Best Audio Interface Under Rupees 30000 In India

Buying an audio interface under rupees, 30000 in India is among one of the best budget options. One can easily find some of the best designed audio interfaces that will outplay a lot of high-end audio interface models as well.

In this article, I am sharing with you the best audio interfaces that you can buy between Rs.20000 - Rs.30000 in India. I have selected the Top 5 audio interfaces considering different features, specifications, value for money 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 30000 In India

Top 5 Audio Interface You Can Buy Under Rs.30000 In India Are:

  1. Audient ID 14 MKII
  2. Motu M4
  3. Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen
  4. Solid State Logic SSL 2+
  5. Universal Audio Volt 276

Top 5 Audio Interface Under Rs.30000 in India

Rank #1: Audient ID 14 MKII

Audient ID14MKII ranks number 1 in the best audio interface under rupees 300000 categories in India.

Best Audio Interface Under 30k In India - Rank1 - Audient ID 14

Pros Of Buying Audient ID 14MkII

Powerful Headphone Amp -The iD14 is equipped with a jack and mini-jack connection, which allow it to connect up to two studio headphones. The iD14 is equipped with a powerful built-in headphone amplifier that's capable of driving up to 600 Ohms headphones with ample power and transparency. This is one of the biggest upsides of getting an ID14 as you can easily use high impedance headphones without a need for spending on an additional headphone amplifier.

Quality AD/DA Convertors - Audient ID 14 uses AKM AK55740N A-D and Cirrus Logic 43198 D-A convertors. The iD14's converters deliver an impressive 126dB of dynamic range at the output stage and 120dB at the input stage, which enables you to hear every nuance of your audio.

Low Noise Preamps - The iD14's two Audient Console Mic Preamps are designed to deliver low noise and classic analogue warmth. With EIN at -129dBu A-Weighted and the same discrete circuit design found in our renowned recording console, the ASP8024-HE. Audient ID14MKII preamps are ideal for minimizing distortion and delivering Ultra-low noise recordings.

Dual Stereo Out - Use the iD14's four-line outputs to pair up two sets of speakers and send audio to an external amplifier. The main output performance of the ID14 is well-balanced and transparent.

Low Roundtrip Latency - Audient ID14 drivers are stable and perform exceptionally fast. The measured roundtrip latency for ID14 in my tests for 48Khz/64 Samples -was 6.1ms. This is outstanding for this budget range.

JFET DI - The iD14's JFET Instrument Input is a harmonically rich component that replicates the sounds of a classic valve amplifier. JFET Instrument Input is the perfect sonic foundation for your guitar or bass DI recordings.

Audio Loopback - Audio Loop-back allows you to capture your computer audio from various sources simultaneously. Loop-back, allows you to select the right source from a variety of options. 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.

Expandable Inputs - With its built-in ADAT and SPDIF input, the iD14 is capable of accommodating up to eight additional mic pres using an additional board. Add 8 channels of additional mic pre via ADAT and transform your current setup into the complete recording rig. Having an ADAT expansion ensures that the ID14 is capable of growing with your growing input needs. This is one feature that is difficult to find in other audio interfaces in the same price range.

Get Intuitive With Talkback And Much More - An iD Mixer is an easy-to-use software that lets you create and customize low latency headphone mixes, talkback, loopbacks and much more. The iD14's Talkback technology allows you to connect an audio source to any computer, including a built-in microphone. This is a unique and very handy feature for small budget studios. ID 14 also supports cue DIM, CUT, Polarity Reverse, Mono Sum, Talkback or Cue Mix and much more.

Cons Of Audient ID14MKII

There are no cons or shortcomings as such of Audient ID14 that should stop you from buying one for your studio. But here are a few specs that can see some improvement over time.

Low Headphone Output On USB-A - If you plan on using ID14 with a USB A cable, you will get low headphone output as compared to using it with a USB-C cable. Maybe this is one of the reasons Audient did not include a USB A cable in the box.

Level Metering Is Not Accurate - The hardware LED metering on the Audient ID 14 let me down all the time. I find myself using the DAW meters or the software meters. This is not a dealbreaker, but gain staging often becomes cumbersome.

Digital Monitor Mix Control and Output Switching - I would like to have a dedicated monitor mix knob on the ID14 interface and monitor switching button. At present, this needs to be done using the ID14 software and reassigning the scroll wheel. I typically find this to be a momentum breaker.

Headphone Output Impedance High - If you plan on using a low impedance headphone(under 150 Ohms), you might not get the most transparent frequency response - essential for mixing.

Who Should Buy Audient ID14MKII Audio Interface

When you buy an Audient ID14MKII you are paying for the hardware, features and capabilities that make a difference in the real world and not for some add-on plugins and software bundles that are marketed to be free.

The iD14 is a desktop recording system that takes your recordings and production workflow to the next level. It features a compact and modern design that's ideal for home studio use. High output headphone amp, high dynamic range, 2 main stereo outputs, JFET DI, Audient console preamps, audio loopback, ADAT expansion are all the features that are useful for a home studio or small budget studios.

Whether you are a singer-songwriter, electronic music producer or a metalhead, you will find Audient ID14MKII a good fit for your studio workflow. I highly recommend AudientID14 for all singer-songwriters, guitar/bass players, small/home studio music producers, podcasters, YouTubers and content creators.

Using an ID14 with outboard preamps will also make it suitable for situations where you need more than two inputs.

 

Rank #2: Motu M4

Motu M4 ranks number 2 in the best audio interface under rupees 300000 categories in India.

Best Audio Interface In India Under 30k - Rank 2 - Motu M4

Pros Of Buying Motu M4

4 Ins and 4 Outs - Motu M4 features four inputs(2-XLR combo and 2-TRS) and four outputs( 2-TRS Stereo and 2-RCA Stereo). 4 inputs and 4 outputs make this audio interface a great choice for producers who work with more hardware synthesizers. 4 Stereo outputs also enables you to connect the interface to a DJ console or in Live shows. If you are like me who uses a lot of reference monitors, then the 4 outputs also come in handy without the need of adding monitoring control.

Low Noise Preamps - The Motu M4's Ultra-clean preamp circuits provide a clean and crisp sound quality, with a measured -129 dB EIN.

Quality AD/DA Converters - The M4 is equipped with the same Sabre32 UltraTM DAC Technology as those found in expensive audio interfaces by apogee and other brands. Its 120 dB dynamic range on output and 115dB dynamic range on input, even though less than ID14, is still outstanding.

Best In Class Metering - The M4's full-colour LCD shows the level meters for all of its inputs and outputs, making it the only audio interface that has this feature in this price range.

Direct Monitor- Motu M4 features hardware direct monitoring which is easy to switch and use.

Low Round Trip Latency - The M4 drivers are stable and perform exceptionally fast. Its 7ms latency is outstanding for a budget-priced interface.

Low Headphone Output Impedance - Motu M4 feature a low headphone output impedance, which ensures that you get a transparent frequency response even while using low impedance studio headphones.

Audio LoopBack - Audio Loop-back allows you to capture your computer audio from various sources simultaneously. Loop-back, allows you to select the right source from a variety of options. 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.

Cons Of Motu M4

Again, Motu M4 is an amazing audio interface for the price and there are no cons as such that should stop you from buying one. But here are some improvements/additional features that I would love to see in the Interface.

No ADAT/SPDIF - This to me is another reason why I ranked Motu M4 below Audient ID14. There are 4ins and 4 Outs already present in the Motu M4 but having at least an ADAT input will make this audio interface a beast. I like to be assured that my audio interface can grow with my needs. If Motu ads an ADAT input and output to the Motu M4, there is no other audio interface that will beat the M4 for the price.

Only Single Headphone Output - There are 4 outs but I am someone who always finds himself using 2 pairs of headphones. Motu offers just one headphone out. Most home studio/small studio producers I know also use at least two studio monitors, and two headphone pairs for reference and tracking. Adding one more headphone output will be something I would love to see on the Motu M4.

Average Headphone Output Power - Even though the headphone impedance is low and makes the Motu M4 is suitable for low impedance headphones. Using Motu M4 with a high impedance headphone delivers average power. If you have a high impedance headphone, you might need an additional headphone amplifier with the Motu M4.

Who Should Buy Motu M4 Audio Interface

Motu M4 is a no-nonsense audio interface that means business. It is designed and built to fulfil the needs of small studios and home studios. If you are someone who requires more Inputs and outputs, MOTU M4 is the audio interface that will fulfil it and surpass all other audio interfaces with similar IO.

The reasons I have ranked Motu M4 second is due to its low headphone power output power and lack of a useful DI. These two are essential features I feel for most musicians and producers on a budget.

Live performing musicians, DJs, EDM producers, Small bands, Home Studio Producers, Aspiring Audio Engineers and Podcasters will greatly benefit from adding the Motu M4 to their workflow.

If you are someone like me who has set up several reference speakers and studio monitors in your home studio, getting the Motu M4 over the audient will benefit you as Motu M4 offers more outputs. You will not need to buy a separate monitor controller and can save some money in such a scenario.

There is no better or worse when it comes to deciding between M4 and ID14. Both are outstanding audio interfaces for the price. Buy the one that fits in your workflow.

Rank #3: Focusrite 4i4 3rd Gen

Focusrite 4i4 3rd Gen ranks number 3 in the best audio interface under rupees 300000 categories in India.

Top 5 Audio Interface under 30k - Rank 3 - Scarlett 4i4

Pros Of Buying Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen

Budget-Friendly - Scarlett series offers all the desired features for a small home studio on a budget.

4 Ins and 4 Outs - Focusrite 4i4 features four inputs(2-XLR combo and 2-TRS) and four outputs( 2-TRS Stereo and 2-RCA Stereo).

Direct Monitor- Scarlett 4i4 features hardware direct monitoring which is easy to switch and use.

Low Round Trip Latency - The 4i4 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. Loop-back, allows you to select the right source from a variety of options. 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.

Cons Of Buying Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen

There are no flaws in the design or working of 4i4. Here are some addition I would love to see in the 4i4

Improved Dynamic Range On The Output - Output Dynamic Range is 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 300Ohms or above headphones.

No ADAT/SPDIF - ADAT connections will make a difference if added to the 4i4.

Who Should Buy Focusrite 4i4 3rd Gen

Focusrite Scarlett series has been around in the budget audio interface for over a decade now. They know what the budget studios and musicians demand and require.

If you are on a tight budget and require 4ins and 4 outs, Scarlett is a good option to go for. With all the bundled plugins, ease of use and easy availability, Scarlett makes a good tight budget choice. Scarlett is not the best specs audio interface out in this price category but surely the best value for money.

If I was buying, I will always prefer Motu M4, AudientID14 and SSL2+ over the Scarlett. The reason 4i4 is at number 3 is that it offers more I/O and features than SSL2+.

Rank #4: Solid State Logic SSL2+

Solid State Logic SSL2+ ranks number4 in the best audio interface under rupees 300000 categories in India.

Best Audio Interface Under 30k - Rank4 -SSL2+

Pros Of Buying SSL2+

Quiet and Beautiful Sounding Preamps - The pair of class-leading microphones preamps that deliver crystal-clear sound and are capable of handling almost any microphone with the lowest noise(EIN -130.5dBu A-Weighted). Instead of using standard circuits, SSL uses a 2-stage design that combines low-noise transistors with ICs. This allows SSL to provide better noise performance and a wider gain range.

4K Mode - Inspired by the character of an SSL 4000 series console (often referred to as '4K'). The Legacy 4K button is an analogue enhancement effect that draws two essential characteristics of 4K sound into a single circuit. It can be used when you need to breathe life into dull sounding input sources.

Quality AD/DA Convertors - SSL2+ 14 uses AKM converters. The converters deliver a good 112dB of dynamic range at the output stage and 111dB at the input stage.

High Gain Range - 62db gain range(56.5dB actual) and quiet preamps ensure that you can use nearly any microphone, even the ones with the lowest sensitivity, without the need for external preamps.

Easy To Use Headphone Mix - Making a cue mix or direct monitoring on the SSL2+ is super easy and convenient.

Low Round Trip Latency - TheSSL2+ drivers are stable and perform exceptionally fast. Its 7 ms latency is outstanding for a budget-priced interface.

Cons Of Buying SSL2+

Over Priced - The price to features ratio on the SSL2+ in the competitive under Rs.30000 audio interface market is a little off.

No Audio Loopback - SSL2+ is aimed at those who love to record and are not the biggest in the box fans. I get it. But everyone has a YouTube channel, Collaboration or a Podcast going on and all of us sooner or later require an audio loopback. Not having an audio loopback in the SSL2+ is a big downside.

No ADAT/SPDIF - ADAT expansion with the SSL2+ will be a big plus but sadly SSL2+ doesn't feature that.

Poor Headphone Output - Using SSL2+ with headphones below 150Ohms will be great but if you are someone with a 300Ohm or 600Ohm headphone, you will need a separate headphone amplifier.

10Db Steps In The Level Meter - A 10dB Step meter just makes you guess. Gain staging just using the LED meters on the SSL2+ is inconvenient.

Who Should Buy SSL2+

SSL 2+ offers a unique tonality and character to sound. It is aimed at those who are crazy about SSL tone and I understand that. The preamps add something beautiful to the tone.

If you are someone who records a lot of different instruments in their studio and wishes to get an SSL characteristic tone on a budget, SSL2+ is your AI of choice. If you are on a tight budget, you can also opt for SSL2 instead of SSL2+. The only difference is in the I/O.

The only reason I would buy SSL2+ over Audient ID14 or Motu M4 is just to get the SSL preamp and 4k characteristics. The preamp characteristics are surely brilliant but SSL2+ fails to fulfil my other needs of a small budget home studio. 


Rank #5: Universal Audio Volt 276

Universal Audio Volt 276 ranks number 5 in the best audio interface under rupees 300000 categories in India.

Best Audio Interface Under 30k - Rank5 -UA Volt276

Pros Of Buying Universal Audio Volt 276

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 276 features built-in tube emulation circuitry.

Inbuilt 76 Compressor - The 76 Compressor is an analogue circuit that's built to tame various audio instruments and sounds. It features three preset sets that are specifically tuned to fit different configurations.

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 276

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 on the UA276 is not balanced.

No Audio Loopback -One important feature of Audio loopback is missing on the UA276.

High Price - UA Volt is priced high for the specs and features offered.

Who Should Buy Universal Audio Volt 276

If you love the UA preamps, tonality and compression, go for the UA Volt 276.

Specifications Comparison Of Top 5 Audio Interface Under Rs.30000 In India

Specifications Audient ID 14 MKII Motu M4 Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rdGen SSL2+ UI VOLT 276
MRP ₹27,990 ₹25,000 ₹24,200 ₹31,000 ₹32,190
Market Price ₹24,990 ₹23,900 ₹22,900 ₹29,000 ₹29,500
I/O 10in | 6out Audio Interface 4in | 4out Audio Interface 4in | 4out Audio Interface 2in | 4out Audio Interface 2in | 2out Audio Interface
Features
Digital Exapnsion ADAT - Optical In Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available
Digital Clocking Source Configurable NA NA NA NA
Direct Monitoring Yes - Digitally Controlled Yes - Hardware Controlled Yes - Hardware Controlled Yes - Hardware Controlled Yes - Hardware Controlled
Audio Loopback Yes Yes Yes Not Available Not Available
Phantom Power 48V - For Each Individual Channels 48V - For Each Individual Channels 48V - Combined Channels 48V - For Each Individual Channels 48V - Combined Channel Switch
Inbuilt Talk Back Software Configurable Not Available Not Available Not Available Not Available
MIDI I/O Yes Yes Yes Yes Yes
Level Meter LED Meters Full LCD Display LED Clipping LED Meters LED Meters
Performance
AD DA Convertors AKM AK55740 N AD, Ciruss Logic 43198 DA ESS Sabre32 Ultra Ciruss Logic AKM Ciruss Logic 4272
Round Trip Latency - 48Khz/64 Samples(ms) 6.1 6.8 7 7.6 7.4
Sample Rate & Bit Depth 96kHz - 24Bit 192kHz-24Bit 192kHz-24Bit 192kHz-24Bit 192kHz-24Bit
Connectivity USB - C USB USB - C USB USB
Dynamic Range Input , dB A-Weighted 120 115 111 111 112
Dynamic Range Output , dB A-Weighted 125.5 120 108 112 111
Inputs
Number Of Inputs 2 x Audient Console
Mic Pres XLR Combo, "1 x JFET
Instrument Input"
2 x XLR Combo Mic Pres, 2x Balanced 1/4-Inch Line Inputs 2 x XLR Combo Mic Pres 2 x XLR Combo Mic Pres 2 x XLR Combo Mic Pres
Frequency Response ±0.5dB 10Hz to 40kHz ±0.1d, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1d, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1d, 20 Hz/20 kHz
THD+N 0.0017% 0.0014% 0.0012 < 0.0015 % 0.0007 %
SNR 101dBu A-Weighted Not Specified -128dBu A-Weighted Not Specified Not Specified
EIN -129dBu A-Weighted -129dBu A-Weighted 56dB -130.5dBu A-Weighted -127dBu A-Weighted
Gain Range 58dB 60dB 2 x Balanced 1/4-inch TRS out 62dB 55dB
Main Outputs
Number Of Output 2x Balanced 1/4-inch TRS out 2x Balanced 1/4-inch TRS out, 2x RCA analog out (mirrored) ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz 2 x Balanced 1/4-inch TRS out, 2x RCA analog out 2x Balanced 1/4-inch TRS out
Frequency Response ±0.25dB 10Hz to 40kHz ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz 108dB A-Weighted ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1d, 20 Hz/20 kHz
Dynamic Range 125.5dB A-Weighted 120dB A-Weighted <0.002% 112dB A-Weighted 110dB A-Weighted
THD+N 0.00% < 0.00032% 0.00dB < 0.0015 % <0.0000075
Channel Balance 0.00dB 0.00dB 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone 0.00dB 0.00dB
Headphone Outputs
Number Of Headphone Outputs 2 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz 2 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone 1 x 1/4" TRS stereo headphone
Frequency Response ±0.25dB 10Hz to 40kHz ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz ±0.1 dB, 20 Hz/20 kHz
Heaphone Output Impedance 22 Ohm 0.06 Ohm 0.3 Ohm 10 Ohm 10 Ohm
Output Power 32 Ohm 110mW 25mW 26mW 90mW 88mW
Output Power 150 Ohm 83mW 29mW 31mW 37mW 53mW
Output Power 300 Ohm 75mW 23mW 8mW 20mW 22mW
Output Power 600 Ohm 40mW 15mW 4mW 9mW 12mW
THD+N 300Ohm -100dB -102dB -84dB -95dB -99dB
Noise Floor -113dB -109dB -103dB -112dB -107dB
Channel Balance 0.00dB 0.00dB 0.50dB 0.5dB 1dB

 

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 scoring is done among guitars of the same price category only. Prices are indicative and updated as of 11-02-2022. Prices may vary.

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Written By

Udeeksh Sood on

Udeeksh is an Audio Engineer. He loves to produce music, research music gear, play guitar, go on treks and road trips.