Audio Interfaces & Mixers
An XLR mic is only as good as what it plugs into. An audio interface (or podcast mixer) is the box that turns your mic into clean, professional digital audio — and adds the controls that make recording painless. Here are our tested picks.
Two clean preamps, a brilliant Auto Gain feature that sets your levels for you, and famously stable drivers. The default recommendation for almost any creator stepping up to an XLR mic.
The same clean Focusrite sound with a single mic input — ideal for a solo podcaster or streamer who only ever needs one XLR mic. The smartest way to save money without losing quality.
An all-in-one podcast production studio: multiple mic inputs, faders, sound-effect pads, onboard processing, and multi-track recording to a memory card. If podcasting is your main focus, nothing else comes close.
A two-input interface with a switchable vintage-tube preamp mode that adds warmth and helps quiet dynamic mics reach a strong level. A favorite for creators who care most about character and tone.
A rugged, no-nonsense two-input interface that bundles recording software. A reliable, affordable entry point for anyone who wants to start recording with an XLR mic today.
The cheapest sensible way to get an XLR mic into your computer. It won't drive a quiet SM7B to full glory, but for a louder dynamic or condenser on a shoestring budget, it gets the job done.
If you record into software like Audacity, GarageBand, or OBS and edit afterward, a simple interface (Scarlett 2i2) is all you need. If you run a multi-person podcast, want sound-effect pads, and prefer to mix live, a podcast mixer like the Rodecaster Pro II is worth the jump.
One mic, ever? The Scarlett Solo saves money. Plan to add a co-host or instrument? Get two inputs (2i2, Volt 2). It's much cheaper to buy the second input now than to replace the whole unit later.
Quiet dynamic mics like the Shure SM7B need lots of clean gain. The Volt 2 and 2i2 handle them well; budget interfaces may need an inline preamp (a Cloudlifter or FetHead) to avoid hiss.
Only if you use an XLR microphone. USB mics connect directly to your computer and need no interface. If you've chosen an XLR mic like the SM7B, an interface is essential.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) and Universal Audio Volt 2 both provide enough clean gain for the SM7B. For the absolute quietest result, add an inline preamp like a Cloudlifter.
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