#1
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)
1-in/2-out USB interface · 1x mic preamp, 1x instrument input, 2-channel monitor output, 24-bit/192kHz, USB-C$60–$90 usedBest for: Single vocalist or guitarist, home recording beginners, solo podcasting
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo is the most popular audio interface in the world — over 1 million units sold. The Solo's single microphone preamp and instrument input cover 99% of solo recording use cases: one microphone for vocals plus one instrument at a time. Focusrite's Air mode simulates the transformer-coupled input impedance of vintage Focusrite ISA preamps, adding presence and warmth. The Focusrite Control software allows monitoring mix adjustment. At $60–$90 used, the Solo is the entry point for serious home recording.
What to check used: The Solo records one source at a time (one mic OR one instrument, not both simultaneously). For recording guitar and vocals simultaneously, you need the 2i2. Verify the USB-C cable connection is secure on used units — the USB port can develop connection issues with heavy use.
#2
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
2-in/2-out USB interface · 2x mic preamps, 2x combo inputs, 24-bit/192kHz, Air mode, USB-C, halo gain meters$90–$130 usedBest for: Two simultaneous inputs, guitar and vocals at once, home studio standard
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the most widely sold audio interface ever — two simultaneous preamp/instrument inputs allow recording guitar and vocals simultaneously, acoustic guitar stereo miking, or any two-source recording scenario. The 3rd generation added Air mode on both channels and the backlit LED gain halo ring for visual feedback. The 2i2 is the unambiguous standard recommendation for a home recording beginner who wants to record guitar and sing at the same time. Used at $90–$130.
What to check used: The 2i2 has no MIDI I/O — if you need MIDI connectivity (for keyboards, MIDI controllers, synthesizers), step up to the Scarlett 2i4 or a dedicated MIDI interface. The headphone amp on the 2i2 is adequate for monitoring but not audiophile quality.
#3
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
2-in/2-out USB interface · 2x combo inputs (XLR/TRS), 24-bit/96kHz, MIDI I/O, included Studio One Artist software$60–$90 usedBest for: Budget two-input interface, included MIDI I/O, Studio One DAW included
The PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 is the best budget alternative to the Scarlett 2i2 — two combo inputs, MIDI I/O (missing from the 2i2 at the same price), and a bundled copy of Studio One Artist DAW. For beginners who need MIDI connectivity for keyboards or drum machines alongside the standard two-channel recording, the AudioBox USB 96 includes everything the Scarlett 2i2 lacks. Used at $60–$90.
What to check used: The AudioBox USB 96 preamps are functional but not as clean or quiet as Focusrite's at the same price point — the noise floor is slightly higher. For most home recording purposes, the difference is inaudible. The 96kHz sample rate maximum is less than the Scarlett's 192kHz, which is relevant only for high-sample-rate recording (rarely needed for beginners).
#4
Audient iD4 MkII
1-in/2-out USB interface · 1x studio-quality console preamp, 1x instrument input, 24-bit/96kHz, JFET DI, headphone amp$100–$145 usedBest for: Better preamp quality than Scarlett Solo, single-input but higher audio quality
The Audient iD4 MkII is the audio quality upgrade from the Scarlett Solo — Audient designs the same class of console preamps used in their full-format studio consoles ($50,000+) in a $150 interface. The result is a noticeably cleaner, higher-headroom preamp than Focusrite's entry level. The JFET DI input produces a warmer, more tube-like character for direct guitar recording than standard DI inputs. For a singer-songwriter who records primarily one track at a time but wants the best possible quality, the iD4 MkII is the investment. Used at $100–$145.
What to check used: Like the Solo, the iD4 MkII records one source at a time (one mic OR one instrument). For simultaneous multi-source recording, the iD14 is the Audient two-channel interface. The scrollwheel-based interface for volume/monitoring is Audient's design language — different from standard knob interfaces but intuitive once learned.
#5
Universal Audio Volt 176
2-in/2-out USB interface with compressor · 2x combo inputs, Volt 76 hardware compressor on channel 1, vintage preamp mode, 24-bit/192kHz$150–$210 usedBest for: Built-in hardware compression, vintage preamp character, UA quality at accessible price
The Universal Audio Volt 176 is the only entry-level audio interface with a hardware analog compressor built in — the Volt 76 compressor on channel 1 is a simplified version of the legendary UA 1176 hardware compressor (a studio standard since 1967). The vintage mode on the preamp simulates the warm transformer character of vintage consoles. For vocalists and guitarists who want to add hardware-quality compression to recordings without buying separate hardware, the Volt 176 provides a genuine advantage. Used at $150–$210.
What to check used: The hardware compressor is a fixed-ratio instant-attack compressor in the signal path — verify you want compression on your recording before activating. The Volt 176 vintage mode and compressor cannot be bypassed in the digital sense — when active, they are hardware processes. Verify all hardware controls are functioning on used units.
#6
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)
4-in/4-out USB interface · 2x mic preamps, 4-input (2 combo + 2 line), MIDI I/O, 24-bit/192kHz, Air mode$150–$200 usedBest for: Four simultaneous inputs, MIDI connectivity, drum machine or synth recording
The Scarlett 4i4 is the step up from the 2i2 for users who need more inputs or MIDI connectivity. Four simultaneous inputs allow recording a full drum kit (kick + snare + overhead pair), a full band at once with microphones, or connecting keyboards and synthesizers via MIDI. The two Scarlett preamps are the same quality as the 2i2 with the addition of two line inputs and MIDI I/O. Used at $150–$200, it's a significant capability expansion at a modest price premium.
What to check used: The 4i4's additional two inputs are line-level only (no mic preamp) — they connect to outboard preamps, direct DI boxes, or electronic instrument outputs but not directly to microphones. For four mic preamp inputs, the Scarlett 18i8 or Clarett 4Pre is required.
#7
Steinberg UR22C
2-in/2-out USB-C interface · 2x D-PRE mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz, USB-C 3.0, iPad compatible, Cubase AI included$100–$145 usedBest for: Yamaha/Steinberg ecosystem users, iPad recording, USB-C 3.0 speeds, Cubase users
The Steinberg UR22C is the Yamaha/Steinberg entry-level interface with USB-C 3.0 connectivity (faster than USB 2.0 on the Scarlett 2i2) and full compatibility with iPad recording. The D-PRE preamps are clean and quiet at this price. Bundled Cubase AI provides a complete recording software package for Steinberg/Yamaha users. Used at $100–$145, it competes directly with the Scarlett 2i2 for players in the Yamaha ecosystem.
What to check used: USB-C 3.0 is fast but verify your computer has a USB-C 3.0 port — some older computers have USB-C 2.0 (Thunderbolt 3 ports work, most modern USB-C ports work). The UR22C driver support is well-maintained by Steinberg but verify your specific OS version is supported before purchasing.
#8
MOTU M2
2-in/2-out USB-C interface · 2x combo inputs, 24-bit/192kHz, MIDI I/O, loop-back, studio-quality headphone amp, class-compliant USB$150–$200 usedBest for: The best audio quality under $200, excellent headphone amp, no drivers required
The MOTU M2 achieved the highest measured audio performance of any interface under $200 in multiple independent reviews — excellent dynamic range, extremely low noise floor, and a headphone amplifier that outperforms most interfaces at twice the price. Class-compliant USB means no drivers are required (plug-and-play on any OS). MIDI I/O is included. For players who prioritize measured audio performance over brand familiarity, the MOTU M2 is the technical leader at its price point.
What to check used: MOTU is less well-known to beginners than Focusrite or PreSonus — some beginners prefer the more established ecosystem support of Scarlett. The M2's performance advantage is measurably real but audibly subtle for most home recording purposes. Used at $150–$200.