After a year of working as a bedroom artist and running my own home recording studio, I have to admit that:
Choosing a proper audio interface is like playing a challenging matching game. In that game there will be so many kinds of interfaces, each one is designed to be best suited to a specific “type” of studio.
If you don’t have any experience, you may waste your money on an expensive and unsuitable interface instead of choosing the right one.
Okay, let’s get straight to the point, for a small home recording studio, the top 5 best USB audio interfaces under $200 below are my very first recommendations. But why is a USB audio interface?
Just read on to know why!
Firstly, here are my criteria when looking for a good audio interface for a small home recording studio:
- Low Latency (time delay) for fast performances
- 2 Mic Preamps input for connecting 2 microphones.
- 2 Headphone outputs for connecting 2 studio headphone
- Hi-Z input for connecting electric guitars
- MIDI input/output for connecting midi controller or other midi devices.
- +48V phantom power for a condenser microphone.
- …and studio monitor outputs, of course.
#1. Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 (1st Gen) 6 In/6 Out USB 2.0 Audio Interface with Two Focusrite Mic Preamps
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Features:
- Super low-latency monitoring: 2.4ms
- Mic preamp: 2 ports
- Phantom 48 volts: yes
- Hi-Z instrument: 2 ports
- Headphone: 2 port
- MIDI input/output: 2 ports
- S/PDIF: 2 ports
- 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs: 4 ports
- 1/4-inch balanced jack inputs: 2 ports
I must say that the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 is a premium USB audio interface but at a low price. It has advanced features such as MIDI connectors, S/PDIF and Super low-latency monitoring.
It is ideal for small home recording studios as well as the BEST choice for people who want to start a career as music makers, recording artists, or small bands.
In the 2nd gen version, the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 has upgraded preamps and converters from 96KHz to 192KHz at 24 bit, which resulted in better quality sounds.
However, if your budget is tight I recommend you choose the Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 1st gen version which has been wonderful.
#2. Steinberg UR22MKII 2-Channel USB Interface
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You may already know Steinberg since it is a big-famous- professional-audio brand that produces both hardware and software. The Cubase and Nuendo are two popular DAW of Steinberg.
Come back to the main point, the Steinberg UR22MKII is the BEST for the small home recording studio. It has equipped with all functions that good audio interfaces must-have, see its features below.
Features:
- Very low latency monitoring
- Class-A D-PRE mic preamps: 2 ports
- Phantom 48 volts: yes
- Headphone: 1 port
- Hi- Z instrument: 1 ports
- TRS output: 2 ports
- MIDI input/output: yes
- USB 2.0: 2 ports
Besides, you can connect Steinberg UR22MKII to the iPad for recording, mixing, and editing audio immediately via the Cubasis LE app for iPad. It is really wonderful and convenient.
As for the audio quality, Steinberg has developed VST & VST3 industry standards since 1996. They know what is the best,
and know how to make the outstanding truly transparent sound quality in all their audio interfaces. You do not need to worry about it.
So, what about the price? of course, with these benefits, the price of Steinberg UR22MKII is a little bit higher.
Important note:
If you just need one mic preamp input and don’t use MIDI input/output, I highly recommend you choose Steinberg UR12 because its price is lower than Steinberg UR22MKII so much, but the audio quality is the same.
#3. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen) USB Audio Interface
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Features:
- Super low-latency monitoring: 2.4ms
- Mic preamp: 1 ports
- Phantom 48 volts: yes
- Hi-Z instrument: 1 ports
- Headphone: 1 port
- RCA output: 2 ports
Focusrite Scarlett Solo is right for individuals who just need to connect one microphone in the recording process. Small, light, and mobile size, you can take it for on-the-go recording.
For the 2nd Gen version, the all Focusrite Scarlett in general and Focusrite Scarlett Solo, in particular, have upgraded preamps and converters from 96KHz to 192KHz.
It means you will get sound quality better than before in the recording process.
#4. Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2×2 USB Recording Interface
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Features:
- Zero-Latency recording: yes
- Mic preamp: 2 ports
- Phantom 48 volts: yes
- Hi- Z instrument: 2 ports
- Headphone: 1 port
- TRS output: 2 ports
My first impression about Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2×2 USB is its professional design. The elegant and convenient made me fall in love with it at the first.
As for the audio quality of Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2×2 USB, it has integrated two boutique-quality Onyx mic preamps and high-end Cirrus Logic® AD/DA converters
That makes sound quality better than the others at this price range.
As you know, Mackie is a big famous brand for professional audio in the world. You do not worry about their quality products because they do not want to hurt their brand.
#5. TASCAM US-1200 USB Audio Interface
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If you looking for a USB audio interface that supports many mic preamp ports at a reasonable price, the TASCAM US-1200 is the best choice.
Features:
- Low-latency monitoring: yes
- Mic preamp: 4 ports
- Phantom 48 volts: yes
- Hi- Z instrument: 2 port
- Headphone: 1 port
- TRS output: 2 port
It has 4 XLR input (4 mic preamp ports) whereas the other in this price range just has two mic preamp ports.
Moreover, it also has built-in phantom 48 volts that help you record audio when using condenser microphones and two Hi-Z inputs ready for electric/bass guitar recording.
So why USB audio interfaces are BEST suited to home recording?
The USB port is very versatile, it can support all kinds of computers. While other types of audio interfaces connect to computers via thunderbolt or firewire port, unluckily not all computers are built-in with these special ports. And USB interfaces are the perfect solution in this case.
The price of USB audio interfaces is the BEST for the budget. You will have a reliable and decent one for under $200 that is why I picked out, reviewed, and recommended the top 5 best USB audio interfaces that you’re going to see below.
The last words
Sharing the best experience is my priority in this blog, always.
Hope the list of Best USB Audio Interfaces under $200 for a small home recording studio can help you make the right decision.
If you want to get more tips, check out my series about the basic home recording studio.
