So you’ve got a great idea for a podcast—or maybe you’re getting into producing. You bought a solid computer, and a brand new mic. It should be a matter of weeks before you’re vaulting up the charts into celebrity status, right? Well, not so fast. You may have a million-dollar idea, but you’ll need an audio interface to get your brilliant musings from your microphone into your computer. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the best audio interfaces for 2020, 2021, and on.
Whether you’re a technical whiz or a Luddite, you’ll need a small degree of technical aptitude to succeed as a podcaster. Fortunately, the best audio interfaces these days make it easy for even the least experienced podcasters to get up and running without breaking the bank or getting a degree in audio engineering. Whether you plan to record intimate interviews or record the sound of passing freight trains, the right interface can take your sound quality to a new level. Choosing the wrong unit, on the other hand, can lead to frustrating delays and costly added expenses.
The market for home audio recording equipment has exploded in the last 20 years, and there are tons of great options for podcasters. With so many choices, however, it can be hard to know what is the best audio interface for your specific podcasting needs. If you’re ready to learn a thing or two about some of the best audio interfaces from the top brands out there, then read on, and we’ll get you up to speed. From Steinberg, Native Instruments, Apogee UAD Interfaces, and more—the options are endless
Audio Interface Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is an Audio Interface?
An audio interface is a hardware recording device that works in place of the sound card and allows computer recording software (also called digital audio workstations, or DAW), such as Ableton Live or Ableton Live Lite for your Apple IPad, Mac or Windows PC to recognize and accept audio signals from mics, instruments and other audio sources like mp3 players.
The best audio interfaces will usually have one or more mic preamps to boost the sound signal from a mic as well as inputs for various types of audio cables, including XLR inputs and 1/4″ instrument cables. In short, an interface helps your computer understand what a mic is saying during home recording.
2. How Do Audio Interfaces Work?
Audio interfaces use a process called analog-to-digital conversion to turn the electric pulses generated in a mic into a digital signal a computer can understand. They also serve as a power unit for condenser mics by offering 48v phantom power to specified inputs.
3. What Should You Look for in a Quality Audio Interface?
How Many Inputs Do You Need?
The best audio interfaces come in a wide range of styles; you’ll want to decide on your desired number of inputs, instrument inputs, keeping in mind an input for a talkback mic as well, and all sorts of other functions.
If you are working with several guitarists and singer/songwriters, consider how many mics you’ll want to record with, the carrying size of the interface, and durability you’ll need while recording your music.
How Many Mic Preamps Do You Need?
Condenser microphones, the most-used type of microphone for recording vocals, guitar, and drums, require 48v phantom power. The more mic/lines you require, the more microphone inputs and condenser microphone preamps you’ll want to look for in your audio interface. Just because there’s a certain number of inputs doesn’t mean they all have power options. (That said, you can always buy preamps separately—but why complicate things?)
You’ll want to match the number of powered mic inputs with the number of microphones you’ll be using at a time while recording. And the total number of line inputs or plugins should match the number of devices you plan on plugging in and recording at one time.
How Many Outputs Do You Need?
You’ll also want to look at how many headphone outputs/headphone jacks you want, and how many studio monitors as well.
Also, make sure to pay attention to latency issues, the most high-quality audio interfaces will give you a real-time sound experience, which is very important for those using MIDI controllers, synths, and MIDI inputs. Most audio interfaces are equipped with a DSP, or digital signal processor. It is important in such a broad market to identify your desired sample rate and price point to make shopping easier. If you get S/PDIF, it will even allow you to link audio interfaces together.
How Do They Connect?
USB-3 interfaces are faster than the now obsolete firewire. Thunderbolt is currently the fastest connection available for audio interfaces, but not all interfaces are able to utilize that connection.
4. Who Makes the Best Audio Interfaces?
Some of the best audio interface manufacturers today include Focusrite, Presonus. Mackie, Native Instruments, Audient, and Behringer. Focusrite has a great perk; they include a free plug-in suite with their interface models. All of these brands make entry-level models up to models for seasoned veterans. We’re about to cover some of them in this article!
5. Is an Audio Interface Necessary for Podcasting?
If you’re planning to record your podcast using a computer, then you will almost definitely need an audio interface. You may be able to get away with recording on a phone and then importing that audio into a recording program; you’ll have much more flexibility recording with a mic, an interface, and a computer.
A USB mic is a way to bypass an audio interface. Essentially, a USB mic is serving as the audio interface. But—if you’re going to be recording multiple voices, you’ll need multiple mics. And the more things you have to plug into the computer (rather than the interface), the more processing power will be required from your computer.
How We Reviewed the Audio Interfaces
For this review, I selected a range of the best audio interfaces from the top brands. I selected these interfaces based on price, sound quality, connectivity, and warranty.
Overall Price Range of the Interfaces on This List
Prices on audio interfaces can differ, but for this review, I focused on units that range between $150 and $500.
What Audio Interfaces We Reviewed
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 w/Pro Tools
Features
Focusrite’s Scarlett 2i2 is a small but mighty 2 input audio interface that is packed with the brand’s award-winning low-noise audio preamps. It’s small enough to pack in a suitcase but features an ultra-tough anodized aluminum casing to give plenty of durability. This is a straight-ahead unit with plenty of power for podcasters who want room to grow.
This is one of the most popular interface brands and models. And for good reason.
Pros
- Comes with Pro Tools
- Tough aluminum housing
- Good quality preamps
- Easy-to-use controls
- USB connectivity
- Both inputs have 48v phantom power available
Cons
- Only 2 inputs
Price $
Connectivity – 4 Stars
This unit has a simple USB connection to a computer and two audio inputs that accept XLR and 1/4″ cables.
Sound Quality – 5 Stars
The Focusrite preamps include on the Scarlett 2i2 are the same included in their highest-end interface.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is covered with a limited two-year warranty.
PreSonus Audio Interface w/Studio One & Native Instruments
Features
This Presonus audio interface is a great option for music producers who may need the MIDI capability. In addition to two class-A preamps, this interface also has a five-pin midi connection that will work well with midi devices and instruments. It has smaller readout LEDs than the Focusrite, but it’s still tough as nails.
This is a great interface for podcasters as well.
Pros
- MIDI functionality
- iPad connectivity
- 2 Class-A preamps
- Comes with Studio One DAW & Native Instruments
- Software includes 27 Native Effects, 4 VSTs, and over 6 GB sample content
- Solid construction
Cons
- Only 2 inputs
Price $
Connectivity – 4.2 Stars
Two XLR and 1/4″ inputs are joined with a five-pin midi connection.
Sound Quality – 3 Stars
PreSonus isn’t known for having stellar mic preamps but is still good value for the price
Warranty
This unit is covered with a one-year warranty.
Audient iD4
Features
Audient’s iD4 interface is a pocket-sized unit that can bring studio-grade audio quality to your podcast.
This brand is renowned for both their class-A mic preamps and their audio-to-digital conversion rates.
It’s a simple two-input unit with one oversized volume knob that can control everything from recording parameters to an iTunes library.
Its JFET D.I. input is designed to replicate the input stage of a classic valve amplifier. This input is great for an electric guitar, bass guitar, synth, and more, ensuring you get an accurate, yet warm signal.
Pros
- Renowned high-quality preamp
- 1 JFET D.I. input
- Very small footprint
- Studio quality conversion
- Simple main panel large control knob
- 1/4″ and 1/8″ headphone inputs
Cons
- More expensive than some competing units
- Only 1 preamp built-in
- 2 inputs
Price $$
Connectivity – 4 Stars
This unit only has two inputs but easily makes the most of them.
Sound Quality – 5 Stars
With premium preamps and top-grade converters, this is a great sounding unit.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is covered with a 12-month warranty.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD
Features
Behringer offers a lot of quality for a small price with its U-Phoria audio interface. This unit is compatible with a wide range of top recording software packages, including Cubase and Pro Tools. This interface offers 24-Bit/192 kHz converters and zero-latency monitoring so you can trust what you hear during the recording process.
Pros
- Wide software compatibility
- High-grade converters and preamps
- Excellent value for the price
Cons
- A “busy” front panel
- Larger sized than some competitors
Price $
Connectivity – 3 Stars
This unit offers solid inputs and outputs but doesn’t stand out from the crowd.
Sound Quality – 4 Stars
With high-grade converters, this is a good sounding interface for the money.
Warranty – 5 Stars
This unit is covered with Behringers limited three-year warranty.
Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 mk2
Features
Native Instruments’ Komplete Audio 6 mk2 interface is a powerful six-channel option that can give you everything you’ll need to record podcasts and then some. It has a series of four analog in and outputs plus two digital outs and low latency monitoring mode. What’s more, this unit is powered by Cirrus Logic converters for super clean audio fidelity.
Pros
- Record in up to 192khz, 24-bit
- 6 inputs (2 Combo XLR-TLR w/mic preamps, 2 TLR, 2 S/PDIF digital stereo)
- 1 MIDI input
- Premium grade converters
- Compact footprint
- Sleek appearance with controls on two surfaces
- Digital and analog inputs and outputs
Cons
- To use inputs 5 and 6, you would need to use S/PDIF digital stereo inputs
- Pricier than other options on this list—but more inputs as well
Price $$$
Connectivity – 4.2 Stars
Multiple inputs and outputs will give plenty of options with this unit.
Sound Quality – 5 Stars
Premium converters keep audio pristine.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is backed by a two-year warranty.
Mackie Onyx Producer 2.2
Features
Mackie’s Onyx Producer 2.2 interface offers superior build quality as well as excellent audio. The namesake for this rig is a pair of Onyx preamps, which are Mackie’s highest-end pres. It is also packed with 24-bit/192kHz converters to offer pristine audio quality at the highest possible conversion rates.
Pros
- Super tough construction
- Packable size
- Excellent mic preamps and converters
- Solid Mackie reputation
Cons
- Only 2 inputs
Price $
Connectivity – 4 Stars
This unit offers a good combination of analog and digital inputs and outputs.
Sound Quality – 5 Stars
Quality hardware yields quality sound.
Warranty – 3 Stars
Mackie covers this unit with a limited one-year warranty.
PreSonus Studio 192
Features
PreSonus offers a big and powerful recording option for podcasters with its Studio 192 interface. The star of this unit is PreSonus’ proprietary XMax preamps, which are controlled both on the unit face and with their included Studio One recording software. It also includes a nice complement of audio plugs for playing and tweaking sounds.
This unit is for some serious recording—not your typical bedroom setup, where you only need a few inputs. But it does have a mobile and price-friendly cousin.
Pros
- 2 Quality XMax preamps
- 8 combo XLR/TRS inputs
- 8 TRS outs in addition to 1 L/R out
- 1 S/PDIF out
- Low latency monitoring option
- 192khz, 24-bit operation
- Clean user panel
- Has a mobile and price-friendly alternative
Cons
- Larger could make it clunky for travel—intended for rack use
- Pricier than other options on this list, but also has more to offer
Price $$$
Connectivity – 4.5 Stars
A number of input and output options. The interface utilizes US 2.0.
Sound Quality – 4 Stars
The preamps and converters in this unit compete with anything on the market.
Warranty – 3 Stars
Presonus covers this unit with a limited one-year warranty.
Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB
Features
The Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB interface could be the right choice for podcasters who want the best possible audio quality, and tend to have a few guests. This unit has four discrete inputs with Focusrite’s class-A Clarett preamps. They take these excellent mic pres a step further though by adding in the “Air” model mode, which really makes vocal recording so much more interesting.
This model is really the best option for podcasting.
Pros
- Premium grade mic preamps and converters
- 4 Inputs with 4 high-quality preamps
- 4 Additional TRS Inputs
- 4 Outputs
- 1 MIDI in and 1 MIDI out
- “Air” mode takes vocal recording to a whole new level
- Robust build quality
- Simple and easy-to-use main panel
Cons
- A tad bulkier than some of the other options
- On the expensive end of this list, but also includes extra features
Price $$$
Connectivity – 4.7 Stars
This unit offers four excellent inputs and several line output options. This model still utilizes USB 2.0.
Sound Quality – 5 Stars
The Clarett preamps and “Air” mode on this unit offer lots of power and quality.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is covered with a limited two-year warranty.
IK Multimedia iRig Pro Duo
Features
IK Multimedia’s iRig Pro Duo is an ultra-compact audio interface that allows users to connect directly to a smartphone as well as a computer. It has two combined XLR and 1/4″ input jacks and is compatible with iOS and Android devices. The unit is also battery powered for podcasters who are truly on the go.
Pros
- Super compact
- Connects to smartphones and tablets
- Multiple input and output options
- Sleek appearance with a simple front panel
- Excellent price
Cons
- Lower quality preamps
Price $$
Connectivity – 4 Stars
Despite this small size, this unit has excellent connectivity.
Sound Quality – 3 Stars
This unit won’t sound as good as some of the best audio interfaces, but it will work just fine for podcasting.
Warranty – 4 Stars
This unit is covered by a limited one-year warranty.
The Verdict
If you’re a podcaster, you probably didn’t get into this game out of love for recording gear. If you’re a music producer, maybe you did. Either way, gear can be a lot of fun, and who doesn’t love new toys? The good news is that there are a ton of great options available for everyone’s needs
The Best Podcasting Audio Interface: the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB
Our top overall pick for podcasters was the Focusrite Clarett 4Pre USB Audio Interface. This interface has the perfect amount on inputs for multiple guests, with 4 inputs and 4 outputs. Not to mention, the quality mic preamps and “Air” option take vocals to a whole new level.
The Best Audio Interface for Producers: the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is it. I’ve owned a Scarlett interface for the majority of my producing career (the 8i18 to be exact). These interfaces are simple and high quality. I’ve had all kinds of issues with other brands, but never Focusrite.
If you need more inputs, consider a model with more inputs. But for most producers, 2 will do the trick! Not to mention, it comes with Pro Tools, an industry-standard software.
