An audio interface is required by almost all musicians who either record music in professional studios or their home studios. An audio interface is used for single and multi-track recording sessions to simultaneously capture all the audio sources. It is a crucial device that acts as an intermediary between what you record and what you hear. If you do recordings at home, you must use an audio interface to get quality music. Earlier, setting up an audio interface for your home studio was very expensive. Still, now you can purchase audio interfaces for your home studio at affordable prices. Audio interfaces help with all types of recording, including podcasting, recording in studios, and live performance recording. It converts the analog signal to the digital domain when you record your mic or guitar. Today, different ranges of audio interfaces are available in the market within the budget, but sometimes, choosing the right one is tricky. This article will help you identify the Top 10 audio interfaces for your home studios.
1. Audient EVO 4
Audient EVO 4 is one of the easiest-to-use audio interfaces for your home studio. You can easily plug in your mic and start recording in seconds. It has a large knob with LEDs, a few buttons, and some connectors. There are two in and out, where you can plug in your microphones. You can use one of these microphones to plug in the guitar input on the front along with the headphone output. A phantom power of +48v is available for both inputs via a button on the top. The large knob controls the output and monitors the input. It also has a big green button, which activates “ Smartgain” when pressed. With the help of smartgain, it will analyze your recordings for over 10 seconds and will help improve its level. Price- ₹ 13,990/-
2. M-Track Duo
The M-Track Duo is one of the cheapest audio interfaces on the list. It features a pair of mic preamplifiers in the front to handle line level. You get level control on inputs and outputs on the top. Phantom power is available for mics and headphone sockets. Knobs are embedded into the box, offering protection against accidental scratching. It has a recording quality of 16-bit and 48kHz, which is reasonably sufficient for home studios. It has a decent set of software tools like Pro Tools First to record the music. Price- ₹ 5,520/-
3. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X Duo
Universal Audio interface is preferred the most by the top music legends and studio engineers for recordings. Apollo Twin X compressor and EQs deliver an unparalleled analog sim experience, setting it apart as the best hardware in the market. It features beefier Apollo 8 and 16 models to produce high-quality audio. You can also use it as a dual-purpose DSP box. It has a powerful suite of plugins, such as Unison preamp emulation technology. It works in collaboration with technologies like Neve and Manley to create unique analog sounds. Price- ₹ 1,02,585/-
4. PreSonus Audiobox USB 96
PreSonus Audiobox comes with a license for StudioOne artists. It is one of the affordable options for home studios and small studio spaces. PreSonus sound quality is the best of all the audio interfaces available. It offers a clear vocal track by recording at 96 kHz and 24-bit. The onboard gain control checks the sound level and make adjustments as required. The Audiobox offers a MIDI I/O on the back side to add backing tracks to the recording. Price- ₹ 9,990/-
5. Zen Go Synergy Core 4×8
The Zen Go Synergy Core 4×8 offers a smooth and flexible audio interface ideal for your desktop. It has an onboard amplifier sim and compression effects. These effects are monitored in real-time with low latency. Considered a subset of Antelope’s Zen Studio interface, it provides users with a powerful experience. It comes with the onboard DSP effects, including cabinet sims, amp simulators, and compressors. It can handle up to eight inputs and outputs to and from the DAW via USB-C. Price- ₹ 52,499/-
6. SSL 2+ Audio Interface
SSL 2+ delivers an affordable version of SSL sound, bringing in the feel of recordings done in seven-figure recording studios accessible to all. A higher version of SSL 2 adds two output settings with an additional set of independent headphones. The 4K button makes you feel more professional in your work. You can switch easily between guitar and bass signals using combo mic or line inputs. With a power of +48v to connect the condenser and mic, the SSL 2+ provides high-quality sound recording and setup flexibility. Price- ₹ 21,900 /-
7. Audient iD24
Audient iD24 is created with an 8024 Class-A preamp mic and 10in/14 out interface. It also replaces the input 1 of the mic by plugging in front-mounted JFET-based instrument input. It uses a stereo pair of Main and Alt monitors as outputs. Additionally, you can also use one headphone output with two sockets. The re-engineered structure of iD24 ensures a better signal-to-noise ratio and increased dynamic range. Price- ₹ 39,990 /-
8. Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB
Focusrite along with Clarett and 4Pre offers the best combination of connectivity, price, and quality. Four high-quality mic preamps are in the front with halo LED monitoring and phantom capability per chair. Focusrite’s Air technology enhances the sound of your mic with beautiful colors and high-end detailing. In front, there is a large monitoring knob and two independent headphone outputs. 4 line inputs on the rear side of the unit connects the hardware synthesizer and keyboard. Price- ₹ 61,509 /-
9. MOTU M2 / M4
MOTU is considered a professional player in the audio interface market. MOTU allows beginners to set up an inexpensive audio interface for their home studio. MOTU brings high-quality converters with drivers for internal recordings. MOTU M2 offers value for the money by providing the best interface for its value. While M2 offers two inputs, M4 is used where there is requirement for four inputs. Its features include two combo line inputs, 2 line outputs, headphone out, phantom power, and a power switch. M2 Price- ₹ 20,999/- M4 Price- ₹ 23,900/-
10. Arturia Minifuse 2
The Arturia Minifuse 2 is a feature-rich device with impressive software technology, a five-year warranty, and a decent package with value for money. It is a 2-in/2-out USB device with a mic with two inputs and a headphone output. It provides a three-month free trial for using Splice Creator and Auto-Tuner Unlimited. Arturia has its software called Control Centre along with Analog Lab, Native Instruments Guitar Rig LE, and Ableton Live Lite. Price- ₹ 14,490/-
