Best $100 Audio Interfaces (2023) | Budget Audio Interfaces For Home Studio/ Music Production
Introduction to USB Audio Interfaces
In this section, the speaker introduces the topic of USB audio interfaces and highlights the key factors to consider when purchasing a budget audio interface.
Key Factors to Consider for Budget Audio Interfaces
- The number of inputs, accessibility of features, phantom power, and preamp quality are important factors to consider when buying a budget audio interface.
- For most bedroom studio producers, an audio interface with one XLR input and a line input is usually sufficient for recording vocals or plugging in a guitar.
- If you need to record two different sources simultaneously, you will require an audio interface with two XLR inputs.
- The layout preference (top volume knob with inputs/outputs at the back/front or front/back facing design) is subjective.
- All the mentioned audio interfaces offer 48 volts of phantom power but differ in microphone preamp quality.
Universal Audio Apollo Solo
This section provides information about the Universal Audio Apollo Solo USB audio interface.
Universal Audio Apollo Solo Features
- Costing around $140, the Universal Audio Apollo Solo has a sleek design with accessible functions on both the front and back panels.
- It offers one combo XLR/TRS jack on the front panel for connecting one microphone or instrument at a time.
- Notably, it includes selectable vintage preamp mode for tube-like dynamic saturation and clipping.
- The back panel features TRS outputs for studio monitors, MIDI outputs for older keyboards, USB-C connection, power input, and power switch.
- It comes with Ableton Live Lite music production software.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
This section provides information about the Focusrite Scarlett Solo USB audio interface.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Features
- The Focusrite Scarlett Solo, priced around $120, is a popular budget audio interface with a clean and solid all-red design.
- It offers separate XLR and TRS inputs on the front panel for recording one microphone and an instrument simultaneously.
- Similar to the Universal Audio Apollo Solo, it includes the "Air" feature for enhanced preamp quality.
- The back panel provides two TRS outputs, USB-C connection, and comes with various software including a three-month free Splice subscription.
Arturia AudioFuse One
This section provides information about the Arturia AudioFuse One USB audio interface.
Arturia AudioFuse One Features
- The Arturia AudioFuse One is a great option for bedroom producers, costing around $100. It is available in both black and white colors.
- The front panel offers one combination XLR/TRS input, which may be limiting for singer-songwriters.
- On the back panel, it has two TRS outputs and a USB output for connecting to a laptop.
- It comes with Ableton Live Lite software and a three-month free Splice subscription.
Tascam US 2x2 HR
This section provides information about the Tascam US 2x2 HR USB audio interface.
Tascam US 2x2 HR Features
- Priced around $180, the Tascam US 2x2 HR stands out with its red side panels and sturdy build.
- The front panel features two combo XLR/TRS jacks with phantom power for both inputs.
- It includes knobs for monitor balance, line output, headphones volume, and input control.
- On the back panel, it offers two TRS outputs, MIDI outputs, USB connection, and power supply.
- The included music production software is Cubase LE.
Audient EVO 4
This section provides information about the Audient EVO 4 USB audio interface.
Audient EVO 4 Features
- The Audient EVO 4, priced around $130, offers several cool features for a budget interface.
- It has a black and green design with three panels on the front.
- The front panel includes an instrument input and headphone input.
- The top section of the interface houses various controls such as phantom power, input selections, smart gain volume control, monitor/headphone selector, and loopback functionality.
- On the back panel, it provides two combo XLR/TRS inputs, two TRS outputs, and various other connections.
Best Audio Interfaces for Different Budgets
This section provides an overview of different audio interfaces available at various price points.
Universal Audio Volt 1
- High-quality preamp sound.
- Vintage mode adds a unique touch to the sound.
- Crispy and clean audio quality.
- Standout option in the $100 price range.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
- Standard preamp quality.
- Good value for money.
Audient Evo 4
- Auto gain control prevents clipping.
- Modern design and features.
Tascam US 2x2 HR
- Decent preamp quality.
Arturia MiniFuse One
- Solid preamp quality.
Mackie Onyx Artist
- Simple design with solid build quality.
- Great software bundle for beginners.
Presonus Studio 24c
- LED volume indicators prevent clipping.
- Includes Studio One Artist software and plugin suite.
M-Audio Air 1924
- User-friendly layout and design.
- Good value for money.
Native Instruments Complete Audio One
- Portable three-sided design.
- Ableton Live Lite software included.
- RCA outputs are not up to par with other options.
Preamp Quality Comparison
This section compares the preamp quality of different audio interfaces.
Universal Audio Volt 1
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Audient Evo 4
Native Instruments Complete Audio One
Tascam US 2x2 HR
Arturia MiniFuse One
Mackie Onyx Artist
Presonus Studio 24c
M-Audio Air 1924
Conclusion
This section provides a summary of the audio interfaces discussed and highlights the standout options.
- Universal Audio Volt 1 offers the best sound quality with its vintage mode.
- Audient Evo 4 stands out for its auto gain control feature.
- Mackie Onyx Artist is a great option for beginners with its software bundle.
- Overall, there isn't much difference in sound quality among these audio interfaces in the $100 price range.
New Section Choosing an Audio Interface: Audience Evo 4 vs Universal Audio Volt One
In this section, the speaker discusses their preference for the Audience Evo 4 audio interface over the Universal Audio Volt One. They highlight the advantages of the Evo 4, such as having an extra XLR input and offering better value for money.
Comparison between Audience Evo 4 and Universal Audio Volt One
- The speaker believes that the Audience Evo 4 outshines the Universal Audio Volt One due to its additional XLR input.
- While the Volt One may have a slightly better sound quality and overall appearance, the Evo 4 offers better value for money.
- The presence of one extra XLR input on the Evo 4 makes it a more practical choice for users who require multiple microphone inputs.
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