Capturing high-quality audio is the most important technical aspect of making podcasts. Using decent microphones is important, but what’s also equally important is using a proper audio interface. Sure, USB microphones allow for a direct connection to your computer or tablet without a separate audio interface unit. However, if you’re more serious about recording audio and want professional-grade quality, the importance of an audio interface cannot be overlooked.

Besides superior sound quality, audio interfaces offer other vital features that anyone who works with audio needs. Whether you want to host podcast episodes or record music, having multiple inputs and low latency when monitoring can boost the quality of your work to a great extent.

Choosing an audio interface primarily depends on your needs and budget. If you’re going to have a solo podcast, one XLR input should be enough. On the other hand, if you’re planning to have multiple guests over for an episode, you should opt for options that give you more inputs. Moreover, the type of microphone you have plays an important role in choosing an audio interface. If you’re using a condenser microphone (Like the Rode NT-1A), you should opt for an audio interface that features phantom power (48V). Dynamic microphones (like the Shure SM57) do not require phantom power.

In the past few years, affordable audio interfaces have gotten impressively powerful: so good that only a trained ear can tell the difference between some of the entry-level models and the more expensive ones. So, don’t think that you must spend a fortune to get a professional sound. Without further ado, let’s take a look at 4 of the best audio interfaces for recording podcasts. Here’s the list of the products I’ll review in this post:

1. Best Value: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th-Gen
2. Best Quality: Universal Audio Apollo Twin X
3. Most Affordable: M-Audio M-Track Duo
4. Best Four-Input Interface: Universal Audio Volt 476P

1. Best Value: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th-Gen

You’ve probably heard of the Focusrite Scarlett, and it’s not without reasons. The Scarlett series is arguably the most popular lineup of audio interfaces both for music and podcasting. The fourth generation of the Scarlett 2i2 offers a lot of bang for the buck. The unit features two XLR inputs, two line inputs (for instruments), phantom power, and USB-C connectivity.

One of the upgrades from the previous generation is that the XLR and line inputs are now separated, meaning you can now connect two instruments as well as two microphones at the same time. Moreover, the preamps on the Scarlett 2i2 4th-Gen have been improved, providing the best audio quality in its league.

The Air Mode button on this interface mimics Focusrite’s iconic Studio Console by boosting your signal’s high-end frequencies and adding presence. This allows for more intimate vocal recordings. Moreover, the built-in Safe Mode checks your gain level up to 96,000 times per second to ensure your audio will never clip. Also, with a dynamic range of 120 dB, you record quieter sounds without losing audio quality in louder parts.

All in all, I highly recommend the Scarlett 2i2. I have one in my studio as well. In another post, I thoroughly reviewed the 4th-gen Scarlett 2i2. You can purchase it on Amazon for $199.

2. Best Quality: Universal Audio Apollo Twin X

If you’re looking for a premium device that gives you the best quality possible for home and studio recording, the UA Apollo Twin X should definitely be under your radar. Users have always praised converters and preamps in the Apollo series, and with the X series, they’re more refined and deliver better quality.

Besides the hardware, the Apollo Twin gives you access to exclusive UA plugins that many professionals use both for recording music and podcasts. What’s more, the audio interface comes with built-in DSPs, allowing you to process these plugins without relying on your computer’s CPU. Not only does this give you a lot more room to work with plugin-heavy tracks, but it also ensures minimized latency. You can choose from two (DUO) and four (QUAD) DSPs. If you’re using the Apollo Twin X for podcasting, the DUO version would be more than enough. The QUAD version would definitely be overkill.

The Apollo Twin gives you two XLR (Mic) and up to four line inputs at the back. On the front of the unit, you’ll have a Hi-Z instrument input and headphone out. It also features phantom power for condenser microphones. Premium quality does not come cheap. You can find the Universal Audio Apollo Twin X on Amazon for $999.

3. Most Affordable: M-Audio M-Track Duo

Budget is always a big factor when investing in studio gear, especially if you’re new in the world of recording podcasts. Thankfully, you don’t have to spend a huge sum to get the job done. The M-Audio M-Track Duo audio interface gives you all the essentials you need without breaking the bank.

The audio interface features two mic/line inputs and supports both monitoring speakers and headphones. It comes with phantom power, meaning you can use it with pretty much any type of microphone. The Crystal preamps sound impressively clean and crisp.

It might not look as shiny as the Apollo, and the plastic shell definitely doesn’t feel premium. However, that’s a compromise you should be willing to make if you’re looking for an affordable audio interface that gets the job done. You can get the M-Audio M-Track Duo on Amazon for only $69.

4. Best Four-Input Model: Universal Audio Volt 476P

All the previous models I mentioned in this post sport two mic inputs. But what if you want more than two mics running at the same time? Thankfully, you don’t have to opt for a studio-level rack to get more outputs. Various audio interfaces on the market offer four mic inputs without costing a fortune. The Universal Audio Volt 476P is among the best devices you can get for this purpose.

This audio interface comes with four preamps and four mic/line inputs. You also have the good old 48V, in case you want to use condenser microphones. Since it has four outputs, you can monitor each input separately. That means each guest on your podcast can separately monitor their mic input to ensure consistency across the length of your podcast. The Universal Audio Volt 476P comes at $469 on Amazon.

Final Thoughts On Getting An Audio Interface To Record Podcasts

Using a proper audio interface is a must if you want to record podcasts professionally. If you’re on a budget, the M-Audio M-Track Duo can deliver decent sound quality for an affordable price tag. If you’re looking for a valuable option that lasts you a long time, the Scarlett 2i2 is an option that won’t let you down.

These days, most audio interfaces on the market offer excellent input and output quality. At the end of the day, it boils down to the smaller details and your personal preference.