10 Best Cheap Audio Interfaces 2025 in the United States

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB Audio Interface stands out as an excellent choice for musicians, vocalists, and producers looking for a budget-friendly option without sacrificing sound quality. With two inputs, it allows users to connect both a microphone and an instrument simultaneously, making it versatile for different recording settings. The audio quality is impressive, featuring a 120dB dynamic range and high-fidelity converters that rival more expensive models, providing a studio-quality sound for home recordings. The addition of the Air mode enhances vocals and guitars, giving your tracks a professional finish.

In terms of connectivity, it uses USB-C, which ensures a fast and reliable connection with various devices, including computers and some mobile devices. The included software package is a strong advantage, offering all the essential tools needed for recording, mixing, and mastering, making it user-friendly for beginners.

There are a few drawbacks to consider. While it excels in audio quality, its simplicity may limit advanced users who require more extensive features or additional inputs. The preamps are good, but those looking for the absolute best in this area might find them slightly lacking compared to higher-end options. Additionally, the footprint is fairly compact, making it portable, but it’s important to note that it may not be rugged enough for heavy touring or professional studio use.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen is an ideal starting point for novice musicians and home studio enthusiasts who need a straightforward, reliable audio interface to bring their sound to life without breaking the bank.

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is a solid choice for musicians, podcasters, and producers looking for a budget-friendly audio interface. With two high-quality inputs, it excels at allowing guitarists and vocalists to record their sounds with clarity, thanks to the strong mic pre-amps and the ability to engage an Air mode that enhances recording quality. It supports impressive audio quality, featuring 24-bit/192kHz recording capability, which is excellent for capturing detailed sound without distortion or clipping. The low-noise balanced outputs ensure clean playback, making it suitable for critical listening as well.

Portability is another highlight, as the Scarlett Solo is compact and USB-powered, which makes it easy to set up anywhere, whether at home or on the go. The included Easy Start tool is user-friendly, providing a straightforward way for beginners to get started with recording. Additionally, the three-year warranty adds peace of mind regarding durability and support.

The two channels may not suffice for users who require multiple simultaneous inputs, such as drummers or larger ensembles. Also, while the preamps are generally well-regarded, some users may find they lack the warmth and richness of higher-end models. Lastly, being USB-powered means it relies on a computer for energy, which could be limiting for those who prefer a more traditional setup with dedicated power supplies.

The Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th Gen USB Audio Interface is quite impressive for its category. With 18 inputs and 20 outputs, including eight mic preamps, it offers extensive connectivity options that are ideal for multitrack recording, music production, and podcasting. The preamps deliver 69dB of gain, providing solid performance for various recording needs. Phantom power is available, which is essential for condenser microphones, and the interface supports a bit depth of 24-bit and a sample rate of 192kHz, ensuring high-fidelity audio quality.

Another significant feature is the Air mode, which adds a professional touch by enhancing presence and harmonic drive, emulating classic studio consoles. This can be particularly beneficial for vocals and instruments, giving them a richer, more vibrant sound. The Auto Gain and Clip Safe functions are practical tools for maintaining optimal levels and preventing distortion during recording sessions. Connectivity is robust, with USB-C ensuring fast and reliable data transfer across Mac OS, Windows OS, and iOS platforms.

However, at 8.04 pounds and its relatively large size (17.37 x 10.21 x 1.83 inches), the Scarlett 18i20 might be less portable compared to other cheaper and more compact audio interfaces. Build quality is strong, thanks to its aluminum body, but this does contribute to the weight. The inclusion of professional software packages like Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, and others add substantial value, making it a comprehensive solution for beginners and advanced users alike. Despite being positioned at a higher price point within the 'cheap audio interfaces' category, its features and performance justify the investment for users needing extensive input/output options and high-quality recording capabilities.