In this article I round up 5 of the best USB Audio Interfaces under £100.
When it comes to budget audio interfaces, the sheer number of options available to you can be overwhelming.
As building your own software based home recording set up has gotten easier, the market for smaller, entry level audio interfaces has grown.
Why am I focussing on USB interfaces? Despite Apple’s best efforts to the contrary, USB is still found on pretty much every computer on the planet (Mac or PC). They also often work with iOS devices (through an adapter).
You’re unlikely to have any compatibility issues when it comes to these types of interfaces.
USB interfaces like the ones mentioned below are powered through the USB connection itself, rather than needing a separate power supply.
Here’s some technical info to keep in mind before buying an audio interface
[toggler title=”USB” ]The main difference between USB 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0 is the rate of data transfer speed (12 Mbps, 480 Mbps and 4 Gbps respectively). Most modern Macs have at least one USB 3.0 port available. [/toggler]
[toggler title=”Bit Depth” ]The higher the bit depth, the higher the quality of the audio. Bit depth is usually 16 bits or 24 bits. While it produces larger file sizes, you should probably be recording in 24 bit in GarageBand for the best audio quality.[/toggler]
[toggler title=”Phantom Power” ]Sends the correct power (+48v) to a condenser microphone via an XLR socket and cable enabling proper amplification of the mic.[/toggler]
[toggler title=”Inputs/Outputs” ]Connections that you will use to record (input) audio and process that audio information to your audio recording software or playback devices such as speakers (output).[/toggler]
M-Audio M-Track 2x2M
£99.00
Kicking things off with a bang, the M-Track 2x2M not only sounds stellar but has the looks to match too.
The 2×2’s premium looking full metal chassis is built to last. Its intuitive layout is easy to find your way around.
As the name suggests, You have 2 audio inputs here. 2 balanced XLR/¼” combo inputs on the back of the unit and 2 new ¼” instrument inputs that have a specially designed gain and impedance stage to provide the most accurate representation of a guitar or bass plugged directly into the interface possible.
Rare for interfaces at this price point, the M-Track 2x2M also boasts MIDI in/out ports, as well as 2 balanced ¼” TRS monitor outputs. Note that there is also a version of the M-Track 2×2 without MIDI in/outs that’s marginally cheaper.
Like most of the interfaces featured in this list, the 2x2M has 48v phantom power available.
Tech specs
| Input / Output | 2 In / 2 Out |
| USB Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Bit Depth / Res | 24-Bit / 192 kHz |
| System | Windows, Mac |
| Features | 2 Mic Inputs, +48v Phantom Power |
| Bundled Software | Air Music Software, Cubase LE |
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Presonus AudioBox USB 96
£74.99
This all new update to Presonus’ ever popular Audiobox is a handy little audio/MIDI interface that has just the right features for basic recording needs. The Audiobox 96 allows you to plug in and start recording up to 24-bit, 96 kHz audio right away.
The 2 front facing balanced XLR/¼” combo inputs give you a variety of options for how you want to record. The upgraded preamps loaded into this thing ensure that anything you do sounds nothing short of fantastic. The inclusion of MIDI in/out ports on the back of the unit is a nice surprise at this price point too.
Latency is non existent and the inclusion of a mix control knob lets you control the level between the input signal and playback through GarageBand, without hearing any annoying delays.
Not only that, but the unit’s heavy-duty steel chassis can take a serious pounding and remain completely reliable.
Personally I’ve always found Presunus’ line of interfaces a little bland, but the Audiobox USB 96 is very hard to ignore – especially at this price!
Tech Specs
| Input / Output | 2 In / 2 Out |
| Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Bit Depth / Res | 24-Bit / 96 kHz |
| System | Windows, Mac |
| Features | 2 Mic Inputs, +48v Phantom Power |
| Software | Presonus Studio One V3 Artist |
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Behringer U-PHORIA UMC22
£33.95
Coming in at a much cheaper price than any of the other interfaces on this list, the Behringer manages to pack many of the same features as it’s pricier competitors into its compact form factor.
Boasting a ¼” combo Mic/Line input as well as a dedicated ¼” input for jacked instruments, the UMC22 gives you plenty of flexibility when it comes to recording options.
While it only records audio at 48 kHz it’s a great choice for the bootstrapped beginner.
Tech Specs
| Input / Output | 2 In / 2 Out |
| Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Bit Depth / Res | 24-Bit / 48 kHz |
| System | Windows, Mac |
| Features | 1 Mic/Line Combo Input, 1 instrument input, +48v Phantom Power |
| Software | TRAKTION 4 |
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IK Multimedia iRig HD 2
£74.99
First and foremost, iRig HD 2 simply sounds amazing. It features superior digital audio quality with premium 24-bit A/D converters and a 96kHz sample rate for a clear digital signal that’s free from noise and interference.
The only interface in this list that doesn’t feature a microphone input of some sort, the HD2 is designed specifically for recording your guitar.
In fact one of the things that makes the iRig HD 2 unique is the ability to send your processed signal directly to a guitar amp without the need for special conversion adapters. iRig HD 2 features an unbalanced 1/4″ Amp Out jack that you can use to send your processed or unprocessed guitar signal to an external amplifier, floor tuner or completely different rig setup for live performance.
Compatible with both Mac and iOS devices (including those models ‘missing’ a headphone jack) this in an essential interface if accurately capturing your guitar performance is what’s important to you.
Tech Specs
| Input / Output | 1 In / 2 Out |
| Connection | USB 2.0/Lightning connector |
| Bit Depth / Res | 24-Bit / 96 kHz |
| System | iOS, Mac |
| Features | Balanced Amp Out Jack |
| Software | – |
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Focusrite Scarlett Solo
£94.99
If you’ve been following this site for a while, you’ll no doubt have heard me talk about how much I love the Scarlett Solo’s big brother, the Scarlett 2i2.
While smaller and lacking a few of the features of the 2i2, the Scarlett Solo packs enough of a sonic punch to hold its own against most other interfaces at this price range.
The preamps used in the Scarlett series are nothing short of phenomenal, giving you clean and clear recordings every time.
The second generation Scarlett range is packed full of other upgrades too.
New super-low latency brings confidence to your performance, letting you record and monitor with software effects in real time.
New gain controls and a sleeker red metal chassis underscore its improved industrial design – this thing can take one hell of a beating!
The Scarlett range also now operates at sample rates all the way up to 192kHz.
Tech Specs
| Input / Output | 2 In / 2 Out |
| Connection | USB 2.0 |
| Bit Depth / Res | 24-Bit / 192 kHz |
| System | Windows, Mac |
| Features | 1 Mic Inputs, +48v Phantom Power |
| Software | Ableton Live Lite, Tons of Plugin Extras |
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Which of the interfaces featured in this list floats your boat? Did I miss out your favourite? Leave a comment and let me know, or join the conversation on Facebook and Twitter!
*All prices correct at time of publishing
