The list of USB Audio/MIDI interfaces/sound cards under $100
The basic terminology and definitions about Analog and Digital Audio, MIDI and what is the purpose of an Audio/MIDI interface/sound card, has been explained at the previous page. We are now going to explore some interfaces that are currently available on the market and we will group them by the way they connect/communicate and transfer data to and from a PC/Laptop. There are three main types of connections commonly used to communicate with these types of Audio/Video recording devices to the computers and they are USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394 (Firewire) and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect). The first two use serial bus interface standard that connects mainly external devices to the computer, and the last one is used to connect internal hardware devices locally ( ie. sound cards), via parallel bus interface standard. The table below shows some recommendations from USB interfaces range, and starts from the basic, low priced ones to the complex, versatile and more expensive models. As I am currently reviewing some additional models, I will update the list as soon as I have them reviewed, so please visit the page often to be kept up to date. You can also subscribe to my feeds if you'd like to get the automatic notifications whenever the new update is posted.
# Product image Product description
The basic terminology and definitions about Analog and Digital Audio, MIDI and what is the purpose of an Audio/MIDI interface/sound card, has been explained at the previous page. We are now going to explore some interfaces that are currently available on the market and we will group them by the way they connect/communicate and transfer data to and from a PC/Laptop. There are three main types of connections commonly used to communicate with these types of Audio/Video recording devices to the computers and they are USB (Universal Serial Bus), IEEE 1394 (Firewire) and PCI (Peripheral Component Interconnect). The first two use serial bus interface standard that connects mainly external devices to the computer, and the last one is used to connect internal hardware devices locally ( ie. sound cards), via parallel bus interface standard. The table below shows some recommendations from USB interfaces range, and starts from the basic, low priced ones to the complex, versatile and more expensive models. As I am currently reviewing some additional models, I will update the list as soon as I have them reviewed, so please visit the page often to be kept up to date. You can also subscribe to my feeds if you'd like to get the automatic notifications whenever the new update is posted.
# Product image Product description
| 1 |   Click on image for more info | At around $29.00 on Amazon, the ART X-Connect USB Mic Interface lets you start recording fast with your favorite dynamic mic, with the convenience of one single cable. Just connect your dynamic mic to the XLR connector on X-Connect, connect the USB connector to your computer, and the plug-and-play X-Connect is ready to record into your favorite Mac or Windows audio software. Perfect for mobile recordings, voiceovers, and podcasts, the ART X-Connect gives you high-quality 16-bit/48kHz recording quality without the inconvenience of needing extra gear. |
| 2 |   Click on image for more info | Also at around $29.00 on Amazon, the ART T-Connect USB Instrument Interface lets you start recording fast with the convenience of one single cable. Just connect to your guitar or bass, connect the USB connector to your computer, and the plug-and-play T-Connect is ready to record into your favorite Mac or Windows audio software. Perfect for mobile recording rigs, the ART X-Connect gives you high-quality 16-bit/48kHz recording quality without the inconvenience of needing extra gear. |
| 3 |   Click on image for more info | A little bit more expensive (around $59.00 on Amazon) Blue's Icicle is a stylish microphone preamplifier and audio interface in one. With Icicle, you can connect any XLR microphone directly to your computer via USB - perfect for quickly recording a vocal take, using voice-recognition software applications, or for using as a complete podcasting solution. There's even phantom power onboard for your condensers. The Icicle boasts a fully balanced front end, analog gain control, and driverless operation for the ultimate in plug-and-play simplicity. Plus, it's so small, you can take Blue's Icicle anywhere for portable laptop recording. |
| 4 |  | If you are more into guitar recordings, the Line 6 POD Studio GX is a powerful software and hardware recording solution that's designed with guitarists in mind. Priced at around $99.99 on Amazon, POD Studio GX includes a single-channel audio interface that's purpose-designed for recording a guitar or bass — and capable of recording at better-than-CD quality. You also get the POD Farm plug-in, which offers up a dream collection of classic and modern amplifiers, stompboxes, studio effects, and even vocal preamplifiers, so you can achieve virtually any sound imaginable with Line 6's POD Studio GX! |
| 5 |   Click on image for more info | For a total recording and monitoring solution at around $78.99 on Amazon, the Alesis M1Active 320 USB speakers are the first of their kind - a professional USB monitoring system with a built-in audio interface! Just plug the USB 1.1 cable into your computer, and with no special drivers you can start listening to your mixes. Your keyboard, DJ mixer, or any of your audio gear can plug into the M1Active 320 USB's inputs giving you real 16 bit, 44.1/48 kHz audio that you can record into your favorite core-audio DAW! A built-in bass boost switch ensures that you hear those critical low frequencies no matter what room you're working in. Save space, and start recording: take home the professional, portable, and affordable Alesis M1Active 320 USB speakers! |
| 6 |   Click on image for more info | At about $85.37 on Amazon the ART Tube MP USB Project Series is a professional quality audio interface that lets you connect microphone, instrument, and line level signals to audio inputs to digital audio workstations as well as standard analog devices. ART took their legendary ART USB Dual Pre 2 Channel Preamp and updated every aspect of the design, inside and out, while still maintaining a compact, reliable, cost effective product, and added a USB output. From the new all-aluminum stackable chassis to the precision LED level metering circuitry, they have improved virtually every aspect of their already successful Tube MP series and added USB connectivity. |
| 7 |   Click on image for more info | When it's time to start serious recording, you will need an interface that's priced affordably but delivers all the features you need. At about $76.47 on Amazon, you get all that, and more, with the Steinberg CI1! This USB audio interface features two microphone preamps, so you can record your voice and guitar at the same time, if you want. The CI1 connects right to your Mac or PC computer via a single USB connector, and it gets all of its power over USB so there's nothing else to plug in. Use the included Sequel LE and WaveLab LE 7 software to start recording and producing with the Steinberg CI1! |
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