The 5 Best Budget Audio Interface

If you are in a hurry and just want to find out what the best budget audio interface is, then I’d recommend the Presonus AudioBox 96 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Studio Bundle as the best one.

With the rise of live streams, church activities are now accessible to churchgoers in the comfort of their own homes.

Naturally, it would be wise to invest in equipment to deliver better-quality video and audio to the viewers.

With the advent of technology, recording audio is now a breeze, especially when you know how an audio interface works.

This article will teach us everything you need to know about audio interfaces.

From what audio interfaces are, how they work, and the list of things you must consider when choosing one.

Here are the Best Budget Audio Interfaces we will be reviewing:

• Presonus AudioBox 96 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Studio Bundle

• Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface 

• Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD 2-Channel Audio Interface

• Audient iD4 MKII USB-C Audio Interface

• Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 USB Audio Interface

What is an Audio Interface?

An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect all your audio gear to your computer.

With an audio interface, you can do a lot of things.

Recording audio, monitoring the audio with studio headphones, and playing back your work for editing.

Audio interfaces can also replace amplifiers when you need one asap.

How Does an Audio Interface Work?

Audio interfaces convert analog signals into digital audio.

This way, the computer can read the audio, thus making it easy for the computer to process the audio.

But before the computer can process the audio, the digital audio must go through a medium first.

The medium connection can be through USB to FireWire, Thunderbolt, or PCI/PCIe card.

Audio interfaces enhance the sound output of the audio you input.

Unlike sound cards, audio interfaces offer high-resolution output, thus providing better sound quality.

Why Do You Need an Audio Interface at Church?

Your computer already has a built-in sound card that works as an audio interface.

But a sound card won’t be enough if you plan to record audio for your church.

This is the reason why buying an audio interface is the best option.

You can record instruments, monitor the audio on studio headphones, and playback your audio work on studio monitors.

Things to Consider in Choosing the Best Budget Audio Interface

Here is the list of things you need to determine when selecting the best budget audio interface for your church:

What inputs and outputs (I/O) do I need?

This is one of the questions you must answer before choosing an audio interface.

The most basic option is a two-channel desktop interface that lets you record a single stereo signal simultaneously.

What kind of computer/device connectivity do I need?

The top priority is the compatibility of any devices you wish to buy.

It would be a waste of money if you bought an audio interface that isn’t compatible with any of your available devices.

The good news is that most of the budget audio interfaces on the market are compatible with both Mac and Windows.

What level of sound quality do I need?

The sound quality depends on the performance of the preamp included in your audio interface.

Although the bitrate contributes some factors, the result depends on the preamp.

Investing in high-quality external preamps would be better if you want high-quality outputs.

Do I need bundled software?

Most of the time, we save time and money from the bundled software that comes with our devices.

But sometimes, the software included is not enough to give us the desired result we want.

So, to prevent causing this type of delay, research what kinds of software come with the audio interface.

Keep in mind that a lot of software that comes with the device is the demo version of the actual program.

What’s my budget?

You should always keep in mind the designated budget.

Many devices nowadays perform high-quality output that’s half the price of a high-end brand.

Do not think of having a budget as a negative.

Consider it allowing you to explore the market for high-end finds at low-end prices.

Choosing the Best Budget Audio Interface

Here is the list of things to look for when choosing the best budget audio interface for your church:

Bitrate and audio resolution

The standard bitrate for budget audio interfaces is 24-bit and 44.1 to 96kHz for the sample rate.

Both these values are enough for you to perform recording vocals and instruments.

Although this does not determine whether the audio quality would be good, it is still essential to know these specs.

Inputs, outputs, and connectivity

Most budget audio interfaces offer 2-in-1 ports that allow the product to be flexible for all.

This means that you can connect your mic and guitar to the same port.

These types of ports simplify user connections.

Manufacturers also lessen the cost of production by having 2-in-1 ports.

However, if you want to use more than one instrument, you can opt for an audio interface with many ports.

DAW and device compatibility

A digital audio workstation (DAW) depends on which device you’ll use the audio interface.

Most budget audio interfaces are compatible with both Windows and Mac.

This can also include tablets and smartphones for those who want to record at home.

But, if you want an audio interface with the broadest possible range of operating systems, choose USB Audio Class Compliant.

This allows you to connect any device without needing the manufacturer’s drivers.

Software included

Most budget audio interfaces include bundled software that allows you to do the essential functions of an audio interface.

Still, be sure to read the specs to ensure you’re getting the demo or full version of the software.

There are situations where the demo version is enough.

This is why it is crucial to think ahead; would the software included be enough for the work I’m about to do?

The good news is that some brands offer full versions at an extra fee.

Dimensions and weight

If you’re looking for an audio interface to bring around for events, look for one that fits in your laptop bag.

There are a lot of audio interfaces in the market that weigh less than five pounds.

Most brands include their product’s dimensions and weight on the specs.

Warranty

There is no need to fret; even budget audio interfaces have warranties.

Even on a budget, you should always look for the device with the most outstanding value for your money.

No matter how cheap a device is, always go for those with at least a 1-year warranty.

Extra features

In the same case with the warranty, extra features make your buy worth the money you spent.

One brand offers an additional feature, a Loopback facility, as an audio interface.

Loopback lets you use the output of software as an input recording for different software.

This extra feature suits those using the audio interface for live streams and podcasts.

If you use condenser microphones, those types will need a small amount of power to function.

This is where you need to look for audio interfaces with phantom power.

This extra feature sends small amounts of energy to the microphone for you to use.

Watch for “+48V” if you need phantom power with your audio interface.

Presonus AudioBox 96 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Studio Bundle

The PreSonus AudioBox offers two front-panel combo mic/instrument inputs for audio recording.

It is both built for the studio and the road, depending on where you plan to use it.

If you plan to bring it on travel, its USB 2.0 bus allows you to plug it into your laptop and record from anywhere.

Its “screaming-loud” headphone output guarantees you can hear your music clearly, even in noisy places.

This audio interface allows you to connect different mics for an easy-to-use stereo recording system.

Or, if you want to do voice recording with instruments, you can do so simultaneously.

Its mix control gives you control over the input signal and the computer playback; that way, you can listen to your audio in real time.

The Presonus AudioBox 96 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Studio Bundle is perfect for both novice and professional audio recorders.

AudioBox’s built-in software, Studio One Artist, is complete with all your recording needs and is easy to use.

Pros:

• 2-channel USB 2.0 interface 

• Two high-quality Class-A mic preamps for great sound

• Two high-headroom instrument inputs and MIDI I/O for recording

• 24-bit/96 kHz recording and playback using Studio-grade converters

• Compatible with both Mac and Windows audio-recording software

• You can also use your smartphones together with this audio interface

Cons:

• This budget audio interface includes a warranty, but you must request it from customer service first.

• The placement of the knobs is so close together; that it takes time to get used to, which is for a specific function.

Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

This audio interface features a third-gen mic preamp that ensures high-quality audio recording.

It also comes with a switchable Air Mode that gives your recording an open and brighter sound.

The two hum-free balanced outputs guarantee clean audio playback.

Besides studio-quality recordings, the software setup is so easy and quick.

Easy Start lets you record and play your audio back minutes after you’ve finished setting up.

If you’re using this during your travels, you can connect this audio interface to your Mac or Windows laptop through a USB cable.

Plus, no external power is needed for the audio interface to function.

Pros:

• This device is perfect for those who aren’t tech-savvy

• This unit is perfect for home and office setups

• This budget audio interface is easy to use; you do not need extra cables or external drivers.

• This product has a step-by-step video tutorial when you have trouble setting it up.

• This budget audio interface has three years’ worth of warranty

Cons:

• Setting the software up takes a bit of your time; make sure to research beforehand.

• You may experience some delay in the playback of the recording

Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD 2-Channel Audio Interface

This audio interface boasts a two-channel USB port, providing clean sound output.

Its two channels allow you to use them together, a mic on one port and an instrument on the other.

Expect no delay of playback from using them at the same time, making this perfect for musicians.

If you want a budget audio interface that blends in with your work table, Behringer’s sleek and compact design is the one for you.

Or if you want a unit that’s easy to travel with, this product’s design is also perfect for that.

Pros:

• Compatible with popular recording software like Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase, etc.

• Streams 2 Inputs / 2 Outputs with Ultra-Low Latency

• Two state-of-the-art Midas-designed Mic Preamps with +48 V Phantom Power

• This unit is easy and ready to use straight from the box

• It has a solid and professional feel, both in appearance and sound quality

Cons:

• Need to buy a splitter if you want to plug in more than one headphone

• The unit has a static issue and needs to be grounded in a 220V environment

Audient iD4 MKII USB-C Audio Interface

This audio interface features a 2-in/2-out USB-C interface with one microphone preamp.

You can record vocal and instrument audio simultaneously and expect excellent sound quality.

It is compatible with Mac and Windows, which makes it perfect for beginners.

But if you want to use this with your iPad, the seller advises using an Apple Camera Connector.

You can expect clear and transparent audio from this interface.

Plus, with its ultra-low noise, this audio interface lessens background noise from your recording.

The body of the interface has a gunmetal casing.

You can be assured that it will be safe when you travel.

Pros:

• This product provides a 2-in/2-out USB-C Audio Interface for better dynamic range

• It also provides excellent one-mic preamp performance

• This budget audio interface comes with phantom power and bus power

• The quality of the body of the interface feels sturdy

• Compatible with Mac/PC/iOS software bundle

Cons:

• It gets hot quickly since it doesn’t have an on/off switch

• This product may not be compatible with some mixers

Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 USB Audio Interface

If you’re looking for an audio interface for live streaming or just for your audio projects, the Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 USB Audio Interface is the one for you.

This audio interface is perfect for budding singer-songwriters and content creators.

There are two inputs: one for the mic and one for the instrument.

With zero latency, you can track your audio in real time.

This audio interface is compatible with Windows.

OS requirement for Mac users is OS X 10. 8.

But you can use this independently if you prefer to use it as an amplifier.

The body has a built-like-a-tank design to survive everyday use.

Pros:

• Easy to set up

• Boutique quality with class-leading fidelity and dynamic range 48V phantom power

• High-resolution 2 in x 2 Out 24-bit/192kHz recording zero-latency

• Bus-powered USB 2 with no power adapter needed 

• Includes traction music production software

• The body of the audio interface is made of metal

Cons:

• You may experience sudden drops in connection with the audio interface

• The cables tend to tangle and get in the way

• If you need more inputs, this may not be the audio interface for you

Conclusion

The pandemic has shaken us from our comfort zones.

Even the church has jumped to the opportunity to conduct live streams for Sunday services and other activities.

The church staff needed to upgrade and buy equipment to deliver good-quality audio and video to cater to these changes.

So, finding the best budget audio interface for your church is a must.

The best budget audio interface I recommend is the Presonus AudioBox 96 USB 2.0 Audio Interface Studio Bundle.

Its best feature is the easy-to-use stereo recording system that lets you use multiple inputs simultaneously.

It has over $1000 recording software, including Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite, and Studio Magic plug-in suite.

Then, you can listen to your audio in real time using their mix control with zero latency.