External sound cards in all price ranges
There are sound cards in all price ranges, from the thousand bucks to far much more than that. The first thing that is important to understand is that the difference in sound quality between these is marginal, regardless of what the average person claims. A sound card that costs SEK 40,000 thus sounds pretty much exactly the same as one that costs SEK 2,000, even though on paper it may look different. What you instead pay for is the number of inputs and outputs, the quality of the preamps, the actual build quality and so on.
That is not to say that you should choose the cheapest just because you can. Each sound card has its target group and here it is important to find out what suits you exactly. Quite frankly, you could say that: The smaller the studio, the smaller the sound card. The home studio often manages with only two inputs: one for instruments and one for microphone, while the larger studio must have significantly more than that.
Due to this, Studio has scraped together a list of no less than twenty sound cards in different price ranges, for you who are looking for a new year 2018. And no matter which you choose, you can feel confident that you get an excellent sound card for its price !
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 2nd Gen
Perfect entry-level model for the small studio or for you who need to be portable.
Award: SEK 983 at Thomann
Read more: us.focusrite.com
Audient iD4
High-class preamp in a very flexible format with two inputs and outputs.
Award: SEK 1,282 at Thomann
Read more: audient.com
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo (not available anymore)
A small power pack that can record two channels simultaneously in 24-bit / 48kHz
Award: 2,199 at Webhallen
Link: ikmultimedia.com
Roland Rubix 44
Four preamps with XLR at a very reasonable price.
Award: SEK 2,449 at Webhallen
Read more: roland.com
Focusrite scarlett 18i20 2nd Gen
The bestseller in a new upgraded version with no less than eight premaps with XLR and awesome LED.
Award: SEK 4,957
Read more: us.focusrite.com
Arturia AudioFuse
Robust construction, many connections and high sound quality and specially designed preamps.
Award: SEK 5,125 at Thomann
Read more: arturia.com
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB
A good all-round card with low latency and four high-quality preamps.
Award: SEK 6,152 at Thomann
Read more: focusrite.com
Apogee Duet 2
One of the most flexible and stylish sound cards on the market. Now also works for PC and iOS.
Award: SEK 6,546 at Thomann
Read more: apogeedigital.com
SPL Crimson 3
Fully loaded sound card with two high quality preamps, Phonitor Matrix and Talkback Microphone.
Award: SEK 6,944 at Thomann.
Read more: spl.audio
Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Solo
The entry-level model in the Apollo series with which you can record and mix with UAD plugs.
Award: SEK 6,944 at Thomann.
Read more: uaudio.com
PreSonus Quantum 2
Fully loaded sound card with extremely low latency and the possibility of future expansion.
Award: SEK 7,937 at Thomann.
Read more: presonus.com
Apogee Element 46
12 In and 14 Out Thunderbolt Sound Cards for Mac. Four analog sounding preamps.
Award: SEK 8,693 at Emusic
Read more: www.apogeedigital.com
Antelope Audio Discrete 4
Flexible sound card from the highly regarded Antelope with four extremely good preamps.
Award: SEK 8,930 at Thomann
Read more: en.antelopeaudio.com
Prism Sound Lyra 1
Small sound card for the connoisseur where sound and build quality are at the top of the agenda.
Award: SEK 13,897 at Thomann
Read more: prismsound.com
Antelope Zen Studio +
No less than 12 high quality preamps combined with built-in hardware effects.
Award: SEK 22,441 at Thomann
Read more: en.antelopeaudio.com
RME Fireface UFX +
Upgraded version of RME’s flagship with MADI, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt and much more.
Award: SEK 26,723 at Thomann
Read more: rme-audio.de/en
Focusrite Red 8 Pre
Eight remote-controlled, transparent and noise-free preamps, ultra-low latency, Thunderbolt and Dante technology.
Award: SEK 35,753 at Thomann
Read more: pro.focusrite.com
SSL Nucleus 2
Perfect for you who want sound cards, DAW controller and analog SSL preamps in one.
Price: SEK 44,693 at Thomann
Read more: solid-state-logic.com
Apogee Symphony I / O Mk II TB 8 + 8mp
Latest addition with even better AD / DA, expansion options, touchscreen and world-class preamps.
Award: SEK 54,627 at Thomann
Read more: apogeedigital.com
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Source:studio.se