Podcasting is taking off right now. Whether as a hobby, a bid to get famous, or as a way to promote a business, it seems like everyone is starting their podcast these days.
While podcasting seems very easy, a lot goes on behind the scenes to achieve the best audio interface for podcast when it eventually gets released on streaming platforms like Spotify. A big part of this comes down to the equipment used to record the podcast.
You may record podcast audio in a variety of ways, including using the microphone that is already installed on your computer or buying a low-cost USB microphone and connecting it to your PC.
While these are great for just starting, for good quality audio you’ll want to upgrade your equipment a bit. Like a lot of techy stuff, the quality goes up as the price does, so you need to be prepared to spend a bit of money to get the best audio quality possible.
When you’re ready to upgrade to a dynamic or condenser mic of professional quality and get excellent sound, you’re probably going to need a digital audio interface.
This is a tool that helps your computer to process the sounds from your microphone and helps to boost the quality of these sounds, leaving you with a crisp audio experience that your listeners can enjoy.
There are many audio interfaces out there, but this list shows the top 4 that we think will be perfect for your podcasting setup.
Take a look at these audio interfaces to see if any are right for you!
#1 Focusrite Scarlett 4i4
There is a reason why this is one of the most popular audio interfaces on the market right now. Jam-packed with features useful to both podcasters and recording artists, people working in the entertainment industry swear by this audio interface.
Zero-Latency is a game-changing feature of this interface. Universal Audio devices have had this capability for years, but finally, it has been added to the Focusrite Scarlett interfaces. This feature allows you to hear a real-time version of your voice or instrument, regardless of how large or memory-intensive your project is.
If you are deep into a project with several plug-ins and latency (the delay between what you hear on the monitor and what goes through your system) becomes an issue during recording, it may be a real pain.
Not only is it annoying, but it can make the process of recording more time-consuming. The zero-latency feature makes sure that you won’t experience this problem.
In terms of build, this audio interface is very durable and solid, so it will survive any accidental drops or bumps.
The design is workable, though when you first get this interface, finding out how everything works can be a bit confusing. The knobs are small and the display lights might make setting levels a bit of a guessing game.
While this audio interface has two XLR/instrument inputs and four line outputs included, it lacks MIDI inputs which is a bit annoying.
Using a USB-C, you should be able to connect the Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 with an iPad pro, meaning you can podcast on the go if you need to.
The Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is ideal for podcast producers. With two microphone options, crystal clear pre-amps, and loopback software, you cannot go wrong with this option.
For voice-over applications requiring only needing one microphone and no loopback functionality, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo offers the same low latency and excellent preamps for less money.
Pros
- Excellent price – this is a relatively low-cost audio interface, but it is still able to compete with the more expensive options and gives you the same features as many pricer audio interfaces
- Zero latency – this stops the delay between what you record and what you hear, making the recording process quicker and smoother
- Compatible with iPad pro- makes this perfect to record on the road with
Cons
- No MIDI – this is probably the worst part of this interface, as this is typically a standard feature on audio interfaces. Though the interface is compatible with an iPad pro kind of balances this out
- Confusing design – you may find that learning how to use this device is a bit difficult as nothing is labeled. You will have to figure out how this works as you work with it
Also Available At
- Sweetwater.com
#2 SSL 2+
Another very popular device here is your chance to have an SSL console in your own home or recording studio.
The SSL 2+ can provide very high sound quality. It has an EQ boost button (‘4K’) that enhances the air frequencies of the sound source and adds harmonic coloration intended to imitate vintage analog SSL consoles. This makes it the perfect audio interface to use for all scenarios, especially if you are recording music.
In terms of design, it is sturdier and larger than other consoles, yet is still easy to transport and portable.
The SSL2+ contains MIDI in and out (used for music equipment and controllers), 2 XLR inputs, 2 balanced monitor outputs, two independent headphone volume knobs, and a monitor mix knob on the interface. This feature is especially handy for podcasters working with two mics on a project.
The front-mounted gain lights are the finest on this list for adjusting the microphone’s volume, which is something else that is very useful to podcasters.
However, there is a downside if you want to use this audio interface for podcasting. There are no loopback options available in the SSL 2+, which is typically a standard feature on audio interfaces.
Podcasters may find working with this interface a bit hard at first because of this, but once you get the hang of it it will be smooth sailing from there.
This interface includes Pro Tools First, Ableton Live Light, and more plugins and applications, so you can work with whatever one you know best.
In addition to podcasting, this interface would be an excellent choice for songwriting and other musical endeavors. It is versatile because of its compactness, midi inputs and outputs, additional monitor outputs, and sound quality.
If you don’t require an extra headphone output, extra monitor output, or MIDI I/O, you may get the SSL 2 for around $100 less.
Pros
- Easy design – the design here is very simple, meaning you won’t have to struggle to learn where everything is or how to use it when you first get this interface
- 2 headphone outputs- this, along with the two volume controls, are very useful to podcasters
- MIDI in and out – lets you very easily connect other controllers or instruments to this device
- Very versatile – whether podcasting, recording music, or both, this audio interface can work for you
Cons
- No loopback – this is the only area where the SSL 2+ fails. While this may make podcasting a bit difficult at first, once you get the hang of working around it, this shouldn’t be an issue
Also Available At
#3 PreSonus Revelator io24
The Presonus Revelator io24 is developed and marketed as a podcaster’s ideal gadget. In its user manual, Presonus provides comprehensive instructions for streaming, accepting calls with Zoom or other popular programs using audio loopback, and mixing your sources.
This interface’s advantages include its user-friendly driver software, sturdy construction, and intuitive layout.
While this all sounds great, the biggest downside of this audio interface is the somewhat lackluster sound quality.
A way around this is to add equalization and compression upgrades to the interface. While this can make single-spoken voice inputs sound better, for broader applications, such as recording music and songs, this is not the right interface for you.
The included driver software is excellent for simplifying loopback and transmitting a streaming audio mix. The driver window provides three independent headphone mixes and a streaming mix. The driver includes compression and EQ plugins with simple settings accessible in the driver window.
Two XLR/instrument inputs, balanced headphone and monitor outputs, and MIDI in/out, are housed in a robust, square, brushed aluminum case. The little LCD display is perfect for establishing levels and altering settings. Everything is quite easy to do on this interface.
Saying that the buttons may take some getting used to. The back button looks very similar to the loopback one, and preset buttons for audio improvements and the mute button may seem a bit unnecessary.
If user-friendliness is more essential to you than sound quality when it comes to podcasting, you should choose this interface. However, you should go elsewhere for a podcast or voiceover that sounds more professional.
This is an audio interface that is perfect for those just starting in podcasting, but if you are looking for a device suited to the professional, then this is not the interface for you.
Pros
- Streaming and loopback are very easy – the including audio driver software makes all of this simple to use
- LCD controls – this makes the controls easy to see and understand. They are also pretty intuitive
- Durable – everything is housed in an aluminium case, so this interface should be able to survive any small drops or knocks
Cons
- Not great sound quality – unfortunately for an audio interface, the sound quality made by this is not the best. That is why it is probably more useful for someone just starting rather than a professional
Also Available At
#4 Universal Audio Apollo
The Apollo line interfaces are some of the greatest portable audio interfaces available for purchase. The Solo (formerly known as the Arrow) is the line’s newcomer, though it still includes the same high-end analog to digital converters and faultless preamps as the previous models.
For voice-over artists and podcasters this device, combined with a high-quality microphone, produces studio-quality results. The software driver enables zero-latency, real-time monitoring.
It has two XLR/instrument inputs for use with two microphones. Additionally, it has virtual channels for audio loopback of other computer programs.
The audio plug-ins included with UA Apollo machines are among the best available right now. The Teletronix LA-2A compressor, Pultec EQ, and UA 610-B pre-amp plug-ins are exceptional and highly flexible.
The main disadvantage of this interface is the price. At nearly three times the price of a Focusrite Scarlett, you will want it to perform exceptionally well. Luckily, it does.
Setting up the loopback is a bit tricky, and some users have said that they had used the help of an online guide to do this. There have also been reports that this unit is not compatible with Windows which may be an issue for some people.
This interface has been constructed from a solid slab of metal, with no removable components. Thanks to this, you won’t have to worry about parts falling off as you travel with it.
Not included in the purchase of this device is a USB-C/Thunderbolt cable. At this unit’s pricing, this is unacceptable. You can buy bundles that include it online, but if you are buying the interface alone, you need to know that a USB-C/Thunderbolt cable does not come as a standard extra as it does with many other interfaces.
Pros
- Excellent sound quality – thanks to the digital converters and pre-amps, this interface gives you the best sound quality of any of the products on this list
- Zero-latency – improves recording and playback experience
- Several plug-ins included – with many options available to you, you can use the plug-ins that work best for you
Cons
- Expensive- this is one of the pricer audio interfaces that you can find, though you do get a lot for that price so it might be worth it
- No USB-C/Thunderbolt cable- this is the only thing that this interface is missing, and for the cost of this unit, it is very bad that it is not included as standard.
Also Available At
Buyers Guide
Here are some of the features that you need to look at when buying an audio interface.
Inputs
The majority of audio interfaces (see also ‘Audio Interfaces With XLR‘) are equipped with connectors for 1/4-inch cables in addition to ports for 3-prong XLR inputs. Although it’s not very common, some may also include inputs for plugs measuring 1/8 of an inch.
The XLR input format is considered the industry standard for mic inputs due to its balanced signal, which filters out unwanted hiss and background noise.
All you need for recording may be a single input, but that depends on your demands. You should prepare for the future by selecting a device that has at least two inputs since you never know when your solo podcast will require a cohost.
The Gain Knobs
There should be a knob located next to each mic input that allows you to adjust the amount of gain (see also ‘What Is Mic Gain?‘) that is added to an audio stream. For microphones that have a high impedance, which indicates that they require an external source of power to create a powerful audio signal, this can be an excellent way to amplify the signal.
Some of the greatest microphones for podcasting, such as the Shure SM7B, have a high impedance and need to be powered by a strong preamp to increase their loudness and catch the entire spectrum of audio frequencies.
Bit Depth
Having a higher bit depth will provide you with greater freedom further down the road. The higher the bit depth of an audio file, the more headroom you have to dial up the level without adding an excessive amount of noise and distortion.
24 bits is the standard for audio recording in the industry, and all future audio interfaces will record at this level.
Power Requirements
Is it possible to power your interface using the power from the bus and a USB cable? Or do you need to connect it to a power outlet, which will result in a greater gain but will make the gadget less portable?
You need to think carefully about where you will be podcasting, and what power options will be available to you.
Connectivity
Check to see that all of your digital devices can connect to the audio interface you’re using. USB is the norm, however certain audio interfaces connect to the Lightning connector that Apple developed specifically for use with its iPhone and iPad products.
Frequently Asked Questions On Best Audio Interface For Podcast
What’s An Audio Interface?
An audio interface is a device that converts analog audio signals from a microphone or instrument into digital signals that a computer can process. A podcast audio interface is identical to a digital audio interface used to record any other type of audio.
Why Should I Use An Audio Interface For Podcasting?
An audio interface connects the podcast microphone to the audio recorder. In the majority of instances, the audio recorder will be a computer with digital recording software.
Digital audio interfaces convert analog audio, such as your voice, into the language of digital computers. Without it, there is no way to edit high-quality audio files on a computer.
If your microphone has a USB output, which can link directly into a computer, or a Lightning output, which can hook directly into an iPhone or iPad, you can technically skip buying a digital audio interface.
However, the majority of high-quality microphones have XLR outputs, which cannot be plugged straight into a computer without an interface.