Choosing the Best USB Audio Interface on ANY Budget

More videos like this choosing the best USB audio interface buying guide 👉 • Studio & Recording Ove...
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Shop USB audio interfaces at Sweetwater 👉 imp.i114863.net/BXJk7x
When it comes to choosing a USB audio interface for music and media production, you have a LOT of options. Join Mitch Gallagher as he explains what to look out for when you are choosing the best USB audio interface on any budget, and how to prioritize your needs and wants, and much more!
Here is a list of the best usb audio interfaces on any budget.
• PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
• Audient EVO 4
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
• MOTU M4
• Solid State Logic SSL2+
• Steinberg UR-RT2
• Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
• PreSonus Studio 1824c
• TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20
• Apogee Duet
• Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO
• RME Babyface Pro FS
• Cranborne Audio 500R8
After you watch, check out Sweetwater.com today for all your music instrument and pro audio needs! 👉 imp.i114863.net/za3OYe
#Sweetwater #BestUsbAudioInterface
0:00 - Intro
1:39 - Do Specs Matter?
2:53 - Compatibility
3:41 - How Many Inputs Do I Need?
4:13 - Input Types
4:43 - What Kind of Outputs Do I Need?
6:27 - Digital Inputs and Outputs
7:18 - Special Features
8:05 - Bundles and Plug-ins
8:51 - PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
9:12 - Audient EVO 4
9:32 - Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
9:52 - MOTU M4
10:11 - Solid State Logic SSL2+
10:35 - Steinberg UR-RT2
11:00 - Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 3rd Gen
11:38 - PreSonus Studio 1824c
11:58 - TASCAM Celesonic US-20x20
12:26 - Apogee Duet
12:39 - Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII DUO
13:15 - RME Babyface Pro FS
13:49 - Cranborne Audio 500R8
15:03 - Outro

[@sweetwater]

There are lots to choose from, which interface do you use? Check out more of our recording gear overviews and lessons by hitting the like and subscribe buttons!

[@Orion-jr6fi]

focusrite 2i2 all the way

[@MaxThompsonMusic]

Resident Audio T4. I’ve used it for five years.

[@shalinibhagat8142]

Behringer umc22

[@thatprcrawlerguy187]

@sweetwater when is Behringer adding support for OS Catalina, this is ridiculous, over a year Catalina came out and still no support. Thanks @behringer for selling us a paperweight

[@nickfigueroa6326]

Axe I/O 👍🏽👍🏽

[@dutchdykefinger]

gotta admire a salesman that tells you to think about what you need before upselling you anything.

[@g1chy912]

That applies to all the sales representatives at Sweetwater, thats only 1 of the many reasons that from now on I'll get all my studio equipment (anything audio related) from them. Today I was talking to one of their reps about an exchange/swap I wanted to do, (A $1,100 recording mic with a $1,500 mic) & he told me to unbox, open the seal and try out the $1,100 that I currently have so I can hear how I sound with it, he said there is a high probability that I'll just like it and decide to hold on to it. Thats why they really deserve to be admired for that fact + since it was my first purchase from them they gave me an automatic $100 discount + free 2 day shipping. The mic's original price was $1,100(not including tax & shipping) as I mentioned previously, I ended up paying $1,090 everything included with the fastest shipping option. Im more than happy with all their services and strongly recommend buying from them

[@saganjamesfl]

Legit. Sweetwater always makes me learn what the hell I'm trying to do

[@DragonsinGenesisPodcast]

I recently discovered Sweetwater (maybe 4-5 months ago). They’re now the only place I recommend when it comes to audio and video gear. Their service is top notch.

[@psychedelicbdsm7301]

Sweetwaters like that, I still get emails from a personal sales rep asking me how my Pearl Roadshow is holding up. Feels like a family

[@USALibertarian]

He seems like a good dude. He's not just a salesman. He's a musician and he's done some great interviews with artists. Does that benefit his corporation? Of course. But good people help themselves by honestly providing value to their customers.

[@luckycharmssssss]

This guy is really good at his job. GIVE HIM A RAISE!!

[@garycook5125]

If he'd quit saying, "as well", I'd like him a lot better.

[@Rjasper499]

@@garycook5125 Probably the script more than him.

[@gambarusso]

He's the owner

[@andreasbrandts8420]

Yepp... clearly professional in every way. (kowledge appearance etc.)

[@sungyulkim]

This gentleman looks like the CEO.

[@BatEatsMoth]

He's the shadow CEO; the other guy is just a figurehead.

[@indrajithak47]

@@BatEatsMoth He's a smart man, you should check out his book on Acoustic Treatment for home studio.

[@danman9847]

I dont see it

[@alexandermoore8612]

@@danman9847 He means he looks like he'd be the CEO

[@johnnyguitar7921]

@@alexandermoore8612 i dont see it

[@powergloryproductions3067]

Young Santa is a glorious teacher.

[@dairebarefoot6763]

Lmao

[@Genolexis]

Lol 😭

[@powergloryproductions3067]

Chicken George I agree 💯💯💯

[@peterg5383]

love mitch gallagher; his stuff is always well organized and written, hype-free, and well-presented. i sometimes watch his videos for stuff i'm not even in the market for, just to learn about different gear. keep up the great work, mitch!

[@Scott__C]

I have a MOTU 896HD that's still going strong! MOTU released drivers for macOS 10.15! They rock! Great info as always, Mitch.

[@rdavid3848]

Great job Mitch. This was a collegiant level class of excellence. You are understandable, sequential in your line of reasoning, informative raising my awareness of studio audio education to the next level.

This is the best video about audio interface that I've seen in a while. Congratulations.

[@NablusRain]

Another great episode from my favorite musical products and musician Mitch Gallagher. Thank You Mitch for keeping the Flame 🔥 Alive and keeping us in touch with our Passion and Interests as we stay Home. Thank You and Be Safe.

[@johannmuster9726]

It can`t get more professional than this! Great work, that`s how you should inform people!

[@dimitrisloufakis916]

I wish this video was out 2 years ago when I got started. Great stuff! Thanks!

[@connormoroney1305]

Still rocking my AudioBox iTwo bought from sweetwater, i love this thing, works great.

[@_musicmagnate]

Thank you sweetwater for your amazing customer service! Mark & Zach are great staffs of yours! You guys rock ❤️👍

[@rogeralleyne9257]

The way you break down the subject matter shows your expertise!!!!🙏🙏🙏

[@peterdavid7283]

yes! best salesman on sweetwater, give this man a raise!

[@BharatSingh-pw7sh]

Dear Mitch, I just wanted to say THANK YOU for the informational video... it was good to learn about all the various options. Thank you Sir. Namaste.

[@javierf55]

Just bought the Motu M2 at Sweetwater. Looking anxiously to receiving it.

[@barnabasb1128]

Very high quality video. Great work.

[@aro7975]

This guy is the best man. He is very easy to listen to. Very Informative. Thanks

[@alexbudziszewski2763]

This is an amazing video I really appreciate it! I learned a bunch!

[@Mcsteveberry]

hey mitch, i bought the m-audio mtrack 2x2M from you guys online a while back because i couldn't find it available anywhere online other than your store.I live in Australia and Im so glad you guys have international shipping, and will always come to you guys for the best gear its suited so well in my setup. The monitor volume knob is nice and big and feels professional. You guys are so reliable and im so glad your here, i even got a sick complimentary book catalogue with all the neat gear you stock with the delivery! Thanks.

[@enigmalex3649]

I'm using Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 audio interface with Samson MediaOne M50 monitor speakers and for budget recording this is an excellent combo and I highly recommend it.

[@GamerJames704]

very informative video from the amazing folks at Sweetwater! Thanks!

[@leocubiasmusiclifestyle7460]

Stunning information now I know the one I’ve got is the right one for my application

[@djrmctv6444]

A lot of great information in this video, thanks.

[@z0mbyz624]

This was very good. Interesting to listen at and well chosen information

[@kamasotomonte5043]

Sr this was SOLID AF ❤! Thanks for awesome videos like this🔥

[@telebiopic]

Superb Explanation. Concise 👍

[@randyjohnson1352]

Always great to see Mitch... Was starting to think Don took his job, lol... Much love for Mitch, Don, & Everyone @ Sweetwater!!!

[@MegaTuang]

Mitch, John P-Tak, Darius, and all the team from SweetWater make me invested about $15,000 in SweetWater! 😜

[@joel9909]

I really enjoy this man's videos

[@awesamtech8280]

Wow! This covers everything!

[@pondopondo1497]

Thanks, man. Helped a lot

[@debrapatton9035]

Thank you for some great information

[@kernalsanders6538]

Excellent, thanks for the insight.

[@RaymondPros]

I have been using Focusrite solo 3rd gen and I love it, great review also man

[@Doxsein]

Hi RaymondPros, do you know if your 3rd gen solo has the same transformer quality that he mentions the 3rd gen 2i2 has?

[@RaymondPros]

Brawl Stars Pro Tips yeah, by the I connect my Focusrite Solo on my Ipad only, you can check the quality of my work on my videos

[@ethanbeahm2204]

I just did all this a month ago I decided on the focusrite scarlett 18i20 with an audient asp 800 running adat to the focusrite massive improvement from the saffire pro 40 I was using before staff was excellent as always with answering any questions I had

[@diebeatz]

So with your current set up, now you have 20in 20 out ?.

[@RandomButtonPusher]

So last night I was perusing the audio interfaces, as I need one for upcoming projects. Today you drop this video. Kinda eerie. You're not kidding about using "cookies," lol.

[@kevinlynch2248]

Random Button Pusher Same here.😬

[@Fuego.017]

What if my budget has a budget

[@chiefyovany572]

Get a job

[@robertfontaine3650]

behringer

[@wormeister]

@@chiefyovany572 what a wanker you are 👍

[@suejean168]

It really do be like that sometimes 😞

[@ferret1252]

@@chiefyovany572 :some idiot without a job.

[@erickendoka2953]

This is amazing thank you VERY much !

[@MrGuitars8]

One of my Favorite Companies . They have so many choices .

[@brentonkelly3780]

Great video, thanks.

[@mrh131352]

Excellent instructional video. I think he's an Alan Parsons protégé. He knows his business.

[@drakeclifton5625]

hey thanks for these vids they are helpful in making a good decision! God bless

[@adolfomarineto9223]

Very helpful indeed thank youu

[@brendanjones]

Very educational!!

[@gerisyandrayusman241]

Very helpful, cool🤟🏽

[@discgolfprofessor7074]

Excellent. Well done.

[@tonepilot]

That was really helpful. Learned a few things that will help me in my search for the next interface.

[@VictorMachadoJesus]

Amazing job

[@chatter7653]

The SSL has my attention , not just for its reputation but the mix pre-amp supposedly has 60dB of gain on tap. More than any other for home use and then there is the allure of the '4K' circuit which supposedly is the circuit that made the SSL sound famous. Only thing I'm not too keen on, is the big klunky footprint since I have limited desktop space.

[@marshpw]

Mitch! This guy knows what he's talkin' about, always.

[@counterweight320]

Possibly the greatest presentation in human history.

[@bitflux2]

Wow this man has to be the best well versed in audio interfaces hands down

[@Writtenmirror]

Very comprehensive, incredible detail. It was a little sibilant I'm guessing you had to raise the gain a bit because the mic was so low down on his lapel. Still I have very sensitive hearing so most people won't notice. Great work

[@nevermind344]

At the beginning of covid lockdown i wanted to get back to making music at home. After watching this video i purchased presonus 96 bundle. Works fine, cool but felt kinda underwhelmed. Last year i purchased ssl2+ which has better preamps and used it for a long time. Few months ago i saw cranbornes r8 on sale and bought it impulsivly. With their camden preamps this thing is a beast! Now i realize i follow through this video irl:D

[@sunahura]

Great info😊😊😊

[@ryanschindler923]

I bought a scarlet 2i2 3rd gen a while back and I will soon be replacing it. It has decent pre amps but it clips all my active guitars even using a DI box. For basic users or people doing softer stuff it should work fine, but for people doing metal i would stay clear and get something better. Im currently eyeing the Apogee Duet

[@misterniceshoes2888]

Thanks for the heads up, my Dingwall clips my 1st gen and thought it was a 1st gen only issue.

[@fuzzfizz]

As the owner of duet, it is already a very old interface with nothing changed so much. I was surprised audient is not here though.

[@fuzzfizz]

To clarify, duet is not bad. It's very good, very hard to beat. But it has showed its age, namely the usb cable is the one you'd find on an old Motorola cellphones, not to mention the clumsy breakout cable (I use breakout box though, and still clumsy because someone designed the input and output at the same side, and the other connection at the other side). Of course the are other new options from apogee. Compared to babyface, you can hook your headphones and guitar input without using a breakout cable and it made it very mobile.

[@darthprawn2970]

The Audient EVO 4 is 2nd - after the Presonus Audiobox :)

[@RandyLott]

I was previously using an Alesis iO|2 and it was abysmal. It hissed and my recordings sounded very Lo-Fi. I upgraded to a Audient iD14 and it's absolutely phenomenal for the price. It's crystal clear and there is no noise. The recordings sound just like what I hear through my monitors.

[@AdamFreeman123]

Every time I see a Mitch Gallagher video, I end up buying something... he's a genius at his job - but also like really great at making sure I end up getting gear that I need rather than crappy gear

[@oswaldoroman3645]

that beat @ 3:29 is straight fire

[@davman115]

I wish that Sweetwater had stores in the UK.

[@phillipvangarrick936]

Thanks for all the info. However, I am using a Zoom R24, and it has been ok as a Logic Pro interface and controller. I am now using it for streaming audio, and it works well using it with the Zoom Meeting platform on an iMac running Catalina. I have successfully played my flute from my location, with a guitarist and vocalist at another location, but my monitoring situation is low tech. I can monitor the Zoom meetings from my iMac headphone jack, but not myself or my music, so I've managed using earbuds out of the the R24, tucked under the cans of my headphones. It works, but is rather awkward. Is there a way to monitor my R24 output and Zoom meeting audio through one headset?

[@jamesholcomb7713]

Hey Mitch first thank you for doing such through product videos and being real and honest about all of them. My question for you is I use a PC so no thunderbolt but usb 2 and 3 on my machine. Budget is limited otherwise I would just get an RME UFX+ or an Antelope Audio Orion 32 And be done with it all. But at this time I am not able to do this. So am a drummer so I need the add on 8pre with either setup so in your honest opinion sir, please tell me if it were you which would you go with out of the following. This will stay in my home studio not going mobile. Thank you in advance. Option 1. - Audient ID44 with the Audient 800 8 pre? Option 2. - Audiofuse Studio with the Audiofuse 8 pre? Option 3. - RME Babyface Pro fx with either the Audient 800 or the Audiofuse 8 pres. Of you happen to choose the RME option please tell me which of the pres are cleaner between the other two options. Of you think there is a better way to go than these options I have chosen please by all means let me know what you think, again thank you in advance for your expertise and honest recommendations.

[@djsnowpdx]

So I needed a box that would let me connect a Mac and a PC to the same set of speakers, bonus points if the box functions as a DAC for better quality than that of the onboard computer audio. I really tried to get by with AirPlay so I wouldn't need dedicated hardware for it at all, but AirPlay has too much latency and occasionally bugs out, even over Ethernet. I started with a $50 RCA mixer, and I had high levels of noise/interference which were a deal breaker. Now I have an Apollo Solo Thunderbolt connected to my Mac, with the PC added through the Apollo's dual 1/4 inch inputs. I am happy with it. It has an excellent DAC and a headphone jack which I wired back to my PC. Now I can hear both my computers through the same set of speakers and they can hear one-another too, so my PC can generate synchronized visual effects and control my smart lights in sync with Mac DJ audio. A couple of downsides: I believe it will be hardware-incompatible with Apple Silicon Macs, my PC motherboard does not have Thunderbolt so I'll have to replace my motherboard if I get an incompatible Mac in the future. It's bus-powered, which is great on-the-go, but what I really wanted was an interface or mixer that worked at my desk even if its host computer was absent. I tried the DC-powered USB version of the same interface but UAD software for MacOS would not talk to it, and the PC blue-screened with Universal Audio Forums saying my PC setup is untested and unsupported. Also it was $500 for the privilege of sometimes having two computers sharing one set of speakers. All that said, I don't see an interface in this video that I know would be more appropriate for my use, so I guess I'll stick with it. Note: I'm not even using UAD plugins, which were almost the entire marketing page for the product. It feels weird. I found the product because MKBHD uses a higher-end Apollo interface for his workflow, and I contacted Universal Audio support with what I needed, claiming a budget of $500 (which was totally the max I was willing to spend) and the Solo was what they recommended.

[@realguitarshredder]

I had the presonus audio box for england and then i bought the apogee duet2 for mumbai and then focusrite scarlet 2i2 for assam..

[@LIGHTintheHALLS]

As a guitarist I love your IK Multimedia iRig Stomp I/O. Like you said, “Consider your applications”. I use it with Amplitube 4. I’ve used it for recording and performance. It’s perfect for me.

[@victorsamuellopez]

This dude should be on every music store in America

[@davidz2950]

Great Video and great products. I am getting ready to order the M-Audio M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface. Mitch, what do you think of this unit.

[@sweetwater]

Hi, David. Thanks for watching. I’ve used the M-Audio M-Track Duo a few times, and I’ve been impressed. It’s easy to use, versatile, sounds good, and you can’t beat the price. Hope this helps! Mitch

[@Angel-ed4mh]

Roland Studio Capture is great. Has 12 mic preamp inputs and 16 total channels. Great specs also. Very portable and low latency, clean high quality mic preamps.

[@AgustinCaniglia1992]

I have that blue presonus and its great.

[@godaisan1982]

Very nice video. I am trying to upgrade my audio system for my video production studio. No need for inputs, just good quality outputs for stereo monitors and headphones. Budget is not a problem. Any recommendation?

[@USALibertarian]

He seems like a good dude. He's not just a salesman. He's also a musician (engineer/producer?) and he's done some great interviews with artists. Does that benefit his corporation? Of course. But good people help themselves by honestly providing value to their customers. And I'm here because I've watched scores of videos on interfaces and this one is the most logical breakdown I've seen.

[@raincells]

I'm looking to record my keyboards at home. Would like to have inputs for stereo recording but also be able to handle midi. Would be nice to have an input or two for vocals at the same time. Would the Focus Rite 3rd generation 4i4 be a good choice? Any other recommendations? Thank you for posting these videos. Very helpful!

[@khulaningema6791]

Sweetwater worked super hard on this video😩🔥

[@the_arcanum]

Congrats for the comprehensive treatment of the subject. You're leaving almost no stone unturned. But this video screams for text recap inserts for the shopping criterias and lower thirds when presenting products. Doesn't take that much additional work and it improves readability a ton. Thanks a lot anyway.

[@tidason]

He masters what's he's talking about by his fingerprint 😂 Thanks for explaining us all of these. We'll make the good choice for sure

[@MarkOfWA]

So few audio interfaces that work with iPhone and iPadPro for video capture. So far, only Apogee and IK Multimedia seem to have gotten the compatibility right for not just the OS, but key apps as well. Other mfg. claimed compatibility, but it was only partial.

[@mizanahmed9386]

Your partanize embark and edge good,this is grade job,

[@kring2gowest2]

This is the day for streaming era and need a lot of audio interface analog to digital. . one step further to the sound digital era!

[@RealFilo]

Great video. I’ve been trying to decide between the scarlet or Apollo duo but now idk I never heard of the slate interface and it seems interesting. What would You recommend?

[@tuneunleashed]

RME Babyface Pro FS that’s what I recommend a

[@bumerangrabaciones]

MOTU M4, nothing of 'only for my plugins' dsp, money invested in converters and low latency capabilities, love it´s sound

[@Tao818]

Thanks for this info ...very informative. I would have told your viewers the actual price.

[@vaughnmiller5319]

Mitch, you're the best man. But where is the Behringer air series...

[@dreamrealitysyndrome]

I cannot decide on which interface to buy. For many years I used the M-Audio Fast Track Pro. It's been hell trying to record with that thing throughout the years. But (un)luckily it's been stolen. And now I wanna take a few steps up with a decent interface. I think I have the budget for better than a beginner's device, but Idk what to base my criteria on: pre-amps? Monitoring? Support?

[@lalchandpratapkumarsahoo2896]

...my dear mitch...I ll be grateful to u make a video for hiend quality audio interface ..like..pro studios...

[@benoittissier58]

Linux should also be mentioned as a platform. It can help running old interfaces with new computers when the manufacturer doesn't update drivers. For that reason, it's safer to chose an AI with buttons instead of software settings. Would be nice from manufacturers to create Linux drivers.

[@dpgoguen]

Nice overview and good advice. More importantly, it's got me off my ass during social distancing and has me thinking about recording. What better time than now?

[@williamscolaro1159]

Hope the SSL2+ is back in stock soon!

[@jclbuxfan]

William Scolaro no kiddin . That’s my next purchase

[@einfachnein3101]

M-Audio Air 192|4 or Steinberg UR22C ? Thank you for the Help

[@soundzofnoize8603]

Good stuff

[@RocioSanchez-sc4kt]

Wow…. Just because of this video im going to buy from sweet water instead of guitar c…. Thanks dude! Amazing video.

[@AngloSaxon1]

Great video, but why doesn’t anyone ever feature the USBpre 2

[@totosingson1537]

i write songs and always want to record it in a very good manner just like in our local studios.i eguipt myself with sterio powered mixer with 8 channel and 4 jnb speaker.sounds good. but i dont have knowledge bout.modfiers.or interface ur talking.have only microphone..not a condencer one..i recording my songs in my cellphone only.findout its not as good as recording un a music studio yet..until now im still searching for an answer...i need ur lessons on air and advices sir..thank u so much.

[@philm3271]

Hi Mitch. I find myself agreeing with a lot of the comments here on the professionalism and helpfulness of this presentation. One question though. You mentioned the Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo as being compatible with PC. Not Mac? You usually mention all when they apply. But other websites seem to say it's Mac compatible. Or am I looking at the wrong model?

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for watching, I’m glad you enjoyed the video! There actually are three Apollo Twin models. The Twin Duo USB, the Twin Duo MkII with Thunderbolt 2, and the Twin X Duo with Thunderbolt 3. The USB version is indeed PC only. It is not Mac compatible. The Thunderbolt Apollo Twins are both Mac compatible. Hope this helps! Mitch

[@KunalVaidya]

Hello, Request to please suggest if there are any affordable mixer audio interfaces, with compression feature. I am more interested in compression and EQ than mixing multiple inputs, as it would help with learning about the sound setup. I have purchased a dynamic mic and an entry-level dynamic mic BM8000 already (had been spending a lot of time on youtube ), pop filter, and mic scissor arm too. PC MIC port is giving only 2.9V power which is driving the mic but needs high volume level to be audible Yamaha's are above 10k budget, might be an upgrade option for the next step I have not been able to find an affordable option in USB mixers with one-knob compression. in non-compression feature option PTX-10 look interesting, and it removes the need for mix-minus many A4 variants are also the

[@mr.nazmir]

I love this guy... he is the chuck norris of audio world...

[@Espresso101]

I've used the majority of the interfaces shown here, including another popular one not featured here (Audient ID14) and soundwise, the Steinberg with the Neve transformers and the SSL sound incredible and rank at the top of the pack here. Don't care so much for the Apollo. Focusrite with air feature sounds really good, Clarrett sounds even better. Also to my surprise the TASCAM sounds much better than I expected given the price. Definitely capable of producing professional sounding recordings.

[@dawoud8013]

Thank you for your feedback. So in terms of sound quality, you will go for the SSL2 + ? or Tascam 102i ? or Audient iD14 Mk2 ?

[@davocal1]

Hi Mitch. I'm Mark Bruhn's client and Voice Actor. What would you suggest as an audio interface for a pro VO room. I have a Scarlett 6i6 and Pro Tools 2020. I'd like to take it up a notch. Maybe a big notch!