Behringer UMC404HD

Behringer killed it with this one. It is truly a one-time purchase.
For studio and live use, I'd throw this thing in those scenarios and it'd probably work out because of how versatile this thing is.

This thing is crazy good for its price tag. It is packed with features that can only be found on higher-end audio interfaces like the Arturia Audiofuse.
For one thing, it has 4 inputs at a price tag of only around a hundred bucks with individual gain control and pad buttons.
The pre-amps are very good and low-noise, even a tad better than the 2i2's I've noticed, though a bit less good than the Komplete Audio.
The build quality is phenomenal. This thing is built to last forever. That's what I meant by a one-time purchase. If you buy this thing, you won't have to upgrade in a while given its amazing build quality and its versatility.
The monitoring system is amazing and opens up a world of possibilities in the studio in terms of hot-switching between different sources of audio monitoring.

That being said, it does have a few drawbacks. Notably the drivers.
I don't know if it's just the experience I had with my computer but on a Windows 10 it was a nightmare to get the drivers to work properly without interfering with my native audio drivers. I've seen people say the exact opposite of that and that it's a plug & play interface, but I've also seen people say otherwise on the internet.
It also doesn't look the best and it isn't very portable, but that's obviously not what it was made for.

Overall, if you want a very versatile audio interface that is packed with features and that will probably last you forever and are ready to go through a hassle of installing and uninstalling the drivers numerous times to get them to work and aren't concerned with the looks and portability, this is just the best that you can get at this price range. A one-time purchase indeed.

I've had this interface for around 7 months now, and have used it for recording, as well as for multitracks on the road. Mostly good, just keep in some sort of case!

Pros:
+ amazing value for the feature set
+ drivers on windows seem fairly stable- haven't BSOD's the PC yet
+ has XLR, TRS and Phono output connections
+ has XLR-jack combi input sockets
+ has a useful knob for fading between playback and input for monitoring
+ headphone output goes loud enough

Cons:
- Durability: the black paint can be scratched off by things like plugs, so protect with at least a soft case or something!
- Some of the output potentiometers (knobs) have started cracking when you turn them now. Not too much of a problem when recording, but more if you were using it live.
- The output levels are quite low, it doesn't match professional line level. This could be a problem if you don't have much gain on the output device.
- The pad switches noticably increases the noise in the input stage! Use as a last resort, on a very hot input signal.
- There have been issues where the pitch of the output has been lower than the actual pitch recorded in the sound file. Possible due to needing the AC adatper plugged in- I didn't have one plugged in at the time.
- The switch from USB power to AC isn't graceful- it makes a pop.

Let's be blunt here - this thing gives you 4x inputs, inserts, outputs galore, 20 dB pad on the inputs, line and instrument buttons... This thing is, simply put, some of the best bang for your buck that you can possibly get if you need the extra inputs.

The construction is awesome. It feels like a quality product. All of the knobs feel great when turning - they aren't loose and wobbly, they're very controlled feeling and offer some resistance to turning which gives a pleasant overall feeling. The push/push buttons are nice and responsive as well. There's nothing negative to be said about the unit from a construction standpoint.

For the inputs, the noise floor is extremely low and the overall quality of the MIDAS preamps is awesome. The inputs are crystal clear. And, for grins, I measured the phantom output - it will give you the 48v it says it will.

Now, why does it only get four stars? Because the sound output is simply poo poo. The volume on this is very low - far lower than most other amateur audio interfaces. So much so that I have to put a stereo amp between the monitors and the audio interface to really even push the HS8's. But, is this really a "bad" thing?

Without the stereo amplifier, the HS8's are still able to shake the windows with bass hits. But the volume is just not near where it could be, and the same is true for the headphones jack on the front.

The unit comes with a wall power adapter, so the excuse of most people powering off of USB can't be used here.

Overall, this is a purchase I would certainly still recommend despite the lower than expected audio output.

It is a well made interface at a VERY reasonable price.
Pros:
- Inserts for all Inputs
- The preamps are quite good.
- I like the external PS.
- Works excellently with linux, (even on a raspberry pi)
- Well built
- Very cheap price for the built quality
Cons:
- Very low output on the monitors, it definitely does not deliver balanced audio signal.
- The software driver interface is pretty basic but what would u expect for the price. fair enough.
-The headphone amp distorts heavily if u crank the volume pot above 12 o'clock but at only 11 it can adequately power my power hungry AKG K712's and my Sehn's HD600 with no audible distortion, so no big deal.

Right now it serves my son's pc as a guitar-vocal practicing/recording/monitoring interface, and it does it's job quite well. No complaints for non pro projects.

It is a rather simple product that works great on Linux and it does not need any drivers. I encountered some periodic clicking issues on Windows 10 while recording and playback, and since it has no drivers or option to select different sample rate than 192kHz this issue remained. Good for 2 deck DJ'ing setup offering an A/B monitor on the phones.

Visually simple, but has been handled somewhat roughy at the factory - the faceplate was scratched.

Only downside is that it generates strong audible impulse with 3 long clicks when turning ON and one click turning OFF.