For music makers and producers today, there is increasingly less need to hire a big recording studio to create the next big hit. The best audio interface is a vital component in this, responsible for connecting your computer to microphones, synthesisers and more importantly to your speakers. With a good quality interface, capturing and transmitting your creations will be cleaner and result in a higher level of production quality.
As technology continues to advance, there are increasingly more affordable and professional solutions for bedroom and small-scale artists around the world.
Today at Mixdown, we take a look at 5 of the best performing low cost interfaces on the market, aimed at helping you decide which one fits your setup.
The Five:
- SSL 2+
- PreSonus Quantum Series
- Audient ID14 MkII
- Steinberg UR44c
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Read more features, columns and interviews here.
SSL 2+
Featuring classic SSL design cues, the 2+ is their entry to the affordable audio interface market. This device is USB powered and processes audio at a stunning 24bit/192khz.
2+ has two inputs and four outputs, aimed at being used with two sets of monitors to better reference your mix. There are two headphone outputs allowing both a producer and artist to have separate mixes, integral for engineers to provide a professional experience to clients. Other key features include MIDI in/out for connecting synths/drum machines and SSL-designed low noise microphone preamps.
The unique part of this audio interface is the legacy 4K button on the input channels. Modelled after SSL’s 4000 series consoles, this button adds subtle but rich harmonic distortion to the input signal and a high frequency boost around 16khz. It’s an easy way to instantly add that airy, professional quality to any input signal.
Read our full review here.
PreSonus Quantum Series
PreSonus recently launched their Quantum range of interfaces, with entry-level options available with either two and four input interfaces in the ES 2 USB-C interface or the ES 4 USB-C interface. At the top end of the spectrum is the Quantum HD 8!
The ES 2 and ES 4 are bus-powered, meaning they’re two things: compact, portable and mobile, as well as alleviating the need for multiple poeer cables in addition to audio and mic cables!
The ES2 and ES 4 have clear, eight step level indicators for all their inputs and the stereo left and right of your output. Seperate channel selection buttons allow you to toggled on and off things like phantom power, levels and PreSonus’ Auto Gain feature. PreSonus’ Auto Gain feature allows the unit to set your gain quickly and accurately, preventing your from ruining the perfect take while also keeping the momentum going.
Audient ID14 MkII
On face value, the ID14 MkII looks as though it’s just another small offering in the way of desktop recording interfaces, though don’t be fooled by its sleek minimalistic design. Packed into its compact chassis is an impressive feature set which can serve as the centrepiece of any flexible home recording studio.
Packed to the brim with features, the ID MkII has 3 inputs, 4 outputs and is expandable to 10 inputs and 6 outputs via an ADAT/SPDIF connection. On its two microphone inputs, the ID MkII includes preamps that share their design with Audient’s flagship ASP8024 heritage edition large format console.
If that’s not enough, the rotary encoder on top of this interface works on more than just level changes. Using the ID button, it can be used to control parameters within your Digital Audio Workstation of choice.
For producers with plans of expansion in the future, this interface delivers. For more compact options, shop Audient’s EVO interfaces here.
See our in-depth analysis here.
Steinberg UR44c
While the Steinbegr UR44C has been around for some time now, we keep going back to it! This interface from industry stalwarts Steinberg does not disappoint. Ever the reliable dark horse, the UR44c has all the seamless connectivity and rock-solid components you’ve come to expect from the industry staple. It features a maximum sampling rate of 192kHz audio conversion with 32-bit resolution, resulting in top-notch analogue-to-digital conversion to produce awesome sounding recordings from the confines of your bedroom.
Expanding beyond the parameters of what most expect from an interface at this price-point, the UR44c consists of six inputs and four outputs, with the unit featuring four microphone preamps on the front and an additional two line inputs on the rear of the unit.
The standout from this particular interface is DSP processing. This feature allows for latency free plugin application using Steinberg’s range of effects.
For a rock solid interface with no holds barred, look no further.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
One of the most popular choices for home studio setups is the Focusrite Scarlett series. With a focus on quality and ease of use, the Scarlett 2i2 is a top performer in the budget audio interface market. As its name suggests, the sleek looking 2i2 features 2 inputs and 2 outputs as well as AIR mode, designed to reproduce the Air effect of Focusrite’s original ISA mic preamp.
The responsive Gain Halo displays customisable colours depending on input level to make sure you know if your recordings are clipping. Its slim design allows for portability and transportation with only one side featuring extruding knobs.
For first time interface users, this one is surely a winner.
We hope after this that you can make a more informed decision about what interface suits your personal production needs.
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