Since you need 2 good preamp inputs [mic+guit] and very good headphones preamp, I'd suggest you to buy Audient iD-4 or iD-14. Excellent interfaces for the money. No MIDI, just USB2 [or USB-C MKII version]. I suppose you can buy the first version 2nd hand for pretty cheap these days and it's really not much worse than MKII. Cheers!

I really like Julian Krause's YT reviews.

 

Last edited: Mar 29, 2022

weird you are all offering audio cards but do you also have experience with those cards or have you seen too many youtube videos

 

A used Babyface all the way if you can swing one for a good price. I've been using one since 2015 bought pre-owned from a 2012 run. It's a winner.

 

Thank You @Qrchack for your short review.
Audient - EVO 4 - 115 € https://evo.audio/products/evo-4/overview/ www.thomann.de/de/audient_evo_4.htm
Dimensions: 140 x 55 x 60 mm - Weight: 0,36 kg

 

Last edited: Mar 29, 2022

It's literally double the price of already mentioned 2-channel audio interfaces, and more expensive than the 4-channel one I mentioned. The EVO 4 is not a "portable and cheap audio interface", it's a fashion statement piece marketed towards content creators who don't know any better. The automatic gain feature with points such as "get better recordings" and "work independently", the headline "make recording easy", the pictures of interviews being recorded and the fact they mention it's designed for livestreaming - give it away on the first look, this is a dumbed down product for non-audio people and you pay for it.

It's basically the modern equivalent of Apogee Duet, but not quite as "audiophile". Nice and pretty if you don't mind overpaying, but it's far from being a budget option.

 

I can't agree with that.

Are Audient’s minimalist EVOs smarter than the average audio interface?
The EVO 4 and 8 are minimalist in design but powerful in operation, and offer great audio performance and quality. Smartgain — the EVOs’ auto‑gain function — will get you recording quickly without any mess or fuss.
www.soundonsound.com/reviews/audient-evo-4-evo-8

Audience EVO 4 review
https://www-bonedo-de.translate.goo...l=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=de&_x_tr_pto=wapp
Original /German www.bonedo.de/artikel/audient-evo-4-test/

 

So what? Being able to set the gain properly is the first thing you learn when getting started in audio, right after buying your first audio interface. Auto-gain is a BS feature aimed at people who have no clue how to use an audio interface, and have no desire to learn the basics of using their hardware.

This is a feature nobody asked for which brings literally no value unless you willingly admit you can't be bothered to learn your tools. It's literally the opposite of what one needs when looking for a cheap audio interface, and is okay with buying used to get a bargain. OP asked for a cheap older interface, not a fashion/lifestyle product at double the price that offers no real value to justify the extra cost. Like, you're about as ridiculous as recommending RME, Universal Audio or Apogee to someone looking for a cheap interface. This stuff was never meant to be cheap, and it's well in the realm of diminishing returns, not to mention completely not what OP is looking for.

The Presonus Audiobox mentioned can be easily found for $60, and the Steinberg CI2 is a $100 interface from 2010 that seems to be ~$70 on ebay. A $130, brand new audio interface from a "luxury" manufacturer (yes, Audient is clearly one when you compare them with other competing products and notice they're charging a noticeable premium for the same or less features) when you can literally get more for cheaper, feels just out of place when you consider the original question. I know, it's Audient, and everyone on Youtube and Instagram tells you about it. Yes, they have "smart" features that nobody but mentally challenged people (or ones who are just too lazy to put any effort in) need. But they aren't the only option, and they certainly aren't the best value option - just like Focusrite Scarlett series were never the best bang for the buck, regardless of what sponsored videos and reviews told you.

 

Swissonic UA-2x2 - 59 €
- 2x2 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
- 24 Bit / 96 kHz
www.thomann.de/de/swissonic_ua_2x2.htm

IMG Stageline MX-1IO - 75 €
- 1-channel USB recording interface
- Dimensions (W x H x D): 120 x 50 x 110 mm
- Weight: 498 g
www.thomann.de/de/monacor_mx_1io.htm

 

Last edited: Mar 31, 2022

Tbh in this price range I'd go for something like an used Audiobox USB (40-50 EUR), or if new UMC202HD at 70 EUR. Though for not much more (98 EUR) you get a 204HD which lets you have two pairs of headphones, or play with backing tracks and a click track for in-ears - much more versatile.

 

Still using my fireface 800 purchased back in 2006 ;).