best audio interface podcast

Top 10 audio interfaces for podcasters

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. There are many iterations of this distinctive red audio interface, but the 2i2 stereo interface...
• Mackie Onyx Blackjack 2×2. This Mackie unit is about 40% cheaper than the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, but it offers very...
• Tascam US-2×2. Tascam was an industry leader when recordings took place on multi-track tape.

Full Answer

What is the best USB audio interface for podcasting?

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of our best-selling USB audio interfaces here at Sweetwater. You’ll find it in home studios everywhere. But did you know that it also makes a top-quality podcasting interface?

What are the best portable audio interfaces?

In our opinion, the Apollo line interfaces are the best portable audio interfaces you can buy. The Solo (previously known as the Arrow) is the baby of the line, with the same high-end analog to digital converters and flawless pre-amps as the top-of-the-line rack mounts.

What is the best MIDI interface for 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.

Do you need a high-quality audio interface for podcasters?

Some podcasters record straight to their smart device, but the final product doesn’t sound so smart (pun intended). Others use a USB microphone, which is a step in the right direction. But if you really want to achieve professional sound, you’ll need a high-quality audio interface. Here are a few of our favorites.

Can you use 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 is the best sounding audio interface?

What Are The 7 Best Professional Audio Interfaces?RME Babyface Pro FS (Our Pick)Universal Audio Apollo Twin X (Most Versatile)Apogee Symphony Desktop (Premium Choice)PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 (Best Value)Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen.SSL 2+Mackie Onyx Producer 2-2 USB.

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's better than a Focusrite?

If the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is unavailable, or if you need something with a built-in MIDI interface, the PreSonus AudioBox iTwo is a great alternative. It has the same iOS, macOS, and Windows functionality and portability as the 2i2, and its preamps have enough power to support condenser mics.

Do audio interfaces improve sound quality?

Yes, an audio interface can significantly improve sound quality. Especially with regards to recording. Audio interfaces allow you to record at a high sample rate and bit depth, which means you can record your music at a much higher resolution than normal.

Are high end audio interfaces worth it?

An expensive audio interface may be a better investment due to its durability, slightly better sound quality, and the features, plugins, and better components that it offers. They also tend to have updated technologies.

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...•

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 Focusrite 2i2 or solo?

It's really going to boil down to your specific needs. If you're looking for a second or third interface just to add to an arsenal of studio gear, the Solo gives you almost unbeatable portability. If this is your only interface, though, the Scarlett 2i2 is hands down the more versatile of the two.

Is 2i2 better than solo?

The main difference between the Solo and 2i2 is that the 2i2 can handle either two instrument or microphone inputs, while the Solo just has one of each. For a modest price increase, the 2i2 offers a lot more flexibility, which can be helpful even for small recording setups and simple home studios.

Which interface is better Focusrite or PreSonus?

Conversion and preamp quality is a tossup; both Focusrite and PreSonus have won awards for their preamps. PreSonus only goes up to 96 kHz while Focusrite runs all the way to 192, but realistically, it's incredibly unlikely the average home studio enthusiast will need to record that high.

What interface do professional studios use?

Many professional studios and live sound setups use larger Focusrite Pro units as audio interfaces. The two distinct divisions (Focusrite and Focusrite Pro) produce superb audio interfaces for the hobbyist/amateur and the professional, respectively.

Do audio interfaces make a difference?

Audio interfaces do make a difference in the resulting audio. The quality of the converters is paramount for the final sound to be closer to the original analog waveform. There are many tricks you can pull off to make it sound decent, but there are no shortcuts you can take to bypass low-quality converters.

Is focusrite better than PreSonus?

Conversion and preamp quality is a tossup; both Focusrite and PreSonus have won awards for their preamps. PreSonus only goes up to 96 kHz while Focusrite runs all the way to 192, but realistically, it's incredibly unlikely the average home studio enthusiast will need to record that high.

What audio interface does Drake use?

What soundcard or audio interface does Drake use? You can't have a $10,000 microphone and skimp on the soundcard and Drake doesn't. According to 40, they use a RME Babyface, which is one of the top audio interfaces on the market.

What is the best phone number for podcasting?

If you need a shiny, new microphone to go with your awesome new interface or if you have any questions about how to make your podcast sound its best, give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. They’ll be happy to help!

What is the Sweetwater podcast bundle?

Another popular podcasting bundle here at Sweetwater is the RME Podcast Bundle. This bundle supplies you with a powerful, all-in-one podcasting solution. It all starts with a Babyface Pro. This 12-in/12-out USB audio interface is renowned for its reference-class AD/DA conversion, while the included TotalMix FX software provides you with comprehensive routing and DSP-accelerated EQ, reverb, and delay. This interface is pro-level all the way, with precision metering, two crystal-clear headphone outputs, and a mix-minus set up as separate audio sources. This bundle also includes an Audio-Technica BP40 dynamic mic, which has the distinct ability to reject bad-sounding acoustic environments, plus an ultra-rugged boom mic stand, a super-durable 10-foot mic cable, and an educational course from the Podcast Engineering School.

Is podcasting popular?

There ’s no doubt about it, podcasts are insanely popular. No matter what topic you’re interested in — popular culture, daily news, science fiction, gardening, or music — there’s a podcast that’s tailored just for you.

Do podcasts need a microphone?

Some podcasters record straight to their smart device, but the final product doesn’t sound so smart (pun intended). Others use a USB microphone, which is a step in the right direction. But if you really want to achieve professional sound, you’ll need a high-quality audio interface. Here are a few of our favorites.

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 ...

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 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.

What is a Focusrite 2i2?

The 2i2 from Focusrite is an incredibly popular, compact audio interface with two XLR inputs, 48V power, direct monitoring and a headphone jack for monitoring. The interface is powered over USB 2.0 and both the XLR inputs and the headphone jack have their own gain control for precise audio levels.

How much does the AI-1 weigh?

The real selling point of the AI-1 is the sound quality and the fact that it is not compromised by the small, minimal design. At just 1.1 pounds with an incredibly small footprint, this is a great interface to keep permanently on a desk or workstation.

Do computers have built in audio?

While many computers do have good internal built-in sound cards, these external devices are specially built to capture robust audio and have mic-preamps built into the XLR cable inputs that will get you better sounding audio than an XLR mic typically does. These interfaces vary a lot in size, price and function and the right USB audio interface ...

Is USB audio better than microphone?

USB audio interfaces vary in quality, features and input options but will almost always give you a better sounding audio file than recording with a microphone that connects directly to your computer with a USB. If you are deciding between purchasing a mixer and a USB audio interface, remember that a mixer does not actually record your audio ...

Can you use a USB audio interface to record audio?

Fulfilling a similar function as an audio mixer in some ways, a USB audio interface can allow you to connect any microphone to a computer or iPad to record audio files and handle multiple tracks at once. USB audio interfaces vary in quality, features and input options but will almost always give you a better sounding audio file than recording with a microphone that connects directly to your computer with a USB. If you are deciding between purchasing a mixer and a USB audio interface, remember that a mixer does not actually record your audio and would still need to be connected to a laptop or other recording device, so in some cases an audio interface can be advantageous.

Does the Rode AI-1 work with other mics?

For a well-made, easy to use, single channel interface look no further than the Rode AI-1. While it is priced higher than some other single channel interfaces, the device is super compact and newly released to feature a USB-C port on the back instead of USB 2.0 or 3.0. The AI-1 works great with Rode mics, but the 48V phantom power and class compliant build (meaning you do not need to install any drivers) makes it a great fit for any other mics you might have as well.

What is cross platform audio?

The cross-platform feature makes audio interface compatible with any device; USB 2.0 connectivity; It’s a rack-mounted solution; Feature stable drivers; The interface can be used with any software; Includes an excellent converter for the best audio.

Why is MIDI used in music?

The use of MIDI is rather limited as musicians and record producers work with electronic instruments when producing popular music. The connectivity issue made electronic gear popular and entailed the fast expansion of sales, hence the production of such instruments and music software. MIDI appeared at the dawn of the PC era when samplers and digital synthesizers were introduced. MIDI technologies brought new creative capabilities and contributed to the revival of the music industry. Using MIDI the person can create sophisticated arrangements. The development of this standard reduced recording costs and helped to establish home recording. If you need an interface with MIDI, the list of suitable devices can be found below.

Does the USB 2.0 audio interface work with Windows?

The customer should be sure that the audio interface works with Windows and Mac OS. All models presented here come with USB 2.0, though some of them are USB 3.0 version. If a podcaster makes the recording alone, it’s good enough to start with 2×2 models. Those who have MIDI gear aren’t able to use USB for connection.

Is Solid Built a good mixer?

In case the interface for mixing and recording at a reasonable price is needed, this is an excellent variant for any consumer. Solid built is one of its benefits, therefore it is recommended for all those who need reliable equipment.

Can you use USB for MIDI?

Those who have MIDI gear aren’t able to use USB for connection. There is a special section in the article dedicated to it. When two or more podcasters need equipment or numerous people in the discussion should be recorded, then the 8 input section meets their demands perfectly.

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 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.

Why do I cover digital inputs in the context of recording voice only?

I cover digital inputs in the context of recording voice only because it’s commonly a feature on audio devices. If you use outboard mic preamps, digital mixers or other digital devices in your chain, it’s important to ensure your devices have compatible digital inputs. Otherwise, you can likely overlook this feature.