The best Computer Recording Audio Interfaces: Reddit reviews

From 3.5 billion Reddit comments

Backing what u/rtey31 said, don't get an internal soundcard he will need an external audio interface in order to make music. The most popular are the Scarletts (the cheaper version is the Solo at 100$ https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B01E6T56CM/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1532891645&sr=8-3&keywords=scarlett+interface&smid=A14WNZUZC1YICU) but even this bad boy https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UM2-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00EK1OTZC/ref=sr_1_3?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1532891764&sr=1-3&keywords=audio+interface will give you waaaaay better performance at the same price you have on that list. Besides all of this I don't see any problem in your build, for music production you want first CPU second RAM and third fast AND plenty of storage and you have all three of these bases covered for a 15yr old amateur here. Hell i'm a 21yr old not so amateur and would love to have a build like that one lol

Let me explain about the soundcard thing a little bit more, getting an audio interface isn't important because the sound quality of the motherboard is bad or not enough, it is because the external audio interface has some chips/processors built inside that are specially made to give you the best performance when you're actually working with audio on the software you're using to create the songs (the DAW).

Edit: Also with an interface he will be able to connect high quality professional microphones, instrument lines (like electric guitars, bass, keyboards) give him 6.3 mm connections for professional audio equipment blablabla

I would personally get sennheisers as my headset, they're the most comfortable from all the headset's I've tried.

Specifically speaking about the PC 37x which is just an improved version of the Game One headset from Sennheiser, something you might like looking at.

If you need a DAC or audio interface for under $50-100 I would probably get this.

Also something to consider that a lot of people forget when doing their gaming PC setups, please invest in a good ergonomic chair for your posture while gaming for long hours it'll make the difference. As well as a good adjustable desk if you can get one for a reasonable price for under $500-700. I have an Arozzi Gaming Desk with adjustable height and fits my needs perfectly for only $400.

As someone that tried to do this for about a year; you basically can't without annoying trade offs.

You can set windows up to mirror one soundcard to another (virtual or physical) soundcard, but you end up with a half second of latency in one of the outputs. I ended up buying a soundblaster so that I can more easily switch between earphones and speakers by opening an app and flicking a toggle.

When I say I tried to do this for a year, I mean I googled for a few days every couple months, and have essentially 5 different sound outputs (External USB audio interface, Soundcard, USB Microphone, Onboard Sound, Bluetooth DAC) and could not get output to two simultaneous channels of the same audio source with any combination of the 5. The closest I came was using my USB interface to physically split the sound into a 2.0 set up of studio monitors, and a line out to headphones, but they didn't have independent audio controls...

Edit: Here's the USB interface if you want to try going down that line.

Eh, not necessarily. I play my strat (poorly) by plugging it into an audio interface, and amping it in software.

Behringer UMC22 is US$48 on Amazon. It will do.

Behringer Uphoria UMC204HD is the best bang for the buck. If you can save some more money you can get it for US$80.

I would personnaly go for the Scarlett right now, because it might be a little money right now, but it's worth it (and you can always sell it used for a good price if you don't damage it). If you really must go down in your price range, simply search ''Solo Sound Card'' on google, amazon, ebay, etc. and you'll be able to find a wide range of stuff, for example

I got this one because I record everything one at a time anyway like an old fogey. But I like this better than the focusrite i had that cost 3 x as much. No bells and whistles on the Behringer but the focusrite had way more latency and wasn't even stereo 🤷‍♂️ i sold the focusrite and I am way happier with the dinky Behringer

You can't do it like that for windows. You would need a soundcard for that. Quality for soundcard varies a lot, from super expensive to very cheap. Cheapest I could find that would ''do the job'' is this ; https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-U-Control-UCA202-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B000KW2YEI/ref=sr\_1\_1?dchild=1&keywords=Behringer%2BU-Control%2BUCA202&qid=1622771924&sr=8-1&th=1

You really need to separate the functions into a mixer and a separate audio interface for each computer. This interface will give each computer a stereo input and output. Then use a small mixer to feed both computers. By using the 2-track outputs/inputs for one of the computers you could easily switch back and forth or mix from one to the other.

In The Mix did a video about the cheapest audio interface on Amazon, you can watch it here.

Here's a link to that interface

get an audio interface and monitor speakers. the audio interface will allow you to record any instrument/mic that uses an instrument cable or an XLR cable. make sure you get one with the right amount of inputs u want. if you JUST wanna record vocals, you can get a pretty cheap single-input interface on amazon for like $40. here's a pretty good cheap one that you can also hook monitor speakers up to with the Left and Right outputs in the back. (https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-UMC22-BEHRINGER-U-PHORIA/dp/B00FFIGZF6/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1519988949&sr=8-8&keywords=behringer+interface). For monitor speakers, I've only ever used KRK rokits. I have the 8" and the 5" ones. Obviously I like the 8" better but the 5" ones are still very accurate and impressive. you can go to a guitar center or whatever and listen to a bunch of different brands though if you wanna hear for yourself before you buy. and if you have any leftover money, save it for after you find out what your ideal production workflow is. i personally use maschine and it does everything i could ever want and more, but it might not work out for you. i'd say the interface and speakers will elevate your game instantly and will lead to producing better quality music.

You can buy a decent enough audio interface on Amazon for about $30.

Just use the line in on your PC, you'll need a RCA to 3.5mm headphone jack.

If your machine doesn't have line-in for some reason you can get one of these, you can find em cheaper than this too, it's just the first I saw on amazon.

I think it's a usb audio interface for XLR mics. Probably this one or something similar.

Must have been a bundle. $110 on Amazon right now by itself. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/ref=cm_sw_r_sms_apa_i_HjIMEbEDH05NZ

>So you only have the problems when you plug the headphones directly into the Scarlet, correct?

this didn't get answered, but I assume that's what OP means

>It’s possible the plug is TRS, but the jack you’re plugging your headphones into is TRRS.

if OP is plugging it into the focusright headphone jack it seems pretty clear that headphone jack would be TRS (stereo)

Thanks for helping OP out!

I’d say buy an interface, it’s so much easier cause it practically shows up like a mic does. Here’s a $33 one that I use for OBS and recording sets.

Behringer U-Control UCA222 Ultra-Low Latency 2 In/2 Out USB Audio Interface with Digital Output

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_MHFBG540PS5R90WB9EQN

Thanks for replay :) First option isn't going to work because the PC case is the Nzxt h210, which has only two slots.

About the USB converter I wasn't sure, I looked at ones like this = https://www.amazon.nl/Behringer-U-Control-UCA222-Interface-geluidskaart/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=asc_df_B0023BYDHK/?tag=nlshogostdsp-21&linkCode=df0&hvadid=430671070525&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=8495259195134180028&hvpone=&hvptwo...

But I don't know if it supports the amount of channels

HDMI I wil try. There's a rtx2070 in the PC so it has some HDMI ports to spare.

If it's possible I would like to avoid Bluetooth all together and use any form of solid connection

Again thanks for quick reply :)

There is probably a way to do it with some type of splitter, but the ideal way is to get yourself a proper audio interface. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is generally the go-to device for this, but it is a bit out of your budget. Doing some searching, it looks like PreSonus makes one that is in the price range you are looking for, but I'd definitely do some comparing between them.

Focusrite is sort of the safe, standard. If you want something less expensive, Behringer will work OK.

If you don't plan on expanding much, one of the interfaces below will do.

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/ref=sr_1_5?dchild=1&keywords=audio+interface&qid=1622749755&sr=8-5

https://www.amazon.com/BEHRINGER-Audio-Interface-1-Channel-UM2/dp/B00EK1OTZC/ref=sr_1_7?dchild=1&keywords=audio+interface&qid=1622749755&sr=8-7

you need an audio interface like https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B07QR73T66?ref_=ast_sto_dp

You were asking about a USB interface and/or mixer, now I haven't tried this, but the reviews are fairly good and for the price it seems to be worth it - the Behringer UMC22 Computer Audio Interface would appear to be the thing you are looking for. (US Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FFIGZF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_B5HDHX06S9TKYQVTDHFE UK Amazon: https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00FFIGZF6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awdb_imm_RQA3RK0P9GEK65PDGC06)

My policy with equipment is, don't spend a fortune unless your podcast is worth it - so 1) is this a hobby - yes or no? A) if not a hobby is it making you money yet? B) if a hobby do you have the cash to burn? 2) are you an audio-drama or just talking? A) If an audio-drama you'll want the best mics for the best quality (remember that you don't have to spend a fortune, the old Sure SM's are still a great "budget" standard; as are the OM range from Audix (usually cheaper) B) your 'top' mics aren't needed as much right now, so don't waste money if you don't have it to burn

You don't want to sink a load of money if you don't a) have the free cash from the off and b) if this is just a dip your toe in the water don't panic, professional radio journalists are using mobile phone mics to record audio - no reason you can't start cheap and build yourself up, buying the most expensive stuff from the off is pointless, it's a waste of money, build up from where you are!

If you're willing to spend the $120 for the Moukey interface, why not just get one of these? This is pretty much the gold standard for a small budget interface.

The absolute cheapest unit I'd recommend is the Behringer UM2 for $45: https://smile.amazon.com/dp/B00EK1OTZC/

You may also want to look at the Samson Q2U ($60-$70), which has USB and XLR out, unless there's a specific reason you want the XM1800S. USB is a lot easier for most folks and sounds like it would work just fine for your needs.

You'd want to grab the audio from the record out of the mixer to either a sound card that connects to your computer, or an external recorder like you mentioned.

Soundcard route, many people seem to use this:

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-U-Control-UCA222-Ultra-Low-Interface/dp/B0023BYDHK/

Rec out to the sound card, then the soundcard's USB to your laptop. Then in Audacity you can select the soundcard as the input source and grab your audio there.

For external recorders, I use a Tascam DR40x which works well. The plus to that is I don't need to have my computer around to record. Really nice for recording mobile gigs or just not having to set up a computer near by your dj gear to mix.

I don’t own any of the smaller orange amps so I can’t really speak on how well they sound. I’m willing to bet they tried to nail the Orange sound on a cheaper scale though.

Tube amplifiers are highly regarded as sounding way better. The second I played a tube amplifier I was blown away at how full and dynamic the sound was. They are amazing.

Personally, I recommended people check out some of Neural DSPs products. You can purchase an audio interface such as a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and get killer sound of of your computer for WAY less money. Their programs don’t sound as good as a tube amp, but they get you damn close and save you a ton of money.

https://neuraldsp.com/

https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Audio-Interface-Tools/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/ref=mp_s_a_1_3?dchild=1&keywords=scarlett+solo&qid=1611145404&sr=8-3

Also, I noticed your name is GOJI395. Excited for GODZILLA V KONG like me? 😂

You need an external audio interface that can provide phantom power and an XLR cable to connect them. Here's a popular example of an audio interface.

Thank you for understanding my viewpoint.

Not just an audio interface either I mean it's the #1 best selling audio interface on Amazon and recommended as "Amazon's Choice"..

That's pretty much the definition of "most basic equipment possible for this task".

I mean perhaps if he linked to a picture of a RME Babyface or MOTU Microbook - you know something really interesting but come on, the top seller interface on Amazon?

https://www.amazon.com/Behringer-U-Control-Ultra-Low-Interface-Software/dp/B0023BYDHK/ref=sr_1_1

The little Behringer UAC222 is the same price as the Griffin iMic that you linked to. Probably uses the same chip so it should just work. The main difference is the the Griffin uses a 3.5mm jacks where are the Behringer uses RCA jacks. Get which one suits your needs.

The size is wrong on Amazon. it's 3 x 2 x 0.8 inches. Also, if you need a turntable input, look at the Behringer UFO202.

Thank you so much! I was looking at a similar bundle on amazon that retails for only $99, but includes the mini version of the keyboard and the Ableton Bundle.

I would also need to pick up an audio hub for the mic and headphones, and I have no clue how much those go for. A quick search brought up this device, would that do the trick?