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Our top pick: Behringer UMC202HD 2×2 USB Audio Interface (Tough metal-chassis basics)
Budget audio interfaces differ mainly in preamp character, bundled software, monitoring options and how easily they travel.
This roundup compares these models on those points so you can match an interface to the way you actually record.
On this page
- Our Top Picks
- Behringer UMC202HD 2×2 USB Audio Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Interface
- MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface
- Behringer UMC22 2×2 USB Audio Interface
- Universal Audio Volt 2 USB Audio Interface
- Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Interface
- Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 USB Audio Interface
- M-Audio M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface
- PreSonus AudioBox 96 USB Audio Interface
- Start with your sources
- Check the software bundle
- Plan for monitoring and power
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Category verdict
| Behringer UMC202HD 2×2 USB Audio Interface |
| Tough metal-chassis basics | Midas mic preamplifiers | Phantom power | Impact-resistant metal chassis | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Interface |
| Singer-songwriter setups | Built for plugging in a mic and guitar | 120dB dynamic range | Air mode adds presence and harmonic drive | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface |
| USB-C hardware monitoring | USB-C interface with 2 preamps | Hardware monitoring | 24-bit/192kHz resolution | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Behringer UMC22 2×2 USB Audio Interface |
| Solo musician starter | Midas-designed mic preamp | Direct monitor select switch | Combo jack plus TRS instrument input | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Universal Audio Volt 2 USB Audio Interface |
| Mobile recording across devi | Vintage mode on classic 610 preamps | LUNA DAW and UAD plug-ins included | Mac, Windows, iPad and iPhone support | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface |
| Vintage preamp tone | Vintage mode on classic 610 preamps | LUNA DAW and UAD plug-ins included | Tips and tutorials for learners | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Interface |
| Quick home tracking | Auto Gain sets levels; Clip Safe stops clipping | Air mode lifts vocals and guitars | 120dB dynamic range | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 USB Audio Interface |
| Rugged mobile recording | Hi-Z switch on TRS instrument input | Zero-latency direct monitoring | Bus-powered, no power adapter needed | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| M-Audio M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface |
| Podcasting and streaming | Combo XLR input with phantom power | USB/Direct switch for zero latency | Crystal Preamp for condenser mics | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
| PreSonus AudioBox 96 USB Audio Interface |
| Portable MIDI recording | 2 Class-A mic preamps | 2 instrument inputs plus MIDI I/O | USB bus power, no extra supply | View Latest Price | Read Our Analysis |
More Details on Our Top Picks
Behringer UMC202HD 2×2 USB Audio Interface
A phones output with level control and direct monitor select covers basic monitoring.
The title names Midas mic preamplifiers for recording microphones and instruments.
Its listed features center on hardware basics rather than a software bundle or extra tone modes.
- Preamps:Midas mic preamplifiers are named.
- Resolution:24-Bit/192 kHz is listed.
- I/O:2×2 layout.
- Phantom power:Phantom power is listed.
- DAW support:Compatible with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase.
- Monitoring:Phones output with level control and Direct Monitor select.
- Build:Impact-resistant metal chassis.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Interface
Air mode and a wide dynamic range target songwriters tracking vocals and guitar.
The included software covers recording, effects, instruments and mastering tools.
The listing frames it around one mic and one guitar, so larger multi-source sessions fall outside its stated focus.
- Dynamic range:120dB dynamic range is listed.
- Tone:Air mode adds presence and rich harmonic drive.
- Software:Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and Hitmaker Expansion.
- Intended use:Described as the songwriter's interface.
- Interface type:4th Gen USB-C audio interface.
MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface
The 2-in/2-out layout with hardware monitoring suits a simple two-source setup.
Free content for macOS, Windows and iOS is listed with it.
The listing says little about tone-shaping modes, so preamp character is not described.
- Connection:USB-C audio interface with 2 preamps.
- Monitoring:Hardware monitoring is listed.
- Resolution:24-bit/192kHz is listed.
- I/O:2-in/2-out layout.
- Free content:6+GB of free content for macOS, Windows and iOS.
Behringer UMC22 2×2 USB Audio Interface
A Midas-designed mic preamp and direct monitor select target simple solo capture.
Rear TRS outputs allow direct connection to studio monitors.
The title lists a 48 kHz sample rate.
- Preamp:Midas-designed mic preamp.
- Inputs:Combo jack takes XLR, TRS and TS, plus a TRS instrument input.
- Monitoring:Direct Monitor select switch and powerful phones output.
- Power:USB-supplied power.
- Phantom power:Rear +48V phantom power switch.
- Outputs:2x 1/4" TRS outputs for studio monitors.
- DAW support:Compatible with Pro Tools, Ableton Live and Cubase.
- Sample rate:48 kHz is listed.
Universal Audio Volt 2 USB Audio Interface
The listing names MacOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone support, which suits recording away from a desk.
Bundled tips and tutorials add a learning path alongside the software.
Mobile use requires an external Volt power supply and a Lightning to USB camera adapter for iPhone.
- Preamp mode:Vintage mode is based on classic 610 preamps.
- Resolution:Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz quality.
- Software:LUNA Digital Audio Workstation is included.
- Plug-ins:UAD plug-ins and instruments are included.
- Learning:Tips and tutorials for beginners to advanced users.
- Platforms:MacOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone (iOS 14+).
- Mobile requirements:Needs external Volt power supply and Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, except USB-C iPads.
Universal Audio Volt 1 USB Audio Interface
It pairs a vintage preamp mode with LUNA software and UAD plug-ins.
The listing names MacOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone support.
Mobile use requires an external Volt power supply and a Lightning to USB camera adapter for iPhone.
- Preamp mode:Vintage mode is based on classic 610 preamps.
- Resolution:Up to 24-bit / 192 kHz quality.
- Software:LUNA Digital Audio Workstation is included.
- Plug-ins:UAD plug-ins and instruments are included.
- Learning:Tips and tutorials for beginners to advanced users.
- Platforms:MacOS, Windows, iPad and iPhone (iOS 14+).
- Mobile requirements:Needs external Volt power supply and Lightning to USB Camera Adapter, except USB-C iPads.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Interface
The automatic level tools and bundled software suit a recorder who wants to start tracking quickly.
A 120dB dynamic range is part of its listed sound story.
The listing centers on mic and guitar sources, so other connection needs should be checked elsewhere.
- Level tools:Auto Gain and Clip Safe are listed.
- Voicing:Air mode lifts vocals and guitars.
- Dynamic range:120dB dynamic range is listed.
- Software:Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE and Hitmaker Expansion.
- Sources:Connect a mic and plug in a guitar.
- Interface type:4th Gen USB-C audio interface.
Mackie Onyx Artist 1X2 USB Audio Interface
Bus power with no adapter and a tough build suit easy mobile recording.
Dedicated monitor outputs and a headphone output are listed.
The listing describes a single Hi-Z TRS input for instruments, which limits multi-instrument tracking.
- Preamp:Onyx mic preamp with 48v phantom power.
- Instrument input:TRS input with Hi-Z switch for guitar and bass.
- Monitoring:Zero-latency direct monitoring of analog inputs.
- Power:Bus power requires no power adapter.
- Resolution:2 in x 2 out 24-Bit/192kHz recording.
- Plugins:The Musician Collection of 23 plugins and instruments.
- Build:Built-like-a-tank design for day-to-day abuse.
M-Audio M-Track Solo USB Audio Interface
Headphone and RCA outputs plus a direct switch suit monitoring for podcasts and streams.
A Crystal Preamp is described for use with microphones including condensers.
Audio resolution is stated as 48kHz.
- Inputs:One combo XLR/line input and one line/instrument input.
- Outputs:Headphone output and stereo RCA outputs.
- Preamp:Crystal Preamp for microphones including condensers.
- Software:MPC Beats software is included.
- Resolution:48kHz audio resolution.
- Use cases:Listed for podcasting, recording and live streaming.
PreSonus AudioBox 96 USB Audio Interface
MIDI I/O and a bundled recording suite make it a flexible portable starter.
A high-powered headphone output and balanced TRS outputs cover monitoring connections.
Its listed resolution tops out at 24-bit/96 kHz.
- Channels:2-channel USB 2.0 interface for portable recording.
- Preamps:2 Class-A mic preamps are listed.
- Inputs:2 instrument inputs plus MIDI I/O.
- Resolution:Up to 24-bit/96 kHz recording and playback.
- Software:Studio One Artist, Ableton Live Lite and Studio Magic Plug-In suite.
- Monitoring:Mixer control blends inputs and playback with zero latency.
- Power:USB 2.0 bus power needs no additional supply.
- Outputs:High-powered headphone output and balanced TRS outputs.
- Phantom power:Onboard global 48V phantom power for condenser mics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a really good audio interface?
A good interface has the inputs, monitoring and software that match how you record rather than the longest spec list.
Is it worth buying an audio interface?
An interface is worth considering when you want to record microphones or instruments directly to a computer.
Do I need a DAW to use an audio interface?
Recording to a computer generally requires recording software, and many interfaces bundle a starter suite.
The Focusrite Scarlett lists Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite and Cubase LE in the box.
What is the best budget audio interface?
The best choice depends on your input count, software needs and whether you record away from home.
The Behringer UMC202HD lists phantom power and a metal chassis for buyers who want the basics.
Category verdict
For a bundle-first start, the Focusrite Scarlett pairs level tools with a software suite.
The Universal Audio Volt models suit buyers drawn to a vintage preamp mode with LUNA software.
The Behringer UMC202HD suits those who want a metal chassis and phantom power without extras.
Whichever you choose, match the input count and monitoring options to your own recording setup.