One of the most essential pieces of equipment for podcast recording is the audio interface. And when it comes to podcast-centric interfaces, there are a lot of options to consider, from the number of mic inputs offered to the kind of functionality that best suits your needs. We’ve put together a list of the top interfaces on the market for both solo and multi-person podcasts and have made sure to include some portable options for those who are taking their show on the road.
For Solo Podcasting
Audio Interfaces
The highly popular brand, Focusrite, has created a very wallet-friendly solution for solo podcasters looking for a podcasting audio interface. As cute and small as the Vocaster One is, it has some commendable power, providing a high-gain mic preamp and 48V phantom power to drive condenser microphones. A particularly handy feature is the Auto Gain, which automatically sets your levels before recording to help you avoid clipping or recording at a volume that’s too low. You can also take advantage of voice presets and Loopback Mode, which lets you stream virtually any audio from your computer. Finally, you can bring in remote guests by hooking up your smartphone to the TRRS port.
Another worthy option for solo podcasters is the Elgato Wave XLR, which features a single XLR input and provides 24-bit resolution with a choice of 48 and 96kHz sampling rates. This model adopts a minimalist design, using a single knob to control multiple functions, such as gain, phantom-power switch, headphone volume, and monitoring. Like the Vocaster One, the Wave XLR will give you plenty of gain for power-hungry dynamic mics, as well as 48V phantom power to drive condenser microphones. Other invaluable features include the switchable low-cut filters, which will help remove any unwanted low frequencies, and Elgato’s Clipguard technology, which protects your recording from clipping, no matter how loudly you express your voice.
Portable Options
For solo podcasters who want the flexibility of recording in any situation or environment, a compelling choice is the PodTrak P2 from Zoom. Despite its compact size, it’s quite a capable audio interface and on-board recording device. The P2 is designed to be used with up two USB mics, which makes it a unique option, since most portable recorders only support XLR microphones. And when you’re on the field, record without a computer by capturing your podcast onto the P2’s micro SD card (available separately).
You’ll also get some impressive functionality. Besides the dedicated volume control knobs for each mic, there’s also a Tone button that improves the delivery of your voice with EQ and de-essing. In addition, the P2 comes with a compressor to make your podcast sound clear and consistent by boosting the volume and refining the recording.
For Multi-Person Podcasting
Audio Interfaces
If you’re looking for a podcast mixer that has on-board recording in addition to audio-interface capability, take a look at the RODECaster Pro II from RODE. Apart from being able to work as an interface, it’s essentially a self-contained audio production studio, capable of handling all the tasks associated with recording a podcast. Featuring four powerful mic/line/instrument preamps and four mic/line inputs, you can drive practically any dynamic microphone on the market. You’ll also get 6 faders and eight programmable pads, allowing you to trigger any type of audio, such as music, effects, intros/outros, and more.
But perhaps the most impressive features are the advanced processors, like the Aural Exciter, which enhances clarity and crispness, as well as the Big Bottom, which adds warmth, depth, and low-frequency punch. Furthermore, you’ll have control of numerous other functions, such as a high-pass filter, pitch shifter, noise gate, de-esser, and more. The Pro II also offers Bluetooth for calling in remote guests.
Those who require only two XLR mic inputs should opt for the RODECaster Duo, which offers virtually the same functionality as the Pro II, but accommodates only two hosts.
For folks who like to work solely with their computer and who are looking for a more traditional studio interface, consider the CONNECT 2 from Lewitt. It features a microphone input with 72 dB of gain, so you won’t need a signal booster for even the hardest to drive mics, such as the Shure MV7.
You can expect a plethora of goodies from the CONNECT 2, like Autosetup, which automatically finds the ideal settings and sound for your voice. There’s also Autogain, which provides you with the optimal amount of gain, while Clipguard helps you avoid clipping/distortion. Additionally, the CONNECT 2 sports other invaluable features, such as the Compressor, which solidifies and adds punch to your voice, and the Denoiser, which eliminates background noise. With two mic inputs, two headphone outs and an intuitive user interface, this elegant device should pair nicely with the rest of your podcasting setup.
Portable Options
One of our favorite multi-person portable recorders is the PodTrak P4 from Zoom. We love it not just for its wallet-friendly price, but also for its easy-to-use interface and generous functionality. The PodTrak P4 accommodates up to four microphones with independent headphone outputs, allowing every host to monitor their own recording. Using the Zoom Bluetooth adapter (available separately), you can also invite a remote guest to join your conversation.
This device offers four pads that let you trigger not only built-in sounds and effects, but also lets you to import your own audio to assign to each of the pads. When used as a dedicated recorder, you can capture your multitrack recording straight to an SDXC card (available separately). Finally, the P4 also integrates limiters and low-cut filters to prevent distortions and minimize low frequency rumbles, saving you time in post-production.
For podcasters who also moonlight as musicians, check out the TASCAM Portacapture X8. This versatile interface and recording device has four XLR-1/4-inch mic/line inputs with several preset modes designed for different applications, such as podcasting, music, and field recording. With a large color touchscreen and easy-to-use application platform, the Portacapture makes it virtually impossible to mess up a recording or to get bogged down by technical challenges. Furthermore, its 32-bit floating point recording technology and separate high gain and low gain A/D converters mean that loud sounds are less likely to reach distorted levels, while quiet sounds won’t get overwhelmed by noise.
If you decide to record live music, you can employ the included detachable large diaphragm condenser microphones for high quality stereo. Or if you’re recording an interview on the field, you can detach the condenser mics and use the 3.5mm inputs for two lavalier mics.
For more information about the audio interfaces mentioned in this article, including additional features, specs, and highlights, be sure to check out our detailed product pages.
