There is no shortage of audio interfaces currently available. It seems that there is a new device being released every other week. When I was asked to put together a list of five of the best interfaces for less than $500, it took some careful research and consideration. With so many options, it was difficult to choose. I compiled the following list, based on overall sound quality, performance, and value.
Native Instruments KOMPLETE AUDIO 6 USB 2.0 Digital Audio Interface
The Komplete Audio 6 is a USB 2.0 digital audio interface featuring four analog inputs, four analog outputs, S/PDIF I/O, and MIDI I/O, as well as a comprehensive software package including Komplete Elements, Traktor LE, and Cubase LE. The interface offers 24-bit/96 kHz operation and is compatible with Mac and PC. Channels 1 and 2 offer balanced microphone, line, and instrument inputs; with individual gain controls, as well as 48V phantom power for condenser microphones and active DI boxes. The Cirrus Logic converters deliver pristine, transparent sound, while latency is kept to a minimum, thanks to advanced chip technology and driver architecture. For zero-latency performance when recording, the Komplete 6 offers direct monitoring with a mix knob and mono switch. The headphone output is switchable between outputs 1-2 or 3-4, which is ideal for DJs needing the ability to cue tracks. The interface ships with Komplete Elements, which offers more than 2GB exceeding 1,000 production-ready sounds, while Cubase LE provides up to 48 audio tracks and 64 MIDI tracks for recording and arranging sounds. Traktor LE is DJ software that offers two playback decks to spin tracks directly from a hard drive.
Tascam UH-7000 USB Interface and Stand-Alone Mic Preamp
The Tascam UH-7000 is a 4-input / 4-output USB audio interface with boutique-style microphone preamps, AES/EBU I/O, and an onboard DSP mixer with signal processing. The interface supports up to 24-bit/192 kHz operation and is compatible with Mac and PC. The HDIA (High Definition Instrumentation Architecture) preamps can function in stand-alone fashion and offer impressive performance specifications, such as -128 EIN, -117 dB signal-to-noise ratio, and a distortion ratio of 0.0009%. The Burr-Brown converters provide excellent quality conversion for recording and playback. The front panel offers a pair of 20-segment LED level meters and two large input level knobs for precision adjustment. The low-latency DSP mixer can be switched between stereo and multi-track modes with independent recording and monitoring adjustment. Onboard DSP effects include compression, noise suppression, de-esser, exciter, EQ, limiter/low cut and reverb. Effects can be switched between the monitor and recording paths for added flexibility.
Apogee Electronics ONE USB Audio Interface for iPad and Mac
For the mobile artist or musician, the One USB audio interface supports up to 24-bit/96 kHz operation, features award-winning sound quality, and is designed to work with Mac or iOS devices with Apple’s GarageBand, Logic, Final Cut or any Core Audio-compliant application. The One offers two inputs and two outputs in a tiny package and includes a built-in condenser microphone for on-the-go recording. Additionally, a breakout cable offers ¼" and XLR inputs for instruments and external microphone inputs. The preamps offer a respectable 62 dB of gain for microphones and 45 dB of gain for high-impedance instruments. The stereo output is available via balanced 1/8", which allows for the connection to headphones or to external monitors. The unit may be powered by two AA batteries or by an optional DC adapter, which also charges any connected iOS device. Apogee’s Maestro software provides advanced controls and low-latency mixing.
Audient iD14 High-Performance USB Audio Interface
The Audient iD14 is a 2-input and 2-output high-performance 24-bit/96 kHz bus-powered audio interface that delivers large-frame console performance from a compact and elegant desktop monitor controller package. The interface uses Class-A preamps borrowed from the company’s ASP-Series consoles with independent 48V phantom power. Additional features include a discrete JFET instrument input and class-leading Burr-Brown converters. The headphone output provides independent Class-A/B circuitry, while the monitor section offers useful control features such as mono, polarity, dim, cut, talkback, and cue mix monitoring. Additionally, the iD14 offers up to 8 channels of expanded input via ADAT Lightpipe. Another useful feature is the iD Scroll Control, which gives the user a physical knob control over any parameter within their computer. Simply hover the mouse pointer over knob, button, or scroll bar and turn the large endless encoder for physical hardware control.
Focusrite Clarett 2Pre Thunderbolt Interface, with Clarett Microphone Preamps
The Focusrite Clarett 2Pre is a professional-quality 24-bit/192 kHz Thunderbolt audio interface with (Thunderbolt offers a 10Gbps bi-directional transfer rate) two analog inputs, four analog outputs, and eight digital inputs via the ADAT optical port. The microphone preamps are modeled after the ISA Series and offer an impressive EIN of -128 dB. Thunderbolt technology ensures extremely low roundtrip latency and the AD/DA converters offer 118 A/D dynamic range or better. The Clarett interface ships with a comprehensive software package including Focusrite Red 2 and Red 3 plug-ins, as well as the Softube Time and Tone Pack, which offers dynamics, reverbs, delay, and saturation.
