Are you thinking of starting a podcast and wondering what the best audio interface for podcasting is?
While there are many audio interfaces available, there’s no one-size fits all answer. The best audio interface for podcasting will depend on several factors which we will cover in this article.
In this post, we’ll review the seven best audio interfaces for podcasting that you can choose from in 2023. We’ll cover their features, pricing, and how they can best fit your podcasting needs.
So, whether you’re just getting started with podcasting or are an experienced producer looking for better-quality equipment, let’s dive in.
What Is the Best Audio Interface For Podcasting?
1) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – Best for Beginners
2) Universal Audio Apollo Twin – Best audio quality
3) M-Audio AIR 192|14 – Best for intermediate podcasters
4) Steinberg UR22MKII – Best for budget podcasting
5) Rode Rodecaster Pro – Best all-in-one interface
6) PreSonus Studio 1824c – Best for professionals
7) Mackie Onyx Blackjack 22 – – Best compact design
1) Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – Best for Beginners
Overview
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the perfect audio interface for those just starting out, as it offers top-notch quality while remaining wallet-friendly.
If you are looking for an easy-to-use, quality audio interface for podcasting, the Scarlett 2i2 is a great choice.
Key Features
- Inputs: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has two inputs, each with its own gain control. One is an XLR/TRS combo jack that supports microphone and instrument input options, and the other also supports a headphone jack input.
- Outputs: The Scarlett 2i2 has two outputs – a ¼” headphone and a balanced output, which can also be used as headphone outputs. A 1/4 headphone output is great for monitoring.
- High-Quality Audio: With a 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provides clean and clear audio with a dynamic range of up to 107 dB.
- High-quality preamps: The preamps on the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 deliver a high-quality signal and low levels of distortion.
- Affordable: The Scarlett 2i2 is one of the most affordable audio interfaces on the market and offers great value for money.
- Phantom Power: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 has a +48V switchable phantom power, which is great for powering up condenser mics.
- Software Suite: The Scarlett 2i2 comes with the Focusrite Control software and the Ableton Live Lite software.
- Easy Setup: The Scarlett 2i2 is very easy to set up and use, making it a great option for beginners. Their website also has comprehensive tutorials and FAQs to help you get started.
- Portable Audio Interface: The Scarlett 2i2 is also a great option for those who need an audio interface that can be taken on the go.
Pricing
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 retails for around $150.
Bottom Line
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is an excellent audio interface for people who need an affordable option that offers great sound quality. If you need an option with more inputs or other advanced features, you should consider the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 or Focusrite Clarett+ 8Premier.
2) Universal Audio Apollo Twin – Best audio quality
Overview
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin is one of the most powerful audio interfaces for podcasting.
It offers best-in-class audio quality and a wide range of features that make it an ideal choice for a professional podcast.
Key Features
- Inputs: The Apollo Twin has two inputs – one for the microphone/instrument and the other for line-level sources. The mic inputs have a dedicated gain control, and the instrument input has a switchable high impedance for direct recording of instruments.
- Outputs: The Apollo Twin has four outputs – two balanced main outputs and two headphone outputs.
- Audio Interface: The Apollo Twin has a thunderbolt connection for best-in-class audio quality and low latency performance. It also has two unison preamps that can be used to emulate the best mic preamps on the market.
- High-Quality Audio: The Apollo Twin has a 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution and a dynamic range of up to 110 dB.
- Console Application: The Universal Audio Apollo Twin comes with the console application, which allows you to record and monitor audio, adjust levels and more. The I/O settings can be adjusted directly from the application.
- Software Suite: The Apollo Twin also comes with the UAD-2 Plug-Ins and Realtime Analog Classics Plug-Ins suite, which provides best-in-class audio processing.
- Recording Quality: The Apollo Twin is great for recording high-quality audio, with best-in-class preamps and a signal-to-noise ratio of 117.5 dB
Pricing
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin retails for around $699.
Bottom Line
The Universal Audio Apollo Twin is a powerful audio interface that offers the best-in-class sound quality, low latency performance, and an intuitive user interface. It is an ideal choice for professional podcasts and those with a higher budget.
3) M-Audio AIR 192|14 – Best for intermediate podcasters
Overview
The M-Audio AIR 192|14 is a compact and versatile USB audio interface best suited for beginner to intermediate podcast and music producers looking for a simple, yet reliable solution for recording high-quality audio.
If you are looking for a straightforward interface with plenty of inputs and outputs, the M-Audio AIR 192|14 is an excellent choice.
Key Features
- Analog Input: The M-Audio AIR 192|14 has eight inputs – two of which are dedicated microphone inputs and six line-level inputs.
- Outputs: The M-Audio AIR 192|14 has two Main outputs, stereo headphone output, and a Monitor Out for speaker monitoring.
- Audio Interface: The M-Audio AIR 192|14 has a USB connection for great quality and low latency performance.
- High-Quality Audio: The M-Audio AIR 192|14 has a 24-bit/192 kHz audio resolution and a signal-to-noise ratio of 115 dB.
- Software Suite: The M-Audio AIR 192|14 comes with the AIR Creative FX Plug-in suite, offering unparalleled audio processing.
- Preamp Performance: The M-Audio AIR 192|14 has best-in-class preamps and a gain range of up to 76 dB.
Pricing
The M-Audio AIR 192|14 retails for around $400
Bottom Line
The M-Audio AIR 192|14 is an affordable audio interface that offers great quality and features. It is an ideal choice for podcasting, allowing you to record high-quality audio on a budget. If you need a more advanced audio interface, M-Audio M-Track 2X2 C-Series and M-Audio M-Track 2X2M C-Series are worth considering.
4) Steinberg UR22MKII – Best for budget podcasting
Overview
The Steinberg UR22MKII is a compact and affordable audio interface best suited for beginner to intermediate musicians and podcasters who require a high-quality recording solution with basic mixing capabilities.
If you are looking for a reliable and seamless audio interface for podcasting, the Steinberg UR22MKII is worth considering.
Key Features
- Input: The Steinberg UR22MKII has two inputs – one dedicated microphone input and one stereo line-level input.
- Outputs: The Steinberg UR22MKII has two outputs – one main output and one headphone output.
- Quality: The best feature of the Steinberg UR22MKII is that it offers best-in-class sound quality, thanks to its 24-bit/96kHz resolution and low noise preamps.
- Connectivity: The Steinberg UR22MKII also supports a range of connectivity options such as USB 2.0, MIDI I/O and 2 “D-PRE” mic preamps.
- Metal Casing: The Steinberg UR22MKII features a rugged metal casing, making it perfect for use in the studio or on stage.
- Audio Quality: The best feature of the Steinberg UR22MKII is that it offers best-in-class sound quality, thanks to its 24-bit/96kHz resolution and low noise preamps.
- Setup: The Steinberg UR22MKII is easy to set up and use, making it perfect for podcasting.
Pricing
The Steinberg UR22MKII is an affordable audio interface, with a price tag of around $200.
Bottom Line
The Steinberg UR22MKII is an affordable audio interface that offers best-in-class sound quality and features. It is an ideal choice for podcasting, allowing you to record high-quality audio on a budget. If you need a more advanced audio interface, the Steinberg UR44 or the Steinberg UR22C is worth considering.
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5) Rode Rodecaster Pro – Best all-in-one interface
Overview
The Rode Rodecaster Pro is a great audio interface for podcasting and live streaming. It’s equipped with four XLR mic inputs, two headphone outputs, and four integrated effects buttons.
If you’re looking for a simple, all-in-one solution to start up a podcast, the Rode Rodecaster Pro is one of the best choices out there.
Key Features
- Console-style mixer: The Rodecaster Pro has a streamlined, console-style design with four XLR mic inputs and two headphone outputs.
- Input Effects: It also has four integrated effects buttons for adding sound effects in real-time.
- Integrated recorder: The Rodecaster Pro also comes with an integrated recorder, which allows you to record your podcast directly to a microSD card.
- Headphone amplifier: Finally, it has an integrated headphone amplifier, which allows you to monitor your podcast with crystal-clear sound quality.
- Processing power: The Rodecaster Pro also has enough processing power to handle four simultaneous inputs, making it more than capable of handling most podcasting scenarios.
- Audio Quality: The audio quality is great, with an excellent dynamic range that allows you to capture all the nuances of your voice.
Pricing
The Rode Rodecaster Pro is priced around $500, which makes it one of the best audio interfaces for podcasting in its price range.
Bottom Line
The Rode Rodecaster Pro is an excellent audio interface for podcasting and live streaming. The audio quality is great, with an excellent dynamic range that allows you to capture all the nuances of your voice. It is a great choice for anyone looking for a simple all-in-one solution to start up a podcast.
6) PreSonus Studio 1824c – Best for professionals
Overview
The PreSonus Studio 1824c is a powerful and versatile audio interface ideal for professional musicians, producers, and podcasters looking for advanced recording, mixing and routing capabilities.
It is a powerful audio interface for podcasting and live streaming, equipped with eight mic/line inputs and a total of eighteen outputs, making it versatile enough to handle any podcasting project.
Key Features
The PreSonus Studio 1824c is a USB-C audio interface that is designed for recording and producing music in a home or professional studio setting. Some key features of the Studio 1824c include:
- 18×24 audio interface: This means that the device has 18 inputs and 24 outputs, allowing you to connect a variety of audio sources and destinations.
- USB-C connectivity: The Studio 1824c uses a USB-C connection to connect to your computer, providing fast and reliable data transfer.
- 24-bit/192kHz converters: The audio interface uses high-resolution converters to capture and reproduce audio with a wide dynamic range and low noise.
- 8 Class-A microphone preamps: The Studio 1824c includes eight high-quality microphone preamps, allowing you to connect and record multiple microphones at the same time.
- ADAT and S/PDIF digital inputs: The Studio 1824c also includes ADAT and S/PDIF digital inputs, which allow you to connect additional digital audio sources.
- Mixer and routing software: The Studio 1824c comes with PreSonus’ UC Surface software, which allows you to mix and route audio within the interface.
Pricing
The pricing for the PreSonus Studio 1824c can vary depending on the retailer and location. As of January 28th,2023, it’s usually around $700.
Bottom Line
The PreSonus Studio 1824c is an affordable audio interface, with a price tag of around $700.
7) Mackie Onyx Blackjack 22 – Best compact design
Overview
The Mackie Onyx Blackjack 22 is a 2×2 USB audio interface that is designed for recording and producing content in a home or professional studio setting.
If you’re looking for an audio interface with a more compact design, then the Onyx Blackjack 22 would be a great choice.
Key Features
Some key features of the Onyx Blackjack 22 include:
- 2×2 audio interface: This means that the device has 2 inputs and 2 outputs, allowing you to connect a couple of audio sources and destinations.
- USB connectivity: The Onyx Blackjack 22 uses a USB connection to connect to your computer, providing fast and reliable data transfer.
- 24-bit/192kHz converters: The audio interface uses high-resolution converters to capture and reproduce audio with a wide dynamic range and low noise.
- 2 Onyx microphone preamps: The Onyx Blackjack 22 includes 2 Onyx microphone preamps, allowing you to connect and record 2 microphones at the same time.
- Direct monitoring: Direct monitoring allows you to hear your input signal with no latency.
- Mixer and routing software: The Onyx Blackjack 22 comes with Mackie’s Tracktion music production software, which allows you to record, edit and mix music on a computer.
- Compact and portable design: The Onyx Blackjack 22 is small and lightweight, making it easy to take it with you on the go.
Pricing
The Mackie Onyx Blackjack 22 retails at a price of $150.
Bottom Line
Overall, the Mackie Onyx Blackjack 22 is a compact, 2×2 USB audio interface that offers professional-quality recording and low-latency monitoring in a portable, easy-to-use package. It’s a great option for musicians and producers who need a reliable and high-quality audio interface for recording on the go.
What Is an Audio Interface?
An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect microphones and other sound sources to your computer. Audio interfaces provide high-quality conversion of analog audio signals into digital audio signals, which can then be recorded and edited with a Digital Audio Workstation (DAW).
This makes them essential for any kind of audio production, whether you’re producing music or podcasting. Audio interfaces can also be used to connect your computer to speakers and other audio devices
Do You Need an Audio Interface?
It depends on the type of audio production you’re doing. If you’re creating music, a good audio interface is essential. It’s also useful for podcasting, as it allows you to record multiple people on separate microphones and make sure the audio sounds good.
If you’re just recording voiceover work or basic audio projects, then an audio interface might be overkill. But if you’re serious about audio production, then investing in a good audio interface is a must.
Choosing the best audio interface for your needs is important if you want to get the best sound quality and performance. We’ve highlighted some of the best audio interfaces for podcasting available.
What is a USB Audio Interface?
A USB interface controller is a device that allows you to connect USB-compatible audio hardware, such as microphones and mixers, to your computer. These USB audio interfaces allow you to record and produce high-quality audio without the need for additional hardware.
Most USB interfaces are also great for podcasting, as they allow you to quickly and easily connect multiple microphones for recording multiple people at the same time. Choosing the best USB audio interface for your needs is essential for getting the best sound quality and performance.
How to Choose the Best Audio Interface?
What factors should be considered before buying an audio interface? The best USB audio interfaces come in many different sizes and shapes, so it’s important to think about what your needs are before you start shopping.
Most USB audio interfaces will offer the same core features, but there are some differences that can make one model better suited for your needs than another.
If you’re still wondering what to look out for when choosing a USB audio interface, let’s look at some of the most important features to consider.
- The number of Inputs and Outputs: Consider how many inputs and outputs you will need for your recording setup. Will you be recording multiple microphones and instruments at the same time?
- Connectivity: Make sure the interface has the appropriate connectivity for your computer (USB-C, USB 2.0, USB 3.0, Thunderbolt).
- Sample rate and bit depth: Check the audio interface sample rate and bit depth supported. A higher sample rate and bit depth will give you better audio quality.
- Preamp Quality: Consider the quality of the preamps in the interface. High-quality preamps will provide cleaner and more accurate recordings.
- Software Compatibility: Check that the audio interface is compatible with your Digital Audio Workstation (DAW) software.
- Latency: Low latency means less delay between when you play or sing and when you hear the audio through your speakers or headphones.
- Additional features: Some interfaces come with additional features, such as DSP or software-controlled routing, which may be useful for your specific recording needs.
- Price: Consider how much you are willing to spend on an audio interface. More expensive interfaces may offer more features, but there are also budget-friendly options that are great for home recording.
- Brand reputation and customer support: Look into the brand reputation and customer support of the audio interface, as this may affect your overall satisfaction with the product.
- Portability: If you plan to record on the go, a portable interface may be a better option.
Summary
When it comes to podcasting, finding the right audio interface is crucial for achieving high-quality sound.
While there are many options available on the market, taking the time to research and consider your specific needs will ensure that you find the best audio interface for your podcasting setup.
By following the guide above and taking into consideration your needs, you’ll be able to find the best audio interface for podcasting. With the right setup, you’ll be one step closer to creating amazing content that your listeners will love.
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Hi, I’m Esther – a creative and business startup enthusiast. My aim is to help several people to independently start businesses faster and more effectively, reach financial freedom, and achieve fulfillment.