Cons:
- Doesn’t have MIDI I/O
From Audient comes this compact powerhouse that delivers all the performance and functionality that you would expect from a high-end audio device. The iD4 MkII builds on the success of the company’s iD4, which turned heads with its impressive power and versatility in a compact package.
The good news is that the iD4 MkII ups the ante, retaining the small footprint and adding a host of features and capabilities, including USB-C support and faster transfer speeds.
Not to worry: you still get the rugged build and excellent audio quality that the earlier version is known for. But the iD4 MkII has some marked improvements that warrant the slightly higher price tag. Even so, it is still pretty affordable and reasonably priced for everything that you get in return. It even has an extra headphone out and a scroll wheel that you can use to control software parameters.
Bottom-line: An excellent audiophile quality interface that still manages to be pretty affordable.
That’s our rundown of some of the best audio interfaces under the $200 mark. Most of these would be excellent value even if they were priced higher, so choose confidently!
Make sure to check out our guide to the 10 Best Audio Interfaces For Home And Project Studios for even more suggestions. Between that guide and this one, you’re sure to find the perfect interface for your needs!
Good luck with your search!
