There's no shortage of budget-friendly audio interfaces, those myriad plug-and-play options that easily connect a mic or instrument or two to your computer, tablet, or phone. And there are some compact interfaces that nonetheless command high prices for the high-quality preamps, AD/DA converters, or software packages that come with them.
But if you're looking for something a bit nicer that's still in the range of a few- to several-hundred dollars, a new batch of desktop options announced for NAMM 2021 deserve your attention.
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2X2
The folks at Black Lion Audio got their start modding other manufacturers' recording gear before making their own high-quality options for studios of all kinds. They're calling their first interface—Revolution 2X2—"modded out-of-the-box," meaning that it's built with the same high-end tech they would normally place in some other company's product.
According to the brand, the result is a two-preamp interface "sound quality that was previously only found in the very most high-end and costly equipment." Additional features include:
- 2 analog outputs, 2 analog inputs / 2x2 simultaneous
- All inputs and outputs fully decoupled and balanced
- Bus-powered via USB
- Internal clocking with "Macro-MMC" clocking technology based off the brand's clocking gear and mods
- Includes PreSonus Studio One Artist, as well as plugins from iZotope, Brainworx, and Lindell
Black Lion Audio Revolution 2X2 is available for pre-order for $399 USD.
Antelope Audio Zen Go
Unlike Black Lion Audio, Antelope Audio are not newcomers to interfaces: from their Orion line to the newer Zen Tour.
The brand-new Zen Go is a smaller and much more affordable version of the Zen Tour, coming in at nearly $1,000 cheaper. However, it maintains much of the Zen Tour's functionality, including the Synergy Core processors that allow you to use Antelope's digital EQs, compressors, and other modelers and effects without overly taxing your computer.
In all, it's a 4x8 interface with two mic/line-hi-z preamp inputs and S/PDIF I/O for digital expansion. Additional features, according to Antelope, include:
- Bus-powered, USB Type-C connectivity
- 64-bit AFC clocking technology
- 37 real-time effects
- Color LCD, onboard DSP and FPGA chips
The Antelope Audio Zen Go is available to pre-order now for $499.