Welcome to the world of podcasting, where clarity of sound is paramount and the right tools can make all the difference. In this auditory realm, the choice of an audio interface becomes a pivotal decision, shaping the quality of your podcast episodes (audio recordings). Aspiring podcasters and seasoned professionals alike understand that a superior audio interface is not just a device; it’s the bridge between your voice and your audience’s ears.
In the pursuit of impeccable podcast audio, selecting the best audio interface is similar to choosing a reliable co-host—one that enhances your voice captures every nuance, and ensures a seamless connection with your listeners. Whether you’re delving into the podcasting arena for the first time or seeking an upgrade to elevate your existing setup, our comprehensive “Buying Guide” (including key features like high-quality preamps, gain range, or conversion quality) along with the list of the Top Audio Interfaces for Podcasting will let you tailor an ideal option specifically for podcasting.
Join us on this sonic journey as we explore the key features, user-friendly interfaces, and stellar performance of the top contenders, as your podcast deserves the best, and we’re here to help you find the perfect match to amplify your voice and captivate your audience.
Best Audio Interface For Podcasting Table
| Product Name | Gain Range | No.of Mic Ports | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Audio Interface | 56 dB | 2 | Check On Amazon |
| M-Audio Interface | -10 dB to +44 dB | 2 | Check On Amazon |
| EBXYA Audio Interface | 10 dB | 2 | Check On Amazon |
| BOMGE Audio Interface | -3 dB to +20 dB | 2 | Check On Amazon |
| Tascam Audio Interface | 45 dB | 2 | Check On Amazon |
Best Audio Interface For Podcasting Reviews
1. Focusrite Audio Interface
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen) is a fantastic tool for people who want to record music or podcasts at home. It’s easy to use, even if you’re new to recording. This version is better than ever because it can make your recordings sound good.
It has special technology to make your voice or music sound great. You can also plug in your guitar or other instruments and it will record them without any problems.
Setting it up is a breeze with the Easy Start tool. Plus, it comes with software like Ableton Live Lite and Pro Tools, which are like computer programs to help you make music. There are also extra sounds and effects you can use. So, everything you need to get started with recording music or podcasts is right here.
And the best part? It doesn’t cost a fortune, making it perfect for anyone who wants to record like a pro without spending too much money.
Best Features
- Improved mic preamps with Air mode for brighter, more open recordings
- High-headroom instrument inputs for recording guitars, basses, and other instruments without clipping
- Easy Start tool for quick and easy setup
- Software suite with Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools | First, and a variety of other plugins and sound effects
- Compact and lightweight design
Pros
- Excellent sound quality, especially for the price
- Versatile enough for a variety of recording applications
- Durable construction
- Good value for the money
Cons
- No MIDI I/O
2. M-Audio Interface
The M-Audio M-Track Duo is a handy gadget that helps musicians, podcasters, and live streamers make great-sounding recordings. It’s like a magic box for your sound! With clear audio quality at 48 kHz, two plug-in spots for microphones or instruments, and special Crystal Preamps that make everything sound fantastic, this little device is a big help. You can even listen with headphones or connect to speakers.
A cool feature is the USB/Direct switch that lets you hear what you’re recording without any delay. Plus, it comes with software called MPC Beats that gives you tools to make music right away. You also get a 6-month subscription to Reason+ and a 2-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited for even more fun.
It’s a good choice if you want to record music or podcasts and you want something simple, portable, and affordable. The only downside is that it has just two inputs and outputs and doesn’t work with MIDI. But for most people, it’s a great pick for making awesome audio recordings.
Best Features
- Portable and easy to use
- Pristine audio quality with 48 kHz resolution
- Two combo XLR/Line/Instrument inputs with phantom power
- 1/4″ headphone output and stereo 1/4″ outputs
- USB/Direct switch for zero-latency monitoring
- Crystal Preamps for optimal sound from all microphones
- Includes MPC Beats Software with essential production tools
- Includes a 6-month subscription to Reason+ and a 2-month subscription to Auto-Tune Unlimited
Pros
- Portable and affordable
- Pristine audio quality
- Versatile features
- Includes valuable software
Cons
- The outer shell feels like cheap plastic
3. EBXYA Audio Interface
The EBXYA 2×2 USB Audio Interface is a fantastic tool for music makers, podcasters, and streamers. It records and plays back audio in super high quality, which makes your content sound great. It has two inputs for microphones or instruments, and you can even use fancy microphones that need extra power. It also has two outputs for your headphones or speakers.
The EBXYA 2×2 is easy to use. You can control how loud things are with knobs and see if it’s too loud with special lights. It’s perfect for making your recordings sound like they were done in a professional studio.
It works with computers like Mac and Windows, and it also gets along with popular music software. Plus, it’s tiny and easy to carry around.
The only small downside is that it has only two inputs and outputs, and it can’t connect to MIDI instruments. But for the price, it’s a great deal for making your audio stuff sound awesome.
Best Features
- High-quality audio recording with up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Two combo XLR/MIC/LINE inputs with 48V phantom power
- Two independent TRS/TS (6.35mm) stereo jacks for output
- Mic preamps with separate volume control knobs, signal indicators, overload indicators, and fast fade buttons
- Studio-quality recordings and low-noise clear listening
- Plug and play, compatible with Mac OS and Windows XP or later
- Compatible with popular recording software including Avid Pro Tools, Ableton Live, Steinberg Cubase, and more
- Small and portable design
Pros
- High-quality audio recording at an affordable price
- Great value for the price
- Compatible with Mac OS, Windows XP or later, and popular recording software
Cons
- It doesn’t work with certain DAWs
4. BOMGE Audio Interface
The BOMGE USB Audio Interface is a versatile and affordable gadget made for people who love making music, podcasts, or streaming online. It’s like having a mini recording studio in a box, and it can make your audio sound good.
You can connect your microphones and instruments to it, and it has a way to connect your headphones or speakers so you can hear everything. It’s super easy to use, just plug it into your computer, and it works with most recording software like Pro Tools and Ableton Live Lite.
One of the cool things about it is that you can hear your sound without any delay, which is great for performing. Plus, it lets you choose between stereo or mono sound. It can even mix different sounds and send them back to your computer.
You can power it with your computer or an iPad if you have one. The only thing is, it has only two inputs and two outputs, and it doesn’t work with MIDI instruments. But for the price, it’s an awesome tool for making top-notch audio recordings without spending too much.
Best Features
- Versatile audio interface with two combo XLR/MIC/LINE inputs and two independent TRS/TS (6.35mm) stereo jacks for output
- High-quality audio recording with up to 24-bit/192kHz resolution
- Plug and play, compatible with Mac OS, Windows XP or later, and popular recording software
- Zero-latency direct monitoring
- Stereo/Mono Output
- Loopback function
- Flexible power selection
Pros
- High-quality audio recording and playback
- Compatible with a variety of devices and software
Cons
- Only 1month return warranty
5. Tascam Audio Interface
The Tascam MiNiSTUDIO Creator US-42B is like a magic box for making your audio sound amazing, whether you’re broadcasting, streaming, or recording music. It has two super-good microphone inputs and can record in high quality. What’s cool is that it comes with special software that’s easy to use, even if you’re just starting. There’s an “EASY” mode for beginners and an “EXPERT” mode for those who want to tinker with advanced settings.
But the real fun starts with the three programmable pads. You can use these pads to instantly play sound effects or even control your computer with them. It’s perfect for adding fun sounds to your shows or music without needing to click around on your computer.
It also has some neat audio tricks like ducking (which makes sure your voice is always heard over background music), reverb (to make things sound more spacious), and voice effects for changing your voice.
The only things to keep in mind are that it has four channels and doesn’t connect to MIDI instruments. However, for the price, it’s a fantastic choice for making top-quality audio recordings.
Best Features
- 4-channel USB audio interface with two HDDA (High Definition Discrete Architecture) mic preamps
- Support for high-resolution recording formats up to 96kHz/24bit
- Dedicated software with EASY and EXPERT tabs for beginners and experienced users alike
- Three programmable pads for instant sound effects
- Ducking, reverb, and voice effects
- Two headphone outputs for host and guest
- Perfect for personal broadcasting, streaming, music recording, and more
Pros
- High-quality audio recording and playback
- Versatile features, including programmable pads, ducking, reverb, and voice effects
- Easy to use, even for beginners
- Compatible with a variety of devices and software
Cons
- Not sufficient for gain hungry mics
Buying Guide For The Best Audio Interface For Podcasting
1. High-Quality Preamps
The preamps in your audio interface are responsible for amplifying the signal from your microphone. High-quality preamps will help your recordings sound clear and full-bodied.
When choosing an audio interface for podcasting, look for an interface with preamps that have a high gain range and low noise. A high gain range will allow you to adjust the input level to match your microphone and prevent clipping. Low noise will help your recordings sound clean and professional.
2. Gain Range
The gain range of an audio interface is the amount of amplification that it can provide. A high gain range is important for podcasters, as it allows you to record even the quietest voices.
The gain range of an audio interface is typically measured in decibels (dB). A higher gain range will have a higher dB rating.
3. Conversion Quality
The conversion quality of an audio interface refers to how well it converts analog audio signals to digital signals. A high-quality audio interface will produce recordings that are free of noise and distortion.
The conversion quality of an audio interface is typically measured in bits. A higher conversion quality will have a higher bit depth.
4. Audio Resolutions
Audio resolution is the quality of the audio that the audio interface can record and playback. It is measured in bits and hertz. The higher the audio resolution, the better the sound quality will be. For podcasting, we recommend an audio interface with a resolution of at least 16-bit/44.1kHz.
5. Latency
Latency is the time it takes for your audio signal to travel from your microphone through your audio interface and into your computer. Low latency is important for podcasting because it allows you to monitor your audio in real-time and avoid any delays between your voice and your recording.
Most audio interfaces have a latency of less than 10 milliseconds, which is generally imperceptible to the human ear. However, if you’re recording with multiple microphones or using complex effects processing, you may want to choose an audio interface with even lower latency.
6. Drivers
Drivers are software that allows your computer to communicate with your audio interface. It’s important to choose an audio interface that has reliable drivers for your operating system.
Most audio interface manufacturers offer drivers for Windows and macOS. However, if you’re using a more obscure operating system, such as Linux or Chrome OS, you may want to check with the manufacturer to make sure that their drivers are compatible.
7. Bit Depth
Bit depth refers to the number of bits used to represent each sample of audio. A higher bit depth results in higher-quality audio recordings.
For podcasting, a bit depth of 16 bits is generally sufficient. However, if you’re planning on recording music or other audio that requires high fidelity, you may want to choose an audio interface with a higher bit depth, such as 24 bits or 32 bits.
8. Sampling Rate
The sampling rate refers to the number of times per second that your audio signal is sampled. A higher sampling rate results in more accurate audio recordings.
For podcasting, a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz is generally sufficient. However, if you’re planning on recording music or other audio that requires high fidelity, you may want to choose an audio interface with a higher sampling rate, such as 48 kHz, 88.2 kHz, or 96 kHz.
9. Software Compatibility
It’s important to choose an audio interface that is compatible with the digital audio workstation (DAW) software that you plan on using to edit your recordings.
Most DAW software is compatible with most audio interfaces. However, there are a few exceptions, so it’s always best to check with the DAW software developer to make sure that your chosen audio interface is compatible.
Audio Interface – FAQs
Ans: USB interfaces are user-friendly and budget-friendly, while XLR interfaces offer superior audio quality and flexibility.
Ans: Yes, many portable interfaces offer professional-grade performance and convenience.
Ans: You don’t need the most expensive audio interface for podcasting. There are affordable options with good quality that can suit your needs perfectly.
Ans: Phantom power is required if you’re using a condenser microphone. Many audio interfaces provide phantom power for this purpose.
Ans: Yes, you can. Look for an interface with low latency to ensure real-time monitoring and no lag during live broadcasts.
Conclusion
The best audio interface for you will depend on your individual needs and budget.
- If you’re a beginner, then the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen or the M-Audio Interface M-Track Duo are great options.
- If you’re on a tight budget, then the EBXYA Audio Interface or the BOMGE USB Audio Interface are great options.
- And if you need a little bit more flexibility, then the Tascam Audio Interface US-42B MiNiSTUDIO Creator USB Audio Interface is a great option.
No matter which audio interface you choose, make sure to do your research and read reviews before you buy. This will help you ensure that you’re getting the best audio interface for your needs. Also, feel free to share your queries or experiences with us in the comments section below. We will address them promptly and help you select the best option.
