Finding the best audio interfaces under $200 to record your guitar or vocals with the right features can be tough. There are a bunch of good audio interfaces in the $200 price range, but not all of them have the inputs and EQ settings you may want.
Besides having the right amount of inputs, I like to look for two things when I’m buying an interface for your my guitar: recording quality and ease of use. It goes without saying that you want the recording quality to be as good as possible, but I also want something that is super easy to use. I don’t want to be messing with something when I’m supposed to be recording. I’m sure you feel the same way.
Let’s review the top-rated audio interfaces under $200 and compare their features, so you can pick the right one for your recording setup.
Compare the Top 5 Best Audio Interfaces Below $200 in 2020
Contents
Here is a list of the best $200 audio interfaces that will make it easy to record your guitar on your computer.
- Audient iD4
- Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
- Steinberg UR242
- M-Audio M-Track 2X2M
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen)
- Tascam US-2×2
- PreSonus Audiobox iTwo
- iConnectAUDIO2+ by iConnectivity
Audient iD4
Specs, features, and benefits
The Audient iD4 is a sturdy built, an affordable audio interface with two inputs and two outputs. On the front of the interface, you can find the D.I. input, and two Headphones outputs, one 1/8 and 1/4. On the back of the Audient iD4, you can find the USB 2.0 port, the Left and Right Speaker output jacks, the Line/Mic input, and the +48 phantom power push-button.
On top of the interface, you can find the Mic channel Gain control knob, the D.I. input Gain control knob, the Input/DAW Monitor Mix control knob, a Mute Speakers push-button, iD push-button, a Big Volume control knob, led indicators for +48 phantom power and power status, and led indicator meters.
With the Volume control knob, you can control several different things – the Speaker and Headphones Output volume, when you press the iD button – it controls your Input Volume or your DAW plug-ins and parameters, and when you press the Mute and the iD button it sets the pan of your input.
Also, when you press the iD button it attenuates your speaker output by -15dB instantly. The Audient iD4 has an A/D resolution of 24-bit Bit Depth and a sampling rate of 96kHz. It is compatible with Mac, Windows, and iOS devices.
Pros and Highlights
- Everything you need – +48 phantom power, High-quality Mic and Line preamps, Zero Latency Monitoring, Onboard mixing, etc…
- Great construction – The Audient iD4 is built in an aluminum chassis, and all the knobs and the ports feel sturdy! It even has little rubber legs on the bottom, so it won’t slip out of your desktop!
- Great sound! – The Audient iD4 sounds amazing!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- No cons!
Bottom line
Probably the best in the price range, the Audient iD4 allows you to have great sound in your home studio without spending a fortune. It has everything that you need to start recording, it is sturdy, and it performs flawlessly. Recommended!
Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD
Specs, features, and benefits
The Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD is an affordable USB audio interface with four Midas Mic Preamplifiers. It has an Analog to Digital resolution of 24-bit Bit Depth and 192kHz sampling rate. On the front panel, first on the interface, you can see the four XLR/TRS inputs. All of them have separate Gain control knob Line/Instrument button-switch, PAD button-switch, and Signal and Clip led indicators. On the left side of the front panel, you can find the Stereo/Mono button-switch, the Midi led indicators, the Mix control knob, Main Out Volume control knob, the Monitor A/B button-switch, the +48V, and the Power led indicators, the Headphones Volume control knob, and the Headphones input jack.
On the back panel of the unit, you can find the power adaptor input, the USB port, the Midi In/Out ports, the +48V phantom power switch, the RCA and TRS Playback Outputs, the XLR and TRS Main Output ports, and the four Insert inputs.
Pros and Highlights
- Four Inputs and Outputs! – This is incredible for the price!
- Great Midas Preamps – They sound great!
- Affordable – You’ll spend a little less than $150!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- It is a Behringer – The Outputs are not truly balanced, many owners are having driver problems, others say that their unit completely died after a few months.
Well, of course. You can’t expect to have a flawless audio interface with that many features for that price, right? The UMC404HD might work wonders for you, but it may also become a nightmare. If you ask me, I would not risk buying such gear.
Bottom line
The Behringer UMC404HD has a very nice set of features for the price. However, many owners are having all sorts of problems with it. On the other hand, some owners like the interface a lot. It is a hit and miss. You should decide on your own whether to risk or not with the U-phoria UMC404HD interface by Behringer.
Steinberg UR242
Specs, features, and benefits
The Steinberg UR242 audio interface has four inputs and two outputs. It has Analog to Digital resolution of 24-bit Bit Depth and a sampling rate of 192kHz.
On the front of the unit, on the left side, you can see the two XLR/TRS inputs with D-PRE microphone preamplifiers. Both of them have a separate Gain control knob and a PAD switch. The first input has a HI-Z button-witch, while the second channel has a +48V phantom power button. Then, on the right side of the front panel, there are the Headphones output jack, the Headphones Volume control knob, and the Output Volume control knob.
On the back of the unit, you can find the power switch, the power adaptor input, the USB 2.0 port, the Midi Input and Output ports, the TRS Line inputs three and four, and the TRS Line Output jacks.
The Steinberg UR242 is built in a sturdy metal chassis, and it feels like it can take a beating. It also comes with Cubase AI and Cubasis LE software included in the price. It is compatible with MAC OS X and Windows devices. It has a built-in DSP.
Pros and Highlights
- Class-A D-PRE mic preamps – They sound fantastic!
- Great performance – Most of the owners are having a pleasant experience working with the Steinberg UR242.
- Cubase AI and Cubasis LE included in the price!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- No cons!
Bottom line
If you are just starting, or you want to take a step up from a cheaper audio interface, check out the Steinberg UR242 audio interface. It allows you to record high-quality audio for an affordable price. It also has everything you need – Great Mic preamps, Zero-Latency Monitoring, Cubas Al and Cubasis LE included in the price, Midi ports, Built-in DSP, etc. Great for the price!
M-Audio M-Track 2X2M
Specs, features, and benefits
The M-Audio M-Track 2×2 is a cool looking affordable audio interface with two channels. This audio interface has these controls on top: separate Gain control knobs and meters for input one and input two, big Monitor Volume control knob for adjusting the output volume in the Main Outs on the rear of the card, a Mix control knob for setting USB/Direct volume, Headphones Volume control knob, power indicator, +48V phantom power indicator, and Midi In and Midi Out led indicators.
On the front of the interface, you can find two Hi-Z 1/4 inputs, a +48V phantom power switch, and a Headphones output jack. On the back of the sound card, there is the USB port, Midi Input and Output ports, Left and Right 1/4 Monitor outputs, and two Mic/Line inputs.
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2M has a 24-bit Bit Depth and a Sampling Rate of 192kHz. It comes with Pro Tools software included in the price. It is the same audio interface like the M-Track 2×2 – the only difference is that the 2x2M is Midi compatible, which is, of course, a great addition, and it has a separate Instrument input for channel 1.
Pros and Highlights
- Easy to use – With the M-Audio M-Track 2x2M you can start recording within seconds after you set it up with your computer. Great for beginners.
- Good quality audio – The A/D resolution is a 24-bit/192kHz!
- Cheap – The M-Audio M-Track 2x2M is a very wallet-friendly sound card.
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Some owners are having driver problems – Please do proper research to see if the M-Audio M-Track 2X2M is compatible with your machine. Also, there is a chance of getting a dud. Many owners reported having huge noises coming out of their monitors when they use their M-Audio M-Track 2X2…
Bottom line
The M-Audio M-Track 2X2M is a simple, modern-looking sound card with great features and performance. It is very affordable, and many beginners love it. However, some owners reported that they are having issues with the drivers needed to use the sound card. Do your proper research before purchasing one of these.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen)
Specs, features, and benefits
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) is a best-seller in the audio interfaces world. It has an Analog to Digital resolution of 24-bit Bit Depth and a sampling rate of 192kHz.
On the front of the interface you can first see the left side of the panel with two Mic/Line inputs and their Gain control knobs, Line/Instrument switches, and PAD push-buttons. Then, on the right side of the front panel there is a +48V phantom power button-switch, Midi and USB led indicators, Direct Monitoring Mix control knob, Stereo/Mono switch, Monitor Output control knob, Source 1-2/3-4 switch, Headphones Volume control knob, and Headphones jack.
On the back panel of the interface, you can find the USB port, the Midi In/Out ports, two sets of unbalanced RCA Line Outputs, and two Balanced TRS Output jacks.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) is compatible with both Windows and Mac OS X machines. It also comes with software like Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack, Loopmasters sounds and samples (2GB), Novation Bass Station VST and AU plug-in synth, XLN Addictive Keys, and many more!
Pros and Highlights
- Great preamps – The Focusrite preamps are low-noise, low distortion preamps. The ones set in this interface are the same preamps that Focusrite puts in their priciest interfaces.
- It is compatible with both Windows and MAC OS X!
- Everything you need on an interface! – Great preamps, Line/Instrument inputs, Balanced and Unbalanced Outputs, Midi Ports, Zero-Latency Monitoring, Software…
Cons and Potential Flaws
- There is a new version! – This is not a con, as in this list we are covering Audio Interfaces under $200, but we thought we should mention that for $30 more you can get the new version of this interface – The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4, and get even better sound and more inputs!
Bottom line
Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) is a best seller in the affordable range of audio interfaces. And with a reason – it sounds great! It performs flawlessly. However, there is a new version of that unit – the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen). With it, you can get two more inputs, and improved Dynamic Range and Gain range.
Tascam US-2×2
Specs, features, and benefits
The Tascam US-2×2 is an audio interface with great features for beginner recording lovers. The Tascam US-2×2 on the left side of the front panel has two inputs XLR/TRS inputs with HDDA preamps and Gain control knob +48V phantom power, Line/Instrument switch, and Signal and Peak led indicators. On the right side, it has a USB led indicator, Mix control knob, Line Out volume control knob, Headphones volume control knob, and Headphones jack
On the back of the interface, you can find the input for the power adaptor, the USB port for your computer, Midi Input and Output ports, and Balanced Line Out jacks,
The Tascam US-2×2 has an A/D resolution of 24-bit/96kHz. It comes with a licensed Steinberg’s Cubase LE and included in the price. It is built in an aluminum chassis, and it has side panels that make it easier for seeing the controls.
Pros and Highlights
- Affordable – The Tascam US-2×2 won’t break the bank!
- Sturdy – The Tascam US-2×2 is built like a tank!
- A good set of features for the money – Microphone channel with a good preamp, a TRS Line/Instrument input, Direct Monitoring, RCA Inputs, and Outputs, Compatible with both MAC and Windows, it comes with software…
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Driver Problems – Many owners are having driver problems on their Windows machines.
Bottom line
If you are a singer-songwriter that wants to start recording or a budding podcaster, check out the Tascam US-2×2. It is certainly not the best audio interface on the market – many owners have reported having driver issues with using it. Other than that, it has a good set of features, it feels sturdy, it sounds nice, and it is compatible with many different devices.
Oh, it is affordable too!
PreSonus Audiobox iTwo
Specs, features, and benefits
The PreSonus Audiobox iTwo is a wallet-friendly audio interface with two Mic/Line inputs that comes for a price set right under $150.
On the front of the unit you can find two XLR/TRS inputs with Class-A preamps, Gain control switch for each input, PAD switch for each channel, a +48V phantom power button-switch, a Mix control knob for Direct Monitoring, a big Master Output level control knob, Headphones output control knob, and Headphones TRS jack.
On the back of the PreSonus Audiobox iTwo you can find Midi Input/Output ports, USB 2.0 port for using it with a PC or MAC (in this case the two is bus-powered), a USB port for using it with your iPad (in which case you must power the unit with your iPad power adapter through the USB 2.0 port), and two Main Output TRS jacks.
The PreSonus Audiobox iTwo has an Analog to Digital resolution of 24-bit Bit Depth and a sampling rate of 96kHz.It comes with a Studio One Artist DAW, and Capture Duo iPad app included in the price.
Pros and Highlights
- Great sound – Many owners are amazed by how clean is the sound of the unit! It seems like these Class-A preamps are great!
- Compatible with Mac/PC/iPad – You can use the PreSonus Audiobox iTwo with PC, MAC, or iPad device and sound great! Also, there is software included in the price!
- Sturdy – Great for taking it on the road!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Noise, Hum – Many owners reported having a Noisy unit! It seems like it is a hit and miss. Many owners are satisfied with the performance of the unit; others say it is a complete waste of money. Hey, PreSonus, take some notes from your buyers!
Bottom line
While the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo has a nice set of features, and it comes for a very low price, many owners are disappointed with the performance of the unit. On the other hand, there are a lot of owners that love recording with it, and say they have a great sound with it. It seems to us, that the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is a hit and miss.
iConnectAUDIO2+ by iConnectivity
Specs, features, and benefits
The iConnectAUDIO2+ by iConnectivity is an audio interface specially designed for Dj-ing. On the front of the unit, you can find two XLR/TRS inputs, and touch screen with a Big Control knob that lets you control all the inputs and output meters.
On the back of the unit, you can find a power adaptor input, iPad USB port, PC/MAC USB port, PC/Mac Power USB port, Midi In/Out ports, four Balanced Output TRS jacks, and a Headphones jack. You can connect two computers, or a computer and an iPad simultaneously with the iConnectAUDIO2+ audio interface, which makes it perfect for live DJ sets and similar live situations.
The iConnectAUDIO2+ has an A/D resolution of 24-bit Bit Depth and a sampling rate of 96kHz. It comes with iConfig software, so the setup will be easy for everyone.
Pros and Highlights
- Great sound – The Mic preamps sound excellent!
- Oh, the connectivity – With the iConnectAUDIO2+ interface, you can connect two computers, or iPad and a Computer at the same time, plus use the two XLR/TRS inputs. How cool is that?
- Great for DJs! – Sturdy, Affordable, and it has a great set of connectivity features!
Cons and Potential Flaws
- Driver problems – Many owners reported having driver problems with this unit.
Bottom line
If you are looking for an audio interface for live situations, you might want to check out the iConnectAUDIO2+ interface. It offers a lot, it is affordable and easy to use. However, you should do your proper research to avoid disappointment – it seems like many owners are having driver problems with this unit, especially on Windows machines.
What We Recommend and Why
In this price range, it is definitely best to go for something that delivers good sound, durability, and good performance. This is why we recommend the Audient iD4 audio interface. It is undoubtedly the best audio interface in this price range.