What is the difference between cheap and expensive audio interfaces?

An audio interface is a device that connects to a computer, often via USB, and allows you to get audio in and out of the computer for recording, producing music, podcasting, or other creative tasks. Audio interfaces act as the intermediary between microphones, instruments, speakers and your computer’s soundcard. They convert analog signals into digital audio that your computer can understand, and vice versa.

The main differences between cheap and more expensive audio interfaces come down to factors like sound quality, number of inputs/outputs, build quality, preamps, software bundles, ease of use, and extra features like onboard DSP. Cheaper models often have lower sound quality, fewer I/O, lower build quality, less versatile preamps and little to no extra features. More expensive interfaces provide superior audio conversion, sturdier construction, cleaner preamps with more gain, bundle full-featured software, and include extras like mixers and onboard effects.

Sound Quality

The sound quality of an audio interface largely comes down to the quality of the analog-to-digital conversion process (ADC). This determines how accurately the analog audio signals are converted into digital data. There are a few key specs that indicate ADC performance:

Bit depth and sample rate determine the resolution and frequency range that can be captured. Cheaper interfaces may max out at 16-bit/48kHz, while pro interfaces can do 24-bit/192kHz for richer audio with higher frequencies. Higher bit depths and sample rates mean more accurate digital conversion and improved sound quality (Source).

Noise levels indicate how much self-generated noise is added by the interface electronics and conversion process. A lower noise floor allows you to capture cleaner audio with less hiss. Pro interfaces aim for noise levels below -100dBu.

Wide frequency response and dynamic range let you capture the full spectrum of frequencies and volume levels with accuracy. Cheap interfaces may roll off higher frequencies while pro models maintain full 20Hz-20kHz response.

Overall, pro audio interfaces provide superior AD conversion and lower noise for noticeably better sound quality compared to cheap consumer models (Source). Their pristine digital capture allows you to get the most out of high-quality mics.

Inputs/Outputs

The number and types of inputs and outputs an audio interface offers can make a big difference in its functionality. Cheap audio interfaces normally have just a few inputs and outputs, while more expensive models can offer dozens of channels.

Cheap audio interfaces typically provide just one or two mic/instrument inputs, as well as a stereo output for studio monitors. This is sufficient for solo performers or podcasters. More expensive models offer four, eight, or even more mic/instrument inputs for bigger recording projects. They also provide additional outputs like headphone jacks and extra line outputs for connecting multiple studio monitors or external effects units (https://productionden.com/audio-interface-outputs-explained/).

Higher-end interfaces usually support advanced connection standards like Thunderbolt or Dante. These allow for high channel counts, low-latency performance, and networking capabilities. Cheap interfaces typically just have USB-C or USB 2.0 connectivity with more limited I/O. The number and type of inputs and outputs is one of the main factors that determines an audio interface’s price and capability.

Preamps

Preamps play a crucial role in the sound quality of an audio interface. The preamp takes the relatively weak signal from a microphone or instrument and boosts it to line level before sending it to the analog-to-digital converter. Good preamps provide clean, quiet gain with low noise and distortion. Preamps on cheaper interfaces often sound muddy and noisy.

Higher-end interfaces like the RME Babyface and Merging Anubis feature excellent preamps that rival external preamps (Source 1). These preamps offer pristine audio quality with up to 80 dB of gain, plenty of headroom before clipping, and nearly noise-free performance. Many music producers find the preamps in these interfaces transparent enough to forgo external preamps.

Other key preamp features are +48V phantom power to supply condenser microphones, and gain knobs/pads for dialing in the perfect level. Good preamps allow a clean and strong signal to enter the conversion stage, resulting in superior digital audio quality. So it’s worth investing in an interface with excellent built-in preamps rather than chaining multiple external preamps and converters together.

Conversion

The quality of audio conversion between analog and digital is one of the most important factors that separates cheap and expensive audio interfaces. This conversion is handled by AD/DA (analog to digital, digital to analog) converters.

Higher-end interfaces use superior AD/DA converters that capture more detail, warmth and dynamic range from the analog source and create a more accurate representation when converting back to analog for monitoring or output. According to reviews, some of the highest quality AD/DA converters are found in interfaces like the RME M-1610 Pro, Prism Sound Lyra 2 and Antelope Audio Zen Tour.

Conversion latency, or the small delay during AD/DA conversion, also tends to be lower on high-end interfaces. Lower latency provides a more seamless monitoring experience for the performer or engineer.

Build Quality

Build quality can make a big difference in the longevity and durability of an audio interface. Cheaper models often use more plastic materials that may feel flimsy, while higher-end interfaces utilize sturdier metal construction.

According to Audient, build quality relates to durability, reliability and feel. Metal casings tend to be more durable than plastic ones when it comes to wear and tear over time. Plastic can become brittle and prone to cracking with age.

Higher-end interfaces also tend to have sturdier physical controls like knobs and faders. These are often mounted directly into the chassis rather than attached via cables or ribbon connectors which can lose conductivity over time. The tactile feel of quality knobs and faders also lends itself to smooth parameter adjustments during mixing and recording sessions.

Overall, the increased build quality of pricier audio interfaces leads to greater longevity and reliability over years of use. This makes the extra investment worthwhile for professionals and serious hobbyists who depend on consistent audio performance.

Extra Features

Additional features beyond the main functions of an audio interface can add value and flexibility. Cheaper audio interfaces tend to have fewer extra features compared to more expensive models.

Cheaper interfaces likely have no onboard mixer or EQ, or very basic options. More full-featured interfaces provide onboard mixers with per-channel EQs, compression, and other effects. This allows for preliminarily mixing and sound processing without software (1). High-end interfaces may include full physical mixing consoles.

In terms of DSP and effects, cheap interfaces have none or almost none – relying on DAW plugins instead. Mid-range interfaces have some DSP for basic reverb and other effects. More expensive interfaces have more robust DSP capabilities, with higher quality FX engines and a plethora of production effects (2).

Lastly, cheaper models may have no MIDI I/O, while more expensive interfaces usually have MIDI in/out ports. This allows for connecting to MIDI instruments and controllers (1).

Overall, the more you pay for an interface, the more onboard mixing, DSP, and MIDI options are included. This provides more flexibility when producing and performing music.

(1) https://www.sweetwater.com/insync/audio-interface-buying-guide/

(2) https://audient.com/tutorial/buying-audio-interface/

Software Bundle

The included software bundle is a major difference between budget and pro audio interfaces. Cheaper models like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo include a basic digital audio workstation (DAW) like Ableton Live Lite or Pro Tools First, along with a small selection of plugins and virtual instruments. More expensive interfaces come bundled with full versions of premium DAWs like Pro Tools or Ableton Live Standard or Suite, along with large plugin bundles from companies like Softube, Native Instruments, Antares, and others.

These high-end software bundles can be worth hundreds of dollars on their own. Having access to pro-grade DAWs and effects right out of the box allows you to start recording, mixing, and producing music instantly with top professional tools. You don’t have to purchase and learn multiple programs separately.

However, cheaper interfaces may work with free or already purchased music software like GarageBand. So if you don’t need the bundled DAW/plugins, a budget interface can save money. Look for one that’s compatible with your main music programs.

Sources:

Focusrite – Software & Plugins

PCMag – The Best Digital Audio Workstations (DAWs)

Ease of Use

One major difference between cheap and expensive audio interfaces is how easy they are to set up, configure, and use on an ongoing basis. More affordable entry-level interfaces often have barebones control software that is tricky to navigate. As the NY Times notes, budget interfaces like the Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD may require “fiddling with settings and hunting for the right control.”

In contrast, pricier professional interfaces invest heavily in user-friendly control software. According to Sweetwater, brands like RME are known for exceptionally intuitive software that makes complex routing and mixing easy. The goal is to minimize setup time and let users focus on music production rather than technical configuration.

Expensive interfaces also tend to offer extensive I/O and routing flexibility while maintaining an intuitive interface. As an example, the Universal Audio Apollo Twin provides monitor mix controls, headphone cue mixes, and direct hardware monitoring of inputs without ever leaving the main software window.

In summary, pricier professional audio interfaces excel at both initial setup/configuration as well as ongoing usability and workflow integration thanks to heavier investment in user experience design.

Conclusion

In summary, there are several key differences between cheap and expensive audio interfaces:

– Sound quality. Expensive interfaces have higher quality DACs (digital-to-analog converters), delivering superior audio fidelity and dynamic range.

– Inputs/outputs. More expensive models have more I/O options like XLR, 1/4″, and digital connections for flexibility.

– Preamps. Pricier interfaces have high-end preamps that provide ultra-clean gain with low noise.

– Conversion. Expensive interfaces boast premium AD/DA conversion with high bit depths and sample rates for pristine recording and playback.

– Build quality. Costly interfaces use sturdy metal housing and high-end components for maximum durability.

– Extra features. High-end models offer extras like MIDI, talkback, zero-latency monitoring, and touch screens.

– Software bundle. Expensive interfaces include full production suites like Pro Tools, Ableton Live Lite, etc.

For beginning musicians and hobbyists, cheap interfaces provide decent quality at an affordable price point. However, professionals and serious enthusiasts benefit from the superior fidelity, flexibility, durability, and features of high-end interfaces despite the greater cost.

Consider your budget, recording needs, experience level, and production style when choosing between cheap and expensive audio interfaces. Invest wisely for the features you require while avoiding overspending on unnecessary bells and whistles.