5 Best Audio Interface for Podcasting in 2020

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As an audio engineer, podcaster, or any other individual that is on the hunt for a suitable microphone podcast audio interface, you will surely not want one that won’t give you the best.

Hence, we have drawn up this write-up so that you can have an overview of the best audio interface for podcasting, their uses to you, and their functions.

Our Winner After Careful Consideration

Best Audio Interfaces for Podcasting – Comparison Table

5 Best Audio Device for Podcasting

1. Behringer U-Phoria UM2

This interface is most suitable for those who wish to begin podcasting.

It has a good price and top quality and that is why the 945 Amazon customer reviews keep climbing.

It also features a USB Audio/MIDI Interface with MIDAS mic preamplifiers, 24-Bit/192 kHz, audiophile 4×4, etc.

2. Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD

Just like the UM2, it has more features like a gain adapter, button changer for mono or stereo, mic inputs for line or instrument, midi outputs, TRS outputs for a balanced connection, etc.

The UMC22 is quite suitable if you think of going solo.

It is fitted with features like a USB connection for your computer, an XLR input for your microphone, another for a device, mono jack outputs for the two inputs, a headphone jack to check your audio, and an option to use phantom power.

3. Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen)

Recently, the popularity of this interface has grown due to its durability and price-quality.

It has a suite of samples and software for immediate recording.

It functions perfectly with every major DAW on PC and Mac such as Pro Tools, First Focusrite Creative Pack in the box, as Ableton Live Lite, Scarlett’s round-trip latency as low as 2,74ms and sample rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit.

The Scarlett 2i4 (2nd Gen) lets you increase your quieter moments devoid of a buzz or hiss.

Its operating rates are sample extending up to 192 kHz. Its build is quality, sound clear, and latency low hence, making it a better choice for a newbie.

4. Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 (2nd Gen)

It is one of the top interfaces and mostly employed in the professional and semi-pro field.

It has ADAT, S/PDIF, Midi, 96kHz digital conversion that gives your recording class, neutral and pristine mic preamps, 24 bit, and also possesses 20 outputs and 18 inputs with good pricing.

Unfortunately, the USB 2.0 it sports is a major setback and slower than FireWire or Thunderbolt.

5. Apollo Twin MkII Solo

Despite the interface being the least on the list, it has a good advantage of others which is its optical port and Thunderbolt which results in it being the quickest transmitter.

It is a good product and of top quality too.

What is an Audio Interface?

An audio interface is a hardware device that controls the outputs, inputs, and sound development of your audio device.

It does this by taking the analog signal from your microphone and converting it to digital signals that your computer can read and process.

Just like the keyboard, guitar, etc.

Here is a related article I wrote showing you 5 best mixers for podcasting

Why You Might Need One

Several kinds of audio devices like Microphones often utilize XLR inputs so that they can convert the signals by using the interfaces.

However, it does not apply to USB Devices.

Sound cards that are pre-installed into computers do not have the right capability to achieve the kinds of high sound processing your audio device requires.

For instance, microphones with high quality need more power to transform the signal and step it up to line level (i.e. the accurate volume level).

It is called phantom power and is a means through which you provide your equipment with sufficient functioning power.

Normally, audio interfaces are pre-installed with this too before arrival so you only need to press a button to permit for your devices.

When do you need an audio interface for podcasting?

The microphone you possess has a role to play in this.

If it’s a USB microphone, then you need no audio interface, since they are fitted with the audio interface before purchase which lets them transform the electrical signal to digital thus, making connection impossible between them.

However, professional, dynamic, or condenser microphones you use for podcasting will need an audio interface.

This is done by connecting it to an audio interface and your computer with an XLR and USB cable respectively.

What types of recommended podcasting microphones will need an audio interface?

There are some microphones that require that you use an audio interface with them and these include the Condenser mic Rode NT1 A and the Dynamic mic Shure SM7B.

What to Look for When Purchasing a Podcast Audio Interface

As a newbie in this area, you might not know what to watch out for when purchasing a podcast audio interface so we have helped you list them below.

Price

It is more advisable to go for audio interfaces that are cheaper or average–priced.

It doesn’t mean with the price, they should be of low quality, you would still find ones with great quality.

However, as you gradually go higher, you could put in more cash and get ones like Behringer U-Phoria UMC22 with higher qualities.

If you don’t want to spend much but wish for professionalism, Behringer U-Phoria UMC404HD that possesses 4 channels should be your preference among all we know of.

They’re not very costly and have few reasonable options so that podcasters can tweak live audio and still decrease post-production editing.

If your plans are to podcast frequently, then, just invest in an audio interface with high quality.

Here is an article I wrote showing you 5 best audio interface for Djing

Microphone Inputs

You should look at the input count you need in your audio interface if you intend on adding live sounds during recording or making a team podcast.

However, for solos and tracks, you need only input for your audio interface.

If your audio inputs are inadequate, you can begin by employing tracks in your record so that you can recognize the workings of sound flow.

This lets you create your episode and reorganize the audio for a better professional-sounding podcast.

Phantom Supply

Just like my previous definition, phantom power is the means through which you provide your equipment with sufficient functioning power.

You surely require phantom power (i.e. +48V) if you will use condenser microphones though many modern audio interfaces contain this function.

Outputs

You will find no less than one stereo output in every interface for connecting to your monitors and listening to the audio being played.

If you need to reference your productions with outputs to several systems, then the interface should have a similar number count.

Connectivity

FireWire 800 and 400 were formerly FireWire 400 the top connections on the market.

However, FireWire is now rare as Thunderbolt and USB 3.0 are gaining fame nowadays.

You should search for interfaces with connections for Thunderbolt or USB 3.0 if your system supports them.

Conclusion

With an interface, you are sure of improving the quality of your sound.

The various interfaces listed above cuts across quality, price, and other features you desire to improve your sound.

Hence, you should see that which fits your expectation and go for it ensuring that it is a necessity too or if your microphone needs one.