Top Audio Interfaces for Black Friday: A Plughead’s Guide
Hey Plugheads! With Black Friday around the corner, it’s the perfect time to upgrade your setup with an audio interface that delivers killer sound, latency-free monitoring, and versatility in recording. Below are some of the best audio interfaces to grab while the deals are hot.
1. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4rd Gen)
The original studio-quality 2-in, 2-out interface, has been remastered for the artist. Two of our most detailed ultra-low-noise mic pres. Hi-Z and super-high-quality line inputs for guitars, keys and synths. Studio-grade converters, with a huge 120dB dynamic range that matches what you’d find in a pro studio.
Auto Gain and Clip Safe make sure you’ll never need to worry about your levels. Air mode, with Presence and Harmonic Drive, gives you that big console sound wherever you record. And the Hitmaker Expansion software bundle includes all the tools you need to record, produce and release your tracks.
2. Universal Audio Apollo Twin X (2nd Gen)
For the Plugheads wanting that high-end sound, the Apollo Twin X by Universal Audio brings warmth and clarity to any recording. This interface is perfect for vocals, instruments, and especially those looking to mix with some vintage analog character, thanks to its Unison preamps and onboard UAD plugins.
Hear every detail with our most advanced Apollo Twin ever. Featuring highest-resolution audio conversion, Unison™ mic preamps, and realtime UAD processing — which lets you record through plug-ins from Neve, API, Manley, Auto-Tune, and more without latency
Features:
- Top-tier converters with up to 127 dB dynamic range
- Onboard UAD processing for real-time effects
- Thunderbolt 3 connection for ultra-low latency
3. PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
If you’re on a budget but need solid performance, the AudioBox USB 96 is a great Black Friday find. It’s compact, bus-powered, and provides all the essential features for quick plug-and-play recording. A great choice for anyone starting out or in need of a reliable portable interface.
Features:
- 2×2 USB 2.0 audio interface
- 24-bit/96kHz recording quality
- Compatible with Studio One Artist DAW software
4. Behringer UMC404HD
This interface is the go-to for Plugheads looking to record multiple sources simultaneously without breaking the bank. With four Midas-designed preamps and compatibility with both Windows and macOS, the UMC404HD delivers strong performance at an unbeatable price.
Features:
- Four high-quality Midas preamps
- 24-bit/192kHz recording
- Solid build with metal chassis for durability
5. MOTU M2 and M4
MOTU’s M-Series interfaces are known for low latency, top-notch converters, and a sleek design. Both the M2 and M4 models are packed with features, making them fantastic options for musicians, podcasters, and content creators.
Features:
- ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC for high-quality audio
- LCD screen for level monitoring
- USB-C connectivity with ultra-low latency
5. Symphony Desktop
Next, we have the Apogee Symphony Desktop, a serious upgrade for any producer looking to step up their audio game. Apogee is known for its elite sound quality, and the Symphony Desktop is no exception. It comes with high-quality preamps, converters, and onboard DSP processing for Apogee’s Symphony ECS Channel Strip, giving you that signature Apogee sound in a compact form.
Features:
- 1. High-Quality AD/DA Converters
- Apogee’s Flagship Converters: Known for their transparency and detail, capturing every nuance in your recordings.
- 2. Onboard DSP with Symphony ECS Channel Strip
- Real-Time Processing: Record with zero latency, applying EQ, compression, and saturation directly from the hardware.
- Symphony ECS Channel Strip: Developed with mix engineer Bob Clearmountain, this plugin gives you studio-grade processing for vocals, instruments, and other sources right on the interface.
- 3. Flexible Preamps with Variable Impedance
- Premium Preamps: Two high-quality mic preamps offer up to 75 dB of gain, delivering low noise and accurate amplification.
- Variable Impedance: Allows you to match the input impedance to your mic’s requirements, adding versatility to capture different tonal characteristics.
- 4. Touchscreen Interface
- Intuitive Control: A full-color touchscreen provides easy access to key settings, like gain adjustment and input/output selection.
- Responsive Controls: Quickly adjust settings, toggle between inputs, and fine-tune your audio without needing to reach for software controls.
- 5. USB and Thunderbolt Compatibility
- Dual Connection Options: Works seamlessly with both USB and Thunderbolt, making it compatible with a wide range of devices (both Mac and PC).
- High-Speed Thunderbolt: Ultra-low latency when connected over Thunderbolt, ideal for real-time recording and playback.
- 6. Portable Yet Powerful
- Compact Design: Portable form factor allows you to take studio-quality sound on the go, ideal for mobile setups or smaller studio spaces.
- Built to Last: Sturdy construction and sleek, professional aesthetic make it durable and attractive for professional environments.
- 7. Flexible I/O Options
- Two Combo Inputs (XLR and 1/4”): Connect microphones, line-level sources, and instruments directly.
- Dedicated Headphone and Monitor Outputs: Gives you full control over monitoring with multiple output options.
- 8. Software Control and Compatibility
- Apogee Control Software: Access even more functions via Apogee’s software, including customizable routing and advanced metering.
- Plugin Compatibility: Supports Apogee plugins and third-party DAWs, letting you integrate seamlessly with your existing production environment.
Tips for Black Friday Shopping:
- Compare Prices: Check several retailers to ensure you’re getting the best deal.
- Set Alerts: Many sites let you set up alerts for price drops.
- Know What You Need: If you only need 2 inputs, you may not need to splurge on a multi-channel interface.
- Check Compatibility: Make sure the interface you want is compatible with your DAW and operating system.
This Black Friday, make your mark by adding an audio interface that best matches your needs, whether you’re aiming for professional-grade recordings or quality on-the-go. Good luck hunting down those deals, Plugheads!