Best Audio Interfaces Under Rupees 20000 In India
In this article, I have listed the best audio interface that can be bought between Rs.15000 and Rs.20000 in India. I have selected the Top 5 audio interface considering different features, specifications, value for money, practical use and after-sales.
At the end of this article, I have compared all the specifications of the audio interfaces in the list. Make sure to check it out.
Best Audio Interface Under Rupees 20000 In India
Top 5 Audio Interface You Can Buy Under Rs.20000 In India Are:
- Motu M2
- PreSonus Studio 26c
- Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
- Solid State Logic SSL 2+
- Universal Audio Volt 276
Top 5 Audio Interface Under Rs.20000 in India
Rank #1: Motu M2
Motu M2 ranks number 1 in the best audio interface under rupees 20000 category in India.
Pros Of Buying Motu M2
I/O - Motu M2 features two inputs(2-XLR combo Jack) and two outputs( 2-TRS and 2-RCA). Motu M2 also features a headphone output. The number of additional outputs makes this audio interface a great choice for producers who work with several output references.
High-Quality Low Noise Preamps - The Motu M2's Ultra-clean preamp circuits provide a clean and crisp sound quality, with a measured -129 dB EIN.
Quality AD/DA Converters - The M2 is equipped with Sabre32 UltraTM DAC Technology, which provides better performance than competing audio interfaces. Motu M2 offers a 120 dB output range and a 115 dB input range, which is outstanding in this price segment.
Powerful Headphone Outputs With Low Headphone Output Impedance - The low headphone output impedance of the M2 ensures that you get a transparent frequency response while monitoring with low-impedance studio headphones.
The power of the headphone output is adequate to drive headphones up to 150 Ohms without any additional headphone amplifier. For 300 and 600 Ohms, the output power is adequate and will suffice. One might require an additional amplifier depending on the use and headphone build.
Audio LoopBack -Audio Loop-back is a feature that allows you to simultaneously capture audio from various sources. It's a must-have for anyone who uses computer audio. This is a wonderful feature for live-streaming, online sessions, online gigs, making YouTube videos, podcasts, recording your DAW in OBS etc. To me, audio loopback is a must in 2022.
Best In Class Metering - The M2 is the only audio interface that has a full-colour LCD. The LCD of the M2 shows the level meters for its various input and output options.
Direct Monitor- Motu M2 features hardware direct monitoring, which is easy to switch and use.
Low Round Trip Latency - The M2 drivers are stable and perform exceptionally fast. Its 7ms latency is outstanding for a budget-priced interface.
Dedicated Phantom Power Switch - There is a dedicated phantom power switch for each channel. Something not seen in other interfaces in this price range.
Cons Of Motu M2
The M2 is an amazing audio interface that provides outstanding performance for the price. There are no cons, given the price range.
However, there are two things that I would love to see: -
- Better Availability - Getting a Motu M2 in India is challenging. One can buy it online, but again the stocks are limited. Finding a Motu Audio Interface in a pro audio retail store in India is rare. One can find it in some metro cities, but apart from that, it is not seen in any musical instrument or pro audio retail stores in small cities.
- Additional Headphone Jack - This might be asking too much for the price, but if Motu adds one more headphone jack to the Motu M series, this audio interface series will become a beast.
Who Should Buy Motu M2 Audio Interface
The Motu M2 is an audio interface that is built to work seamlessly in home studios and small studios. Motu M2 is a no-nonsense audio interface that means business. If you are a beginner who is just starting with music production, look no further.
Most budding producers and newbies are attracted to marketing gimmicks and add on bundles offered by the other brands. Do not do the same mistake. Go for an audio interface that offers overall quality and specs that actually matter and make a difference when producing music.
Motu M2 offers everything you will need for a small home studio or production setup. Motu M2 offers high-quality preamps & AD DA Converters, Powerful headphone output, brilliant workflow and all of this is offered with a 2 in 2 out capability.
Motu M2 is a useful audio interface for guitar, bass and other instrument players, singer-songwriters, music producers and engineers of all levels, podcasters, YouTubers, Streamers.
Motu M2 is a perfect home studio audio interface for the price.
To learn more about Motu M2 check out the manufacturer website here.
Rank #2: PreSonus Studio 26c
PreSonus Studio 26c ranks number 2 in the best audio interface under rupees 20000 category in India.
Pros Of Buying PreSonus Studio 26c
2 In and 4 Out: -Simultaneous I/O up to 2 inputs/4 outputs. Connect up to 2 inputs through the XLR Combo Jacks and 2 Output Monitors. Both monitors can be switched easily. You also get one headphone output with separate volume control.
Quality AD Converters: - PreSonus AD converters provide 110dB of Dynamic Range at the input stage and 108dB Dynamic Range at the output stage.
70dB Gain Range: - With a 70db Gain Range(-65.5dB max gain), even the least sensitive microphone comes to life. You will not need any cloud lifter or additional boosters.
Direct Monitor: - Easily direct monitor the incoming signal with hardware direct monitoring control.
Audio Loopback: - This feature is very useful for anyone who uses computer audio and is often used for live-streaming and online sessions. It can also be utilised for creating YouTube videos, recording audio in Adobe Studio, and many more.
Cons Of Buying PreSonus Studio 26c
Here are a few cons of buying the PreSonus Studio 26c:
High Output Impedance and Low Output Power: - The high-impedance output of Studio 26c prevents a transparent frequency response when playing music with low-impedance headphones. This is an issue, especially while mixing music. Also, the output power on the PreSonus Studio 26c is just at par to drive high impedance(300 Ohms and above) headphones. This issue will be troublesome if your main source of reference is your headphones.
Channel Balance: - Headphone output channel balance is off. The left channel is nearly 1.5db louder than the right channel.
Who Should Buy PreSonus Studio 26c Audio Interface
PreSonus has packed a lot of features and IO for the price in the PreSonus studio 26c audio interface.
Studio 26c offers a workflow that I love. More hardware involvement and less digital switching. A/B Cue option, direct monitoring are some features I always look for in an Audio Interface.
Studio26c audio interface is a perfect fit for a small home studio workflow. Studio26c audio interface will be more favoured by those who are inclined towards DJing, Electronic Music Production and Audio Engineering workflow.
The 65.5dB maximum gain input and intuitive workflow also make this a great fit for podcasters who love to use Shure SM7b.
To learn more about PreSonus Studio26c check out the manufacturer website here.
Rank #3: Audient EVO 8
Audient EVO 8 ranks number 3 in the best audio interface under rupees 20000 category in India.
Pros Of Buying Audient EVO 8
Ins and Outs - With 4 Mic Pre, 2 x stereo speaker outs and 2 x headphone output EVO 8 provides loads of I\O options.
Quality AD Converters: - PreSonus AD converters provide 113dB of Dynamic Range at the input stage and output stage.
Audio LoopBack - Audio Loop-back allows you to capture your computer audio from various sources simultaneously. The ability to record and capture audio from various sources is very useful for anyone who uses computer audio. It allows one to stream audio directly.
JFET Instrument Input - JFET DI enables you to capture the pure sound of an electric guitar without compromise. This is something that no other audio interface offers in this budget range.
Cons Of Buying Audient EVO 8
Below Average Headphone Output Power and High Output Impedance: - The high-impedance output of the Evo8 prevents a transparent frequency response when playing music with low-impedance headphones. This is an issue, especially while mixing music. Also, the output power on the EVO8 is lacking and it is difficult to drive high impedance(300 Ohms and above) headphones. This issue will be troublesome if your main source of reference is your headphones.
Workflow Involves a Lot Of Software Switching: - EVO8 minimal design might appeal to some but I am not the biggest fan. I like to have gain control and monitor control at a push of a button or turn around a dedicated knob. Switching software breaks the momentum and is not something I prefer.
Smart Mute Is A Troublemaker: - EVO 8 features a smart mute that mutes the speakers if headphones are connected. With Evo8 one can only use one headphone and one stereo output simultaneously. You cannot use Two Stereo Outputs and Two Headphones simultaneously. There is a lot of software switching and either or involved. I am not a huge fan of all the smart muting and it really bugs me during sessions.
Who Should Buy Audient EVO 8 Audio Interface
EVO8 provides good quality preamps and lots of IO options. If you are not going to use all the outputs at once then buying the EVO8 makes sense. I am not a fan of smart gain or smart muting but it might be helpful for those who are new to production.
EVO8 according to me is a great Podcasting audio interface. It is also a good fit for those who are new to the scene and requires more I/O and need a sturdy audio interface on a budget.
The only reason EVO8 is ranking higher than Focusrite is that it has more I\O possibilities.
Rank #4: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen ranks number 4 in the best audio interface under rupees 20000 category in India.
Pros Of Buying Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 3rd Gen
2 Ins and 2 Outs - Focusrite 2i2 features two inputs(2-XLR combo) and two outputs( 2-TRS Balanced).
Air Mode: - Air mode, emulating original ISA preamps, adds a beautiful colour to the sound. It works great especially on vocals and acoustic guitars.
Direct Monitor- Scarlette 2i2 features hardware direct monitoring, which is easy to switch and use.
Low Round Trip Latency - The 2i2 drivers are stable and perform exceptionally fast. Its 7ms latency is outstanding for a budget-priced interface.
Audio LoopBack - Audio Loop-back allows you to capture your computer audio from various sources simultaneously. The ability to record and capture audio from various sources is very useful for anyone who uses computer audio. It allows one to stream audio directly.
Easy Availability: - You can easily find a Focusrite 2i2 all across India, Online and Offline.
Cons Of Buying Focusrite Scarlette 2i2 3rd Gen
A lot of you might question, why Scarlette is at rank 4? Well!
All of us who have been producing have for a while have used a Scarlette at some point in time. I love what the Scarlette series offers. The addition of air mode makes the audio interface even better than before. Yet there is one issue that troubles me and a lot of other producers to date - lack of headphone output power and dynamic range.
Here are two improvements I would love to see in the 2i2 4thgen
Improved Dynamic Range On The Output - Output Dynamic Range for the headphone output is still at 104Db, this can be improved.
Low Headphone Output - Headphone output is low especially when using high impedance headphones. You will need a separate headphone amplifier when using 300 Ohms or above headphones. Focusrite Scarlett is pretty much useless when using a 600 Ohms headphone.
Who Should Buy Scarlette 2i2 3rd Gen
Scarlette series is a great fit for all small studios and music production workflow. It has been around for years and delivered.
2i2 3rd Gen will be a good buy for singer-songwriters, podcasters, YouTubers, Gamers and small studio producers.
Rank #5: UA VOLT 2
UA VOLT 2 ranks number 5 in the best audio interface under rupees 20000 category in India.
Pros Of Buying Universal Audio Volt 2
Vintage Mode For UA Sound - The Universal Audio 610 Tube Preamp is a legendary recording device used by musicians such as Ray Charles and Van Halen. The Volt 2 features built-in tube emulation circuitry.
Great Bundled Plugins - With Volt, you can start creating music and podcasts right out of the box. The bundled plugins and DAW are used by a lot of producers and engineers in the industry.
Cons Of Buying Universal Audio Volt 2
Unstable Driver - The driver of the UA Volt series are still developing. Clicks and pops on lower buffer Sizes are an issue.
Below Average Headphone Output Power - The output power, especially when using high impedance headphones, is low. You will need a separate headphone amp with 300Ohm and 600Ohm headphones.
Headphone Channel Balance - The headphone channel balance is not proportional.
No Audio Loopback -One important feature of Audio loopback is missing on Volt 2.
Who Should Buy Universal Audio VOLT 2
If you love the UA preamps, tonality and compression, go for the UA Volt 2. The characteristic tonality that you get on a budget is amazing.
Volt 2 is a great budget audio interface for those who do a lot of tracking. The preamps and vintage mode provide a colour that brings your recordings to life.
Also, If you are a singer-songwriter and do not require a loopback feature, Volt 2 is worth a shot.
Specifications Comparison Of Top 5 Audio Interface Under Rs.20000 In India
Disclaimer: These comparison results are purely based on my judgement/opinion/tests and in no way influenced or sponsored by any brand or company. You are advised to use your own judgement/analysis before you make any purchase. The comparison is done among audio interfaces of the same price category only. Prices are indicative and updated as of 22-02-2022. Prices may vary.
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