Starting your home studio, podcast, or YouTube channel doesn’t have to cost a fortune. An audio interface is one of the most important pieces of equipment you’ll own — it’s what allows you to connect professional microphones and instruments to your computer, delivering clear, low-noise sound.
The good news? You don’t need to spend R3,000+ to get something reliable. With the right knowledge, you can find used audio interfaces under R1,500 that offer professional performance at a fraction of the cost.
Here’s our updated guide to the 10 best used audio interfaces under R1,500 available in South Africa, based on real market prices, quality reputation, and value for money.
1. PreSonus AudioBox USB (2×2)
💰 Typical Used Price: R1,000 – R1,500
Why It’s Great:
Reliable, rugged, and simple — this classic PreSonus unit features two XLR/line combo inputs, phantom power, and MIDI support. Ideal for beginners and solo creators.
Features:
- 2 × XLR/¼” combo inputs
- MIDI In/Out
- 48V phantom power
- Rugged metal chassis
Specs:
- Resolution: 24-bit / 48kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0 bus-powered
- Pros:
- Phantom power for condenser mics
- MIDI In/Out
- Tough metal chassis
Cons:
– USB 2.0 (but still solid performance)
Best For: Beginners, solo musicians, and podcasters.
2. M-Audio M-Track Solo
💰 Typical Used Price: R800 – R1,000
Why It’s Great:
The M-Track Solo is ultra-affordable but still delivers respectable sound quality. It’s one of the easiest entry points for beginners.
Features:
- 1 × XLR input + 1 instrument/line input
- Phantom power
- Lightweight and portable
Specs:
- Resolution: 16-bit / 48kHz
- Connection: USB bus-powered
Pros:
- 1 XLR input, 1 line/instrument input
- Lightweight and portable
- Great for mobile recording
Cons:
- Plastic body (less rugged than metal options)
Best For:
Absolute beginners or mobile recording setups.
3. Behringer UMC22
💰 Typical Used Price: R900 – R1,100
Why It’s Great:
This entry-level champ offers a real MIDAS preamp — rare at this price point.
Features:
- 1 × XLR combo input + 1 instrument input
- MIDAS-designed preamp
- Direct monitoring
- Phantom power
Specs:
- Resolution: 16-bit / 48kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
- Pros:
- MIDAS-designed preamp
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- Easy to use
Cons:
– Only 1 mic input
Best For: Solo podcasters or guitar/vocal setups.
4. Behringer UM2
Features:
- 1 × XLR input + 1 instrument input
- Phantom power
- Headphone output with level control
Specs:
- Resolution: 16-bit / 48kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
5. Behringer UMC202HD
💰 Typical Used Price: R1,200 – R1,500
Why It’s Great:
The UMC202HD steps up from the UMC22 by offering 192kHz recording, two MIDAS preamps, and better build quality.
Features:
- 2 × XLR/line combo inputs with MIDAS preamps
- Direct monitoring
- Phantom power
- Solid metal build
Specs:
- Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
Pros:
- Dual combo inputs for more flexibility
- High-resolution 24-bit/192kHz recording
- Excellent value for money
Cons:
- Slightly bulkier than other 2-channel interfaces
Best For:
Duo podcasts, singer-songwriter setups, and small home studios.
6. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (2nd Gen)
💰 Typical Used Price: R1,200 – R1,500
Why It’s Great:
Focusrite’s Scarlett range is loved worldwide for its clean sound and reliability. The Solo is the simplest model, perfect for those who just need one mic and one instrument input.
Features:
- 1 × XLR mic input + 1 instrument input
- Renowned Scarlett mic preamp
- Direct monitoring
- Compact design
Specs:
- Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
Pros:
- High-quality Scarlett preamp
- Low latency performance
- Compact and travel-friendly
Cons:
- Only one mic input
Best For:
Singer-songwriters, voice-over artists, and solo podcasters.
7. Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (1st Gen)
💰 Typical Used Price: R1,300 – R1,500
Why It’s Great:
Even though it’s the first generation, the 2i2 still holds up today as a reliable and clear-sounding interface with two mic inputs.
Features:
- 2 × XLR/line combo inputs
- Phantom power
- Sturdy metal body
- Easy plug-and-play setup
Specs:
- Resolution: 24-bit / 96kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
Pros:
- Two Scarlett preamps
- Sturdy build quality
- Plug-and-play ease of use
Cons:
- No MIDI I/O
Best For:
Small studios that need two mic inputs and solid build quality.
8. Tascam US-1X2HR
💰 Typical Used Price: R1,200 – R1,500
Features:
- 1 × XLR mic input + 1 line/instrument input
- Ultra-HDDA mic preamp
- Phantom power
- Headphone out with dedicated volume control
Specs:
- Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0 (bus-powered)
Best For: Solo musicians, podcasters, vocalists.
9. M-Audio M-Track Duo
💰 Typical Used Price: R900 – R1,200
Why It’s Great:
The Duo offers the same simplicity as the Solo but with two XLR inputs and phantom power — perfect for recording two people at once.
Features:
- 2 × XLR/line combo inputs
- Phantom power
- Direct monitoring
- Lightweight build
Specs:
- Resolution: 16-bit / 48kHz
- Connection: USB bus-powered
Pros:
- Two mic/line inputs
- Phantom power for condensers
- USB bus-powered
Cons:
- Not as high-resolution as some competitors (16-bit/48kHz)
Best For:
Podcasting duos and small studio setups.
10. Steinberg UR12
💰 Typical Used Price: R1,200 – R1,500
Why It’s Great:
Steinberg’s UR12 is known for its excellent Yamaha D-PRE preamps and strong build quality.
Features:
- 1 × XLR mic input + 1 instrument input
- Yamaha D-PRE preamp
- Phantom power
- iPad compatibility (class-compliant)
Specs:
- Resolution: 24-bit / 192kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
Pros:
- 1 XLR input, 1 instrument input
- Class-compliant for iPad recording
- Solid metal build
Cons:
- Limited to one mic input
Best For:
Musicians and podcasters who also want iPad recording capabilities.
11. Dixon Pro 222T (Underrated Gem)
💰 Typical Used Price: R350 – R500
Why It’s Great:
If you’re seriously strapped for cash but still need an interface, the Dixon Pro 222T gets the job done for basic recording and podcasting.
Features:
- 2 × XLR/line combo inputs
- Phantom power
- Headphone output with volume control
Specs:
- Resolution: 16-bit / 48kHz
- Connection: USB 2.0
Pros:
- Two combo inputs
- 48V phantom power
- Headphone out with volume control
Cons:
- Not as clean or high-res as bigger brands
Best For:
Beginners who need the cheapest functional option.
📌 Buying Tips for Used Audio Interfaces
- Test before you buy — check all inputs, outputs, and phantom power.
- Inspect USB ports — loose ports can cause audio dropouts.
- Ask about warranty — at Music Needs, all used gear comes with a 3–6 month warranty.
- Check what’s included — some used units don’t come with USB cables.
💡 Final Word
You don’t need to spend big to get a professional-quality audio interface. By shopping used, you can get models like the PreSonus AudioBox, Focusrite Scarlett, and Behringer UMC series for under R1,500 — all proven, reliable, and capable of producing excellent recordings.
At Music Needs, we stock affordable used and new audio gear so you can start creating today without breaking the bank.
