Audio interfaces or more commonly called sound cards which are the most
important thing after a computer which you need in your home setup for
professional quality sound.The quality of audio interface decides the quality
of your recordings and finally the production.There are many brands and
market is full of sound cards in all budget.Before jumping into the list of
best audio interfaces, here is what a audio interface do and why we need it.
You may have seen big mixer consoles in professional studios, our small
audio interfaces do pretty much the same thing.They turn our laptop into a
mini home studio setup.They also have 48 volt phantom power which is
needed for condenser microphones to work.
An audio interfaces or sound card perform the following tasks:
Records an analog signal and converts it into the digital signal and
vice versa.
- Records an analog signal and converts it into the digital signal and
- vice versa.
- Allows you to record any audio signal like vocals or guitar directly into
the computer. - Can record many input signal at one time depend on the number of
input channel it has - Many sound cards have a built in preamp to it so it gives extra boost
to your audio recordings.
Here is the list of top 5 budget audio interfaces for bedroom
studio setup.
Behringer U-Phoria UM2
Behringer provides one of the cheapest audio interfaces available in the
market which doesn’t compromise with the quality and gives professional
quality output.It is a 2X2 USB audio interface for recording microphones
and instruments.It connects directly to the computer through USB cable, no
external power is needed to run it.
This sound card has a combination of 2 XLR/TRS input so that you
can connect your vocal microphone together with guitar or bass and just
start recording.Its small in size and best for portable musicians.Behringer
U- Phoria UM2 provides a high quality resolution of 48 kHz for amazingly
detailed recording quality.
M Audio – M Track Duo
M track is one of the most leading names in the world of musical
instruments and studio equipment.It provides gears in all ranges.
M Audio has launched its most affordable and portable audio interface in its
class, M Track Duo.
M Track Duo works great for recording any type of instruments or vocals.It
also features two combo crystal preamps and phantom power which makes
it compatible for all kinds of microphones like dynamic or condenser.It runs
by USB power which makes it super easy to use and portable to carry
anywhere.
M Track Duo sound card has a separate knob for headphone control and
monitor sound so that you can easily control the volume level.
It records a high quality 16 bit audio resolution in an easy way so it can
connect with any MAC, PC or iOS device.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Focusrite scarlett 2i2 is a beautifully designed audio interface which is
a great choice for home recording studio setup.Many musicians use
this soundcard for a high quality recording quality in a small budget.
It has high – performance converters which allow recording and
mixing in studio quality everywhere.
Scarlett 2i2 comes with two high headroom inputs for recording
vocals, guitar or any other instrument.It also offers a high quality
preamp which enhances overall quality of recording.The latest
upgrade comes with 3rd generation mic preamp which is the best
Scarlett offers.
It has a unique mode called air mode which adds unique high end
details.It can record in 24 bit/192 KHZ which adds more clarity and
quality in recording.
PRESONUS AUDIOBOX USB 96
This is a budget audio interface from the popular music gear brand
Presonus.It is capable of doing all the necessary work required to do
in a home studio.Audiobox USB 96 is a simple,reliable and portable
sound card.It record up to 24 bit, 96 Khz audio just by plug in to the
computer/laptop.
Presonus audiobox usb 96 also comes with a free license for
presonus studio one artist DAW which gives a complete recording
solution.It has all the essential features like high quality mic
preamplifiers, 48 V phantom power for condenser microphones,
headphone jack with level control.
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