the best soundcard for 100-150 us dollars ?

Discussion in 'Soundgear' started by manhill, Jan 12, 2023.

?

the best

  1. arturua mini fuse 1

    4 vote(s)
    12.1%
  2. focousrite solo 1 3dg

    6 vote(s)
    18.2%
  3. presonus 96

    2 vote(s)
    6.1%
  4. native instruments komplete audio 2

    3 vote(s)
    9.1%
  5. other

    18 vote(s)
    54.5%
  1. manhill

    manhill Member

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    what would u recomend
     
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  3. Zenarcist

    Zenarcist Audiosexual

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    I would recommend saving up a bit more money :wink:
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2023
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  4. Lieglein

    Lieglein Audiosexual

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    Focusrite Scarlett Solo

    However, one should check if he really needs all those functions of an audio interface.
     
  5. naitguy

    naitguy Audiosexual

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    As @Lieglein implied, it's important to know what your needs are (and how serious of a musician you are).

    I can say I had a Focusrite Solo though, and I liked it. I sold it and bought an Arturia Minifuse 2, because the price was right and I needed an extra input for recording a device in stereo. It also comes with MIDI in/out (which I'm using). Outside of that, the Focusrite Solo met my needs, and I honestly think I preferred it.

    If you're just working in the box, any of those probably will be fine, but if you're intending on hooking up instruments, then, as @Zenarcist said, it it probably better to save up.
     
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  6. manhill

    manhill Member

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    is there difference between quality of sound? I dont need input/output of card / i need quality of sound
     
  7. Mr Happy

    Mr Happy Member

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    Audient ID14 is better for a little bit more, or ID22 if you can stretch a bit further.
     
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  8. uladzislau

    uladzislau Producer

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    Would be happy to read your comments, if you have any experience with products from other manufacturers not in the poll, but in the same price range. I'm also looking for an inexpensive sound card. Working completely in the box, so I just need 1 mic input and that's it.
     
  9. Legotron

    Legotron Audiosexual

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    ESI Neva Uno 59€
    I was amazed for the quality at this price. Very stable and low latency drivers. Loopback function. Small and compact size. Plug in, download and install drivers and your good to go.
     
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  10. naitguy

    naitguy Audiosexual

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    In that range, you won't notice any difference.

    I just meant that I'd swear sometimes that my MiniFuse 2 starts to crackle/pop under less load than the Focusrite. It may be an ASIO driver issue with the MiniFuse, but it is more likely just the buffer settings I'm using. I can't remember what I used to have set up on my Focusrite, but it handled my largest projects with no problems. Also, I started introducing recording of instruments since getting the MiniFuse, so I've had to be a lot more particular about what my buffer size is, and any difference between the two is likely in my head. I also think I may have found the happy medium setting now between low latency and my CPU handling things well.

    Really, I'm sure they're both on par with each other for your needs. It sounds like you're doing everything completely in the box, which is what I used to do (and still do, MOST of the time), and for that, the Scarlett Solo was great. The Gen 3 of the Scarletts are pretty good. I had some problems with an early gen Scarlett, but Gen 3 was great.

    I personally don't think you have to spend more money than what you're looking at, if you're not going to record live instruments.
     
    Last edited: Jan 12, 2023
  11. Genoveva Bernhard

    Genoveva Bernhard Producer

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    It's kind of confusing to refer to external USB interfaces as soundcards. Soundcards typically apply to Soundblaster-type cards you plug into a slot in a desktop computer.

    That said, I use a Presonus Studio 24c. It's quiet, well-shielded, has loopback (for recording audio directly from Windows), and level meters, among other niceties.
     
  12. odelay

    odelay Kapellmeister

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  13. Alchemy

    Alchemy Kapellmeister

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    Universal Audio Volt 1. Has midi in/out. If more inputs are desired, buy the Volt 2.
     
  14. BEAT16

    BEAT16 Audiosexual

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    I would recommend this one to you: Audient iD4 MKII - 139 €. It has high quality and fair price.
     
  15. buckaroo

    buckaroo Guest

    I think more importantly is the monitoring you use because if those speakers are low quality even a $2000 interface will sound bad.

    I've seen the NI KA6 on many occasions used in DJ booths with some famous artists and the sound is good (*so is the monitoring!*). If that helps or means anything to you.
     
  16. Gmartin

    Gmartin Member

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    Audient ID4 MkII
     
  17. tzzsmk

    tzzsmk Audiosexual

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    voting for NI Komplete Audio 2, it's surprisingly nice interface and if you don't need additional connectivity, then it's basically same as Komplete Audio 6 MKII
    that said, if you have (older) desktop PC with legacy PCI slot (not PCIe) and don't need microphone inputs, you can get old used RME HDSP 9632 for 100 bucks
    :chilling:
     
  18. D____R

    D____R Kapellmeister

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    MOTU M2 x 1000
     
  19. Scarlett

    Scarlett Member

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    Wow, it even comes with USB C type port connection (and line outs).
    Uff.
     
  20. danfuerth

    danfuerth Kapellmeister

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    Usually with these cheaper interfaces the latency will be a bit higher than pro level ones.
    However this is the best interface I have found with good features

    There is no contest here :
    Behringer UMC204HD 2x4 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface

    Streams 2 inputs/4 outputs plus Midi IN/OUT ( Midi has Sysex support awesome!!)
    Insert FX ( Very nice)
    48V phantom power ( for 2 Mics)
    2 XLR/ 1/4 combo jacks with PAD for Line/Instrument
    Good latency
    24 bit up to 192 khz ( 48 khz to 192 khz)

    price : 150$ canadian so will be a bit cheaper in the US.

    Edirol Fa101
    Tascam 20 in/out
    Behringer UMC204HD

    I use the Behringer for quick stuff, use it so often barely turn on the other ones.
     
  21. Trurl

    Trurl Audiosexual

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    Was about to say, don't write off Beringer. They're great sounding and well supported.
     
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