Black Friday audio interface deals 2023: The best deals on music-making hardware that are still live

Various audio interfaces on a blue background
(Image credit: Future)
Black Friday audio interface deals: Quick menu

Various audio interfaces on a blue background

(Image credit: Future)

1. Quick links
2. Editor's picks
3. FAQ

Black Friday may be officially over, but the Black Friday audio interface deals are still here, offering excellent savings for music makers of all kinds. Whether you're just getting started and need a basic interface for home recording, or you're looking to kit out your studio with a fresh multi-input rack-mount unit, you can still take advantage of the Black Friday savings for the moment.

We're expecting the Cyber Monday music deals to kick in on November 27, so make sure you check out our page for all the best deals. There tends to be an emphasis on software and music tech for Cyber Monday, so it could well be a great place to pick up a bargain interface.

In the meantime, Sweetwater still has a huge selection of bundle deals on Universal Audio interfaces, which includes plugins from UA themselves, as well as the inclusion of Auto-Tune completely free. There's money off audio interfaces, mics, and accessories too.

If you're looking to kit out your professional studio, the RME Fireface UFX II is still on sale at the moment, with a sensational $420 discount at Sweetwater. It's one of the best-performing USB interfaces we've ever seen when it comes to latency and audio quality.

Getting started recording for the first time? Don't worry we've got you covered there too. There's a fantastic bundle deal available on the PreSonus AudioBox 96, which includes an audio interface, condenser mic, and a pair of studio headphones, all for just $159.99, which is $40 less than the regular price.

Keep scrolling for quick links to all the best sales that are still live, as well as a handpicked selection of the best audio interfaces from the expert team here at MusicRadar.

Black Friday audio interface deals: Quick links

Here you'll find all the latest audio interface sales from the biggest and best Black Friday sales that are live now:

Editor's picks

Most of the major Black Friday sales have launched now, but we've always got an eye on any upcoming audio interface offers too. We'll be updating this page throughout the Cyber Weekend but for now, here are our current top picks:

Universal Audio: Bundles deals and money off

Universal Audio: <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fdealzone%2FUniversal_Audio-deals" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bundles deals and money off
Whether you’re a newcomer to the world of home recording, or you’re a pro producer who needs the best of everything, there is something for everyone in the Sweetwater Universal Audio sale. From two-input compact interfaces to studio-grade 18-in monsters there are some amazing bundle deals and select price drops available now that include software and even some select hardware bundles.

Prism Sound Lyra 2: Was $3,104, now $2,399

Prism Sound Lyra 2: <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FLyra2--prism-sound-lyra-2-2-by-4-usb-audio-interface" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $3,104, now $2,399
If you're looking for a premium audio interface for pro-level work, the Prism Sound Lyra 2 is a great choice. With fantastic audio-to-digital conversion and a professional-grade preamp, this is a serious bit of kit that will add a significant boost to your recording work.

Universal Audio Volt 476P: Was $469, now $419

Universal Audio Volt 476P: <a href="https://guitar-center.pxf.io/c/221109/1125892/14264?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarcenter.com%2FUniversal-Audio%2FUniversal-Audio-Volt-476P-USB-Audio-Interface-1500000382708.gc" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $469, now $419
Taking a step away from the expensive, DSP-powered units they're renowned for it was a pleasant surprise to all when UA announced their Volt range of interfaces. With the increase in the availability of processing power and the fact that UA offers its plugins native nowadays, there are even some who say that DSP-based interfaces are becoming redundant.

The Volt 476P is fully USB bus powered with four of UA's famously articulate preamps and a built-in '76' compressor with settings for guitar and vocals. It's well-priced, convenient, and even comes with some free plugins. With a $50 discount over at Guitar Center, we're hard-pressed to find reasons not to get one.

Price check - <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FVolt476P--universal-audio-volt-476p-usb-c-audio-interface" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sweetwater $419

PreSonus Revelator io24: $199.99, now $149.99

PreSonus Revelator io24: <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FRevelatorIO24--presonus-revelator-io24-usb-c-audio-interface" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$199.99, now $149.99
Providing a clear interface design and built-in display, the PreSonus Revelator io24 is geared towards live streaming and podcasting but will certainly do the job as an audio interface for the home studio too. If you like to create other content alongside your music it's a great choice, made ever sweeter with a $50 discount at Sweetwater.

Price check - <a href="https://guitar-center.pxf.io/c/221109/1125892/14264?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarcenter.com%2FPreSonus%2FRevelator-io24-USB-Audio-Interface-1500000354678.gc" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Guitar Center $149.99

Sterling Audio H224: Was 149.99, now $79.99

Sterling Audio H224: <a href="https://musicians-friend.pxf.io/c/221109/1127581/14291?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.musiciansfriend.com%2Fpro-audio%2Fsterling-audio-harmony-h224-usb-audio-interface-with-192-khz-sample-rate-capability" data-link-merchant="musiciansfriend.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was 149.99, now $79.99
If you're after a cheap audio interface then it doesn't get much better than this deal. The Sterling Audio Harmony H224 is a 24-bit, 192kHz audio interface that's perfect for beginners. With a huge $70 reduction it's a fantastic way to get started making your own music.

Lewitt&nbsp;Connect 6: Was $299, now $249

Lewitt Connect 6: <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FConnect6--lewitt-connect-6-usb-c-audio-interface" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $299, now $249
Although it may look like the US military's latest stealth bomber, this is in fact an audio interface that's determined to do things differently. The space-age looks aside, the Lewitt Connect 6 features a whole range of connectivity, flexible internal routing that allows it to play a variety of roles, and a built-in compressor, expander, EQ, and maximizer. With a lovely $50 discount at Sweetwater, it's perfect for those musicians who want something different from your average crimson audio interface.

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20: Was $599.99, now $539.99

Focusrite Scarlett 18i20: <a href="https://guitar-center.pxf.io/c/221109/1125892/14264?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarcenter.com%2FFocusrite%2FScarlett-18i20-USB-Audio-Interface-Gen-3-1500000280113.gc" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $599.99, now $539.99
Perfect for studios on a budget, the Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 offers some serious features for far less than their similarly spec'd competitors. It's got a $60 discount at Guitar Center in their Black Friday sale, and while it's not huge numbers, we still think it's excellent value even at its full price. The preamps are as high quality as those on bigger name interfaces, and the 18i20 is ideal for the producer looking to take a step up to recording full drum kits and larger groups simultaneously.

Price check - <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FScar18i20G3--focusrite-scarlett-18i20-3rd-gen-usb-audio-interface" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Sweetwater $539.99

RME&nbsp;Fireface UFX II: Was $2,799, now $2,379

RME Fireface UFX II: <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FFirefaceUFX2--rme-fireface-ufx-ii-usb-2-audio-interface" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Was $2,799, now $2,379
If you thought that USB couldn't match Thunderbolt for latency, then the RME Fireface UFX II will make you think differently. The sound quality of this thing is incredible and it has some of the best mic pres we've heard thus far. We love the built-in mixing software too. It's got a huge $420 discount at Sweetwater at the moment, a great opportunity to pick up a professional-level interface for a lot less.

Price check - <a href="https://guitar-center.pxf.io/c/221109/1125892/14264?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarcenter.com%2FRME%2FFireface-UFX-II-USB-20-Audio-Interface-1500000045899.gc" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Guitar Center $2,799

PreSonus AudioBox bundle: $199.99, now $159.99

PreSonus AudioBox bundle: <a href="https://imp.i114863.net/c/221109/789347/11319?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.sweetwater.com%2Fstore%2Fdetail%2FAudioBox25Stu--presonus-audiobox-96-studio-hardware-and-software-recording-kit-25th-anniversary-edition" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">$199.99, now $159.99
For those looking for an all-in-one solution to recording, the PreSonus AudioBox 96 bundle represents tremendous value for money, and even more so with a tempting $40 discount at Sweetwater.

Featuring everything you need to get started recording music, podcasts, or audio for YouTube videos, this bundle features an audio interface, a condenser microphone, and a set of studio headphones. It even includes all the cables and stands you need too, so you can start recording from the moment you get it.

Price check - <a href="https://guitar-center.pxf.io/c/221109/1125892/14264?subId1=hawk-custom-tracking&sharedId=hawk&u=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.guitarcenter.com%2FPreSonus%2FAudioBox-96-Studio-Bundle-25th-Anniversary-Edition-1500000330720.gc" data-link-merchant="guitarcenter.com"" data-link-merchant="sweetwater.com"">Guitar Center $159.99

Black Friday audio interface deals FAQ

A Universal Audio audio interface on a wooden floor

(Image credit: Future)

When do the Black Friday audio interface deals start?

For 2023, the Black Friday audio interface deals will officially arrive on Friday, November 24 - the day after Thanksgiving and less than a month before Christmas Day. As always, the deals will extend across that weekend (also known as Cyber Weekend), before finishing with a final flurry of Cyber Monday music deals on Monday 27 November.

Deals are launched at all sorts of random times – sometimes in the middle of the night – so savvy shoppers will need to keep a close eye on their favorite retailers to ensure they grab the bargains they're after. Some Black Friday audio interface deals may stick around for the whole of Cyber Weekend, while others may only be live for a matter of hours, or could be stock-limited. So, if you're looking for a bargain, you need to be ready to pull the trigger.

If you're using Black Friday to save money on Christmas gifts, our guide to the best Christmas gifts for musicians is great for inspiration.

How long do Black Friday sales last?

Whilst Black Friday is traditionally limited to one weekend, the deals won't be isolated to this concentrated four-day period. Many of the best Black Friday audio interface deals will emerge in the weeks leading up to the big day and many deals stick around well after the event and into December.

What deals should I expect?

We’ll be keeping a close eye on the big music retailers throughout October and November. Based on last year's evidence, the Guitar Center Black Friday deals, Sweetwater Black Friday sales, Musician's Friend Black Friday deals, and Thomann Black Friday deals will be the place to find the very best Black Friday audio interface deals.

In the past, we've seen offers on killer interfaces from Focusrite's Scarlett and Clarett ranges, and this year we're hoping to see discounts on the brand-new Scarlett 4th Generation. Last year's biggest highlight was money-off bundles, with both PreSonus and Universal Audio delivering fantastic value deals.

Talking of bundles, Black Friday is often the best time of year to save big on collections of recording gear, which usually comprises a quality interface, studio headphones, a condenser microphone, and possibly some software too. This is a really economical way of getting into recording. All you need then is a decent laptop for music production.

We've been covering the Black Friday music deals for years now, so you can rest assured our teams will be hunting down the best offers before anyone else and sharing them with you first.

Can I get free stuff on Black Friday?

Whilst there is unlikely to be any free audio interfaces going, most home recording hardware will come bundled with plugins. As part of the Black Friday deals manufacturers may offer a greater than usual set of free plugins with their interfaces to tempt you into purchasing, as you can see right now with many Universal Audio interfaces.

Retailers may also offer multi-buy deals, where if you add two separate items to your basket and get one of them for free, or at a reduced price.

How to prepare for this year's Black Friday audio interface deals

1. Create a wishlist early - To save you from scrolling endlessly through a list of discounted items, it's important to know what it is you both want and need before the big sales start.

2. Work out what you actually need - Perhaps you're looking to get your first audio interface, so an all-in-one bundle with an interface, headphones, and microphone might be handy. On the other hand, you might be looking to expand your current setup so an interface with a digital connector is a must. By working out what you want beforehand, you'll save yourself time and money when the big day comes.

3. Consider your music-making goals - Are you a solo producer making EDM? Do you want to record a rock album with your band? These are all great questions to ask that will inform your purchase, making sure it's the perfect match for your needs.

4. Make some room - Something else you should consider ahead of time is whether you have enough space on your desktop to account for additional gear. We're all guilty of hoarding items we never use, and having a clear-out can also open up more funds for a new purchase.

How we choose which audio interface deals to cover

At MusicRadar, we live and breathe music. We all own our own audio interfaces and use them to craft our own music whether it's solo productions or fully-fledged band recordings. We've got loads of experience using recording hardware, and we use all of our knowledge and experience when selecting the best deals to recommend.

Like you we're music lovers and creators, so we want to make sure you get the best possible bit of gear for your specific needs.

If we're recommending a product it has to be at a genuinely good price or as part of an excellent value bundle. We will only recommend retailers where you will have a positive shopping experience, as well as the best price.

Why you can trust our choices

Despite Black Friday only happening on a specific weekend, we actually spend all year looking for fantastic deals on audio interfaces, and many other bits of recording hardware and software. It's our job to research and recommend the best music gear for our and reviews but as gear hounds ourselves, we're also always on the look out for a great deal.

We cover loads of the big sales events throughout the year, including Memorial Day4th of July sales and Amazon Prime Day, so we've got our finger firmly on the pulse of what's going on in the music gear industry. We know the prices they've been in the past too, so we can tell you whether the deals we recommend are genuinely worth it.

Last year's Black Friday audio interface deal highlights

Image

SSL2+ USB interface: $239.99, $219
With more connectivity and options for sending your sound out to various locations, the SSL2+ will fit into a huge variety of studio environments. You get four outputs, an increase on the two available with the SSL2, and last year saw a saving of 9% over at Amazon.

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Universal Audio Apollo X16: $4,499, $3,999
If you’re serious about your recording exploits then this incredible 16-channel interface will seriously beef up your creative endeavors. This powerful thunderbolt interface perfectly integrates into your existing setup, working beautifully with existing outboard gear to supercharge your productions. Last year's Black Friday sale at Guitar Center saw the Apollo X16 come with a massive $500 off, as well as a full complement of UA’s award-winning plugins totally free, worth $2,400 when sold separately.

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Universal Audio Volt 2 Studio Pack: £217, £195
When you're just starting out in the world of home recording, gearing up with everything you need can be an expensive affair. That's why bundles are often the best value way to go. This pack from UA includes one of our favorite <a href="https://www.musicradar.com/news/best-budget-audio-interfaces" data-link-merchant="musicradar.com"">budget audio interfaces, matched with a pair of studio headphones, a quality microphone, and loads of software to get you started. It was 10% off for Black Friday last year.

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PreSonus AudioBox Studio Bundle: $329.99, $259.99
Don’t know where to start with your home studio setup? Fear not because this brilliant bundle from PreSonus gives you everything you need to start doing your own production, mixing, and mastering. Last year saw a healthy $70 off at Guitar Center, giving you an audio interface, studio monitors, microphone, headphones, and PreSonus’ Studio One software in one handy package. It even includes all the cables you need to connect everything up! How’s that for convenience?

More places to shop this Black Friday

MusicRadar's got your back Our team of expert musicians and producers spends hours testing products to help you choose the best music-making gear for you. Find out more about how we test.

Chris Barnes

I'm MusicRadar's eCommerce Editor. In addition to testing the latest music gear, with a particular focus on electronic drums, it's my job to manage the 300+ buyer's guides on MusicRadar and help musicians find the right gear for them at the best prices. I dabble with guitar, but my main instrument is the drums, which I have been playing for 24 years. I've been a part of the music gear industry for 20 years, including 7 years as Editor of the UK's best-selling drum magazine Rhythm, and 5 years as a freelance music writer, during which time I worked with the world's biggest instrument brands including Roland, Boss, Laney and Natal.

With contributions from