The Best Usb Audio Interface Under $500

What's the best audio recording device for you?

Thinking about which usb audio interface you need? Most home recording studios revolve around a computer, sometimes a laptop but most of the time a dekstop computer. Whether we're talking small MacBooks or big Pc desktops, we all need some sort of audio recording device to plug our microphone and instruments into. 

Below I have a list of great audio interfaces for under $500. So if you need to get your hands on an audio interface, take a look at some of the options below. 

The following are what I would call good budget conscious interfaces for people starting out their home recording studio. 

There are of course more expensive options out there that I will touch upon in other articles but the ones below are some of the best value for money you can get in today's market.

M-Audio Fast Track MKII

The M-Audio Fast Track is a compact and simple usb audio interface for those who do not need a lot of inputs. Small and portable, you can take it anywhere you need if you want to record outside your bedroom.

Digidesign Mbox 2 

No buyer's guide is complete without mentioning the M Box 2 interface. With Pro-Tools being something of an industry standard in many studios this little thing is perfect for the small home studio. And since it comes bundled with the Pro Tools software, you don't need to worry about spending money on a separate audio recording software.

Alesis iO 2 

I own the Alesis iO|26 Firewire interface and I highly recommend Alesis products. They have been around for a long time and they churn out great products, regardless of budget. If you just need a small usb audio interface with two microphone inputs I wouldn't hesitate to get this one.

TASCAM US-1641

Like Alesis, Tascam has been a pillar in recording industry. This interface is more geared towards those that need to record more than only a couple things at the same time. It has 8 dedicated mic inputs but an extra 8 line inputs for DI'd instruments such as keyboards and bass guitars.

Lexicon I-ONIX 

This sleek and elegant audio interface is new from the Lexicon barracks. Lexicon has a reputation for making great recording equipment and as a user of their Lambda interface I can vouch for the quality of their budget interfaces. 

Have fun!

Whichever usb audio interface you choose I hope you have a great time playing with it and making great songs and sounds come out of it. You are hopefully going to be recording a lot of stuff with it so make sure you get the one that's right for you.

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