To begin your journey as a music producer or recording engineer, you need the basic tools to be able to deliver a close to industry standard quality of work and your first major decision has to be purchasing the right audio interface. It is essential that you are able to record and play back audio at a decent, if not good quality, without burning up your wallet at the first go! Keeping an eye out for quality, features and price, we’ve compiled a list of 5 affordable audio interfaces for you to consider for your home studio setup, while making your choice out of the clutter of brands and products out there.
Audient iD4 (MKII)
Audient are really storming this price bracket with quality by offering grade A hardware with a budget interface such as the iD4. Every iD series interface features the Audient Console Mic Preamp, the same discrete circuit design found in their renowned recording console –ASP8024-HE. This interface is designed to deliver ultra- low noise and low distortion with a touch of classic analogue warmth. Plus, it has 2 headphone outputs for a better monitoring experience. With lots of flexibility and a bunch of features for one to explore, this is the top pick in its price range.
Price (Approx.): $220
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Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
The most popular brand and trademark colour that you see a lot of music producers or musicians use in their home studios or for live performances is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. You just can’t miss it! It has been the saviour of the tight-pocketed independent musician for years on end and is now improved in its 3rd Gen version. The main selling point of this interface is its convenience of use because it’s seamless plug and play capability helps one get up and running almost immediately. All that at a good price. It just can’t be stopped!
Price (Approx.): $220
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2
The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is the perfect tool for music producers and songwriters as it comes with a whole lot of additional software and digital instruments and even Ableton Live 10 Lite to get you started into the world of making music. The world of Native Instruments is a glorious wormhole in itself and can get you great sounds, samples, plugins, etc., which enhance the quality and boost your creativity in turn. A great tool to explore with a lot of expansion capabilities, at a good price!
Price (Approx.): $175
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Arturia MiniFuse 2
Promising durability, giving users a 5-year warranty, the Arturia MiniFuse 2 boasts of studio grade quality with this little box. What’s more interesting about this product is that it comes with an exclusive selection of software such as Ableton Live Lite, Analog Lab Intro, Arturia FX, Native Instruments GUITAR RIG 6 LE, Auto-Tune Unlimited 3-Month Subscription, Splice Creator Plan 3-Month Subscription. For a beginner or a semi-pro, these offers are a real steal for the price you pay for it. Not only that, the MiniFuse 2 looks stunning and compactly built, fit for taking on to the stage for live performances.
Price (Approx.): $200
Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD
After buying out Midas some years ago, Behringer started sprucing up the aural quality of their consoles and audio interfaces by integrating the renowned Midas preamps, one of the richest names in sound quality for decades. The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD is a greatly affordable 2 channel audio interface with the famed Midas preamps and a cute couple of other small utilities like the switches for line and instrument and the dedicated pad switch to de-attenuate extremely hot incoming signals. All the hate that Behringer has got in the past has slowly started diffusing due to the quality of their recent products. A great purchase for sure!
Price (Approx.): $175
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In conclusion, 5 great options for you to consider depending on your priorities – recording quality or software bonuses or both… Explore each brand and product in detail on their official websites so you can make an informed decision. Now is the time! Time to hit that RECORD button!
All product images from Amazon.com
FI Image credit – Raj Musicals Website
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