Best Audio Interfaces Under $200

Top 7 Best Audio Interfaces Under $200 (July 2024)

The Best Audio Interfaces Under $200 (July 2024)

The best audio interfaces under $200 are all solid choices for musicians and producers alike. They are all designed to be easy to use with a variety of features.

Professional and home studios use audio interfaces. They connect to microphones, instruments and other sound sources. Computers use an audio interface to record or produce a live performance. Audio interfaces can also be used to connect mixers and other sound-related equipment. There are many different types of audio interfaces on the market. This article will only cover the best audio interfaces under 200 dollars.

This is a comprehensive list of all the audio interfaces that we recommend for this price. It should give you a good idea of what’s out there.

The Best Audio Interfaces Under $200 Buyers Guide (July 2024)

  • 1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
  • 2. M-Audio AIR 2X2
  • 3. Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
  • 4. PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2
  • 5. BEHRINGER UMC 404HD Audiophile
  • 6. Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2
  • 7. Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Image

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

  • ✔ Two high-headroom instrument inputs to plug in your guitar or bass
  • ✔ Record and mix at up to 24-bit/ 192kHz
  • ✔ Two balanced line inputs, suitable for connecting line-level sources
  • ✔ Air mode to give your recordings a brighter and more open sound

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is, what Focusrite consider, “The world’s best-selling audio interface”

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an audio interface that is perfect for any musician or audio engineer. It is easy to use and easy to set up. It features two natural Scarlett preamp mics and the a class-leading sound quality that can be found with any of the whole Scarlett range. It also features a brand new instrument input for connecting a guitar or bass and also a MIDI input and output for connecting synths and controllers. This interface is an ideal choice for singer songwriters, podcasters, musicians, and anyone else who is looking for a simple way to record and produce music.

It is an audio interface that is designed to record instruments and vocals. It is a very affordable piece of equipment that will give you quality sound that will make you sound like you are in the recording studio. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two award-winning Focusrite pre-amps that have been designed to give you the highest quality sound. It also has a large LED display that will give you all the information you need to know about your recording without looking at the computer screen. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 will also give you high quality effects that will give your recording that professional touch.

Overall the Scarlett 2i2 is perfect for the beginner musician. It offers everything you need to record your instruments and vocals, and to get great sounding audio into your computer. It is a powerful tool that has everything you need to start recording your music.


M-Audio AIR 2X2 Image

M-Audio AIR 2X2

  • ✔ Hi-Speed USB-C connection
  • ✔ Studio grade capture
  • ✔ XLR+1/4" TRS combo input
  • ✔ 5-pin MIDI IO

M-Audio AIR 2X2 is one of the most affordable 2-in/2-out audio interface we've listed.

M-Audio AIR 2X2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

If you are looking for a high quality audio interface, you should consider the M-Audio AIR 2X2. This device is a USB powered high quality device that can record up to 24 bit/96 kHz. It has two microphone preamps that are able to provide a clean, transparent sound that is free of any noise or hiss. It is compact and easy to use with a simple control panel for you to easily adjust your levels and settings. It can be used for recording, mixing, and even as a MIDI interface for your computer.

Our ears are incredible at picking up the smallest details in the sounds we hear. This makes it hard to get a good sounding recording from a computer with just internal computer speakers. The M-Audio AIR 2X2 is a USB audio interface that features a high-quality, 24-bit/96-kHz audio interface that connects your instrument, mixer, or mic preamp to your computer. With the M-Audio AIR 2X2 you get the lowest possible latency for recording audio. You can also use the M-Audio AIR 2X2 to record a stereo signal from the computer to your mixer or audio interface.

M-Audio has been making high-quality audio recording devices and interfaces for many years. They are a trusted name in the industry and have been providing musicians and recording artist with high-quality products for years. However, their devices have always been expensive and out of reach of many musicians. The M-Audio AIR 2X2 is a 2 channel audio interface that sells for significantly less than the competition. It is a high-quality interface that is easy to setup and use. The AIR 2X2 will allow you to record audio into your computer from any external device.

Overall, the AIR 2X2 is a good product for the price and the price is good for the product. Two high quality preamps, 24 bit conversion, phantom power, and MIDI I/O are all features of this audio interface, which is a great value for the cost.


Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2 Image

Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2

  • ✔ High-resolution 2 in x 2 Out 24-bit/192kHz recording
  • ✔ Bus-powered for easy mobile recording with no power adapter needed
  • ✔ Built-Like-A-Tank design to survive day-to-day abuse
  • ✔ Compatible with Windows and Mac

A hard-wearing 2-channel interface with high audio and build quality.

Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

This 2 Channel (10 in/12 out) analog and S/PDIF Recording Interface is a powerful music production tool that raises the bar for audio quality. It's certainly a contender for best usb audio interface in this price category. Each audio channel provides 24-bit/96 kHz recording and playback, with 24-bit A/D and D/A conversion and the ability to record four channels simultaneously at 24-bit/96 kHz. The Onyx Producer 2.2 features multiple DAW control modes for streamlined operation with any major DAW.

This is perfect for a home recording studio, podcasting or on-air broadcast. It also comes with your favorite DJ software. The Mackie Onyx Producer USB features 24-bit/192kHz fidelity on 6 stereo channels, Mackie's acclaimed HHBTM (High Harmonic Boost Tone Modulation) preamps and Onyx mic pres. All in a versatile 24-bit/96kHz-capable interface.

The Onyx Producer 2.2 is a powerful, versatile and compact audio interface that gives you everything you need to record, produce, and perform. Featuring an on-board XMAX mic preamp, 2 headphone outputs with independent level controls, 2 balanced mic/line/instrument inputs, MIDI I/O, and more. The Onyx Producer interfaces also feature premium grade components, a sleek, modern design and a versatile, expandable feature set that sets a new performance standard at a price you'll love.

Overall, the Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2 is an innovative and powerful desktop recording system that gives you the freedom to create, record, edit, mix and share your music without compromise. The Producer 2.2 is the perfect combination of the award-winning Onyx preamps, EQs and dynamics and the new Tracktion 4 software, which gives you everything you need to make music the way you want, including unlimited audio tracks, virtual instruments, built-in effects, automation and more.


PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2 Image

PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2

  • ✔ Easy-to-use Mixer knob for low-latency direct monitoring
  • ✔ High-powered headphone output
  • ✔ USB-C compatible powered 2x2 audio interface
  • ✔ Compatible With Windows 10 and Mac

The PreSonus Studio 24c 2×2 is their flagship 2-in/2-out low-latency audio interface.

PreSonus Studio 24c 2x2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Studio 24 2x2 is a two-in/two-out USB recording interface with a rugged all-metal chassis, low- noise preamps, direct monitor capability, and onboard phantom power. It is one of the most powerful, versatile, and cost-effective 2x2 USB recording interface available. It gives you unparalleled sonic quality and ease of use in an ultra-compact interface. With 24-bit resolution, you'll have plenty of headroom to track even the loudest guitar amps or fattest drum kits.

It works seamlessly with your Mac or PC computer. The Studio 24c gives you everything you need to make professional recordings. It sports a pair of PreSonus Studio-quality microphones with multiple polar patterns, a 1/4" instrument input with dedicated gain control, an on-board 48V phantom power supply, and a 3-channel mixer with a dry/wet control. You also get MIDI in/out and dual headphone outputs with separate volume controls.

The Studio 24c is a two-input, two-output interface designed for home musicians and audio enthusiasts. This compact interface offers plug-and-play simplicity and is compatible with any computer that has a USB port. When you're recording or performing live, you need the best possible sound quality – and that means a great-sounding interface. The PreSonus Studio 24 2x2 is a perfect choice for USB interfacing, offering two microphone/instrument inputs, two balanced TRS outputs, and four balanced TRS outputs for maximum versatility. You'll also get a full complement of studio I/O, including two preamps designed by the legendary Rupert Neve. The Studio 24 2x2 audio device is driver-free, so you can be up and running in a flash.


BEHRINGER UMC 404HD Audiophile Image

BEHRINGER UMC 404HD Audiophile

  • ✔ Audiophile 24 - bit/192 kHz resolution
  • ✔ Midas designed mic preamplifiers
  • ✔ Compatible with popular recording software
  • ✔ 4x4 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI interface

Easily one of the most versatile audio interfaces you can find on a tight budget.

BEHRINGER UMC 404HD Audiophile - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Behringer UMC404HD is a great audio interface when you want to record high quality audio. This interface allows you to record up to four tracks simultaneously. You can plug in your microphone into the XLR input or you can plug in your guitar or bass directly into this device. This audio interface has a built-in mixer and you can set the volume of each channel individually.

The BEHRINGER UMC404HD is the perfect interface for your computer-based home studio. The UMC404HD is a low-noise, high-headroom, true analog-to-digital/digital-to-analog converter. It delivers pristine 24-bit/96kHz audio quality and plenty of connectivity. Two combo mic/instrument inputs with XLR/TRS connectors and a hi-Z input on the front panel are complemented by two balanced TRS outputs. The UMC404HD has both digital (S/PDIF) and analog (RCA) outputs and comes with a copy of Tracktion 2 Music Production Software for video-free recording and editing.

It provides four studio-quality microphone preamps with phantom power and excellent RFI rejection, plus four balanced analog outputs with Level control for the ultimate in recording flexibility. The UMC404HD offers a complete professional recording studio at a budget price. A powerful DSP (digital signal processor) engine works with new digital converters for superior audio quality. With its ultra-low latency, you can capture audio with no delay, allowing you to record and monitor with software effects in real time.


Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 Image

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

  • ✔ Flexible input options
  • ✔ Premium audio quality at 192 kHz and 24 bit
  • ✔ VU Meter for accurately adjusting levels
  • ✔ Compatible with mac and windows 10

The performance of the Komplete Audio 2 is as slick as its looks. Instead of 1 XLR and 1 jack input, the Komplete Audio 2 has 2 combi-XLR/jack inputs for more flexibility.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Komplete Audio 2 is a 2 in/4 out audio interface featuring a microphone preamp with phantom power, MIDI-In and MIDI-Out connections and 2 additional line-level inputs. It offers two high-quality mic preamps for outstanding sound quality, latency-free recording for ultra-smooth musical performances and a high-performance 24-bit/96 kHz premium digital-to-analog converter along with a digital limiter. It is the premium interface for Native Instruments' Komplete Select. It's a high-profile centerpiece for any studio—and a great way to get into the world of superior recording quality.

This interface allows you to record and monitor up to four tracks simultaneously, with premium mic preamps, ultra-low latency performance, pristine 24-bit/96 kHz audio resolution and a fully featured mixer. The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 is a 2x2 interface for Mac and PC that serves as a professional sound card, connecting to your computer via USB. There's a pair of newly developed high-quality preamps on board, plus an instrument input with high headroom, making the Komplete Audio 2 ideal for recording instruments and microphones.

If you are looking for top quality interface, then you should really consider Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2. This interface is great for anyone that wants to record their own music, or wants to mix it with their favorite music. It is the perfect choice for those looking for a high quality recording device.


Focusrite Scarlett Solo  Image

Focusrite Scarlett Solo

  • ✔ High-performance converters
  • ✔ Includes Pro Tools
  • ✔ One of the best performing mic preamps in the Scarlett range
  • ✔ Quick start tool to get up and running

This interface is emblazoned in an eye catching red body paint that is sure to add a nice touch to any studio setup.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo - Read Review See The Latest Price On Amazon Now

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is a 2nd generation USB interface that offers a compact and highly flexible audio interface. One with a large number of input and output options for home recording or professional studio applications. The Solo can be seen as a smaller and sleeker version of the Scarlett 2i2, which is another Focusrite interface. It offers two mono input channels and one stereo input channel with a maximum input level of +22dBu. The device also features a 24-bit/192kHz resolution and a sample rate of 44.1 kHz.

It is a compact, easy to use USB audio interface that delivers the quality and performance you'd expect from Focusrite. Focusrite Scarlett Solo delivers the quality and performance you'd expect from Focusrite. It has an excellent-quality, 24-bit/192kHz AD/DA conversion, as well as the same natural sound quality and low latency as the rest of the latest Scarlett range. It is a USB audio interface that delivers professional quality sound. Take it with you wherever you record, because it works with all major DAWs on Mac and PC.

Scarlett Solo is the perfect entry-level interface for home studio recording. It gives you the same class-leading sound quality and digital conversion as the rest of the latest Scarlett range, with a host of additional features designed to help you get the best from your microphone, instrument or line-level signal. Overall the Scarlett Solo isn't a cheap audio interface but it's certainly Focusrite's most affordable interface. Designed for musicians who want to record studio quality audio on a budget. An amazon best seller well worth considering.


More Information Regarding Audio Interfaces Under $200 (2024)

What is an Audio Interface

In essence an audio interface allows you to take audio signals and pump them in and out of your computer. The decision on which one is right for you simply comes down to a combination of your budget and how you like to work. Simplistic models exist that simply convert analog audio signals to digital audio signals on the way to your computer. This is because your computer will have software such as pro tools that is able to understand digital audio signals. Allowing you to layer, manipulate and refine the sound and then pump out to a speaker or amplifier. The audio interface will convert your digital audio signals back to analog signals on the way out of your computer. This way the speaker is able to play the sound for you to hear. These types of audio interfaces are known as AD/DA (Analog to Digital/Digital to Analog) converters.

Connection Types

Audio interfaces under $200 come with all sorts of connection types allowing you to connect to your computer via USB, thunderbolt & firewire to name a few. USB is the most popular and widely used mainly because it comes in many different forms ranging from Type-A, 2.0, & Micro USB through to the latest Type-C connections. Thunderbolt connections are the fastest. You'll find these are used on some of the more modern and high end audio interfaces available on the market.

Price Range

The price of top quality audio interfaces has fallen dramatically in recent years. This is great news if you're looking to get hold of a device that will give you a fantastic sound without costing the earth. This is because many brands have taken their previous generation audio interface models and repackaged them. Usually with some modern nuances to create a budget model of their current range. Don't be put off by this, these audio interfaces under $200 are still great value. They might not have all the latest bells and whistles but they get the job done. Which means you don't need to pay substantial amounts of money for them.

Depending on what you want to achieve, you'll priorities different features when finding the best audio interfaces under $200 for your situation. If space is an issue you'll look for a small to medium sized interface that provides you a great experience and end result while not taking up a large portion of your limited space. If you're in need of a portable audio interface then you'll probably rule out any rack mountable models. Instead you'll be looking for small battery powered options.

Inputs & Outputs

Audio interfaces under $200 come with a range of inputs and outputs. Some will have line inputs, mic preamps, headphone outputs, mic inputs & many other inputs and outputs. Make sure the model you consider has what you need. If you're kitting out a home studio then you'll be looking for the best audio interface which features (such as phantom power) the inputs and outputs you need at an affordable price range.

Some of the best audio interfaces under $200 come with software as part of the package. Pro tools is a popular editing software that we've seen offered as part of audio interface packages in the past. Purchasing an audio interface that comes with a reputable editing software is a great way to justify paying more for your audio interface because you're saving money elsewhere.

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