Recommended audio interfaces for podcasting
| Scarlett Solo | Scarlett 2i2 | Scarlett 18i8 | |
| Customer rating | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.7 out of 5 stars | 4.8 out of 5 stars |
| Connectivity | USB Type-C | USB Type-C | USB Type-C |
| Mics XLR Combo | 1 | 2 | 4 |
| Mic Preamps built-in | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Full Answer
What are the best audio interfaces for podcasting?
Recommended audio interfaces for podcasting
- 1 Mic basic starter – Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen)
- 2 Mics overall best-recommended audio interface for beginners – Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)
- 4 Mics recommendation for multiple hosts and guests – Focusrite Scarlett 18i8 (3rd Gen)
Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?
Professional condenser or dynamic mics used for podcasting will require having an audio interface. You will use an XLR cable to connect it to an audio interface and then use a USB cable (in our recommended models) to connect it to your computer.
How to setup your audio interface?
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What is the best audio interface?
- Introduction
- Audio Interfaces Q&A
- Best Audio Interfaces MOTU M2 and M4 Audient EVO 4 M-Audio M-Track Duo Audient iD14 MKII PreSonus Revelator io24 Universal Audio Volt 276 Arturia AudioFuse Studio Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB
Do I need audio interface for podcast?
An audio interface is not needed to record a podcast or voice-over, but is recommended. You need an audio interface for podcasting to connect pro dynamic mics and capture speakers on separate tracks. USB mics are sufficient only for 1 or 2 people and will create a 1 track recording.
What audio interface should I get for a podcast?
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The Focusrite Scarlett line is pretty affordable, its units are mostly bus powered (which means the USB cable provides the power), and its built-in preamps are solid. This may be the best “bang for your buck” digital audio interface on the market — you can expect to pay about $180 for the 2i2.
How do I record a podcast using audio interface?
0:0011:28How To Record A Podcast With Scarlett 2i2 Audio Interface - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBut if you're doing a home podcast or recording with your voice these two are very capableMoreBut if you're doing a home podcast or recording with your voice these two are very capable microphones. So we're going to put plug both of those in for this. And also we're going to multi-track.
Do I need a mixer and an audio interface for podcasting?
You do need some sort of an audio interface (unless you use a USB microphone) for your podcast. However, you do not need an audio mixer to record your podcast.
What equipment is needed for a podcast?
For a conventional podcast, you need at a minimum a microphone, headphones, a computer, recording and mixing software, and internet access.
What do you need for a podcast?
A Complete List of Podcast Equipment for BeginnersA computer.An XLR or USB microphone.Mixer.Pop filter or windscreen.Headphones.Microphone stand.Acoustic treatments.Recording and editing software.More items...•
How do professionals record podcasts?
The different ways to record a podcastRecording directly into audio editing software.Recording via video conferencing software e.g. Zoom, Skype.Recording via a remote recording platform designed to record podcast audio.Recording using a portable recording device.
Are USB audio interfaces good?
A USB-C audio interface that gives you double the number of inputs and outputs of the Audient, and sounds great. Focusrite makes some of the best interfaces on the market for the money, so if you're looking for something solid, durable and easy to use, then you can't go too far wrong with the 4i4.
How do I record my first podcast?
Let's take the simplest option first: recording a podcast on your own. If you're flying solo, then the easiest choice is to record right into an editing package, like Audacity, or Audition. Audacity is the first choice for many, for one very good reason: it's free!
Can you podcast without a mixer?
You don't NEED a mixer to podcast, but getting one can improve your sound quality, increase your flexibility, and save you time! You don't need a mixer to podcast, but there are reason to want one!
Do I need a soundboard for a podcast?
A soundboard gives you the ability to 'live produce' your podcast. Just like a radio show or live broadcast, a soundboard enables you to include sound effects, music, and other media in your podcast as you record it. This is known as 'live producing' or 'live mixing'.
What can I use instead of an audio interface?
Here are five alternatives to audio interfaces:USB mixer.Guitar Amp.Multi-Effect Pedals for Electric Instruments.Use Virtual Instruments.Plug Instruments Directly Into Computer.
What is the audio interface for podcasting?
The audio interface is essential if you use a condenser or dynamic mic for podcasting. Condenser or dynamic mics are connected to interface with a three-pin XLR cable. The audio interface will provide your mic with an external power source called phantom power.
How does an audio interface work?
Audio interfaces work as an external sound card and improve the audio capabilities of your computer. They add inputs and outputs so you can connect multiple devices at once. USB mics don’t require separate audio interface as they already have a built-in unit.
What is MIDI in podcasting?
MIDI is a language that allows electronic music hardware (instruments and computers) to connect and communicate (send MIDI information). The most useful thing you can connect for podcasting is a MIDI keyboard controller. A MIDI keyboard controller is a physical interface. If you connect the MIDI In of your audio interface to ...
Why is audio interface important?
The audio interface will allow connecting more input devices (more important for recording music or multiple mics at once) and will offer higher quality circuits, a more accurate digital clock resulting in better sound quality.
What is MIDI keyboard?
A MIDI keyboard controller is a physical interface. If you connect the MIDI In of your audio interface to the MIDI Out on a keyboard controller, you can send a pre-programmed sequence (music clip, intro or ads) to be played and registered through an audio interface in your DAW.
What is an audio interface?
The term refers to any device that converts analog audio into a computer-readable digital format. Audio interfaces come in all shapes and sizes. There’s the built-in sound card inside your computer. There’s tiny little USB dongles. There’s the circuitry built into a USB microphone.
How many inputs does an audio interface have?
Audio Interfaces typically have two inputs and two outputs (2×2). Some have four inputs and two outputs (4×2). It’s important to know how many devices you intend to connect to your audio interface in order to determine number of input and output ports. Multiple monitor combinations (5.1, quad, 7.1, etc) require an output for each monitor.
What is MIDI port?
MIDI Ports. MIDI is used primarily for communicating between sequencing software and digital instruments and equipment. MIDI can also be used to control external peripherals like rackmount reverb modules. Unless you are a musician, a sound designer or a lighting designer, you likely don’t need MIDI ports.
What is studio compliant?
A studio-compliant configuration that’s good for general recording but allows some headroom for pitching and time-stretching vocal performances. If you’re recording professionally for any studio, unless directed otherwise, these are the settings to heed.
What is the best kHz for recording voice?
In general, most studios record voice at 48 kHz. This allows some breathing room in the audio, and gives audio editors and designers a little room to stretch and pitch voices without losing audio fidelity. For most voice and interview podcasts, 44.1 kHz is sufficient to capture excellent vocal audio.
What is an analog input?
Analog Inputs and Outputs are one of the most important items to pay attention to. Typical external sound cards support both XLR and balanced TRS (¼”) cables, often in the same port (referred to as a combo connector). Ensure you use a balanced connection to avoid unwanted electrical interference. And make sure the audio connections on your interface match the connections on your microphones, monitors and other equipment.
What is a digital I/O port?
Digital I/O ports include MIDI, SCSI, Timecode, optical, S/PDIF and other ports used to carry machine-readable digital information from one system to another without converting them to an analog sound source first.
Priorities in Rating for Podcasting and Voice overs
Looking for the best audio interface for podcasting and voice-overs, our highest priorities were sound quality and ease-of-use. We unboxed and tested these six popular interfaces to find our favourite.
The Test: 6 Audio interfaces, Same Mic
We tested these six audio interfaces recording with a Neumann TLM 102 Microphone, Logic Pro X, with zero compression or EQ added. (for more info on mic choice, check out some of our mic reviews .)
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 (3rd Gen)
Ideally priced with two XLR inputs, built-in loopback software, and crystal clear pre-amps.
Audient ID4
A quality audio interface that works like it should at a good price. A machine would serve any podcaster or voice over artist well.
What USB type do I need for podcasting?
Most are USB 2.0 but there are a couple that use USB 3.0 along with newer models using Type-C. For podcasting and solo recording for most people, I would recommend starting in the ‘2×2’ section. If you have MIDI equipment that doesn’t connect over USB, look just below that in the ‘2×2 with MIDI’ section.
What is USB audio interface?
A USB audio interface lets you convert your analog audio signals (i.e. your voice) into a digital signal for your computer. They can vary in quality, features, inputs & outputs, and more. They all have mic preamps built into the XLR inputs, and at least one output for monitoring speakers or headphones. Compared to a built-in sound card, you’ll ...
What is a good audio interface for podcasting?
A zero-latency audio effect is an EQ, compressor, limiter, or any other audio manipulation processor that doesn’t add additional perceived latency to the signal chain. In simple terms, with zero-latency audio effects, you won’t hear any lag in your headphones after speaking into your microphone.
How many plugins are there for Universal Audio?
Universal Audio’s library of zero-latency audio effects consists of over 100 plugins, many of which are faithful recreations of legendary vintage hardware. With so many to choose from, you may be wondering which UAD plugins will help you produce a better-sounding podcast.
What is a microphone preamp?
Audio interfaces come with built-in microphone preamps that amplify a weak microphone signal to achieve a better signal-to-noise ratio before digital conversion. In other words, you won’t be able to do much with a microphone signal that hasn’t been amplified.
Why do I say "analog microphone"?
I say “analog microphones” because digital microphones exist too . Usually, they’re terminated with USB a connector. USB microphones technically have a built-in audio interface with the necessary processing chips to convert analog audio to digital audio.
What is a USB Audio Interface?
A USB audio interface is a little box that you can plug an XLR mic into. Sometimes, depending on the model, you can plug multiple XLR mics in.
What's the Best USB Audio Interface for Podcasters? Summary
As I've said already, the best option for you is going to depend on your own unique needs, setup, and budget. By looking over the input options, price ranges, and listening to the sound samples, the chances are you'll have made your mind up by now.
Need More Help?
If you're still weighing up what gear to buy, remember to also check out our Best Podcast Microphones roundup. You'll find all our top choices right there.
