10 Best Cheap Audio Interfaces 2025 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface stands out as an excellent choice for musicians, vocalists, and producers looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing sound quality. With two inputs, it allows users to connect both a microphone and an instrument simultaneously, making it versatile for different recording settings. The audio quality is impressive, featuring a 120dB dynamic range and high-fidelity converters that rival more expensive models, providing a studio-quality sound for home recordings. The addition of the Air mode enhances vocals and guitars, giving your tracks a professional finish.

In terms of connectivity, it uses USB-C, which ensures a fast and reliable connection with various devices, including computers and some mobile devices. The included software package is a strong advantage, offering all the essential tools needed for recording, mixing, and mastering, making it user-friendly for beginners.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While it excels in audio quality, its simplicity may limit advanced users who require more extensive features or additional inputs. The preamps are good, but those looking for the absolute best in this area might find them slightly lacking compared to higher-end options. Additionally, the footprint is fairly compact, making it portable, but it’s important to note that it may not be rugged enough for heavy touring or professional studio use.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is an ideal starting point for novice musicians and home studio enthusiasts who need a straightforward, reliable audio interface to bring their sound to life without breaking the bank.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a solid choice for musicians, podcasters, and producers looking for a budget-friendly audio interface. With two high-quality inputs, it excels at allowing guitarists and vocalists to record their sounds with clarity, thanks to the strong mic pre-amps and the ability to engage an Air mode that enhances recording quality. It supports impressive audio quality, featuring 24-bit/192kHz recording capability, which is excellent for capturing detailed sound without distortion or clipping. The low-noise balanced outputs ensure clean playback, making it suitable for critical listening as well.

Portability is another highlight, as the Scarlett Solo is compact and USB-powered, which makes it easy to set up anywhere, whether at home or on the go. The included Easy Start tool is user-friendly, providing a straightforward way for beginners to get started with recording. Additionally, the three-year warranty adds peace of mind regarding durability and support.

The two channels may not suffice for users who require multiple simultaneous inputs, such as drummers or larger ensembles. Also, while the preamps are generally well-regarded, some users may find they lack the warmth and richness of higher-end models. Lastly, being USB-powered means it relies on a computer for energy, which could be limiting for those who prefer a more traditional setup with dedicated power supplies.

The M-Audio AIR 192x4 USB C Audio Interface is a solid choice for those looking to record or stream with professional sound quality without breaking the bank. It offers a great mix of features suitable for home studios, podcasters, and musicians alike. With a maximum audio quality of 24-bit/192kHz, it captures sound details exceptionally well, making it ideal for anyone serious about audio production. The low latency of just 2.59ms is impressive, providing a seamless recording experience, especially important for real-time monitoring.

Connectivity is versatile with an XLR/TRS combo input and an additional ¼” instrument input, which makes it adaptable for various recording setups. The rugged metal chassis ensures durability, while the large volume control and VU LED meters are user-friendly features that enhance usability.

It does have some drawbacks. While it supports multiple software options, beginners might find the setup process a bit overwhelming if they are unfamiliar with such devices. The single XLR input might limit some users who wish to record multiple sources simultaneously. Additionally, the preamp quality, although described as transparent and crystal, may not satisfy professional users who demand the highest audio fidelity.