Audio Interface options under R3K to kickstart your home studio
Choosing the right Audio Interface can be tricky as there are many choices and we each have specific needs.
Here’s a list of our top 5 favourite audio interface options for under R 3,000, along with their unique strengths and weaknesses.
Audient ID4
What is it:
This is one of my personal favourites on the list, having worked with an Audient console before I can attest to the sheer sonic quality of the preamps. The fact that it’s packed into such a small form-factor, and at such an affordable price – I’m surprised the Audient ID4 is not a lot more popular than some of its competitors.
Best feature(s):
The Audient ID4 features a Class-A Mic preamp as seen in their world-renowned consoles, a discrete JFET instrument Preamp and dual headphone amp outputs. The ID4 features high-performance A/D converters that can achieve up to 96k/24bit.
Not so cool:
I would have liked to see another mic preamp, although at this price point I would be asking a bit much
Expect to pay: R 2,595
Where to get
Steinberg UR12
What is it:
The Steinberg UR12 is created by the makers of the world-renowned Cubase software; it’s designed to work together with most DAWs on the market and features a highly-acclaimed Yamaha D-Pre mic preamp. It also works flawlessly as an iOS audio interface, for apps such as Cubasis.
Best feature(s):
The unit features Yamaha’s highly acclaimed D-Pre mic preamp design, offers iOS connectivity and comes bundled with Cubase AI and Cubasis LE. The Steinberg UR12 is able to achieve sample rates and bit-depth of 192k/24bit.
Not so cool:
The Steinberg UR12 features unbalanced outputs, not the greatest – however it keeps the overall size to a minimum.
Expect to pay: R 2,995
Where to get
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
What is it:
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is probably the most popular on this list – in terms of features and quality, it comes in at a very competitive price.
Best feature(s):
Features dual mic/line inputs, clip signal on gain control and highly-acclaimed microphone preamps. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is also capable of achieving 192k/24bit.
Not so cool:
No “Pad” switch for instrument level inputs
Expect to pay: R 2,225
Where to get
M-Audio M-Track 2×2
What is it:
This is the Scarlett 2i2’s arch-nemesis, it weighs in at a very similar price point and boasts some strikingly similar features – although this would be a slightly better choice for those who need that extra few -db of attenuation on their instrument signal through the dedicated input.
Best feature(s):
The M-Track 2×2 features a combo Mic/Line input and a dedicated instrument input, it comes bundled with USB and USB-C cables and connectors for a variety of platforms. Also capable of 192k/24bit.
Not so cool:
It would have been nice to see dual microphone inputs, although that would have probably meant the removal of the instrument input – we can’t have everything.
Expect to pay: R 2,295
Where to get
PreSonus Audiobox USB 96
What is it:
In terms of value-for-money, PreSonus knocked it out of the park with the Audiobox USB 96.
Best feature(s):
It features dual Mic/Instrument inputs, alongside MIDI in and out and is capable of achieving up to 96k/24bit. The Audiobox USB 96 comes bundled with the Studio One Artist DAW.
Not so cool:
It’s hard to find any faults with such a feature-packed and affordable unit.
Expect to pay: R 1,995
Where to get
The tech spec mumbo-jumbo…
Understanding the tech spec jargon on some articles can be daunting, hopefully we have helped to break it down for those who are looking at buying an audio interface but can’t seem to understand the key differences between all of the options on the market.
