Best Audio Interfaces with a $200 Budget

First of all what is an Audio Interface?

An audio interface is a device that connects your microphone, instruments, and other audio gear to your computer, allowing you to record high-quality sound and play it back with low latency.

It acts as a bridge between your gear and your DAW (digital audio workstation).

What Does It Do?

Here’s what an audio interface does:

• Converts analog sound to digital so your computer can understand and record it (this is called A/D conversion).

• Converts digital audio to analog so you can hear it through headphones or speakers (this is D/A conversion).

• Improves sound quality compared to your computer’s built-in sound card.

• Provides inputs (for microphones, instruments, etc.) and outputs (for monitors, headphones, etc.).

• Lets you record multiple sources at once (like vocals and guitar).

Three key quality criteria :

1. Preamps Quality

• Why it matters: The preamps amplify your mic/instrument signal before it’s recorded. High-quality preamps give you clean, clear sound with minimal noise.

• What to look for: Low noise floor, transparent sound, and enough gain (especially important for dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B).

• Tip: Look for interfaces with a good reputation for preamp quality, like Focusrite or Universal Audio.

2. Low Latency Performance

• Why it matters: Latency is the delay between when you play or sing and when you hear it back. High latency can be distracting or unusable for real-time recording or monitoring.

• What to look for: Low round-trip latency (usually under 10ms is great), especially when tracking with effects.

• Tip: Interfaces with solid drivers and direct monitoring options help reduce latency issues.

3. Good A/D and D/A Conversion

• Why it matters: These converters determine how accurately your interface translates sound from analog to digital and back again. Poor conversion = loss of detail, clarity, and stereo image.

• What to look for: High-resolution support (at least 24-bit/48kHz), and good dynamic range (higher dB is better).

• Tip: Interfaces with converters from brands like Apogee or RME often stand out, but even many budget models today do a solid job.

My personal selection :

N°1 : Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

✅ High-Quality Preamps

• Focusrite’s award-winning preamps deliver clean, transparent sound with low noise.

• Great for vocals, instruments, and even lower-output mics.

• The newer 3rd Gen model includes an “Air” mode that adds a bit of brightness and presence—nice for vocals.

✅ Plug-and-Play Simplicity

• Super easy to set up—just plug it in via USB and you’re good to go.

• Compatible with Windows, macOS, and works well with all major DAWs (Ableton, FL, Logic, etc.).

• Ideal for beginners who want a smooth start without a complicated setup.

✅ Reliable Low-Latency Monitoring

• Direct monitoring switch lets you hear your input signal in real time, with no delay.

• Great for recording vocals or instruments without any annoying lag.

• USB-C connection on newer versions ensures stable performance and faster data transfer.

N°2 : PreSonus AudioBox USB

✅ Great Value for the Price

• The AudioBox USB is very affordable, making it ideal for beginners or anyone on a tight budget.

• You get two combo inputs (mic/instrument), phantom power, MIDI I/O, and solid build quality—all at a low cost.

• Excellent entry-level option for singer-songwriters or podcasters.

✅ Includes Studio One DAW Software

• Comes with Studio One Artist, a full-featured digital audio workstation.

• You can start recording, editing, and mixing right out of the box without buying additional software.

• Great for beginners who don’t already have a DAW.

✅ Built-In MIDI I/O

• Unlike many entry-level interfaces, the AudioBox USB includes dedicated MIDI In and Out ports.

• This is super useful if you want to connect external MIDI gear like keyboards, drum machines, or synths.

• Saves you from needing a separate MIDI interface—great for producers who want to expand their setup later on.

N°3 : Behringer UMC22

✅ Midas-Designed Mic Preamp

• Comes with a Midas preamp, which is surprisingly good for this price range.

• Offers clean and clear mic recordings with decent headroom—great for vocals or podcasting.

✅ Simple and Easy to Use

• Straightforward layout: one mic input, one instrument input, headphone output, and volume knobs.

• Plug-and-play functionality—works with most DAWs and operating systems without hassle.

• Ideal for users who just want to plug in and start recording without a learning curve.

✅ Solid Metal Build

• Despite the low cost, the UMC22 has a sturdy metal chassis that feels reliable and durable.

• Great for portable setups or everyday home studio use without worrying about it breaking easily.

N°4 : Universal Audio Volt 2

✅ Studio-Grade Sound Quality & Vintage Tube Mode

• With 24‑bit/192 kHz conversion, ultra‑low noise preamps (about ‑127 dBu EIN), and a Vintage mode emulating UA’s iconic 610 tube preamp, the Volt 2 delivers rich, warm, and detailed recordings—no small feat under $200.

✅ Zero-Latency Direct Monitoring & Flexible Connectivity

• Thanks to direct monitoring with mono/stereo toggle and USB‑C (plus optional 5V power), you can easily record on Mac, PC, iPad, or iPhone with pristine sound and no delay.

✅ Excellent Software Bundle & Long-Term Value

• It comes with a premium software package—Ableton Live Lite, Melodyne Essential, UJAM instruments, Softube amps, and more—offering a powerful start without extra purchases, making it a smart long-term investment.