best podcast interface

^{Best Audio Interfaces for Podcasting}

• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of our best-selling USB audio interfaces here at Sweetwater. You’ll find it in home studios everywhere.
• PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. If you’re searching for a great, budget-friendly option, then you can’t go wrong with the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96.
• Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO. Want your podcast to sound like it was produced in a high-end recording studio? Then grab a Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO.
• Zoom H6. If your podcast involves any fieldwork, you’ll want a standalone recorder like the Zoom H6 Handy Recorder.
The RODECaster Pro. Want a top-quality audio interface that’s truly tailor-made for podcasting? If so, the RODECaster Pro should be at the top of your list.
RME 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.

Full Answer

How to launch a podcast network?

• Publicity – getting your show listed on “Best of” lists and in other online sources relevant to your show and your ideal listeners.
• Marketing – Utilizing your existing social media and web properties. ...
• Cross-promotion of member shows on other podcasts in their space. ...

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What podcast app are you using?

You Might Use It If: You'd like to do live shows with audience participation, as well as podcast on the go from your smartphone. Anchor. Spotify-owned podcast maker app Anchor are a popular choice amongst folks looking to test the water in podcasting.

What is the best budget audio interface?

Under $300

• Behringer U-Phoria UM2. First up comes the Behringer U-Phoria UM2. ...
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2. One of my personal favourites, the Scarlett 2i2 by Focusrite. ...
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. ...
• PreSonus AudioBox USB 96. ...
• Apogee One. ...
• Focusrite Scarlett Solo. ...
• Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1/Audio 2. ...
• PreSonus Studio 24c/26c. ...

What is the best audio interface for PC?

Which Interface is Right for You?

• PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 ($99.95) The PreSonus Audiobox USB 96 is a classic, super simple USB audio interface. ...
• Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 ($159) The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is another fantastic two-channel interface. ...
• Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD ($178) Are you looking for the best value but need more than two preamps? ...

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What audio interface do I need for podcast?

Audio Interfaces When using a traditional analog XLR microphone to record a podcast, you'll need a USB (or Firewire, or Thunderbolt) audio interface. These can range from tiny devices that plug directly into the microphone, to multi-channel boxes that can connect many microphones simultaneously.

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 quality 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.

What is a good setup for podcasting?

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...•

Do I need a mixer or 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.

Do you need an interface and mixer for podcasting?

If you are recording a podcast and you are doing a live broadcast then you may want a mixer because it allows you that flexibility to adjust things on the fly really easy; whereas if you are just recording a podcast and you are going to edit it and put it up at a later date, then an audio interface is probably going to ...

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.

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 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 you need 2 microphones for a podcast?

With a 2 or more person podcast, you'll each need an XLR microphone – and studio headphones are highly recommended. Because you can't easily record more than 1 USB microphone into one computer, you'll need a USB audio interface or mixer with at least as many XLR microphone inputs as you have hosts.

What do I need for a podcast studio?

TL;DR: Essential equipment to set up a podcast studio at home includes:A spare room.Sound Treatment Materials.Computer/Laptop.1- 2 Microphones.Audio Interface/Mixer.Connectors.Headphones.Mic Stand.More items...

Why do podcasters wear headphones?

Wearing headphones improves your mic technique If you can hear you're off-mic, too loud or that you're popping every time you say a word starting with a hard consonant ('p', 'b', 'k'), wearing headphones will help you adjust the way you're using the microphone in the moment.

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 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 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 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.

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.

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 ...

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 does a podcast mixer do?

That means loud people are loud and quiet people are quiet. With a podcast mixer you can actually turn up those quiet folks, and turn down the shouters. Plus you can record them on different channels and have much more power in post production. Excellent!

How many inputs does a Mackie have?

The Mackie is similar to the Behringer above, but actually has one less fully controlled channel, so 5 main inputs , but still 4 of which are XLR. It has all the same inline features, except for compression – something which can easily be added in post production in very little time anyway.

Do you need a mixer to podcast?

You don't need a mixer to podcast, but there are reason to want one! Increased control and flexibility in recording (be it locally or remotely) is one of them. A mixer can help you cut down on your editing time too. However, they do add an extra layer of complexity to your setup.

Is Rodecaster cheaper than Podtrak?

The Rodecaster is not cheap, is not for everyone, but it could be perfect for some. It has a really strong contender in the Podtrak now, though. The Podtrak has most of the same capabilities, is much better value and a lot more flexible. Those massive light-up Rodecaster sound cart buttons do look cool, though….

Do podcast mixers crash?

Podcast mixers don't crash , unlike computers, and I've never seen a digital recorder do so either. You can cut out the computer component altogether, reducing noise and flakiness, or you can record using software and with the mixer as a backup recording, sending a second output to the digital recorder.