Best Interface Under 500

Maria Burns | 25-02-2024

Looking for some of the best Best Interface Under 500? As you may know, there are dozens of brands available in the market such as Focusrite,Universal Audio,Tascam,iConnectivity,MOTU,Solid State Logic and some come with vastly different price tags. Let us help you out here – we have handpicked the Best Interface Under 500 for you.

To compile our list, we’ve researched and evaluated a range of the best-selling products on the market. We recommend Focusrite Best Interface Under 500 as our top pick because of its exceptional overall performance. Want to explore more options? Read on! There’s also a buying guide to help you make a wise shopping decision.

Top Pick
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
Budget Pick
Universal Audio Volt 476p USB Audio Interface
Universal Audio Volt 476p USB Audio Interface
Editor Pick
Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4
Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4"

Top 10 Best Interface Under 500

We researched and compared the top products in the Best Interface Under 500 category to provide you with these recommendations.

1. Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface

Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 3rd Gen USB Audio Interface
9.8

Focusrite

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  • with 4 Mic 2 Instrument Inputs; 8 Line Inputs
  • Bundled Software - Mac/Win
  • USB 2.0 Audio Interface
  • Dual Headphone Buses
  • 4 Analog Outputs

2. Universal Audio Volt 476p USB Audio Interface

Universal Audio Volt 476p USB Audio Interface
9.5

Universal Audio

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  • Create legendary-sounding music productions, livestreams, and podcasts on Mac, PC, iPad, and iPhone
  • Record your voice or guitar with album-ready sound using Vintage Mic Preamp mode
  • Add clarity and punch to vocals, instruments, and other sources with an analog compressor based on UAs renowned 1176
  • Build your desktop production studio around a stylish interface, built to withstand years of home and mobile recording

3. Tascam US-16x08 Rackmount USB Audio/MIDI Interface for Recording, Drum Recording, 8 XLR/8 1/4"

  • Captures 16 mic and line inputs to your computer with clear sound quality and advanced features to manage big sessions
  • Eight Ultra-HDDA microphone preamps deliver the cleanest and quietest operation in their class while delivering up to 56dB of gain
  • An additional eight line inputs are provided, two of them switchable to instrument level for direct guitar or bass recording
  • Eight balanced line outputs are also available, two with a level control on the front panel for monitoring
  • Built in is a DSP Mixer for low-latency digital mixing, and each channel has four-band EQ and compression for polished-sounding monitor mixes

4. iConnectivity AUDIO4c Desktop 4x6 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface Bundle with 4x Black 10 feet MIDI

iConnectivity AUDIO4c Desktop 4x6 USB Type-C Audio/MIDI Interface Bundle with 4x Black 10 feet MIDI
8.9

Iconnectivity

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  • Multi-host Device ports use up to 2 computer devices Mac OS/Windows/iOS/Android at the same time
  • Audio and MIDI passThru routes audio digitally between two computing devices
  • Comprehensive audio mixing and routing between connected USB computing devices and analog outputs
  • Standalone computer-less operation mix/merge audio and host 5 pin DIN + USB class-compliant MIDI
  • Multiple routable MIDI ports: Computer MIDI, 5 pin DIN-MIDI and class compliant USB-MIDI devices

5. MOTU M6 6x4 USB-C Audio Interface with Studio-Quality Sound

  • Best-in-class audio quality Equipped with the same ESS Sabre32 Ultra DAC Technology found in audio interfaces costing thousands, the M6 delivers an astonishing 120 dB Dynamic Range on its line outputs. ESS converters also drive the headphone outputs, rivaling dedicated headphone amplifiers costing hundreds. Ultra-clean preamp circuits produce a measured -129 dBu EIN on the mic inputs. Capture and monitor your audio with pristine clarity.
  • Best-in-class speed The M6 provides best-in-class speed for monitoring live inputs (mic, guitar or keyboard) through your computer, thanks to MOTU's expertly engineered USB drivers, which deliver class-leading, ultra-low 2.5 ms Round Trip Latency (32 sample buffer at 96 kHz).
  • Best-in-class metering When recording and mixing, nothing is more critical than achieving optimumlevels. The M6 is the only audio interface in its class with a full color 160x120 pixel LCD featuring clear, detailed level meters for all inputs and outputs. Enjoy professional-level volume control and feedback to get your sound just right.
  • Loopback for live streaming and podcasting The M6 driver provides convenient loopback channels to your host computer, so you can easily route computer output back to the computer, where you can mix it with up to four mics (and/or guitars) from the M6 in your host software for live streaming or podcasting. Streaming and podcasting has never been easier and better-sounding!
  • Unique A/B Monitor Switch The M6 is the only audio interface in its class to offer A/B monitor switching. Connect two pairs of monitors and quickly check your mixes on each pair with the push of a button.
  • Professional grade headphone outputs Driven by ESS Sabre32 DAC Technology, both headphone outputs monitor the signal on Monitor Outs 1-2 and feature independent volume control. The second headphone output includes a 3-4 switch that allows it to independently monitor Line Outs 3-4, which can have a completely separate mix from the computer.
  • Music production software, 100+ virtual instruments and 6 GB of loops Performer Lite provides everything you need to record, edit, mix, process and master your own music tracks quickly and easily. Plug in your mic, guitar and keyboard and start tracking with over 100 instruments, dozens of effects plug-ins, guitar FX processing, 6 GB of loops and sounds, and much more. Live Lite 11 is a lightweight version of Ableton Live 11 with all of Lives essential workflows, instruments and effects.
  • Stand-alone operation With the included multi-blade international DC power adapter connected, you can power the M6 when the computer is turned off (or completely disconnected from the M6). This allows you to monitor any live inputs you may have (mics, guitars, keyboards, etc.) without a host computer or iOS device needed.
  • Solid and secure construction Rugged metal construction throughout includes a solid yet lightweight extruded aluminum alloy shell, steel faceplates, precision-knurled knobs, and a universally compatible Kensington security slot.
  • A tradition of engineering excellence Decades of award-winning product engineering for hit songs, mega tours, primetime shows and blockbuster movies goes into every MOTU audio interface.

6. Solid State Logic SSL 12 USB Audio Interface

Solid State Logic SSL 12 USB Audio Interface
8.5

Solid State Logic

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  • 192kHz/32bit converters with >120dB of dynamic range and a maximum operating level of +24dB
  • 62dB of Mic gain, -130.5 dBu EIN
  • ADAT optical input
  • Up to 4 independent, near-zero latency foldback (headphone) mixes from the software mixer
  • Built in talk-back microphone and a comprehensive monitoring system
  • 3 months access of SSL Complete plug-in suite

7. Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition, APLS-HE

Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition, APLS-HE
8.3

Universal Audio

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  • A special edition of UA's popular Apollo Solo interface with a premium suite of 5 award-winning plug-in titles from Teletronix, Pultec, and UA a $1,300 value
  • UAD SOLO Core Processing for tracking through vintage compressors, EQs, tape machines, mic preamps, and guitar amp plug-ins with near-zero latency
  • Unison mic preamp and guitar amp emulations from Neve, API, Avalon, Manley, Marshall, Fender, and more
  • Produce with LUNA Recording System a free, fully-integrated recording application made for Apollo (Mac only)
  • Runs UAD Powered Plug-Ins via VST, AU, and AAX 64 formats in all major DAWs
  • Compatible with Logic Pro, Pro Tools, Cubase, Ableton Live, and more
  • Best-in-class headphone amplifier for loud, detailed, low-noise monitoring
  • Bus-powered connection to Mac and Windows systems for easy portability and reduced cable clutter
  • Uncompromising analog design, superior components, and premium build quality
  • Free, industry-leading technical support on the phone and online from knowledgeable audio engineers

8. Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Realtime

Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Realtime
8

Universal Audio

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  • Universal Audio Apollo Solo Heritage Edition Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3 Audio Interface with Realtime UAD Processing - 25x UAD Plug-Ins (Download) - LUNA Recording Software for Mac (Download) - (Thunderbolt Cable Not Included) - Universal Audio 1 Year Limited Warranty - Turnstile Closed-Back Studio Monitor Headphones
  • Desktop 2x4 Thunderbolt 3-powered audio interface with class-leading 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion
  • Unison mic preamp and guitar amp emulations from Neve, API, Manley, Marshall, Fender, and more
  • Realtime UAD Processing allows near-zero latency tracking with classic UAD plug-in effects, regardless of software buffer setting
  • Includes studio compressors, EQs, reverbs, and guitar amp emulations, and more as part of "Realtime Analog Classics" bundle

9. PreSonus Studio 1824c 18x20, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live

PreSonus Studio 1824c 18x20, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live
7.9

Presonus

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  • High-definition 24-bit/192 kHz audio with 114 dB dynamic range
  • 8 pristine XMAX Class A mic preamps
  • 2 high-headroom instrument/line inputs, plus 6 balanced line inputs to record guitar, bass, and your favorite synths
  • DAW Recording Software Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite
  • Over $1,000 of computer recording software plug-ins Studio Magic Plug-In Suite
  • Expandable up to 18 simultaneous inputs and 20 outputs
  • Professional input and output metering to keep an eye on your recording levels
  • S/PDIF and MIDI I/O | BNC word clock output
  • Flexible routing, zero-latency monitor mixing, and control-room integration with included studio One Artist | monitor mix control with free UC surface for machos, Windows, iPad, and Android
  • USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables included | Studio Magic plug-in Suite included

9. PreSonus Studio 1824c 18x20, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live

PreSonus Studio 1824c 18x20, 192 kHz, USB Audio Interface with Studio One Artist and Ableton Live
7.9

Presonus

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  • High-definition 24-bit/192 kHz audio with 114 dB dynamic range
  • 8 pristine XMAX Class A mic preamps
  • 2 high-headroom instrument/line inputs, plus 6 balanced line inputs to record guitar, bass, and your favorite synths
  • DAW Recording Software Studio One Artist and Ableton Live Lite
  • Over $1,000 of computer recording software plug-ins Studio Magic Plug-In Suite
  • Expandable up to 18 simultaneous inputs and 20 outputs
  • Professional input and output metering to keep an eye on your recording levels
  • S/PDIF and MIDI I/O | BNC word clock output
  • Flexible routing, zero-latency monitor mixing, and control-room integration with included studio One Artist | monitor mix control with free UC surface for machos, Windows, iPad, and Android
  • USB-C to USB-C and USB-C to USB-A cables included | Studio Magic plug-in Suite included

Maria Burns

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