What is the Best Audio Interface under £100? (2021)

In The Mix

In The Mix

16 min, 16 sec

A detailed review and comparison of several popular audio interfaces around the £100 price range, focusing on build, recording and playback quality, with recommendations based on these criteria.

Summary

  • Tested over a dozen audio interfaces, showcasing six, with four favorites around £100 and two cheaper options at £70.
  • Discussed the importance of build quality and workflow over the actual recording quality, which was similar across devices.
  • Recommended the Presonus Studio 24c and Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen as the best options for around £100.
  • Noted that cheaper interfaces at around £70 come with compromises, and suggested buying used equipment for better value.
  • Announced a giveaway for some of the tested interfaces and invited questions in the comments section.

Chapter 1

Introduction to the Audio Interface Comparison

0:00 - 15 sec

An introduction to the comparison of popular audio interfaces, emphasizing the focus on build and sound quality.

An introduction to the comparison of popular audio interfaces, emphasizing the focus on build and sound quality.

  • Announced the testing of popular audio interfaces around the £100 price range.
  • Explained the intent to share favorites and discuss build, recording, and playback quality of each interface.

Chapter 2

Navigating the Video Content

0:18 - 18 sec

Guidance on using video chapters and timestamps to navigate through the detailed comparison.

Guidance on using video chapters and timestamps to navigate through the detailed comparison.

  • Instructed viewers to use chapters and timestamps to navigate the video.
  • Encouraged viewers to focus on specific interfaces or aspects like recording or playback quality.

Chapter 3

Overview of Tested Audio Interfaces

0:36 - 25 sec

Initial impressions and overview of the audio interfaces tested for the review.

Initial impressions and overview of the audio interfaces tested for the review.

  • Tested over a dozen interfaces, focusing on six, with four favorites around £100 and two cheaper at £70.
  • Purchased interfaces personally, without affiliation or sponsorship, to maintain fairness and announced a giveaway.

Chapter 4

What is an Audio Interface?

1:01 - 54 sec

A brief explanation of what an audio interface is and its function in a music production setup.

A brief explanation of what an audio interface is and its function in a music production setup.

  • Defined an audio interface as a device for recording and playback of audio via computer connection.
  • Highlighted the interface's role in providing power and transferring data but not affecting the final export quality.

Chapter 5

Favorites Overview

1:55 - 54 sec

Introduction to the four favorite audio interfaces and preliminary recording quality tests.

Introduction to the four favorite audio interfaces and preliminary recording quality tests.

  • Introduced four favorite interfaces: Presonus Studio 24c, Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen, Audient Evo 4, and NI Komplete Audio 2.
  • Conducted recording tests using a Shure SM7B microphone, noting that all interfaces provided good levels without significant noise.

Chapter 6

Recording Quality Tests

2:43 - 46 sec

Detailed results from recording tests, analyzing noise and tone of the preamps.

Detailed results from recording tests, analyzing noise and tone of the preamps.

  • Played back recordings from each interface, focusing on noise and tone of the preamps.
  • Found no significant differences in sound quality, indicating that build quality and workflow are the main differentiators.

Chapter 7

Output Quality and Features

3:29 - 1 min, 29 sec

Examination of headphone and loudspeaker outputs across the interfaces.

Examination of headphone and loudspeaker outputs across the interfaces.

  • All interfaces provided ample gain for headphones, with volume levels being dangerously high past the halfway mark.
  • Tested audio clarity, depth, and width by recording outputs and found minimal differences between interfaces.

Chapter 8

Presonus Studio 24c Detailed Review

4:58 - 1 min, 42 sec

In-depth look at the build quality and features of the Presonus Studio 24c interface.

In-depth look at the build quality and features of the Presonus Studio 24c interface.

  • Highlighted the full metal construction, combination XLR inputs, and individual controls for each function.
  • Praised the interface's metering screen, separate headphone and loudspeaker volume controls, and USB-C connectivity.

Chapter 9

Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen Detailed Review

6:40 - 1 min, 40 sec

Examination of the Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen's build quality, inputs, outputs, and limitations.

Examination of the Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen's build quality, inputs, outputs, and limitations.

  • Reviewed the solid build quality, input and output limitations, and the unique halo level indicators.
  • Noted the absence of separate headphone and loudspeaker volume controls, and praised the upgrade to USB-C.

Chapter 10

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2 Review

8:20 - 1 min, 51 sec

Review of the NI Komplete Audio 2 interface, discussing build quality and design aspects.

Review of the NI Komplete Audio 2 interface, discussing build quality and design aspects.

  • Mentioned the plastic build, outdated USB-B connection, and the combination inputs.
  • Criticized the limited usability of the volume dial and suggested potential improvements.

Chapter 11

Audient Evo 4 Detailed Review

10:11 - 1 min, 26 sec

Critical review of the Audient Evo 4 interface, focusing on its build and usability.

Critical review of the Audient Evo 4 interface, focusing on its build and usability.

  • Commented on the plastic build quality, smart gain feature, and lack of independent volume control for headphones and speakers.
  • Appreciated the input and output quality but questioned the price value.

Chapter 12

Budget Recommendations

11:37 - 3 min, 41 sec

Comparison of two budget-friendly interfaces and advice on purchasing used equipment.

Comparison of two budget-friendly interfaces and advice on purchasing used equipment.

  • Recommended Mackie and a Presonus model as the best options for around £70, but noted their compromises.
  • Advised considering used equipment for better value against buying new at lower price points.

Chapter 13

Final Recommendations and Giveaway

15:18 - 50 sec

Summary of top recommendations and announcement of a giveaway for the interfaces.

Summary of top recommendations and announcement of a giveaway for the interfaces.

  • Identified the Presonus Studio 24c and Focusrite Solo 3rd Gen as the preferred choices.
  • Announced a giveaway for some of the interfaces and invited viewers to participate or ask questions in the comments.