An audio interface is a vital tool to take your podcast up a notch, especially if your aim is professional-grade sound.

The box acts as an intermediary between your analog audio gear and the digital world of the computer, essentially digitizing the microphone signals into information that can be processed and recorded.

Knowing how to choose the right audio interface is the number one key for ensuring good sound quality, along with a good workflow.

That is why I created a detailed guide that will help you go through the various options of audio interfaces and their main features.

I have also included a comparison chart of the best models currently on the market. It could help those who only need a few essential details to understand what they're looking for.

N.B: We don’t participate in any affiliate programs: the links to the manufacturer’s site are purely to provide more information, with no financial benefit for us. What truly matters to us is your trust.

What Does an Audio Interface Do?

Quite simply, an audio interface captures the analog signal of a microphone and then converts it into something your computer can read.

This is an important conversion to make for podcasters, since a regular microphone does not output digital audio natively.

The quality of the interface you select will have a strong bearing on the clarity and fidelity of your recordings.

This goes beyond mere conversion; an audio interface would let you:

• Have microphone gain

• Monitor your sound in real time

• Employ the advanced functions like many inputs for multiple microphones

It's an essential tool if one wants to take podcasting beyond basic, and a real need for those into B2B and B2C podcasting who aim at the most professional sound.

Why Do You Need an Audio Interface?

Not every podcaster actually needs an audio interface, especially if you're just starting out with USB microphones: most USB mics have analog-to-digital converters built into the units themselves.

That said, there are a number of ways an audio interface can raise a podcaster's game in the areas of sound quality, flexibility, and workflow:

1. Cleaner Sound: In general, when using a dedicated audio interface, you would find that it gives cleaner sound with less noise and distortion. Simply put, that's where the higher quality comes in for some people, which can't be replicated with a USB mic as they use unbalanced cables rather than balanced XLR cables that help in limiting background noise.

2. Multiple Microphones: Although this may be a single-microphone recording, with guests or cohosts in mind, it is therefore essential to have numerous inputs with the audio interface. Computers typically only have one or two USB ports, so the more microphones you use, the more difficult it becomes without an interface.

3. Studio Monitors and Headphones: Without the interface, you cannot take advantage of good studio monitors or headphones as a means to get sound from digital back into analog. Otherwise, you're often stuck with poor computer speakers or low-quality headphones.

4. Real-time Monitoring: Most, if not all, of today's audio interfaces have zero-latency monitoring, meaning you get to hear yourself as you speak, right in that instant. Of course, this becomes an essential feature to make sure your levels are correct before you start recording.

What to Consider When Choosing an Audio Interface

1. Number of Inputs/Outputs

Primarily, this would depend on how many microphones or instruments you're going to use. In the case of podcasting solo, you will be in need of a 2-input interface only.

If you're doing a podcast with multiple guests, you'll want an interface with more inputs.

In addition to the quantity of the inputs, pay attention to the number of the outputs. You definitely want at least one for monitoring, using headphones or studio monitors. If you will need to route audio to more than one device, be on the lookout for interfaces with more outputs.

2. Type of Connections

Most of the audio interfaces connect to a computer via USB, one of the most usual and compatible ways.

However, some of the high-end units are now using Thunderbolt for much faster data transfer with low latency.

Thunderbolt is a high-speed hardware interface, developed by Intel to connect an external device with the computer.

It clubs both PCI Express and DisplayPort together in one connection, which allows fast data transfer rates with high-definition display output.

You can also spend a bit more for a thunderbolt interface, if your computer is new enough to have Thunderbolt ports.

These will lower latency and sometimes faster processing speeds. For the most part, however, USB interfaces are going to provide ample speed for podcasters, and are overall cheaper.

3. Preamps and Phantom Power

The preamps are amongst the most important components on any audio interface, there to elevate the level of the microphone signal and onto its digital translation. The better the quality of the preamp, the cleaner and more transparent the resulting sound will be, which is kind of important for podcasting.

Very important for podcasters using condenser microphones: phantom power. It is basically how the electricity is fed to the microphone to make it work. 

Most audio interfaces already have phantom power built in. They do not always have it, though, so that is one good thing to check before buying.

4. Direct Monitoring and Latency

Latency in general usually means the delay between the time you say something and when you hear it in your headphones. High latency makes you unable to monitor your voice in real time, hence recording horribly.

Thankfully, most modern audio interfaces have included in them a feature of direct monitoring that allows one to hear their voice with complete zero latency. 

5. Portability and Build Quality

If you're going to record in multiple locations or simply want to travel with your podcasting equipment, portability can be more crucial.

Some interfaces are diminutive and lightweight, which easily identifies them as podcasters who move around a great deal.

But portability shouldn't compromise build quality either. For any interfaces, look for heavy-duty metal and hard plastic in construction-a tank that will take day-in and day-out poundings. 

Most of the sturdy, portable interfaces do not compromise on quality in the process of being small and portable.

6. Software Compatibility and Drivers

Most of the audio interfaces work with any free or popular recording software such as Audacity, Adobe Audition, or GarageBand. 

A few even include bundled software to get you up and running-the Presonus Revelator io24 is a great example.

Equally important for seamless performance is driver support. Ensure that the interface you decide upon has appropriate, reliable drivers for both Windows and macOS.

Best Podcasting Audio Interfaces: Detailed Review

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

Overview: The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is the darling of many podcasters; it hits that sweet spot between price and performance. With two quality preamps, direct monitoring, and solid construction, this thing is ideal for both the beginner and the intermediate user.

Key Features:

• 2 XLR inputs and 2 outputs

• Phantom power for condenser microphones

• Clean, transparent preamps with low distortion

• Direct monitoring for zero latency

• Lightweight and portable design

It's pretty small and compact, really focusing on its clean sound. This is a super budget-friendly option for podcasters who record solo or as part of a duo and want to take their audio to the next level without breaking into the bank.

Price: $$ 159 - $199

SSL 2+

Overview: The SSL 2+ stands out for its great versatility and really good build quality. For anyone who has worked with this interface, it is well-documented to be pretty solid in construction and also carries two of the best preamps. This is excellent for podcasters in search of a higher-end interface that gives them multiple headphone outputs and MIDI support.

Solid State Logic SSL 2+ USB-C Audio Interface Review 2024

Key Features:

• 2 XLR/instrument inputs with high-quality preamps

• Built-in EQ boost for analog sound simulation

• Two separate headphone outputs

• MIDI in/out support

• Versatile design with clear display lights

The SSL 2+ is actually quite an adequate choice to take away for podcasters intending to expand their setup. It's a very versatile unit that serves as an excellent investment even later on when one wants to branch into music production or more complex audio setups.

Price: $ 249

Universal Audio Apollo Solo

Overview: For podcasters and musicians of the higher echelons, Universal Audio Apollo Solo is one of the best audio interfaces. It features Thunderbolt connectivity, meaning larger data transfer speeds and lower latency-make it ideal for professionals.

Apollo Solo Audio Interface Review: Studio-Quality Sound on the Go

Key Features:

• 2 XLR/instrument inputs with class-leading preamps

• Thunderbolt connection for low-latency recording

• Includes professional-grade audio plugins

• Virtual channels for internal audio loopback

The Apollo Solo is more expensive than some of the other interfaces tested, but that really does translate into unparalleled audio fidelity. Included DSP means real-time effects and sound processing are available, which makes this one of the better options for podcasters seeking studio-quality sound.

Price: $469 - $499

And if you're a fan of Apollo, here are the models available in the collection:

Final verdict 

The right audio interface can dramatically help with the quality of your sound and the entire podcast production workflow. Whether you are just starting out with a solo podcast or scaling up to host multiple guests, there is an interface fit for your needs.

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is great for beginners: it offers first-class quality in sound, is portable, and very easy to use. For those who want only the best audio that money can buy, the Universal Audio Apollo Solo tops the list in unparalleled clarity in a professional-grade set of features. The SSL 2+, on its part, meets the demands for versatility and quality build of podcasters with an all-around solution with advanced features such as MIDI support and dual headphone outputs.

Consider the number of inputs, the quality of the preamp, and the capabilities for direct monitoring-important features to make your podcast sound professional, well-articulated, and smooth right from the word go.

Author’s final tip

Are you looking for a way to turn your written content into audio, but concerned about the time and resources it requires? 

PodcastAI makes it easy by using advanced AI to convert blog posts, newsletters, or even favorite news articles into podcast episodes, all narrated in your own voice with minimal effort.

 From episode scripting to publishing on platforms like Apple and Spotify, PodcastAI automates everything. It even handles the creation of cover art, detailed transcripts, and promotional clips for social media.

For those who want to maximize their online presence, PodcastAI offers seamless integration of podcasts into your business strategy. It helps you engage audiences more deeply, build your brand, and improve online visibility. 

Whether you are a small business owner, content creator, or marketing agency, PodcastAI provides a comprehensive solution to save time while expanding your reach.

This AI-driven platform ensures that the entire process, from production to promotion, is automated. You simply focus on your business while PodcastAI enhances your brand through engaging audio content.

By leveraging keywords, semantic queries, and search-friendly elements, this new tool will help you rank higher on Google. 

Its detailed content output aligns with SEO strategies to maximize your digital presence, whether you're repurposing articles or expanding into new media formats like podcasting.