Audient's budget interface brings console-grade preamp quality to under £80 — undercuts Focusrite on price without sacrificing microphone quality.
| Inputs | 2x XLR/TRS combo |
| Outputs | 2x balanced 1/4" TRS, 1x headphone |
| Smart Gain | Yes |
| Sample Rate | Up to 48kHz/24-bit |
| Dynamic Range | 107dB |
| Bus Powered | Yes (USB-C) |
Audient's preamps use the same design principles as their professional ASP8024 console. Vocals have a depth and naturalness unusual at this price. Low noise floor, 58dB gain — sufficient for quiet dynamic mics.
One-button Smart Gain analyses your input and sets optimal gain in about 20 seconds. For beginners struggling with gain staging, this removes a common source of poor-quality recordings.
The 48kHz maximum is the main caveat. For YouTube, Spotify, and streaming, 48kHz is standard. If you specifically need 96kHz or higher, look elsewhere.
Producers who prioritise microphone preamp quality. The best preamp quality for under £80. The 48kHz ceiling is a real limitation for audiophile applications but irrelevant for the vast majority of home recording.
The Audient EVO 4 is a genuine bargain. The console-grade preamps are audibly superior to Focusrite at the same price. Smart Gain is practical, USB-C is appreciated. The 48kHz cap is the only real compromise — for most producers it will never matter.