The gift of modern technology has frankly improved the quality of life in many areas of endeavors. Before the invention of the audio interface, studios usually hooked expensive soundcards to ideal computers.
Setting up a professional podcasting home studio has never been easier. With a computer, microphone, and an audio interface, you’re good to go.
The tricky part is choosing the best budget audio interface with the dozens of options available in the market.
Fret not for this article will provide all the guidance you need to make the right choice.
What is a USB Audio Interface?
An audio interface is a device that receives the analog signals of your microphone and converts them to a form your computer understands.
Although the need for an audio interface is bypassed for USB microphones, rigging an XLR mic to an audio interface produces a much better sound quality. Additionally, this setup gives the user access to features through the interface that offers more control than the direct USB mic connection.
If you are searching for a podcasting microphone, this article will give you the best options tailored to your needs.
Products reviewed in this article:
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
Shure X2U
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Affordable Audio Interfaces for Podcasts Review
In this section, we shall have a good look at formidable audio interfaces for podcasters on a budget.
Behringer U-Phoria UMC22
The UMC22 is the most affordable model in the Behringer U-Phoria series. It is a very portable recording interface with two TRS/XLR enabled input ports. One for recording audio from your XLR microphone and an extra input for incorporating the ultimate in-studio experience.
Features and Specification
Dimension: 6.42 x 4.92 x 1.97 inches
Manufacturer: Behringer
Model: UMC22
Computer connectivity: USB 2.0
Simultaneous I/O: 2 x 2
Number of Preamps: 1 x mic, 1 x instrument.
Phantom Power: +48
A/D Resolution: 48 kHz/24-bit
MIDI: None
Additional Software: 150 downloadable virtual instruments/FX plugins, and Tracktion DAW (Digital Audio Workstation)
Pros
Easy to Use
When jolted with a flash of inspiration, it is convenient to have an easy means of swiftly recording those ideas into your computer. In times like this, the UMC22 is your exact need.
Just connect your microphone to the XLR/TRS input, and you’re ready to record with ultra-low latency into your computer.
The compactness of the design is also a huge plus, giving you access to high-quality recordings anywhere you are.
High Resolution
The sampling rate of the input signal is known as the resolution of an audio interface. With a resolution as high as 48 kHz, the UMC22 is sure to capture the precise sonar quality of your voice and record clean vocals.
Cons
Product Build
Many customers on its amazon review page have criticized the plastic build of the device. However, this is understandable due to its cheapness.
Price
Affordable, follow the price of this device on its amazon page here
Shure X2U
The Shure X2U is an inexpensive audio interface for podcasting with an unconventional shape (it looks somewhat like a vape pen).
Particularly, the device connects to your microphone instead of the other way around. This plug-and-play design gives the equipment a quick setup comparable to USB mics. Only one microphone input signal is allowed at a time.
Features and Specification
Brand: Shure
Connector Type: USB Type C, XLR
Model: X2U
Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.7 x 3 inches
Weight: 10.6 ounces
Power Source: USB powered
A/D Resolution: 16-bit/48kHz
Channels: 1
Downloadable Software: None
Phantom Power: +48V
What’s in the box?
The items found in the package of this product are the Shure X2U adapter interface itself and the following accessories.
- USB cable
- Two velcro straps
- Carrying pouch
- Documentation
Pros
Travel interface
The X2U device has a very sturdy build. Its all-metal case, fair weight, and portable form easily categories it as a travel interface.
Onboard Control Dials
This interface features buttons, thumbwheels, and indicators on the body for monitoring and controlling signal levels. The Shure X2U has an LED for indicating clip levels, gain control, headphone volume control, zero-latency monitoring, and computer playback.
Cons
No Calibration on the Thumbwheels
One minor drawback is a lack of marking on the gain control knob. You’ll have to experiment with the gain knob before eventually finding a suitable level.
Price
Check the updated price on amazon here
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96
The AudioBox USB 96 is an affordable audio interface designed by PreSonus for recording music, though commonly embraced in the podcasting world.
Features and Specification
Brand: PreSonus
Connector Type: USB 2.0
Model: AudioBox 96 interface
Dimensions: 1.75 x 5.5 x 5.5 inches
Weight: 2 pounds
Power Source: USB powered
A/D Resolution: 24-bit/96kHz
Channels: 2
Downloadable Software: Studio One Artist DAW
Phantom Power: +48V
Pros
MIDI I/O
This feature gives this audio interface some good points. With the MIDI I/O, it is possible to spice up podcast recording by integrating other live musical elements like guitars and other MIDI-controlled instruments.
Resolution
With state-of-the-art 24-bit/96 kHz studio-grade converters, this equipment delivers pristine sound matching the input vocals to the microphone.
Cons
Inept Bundled Software
The recording software that comes with the device is limiting. It isn’t much of a problem since it is compatible with most Digital Audio Workstations.
Price
To get the updated price of the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 audio interface, check it’s amazon page here
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Focusrite is a leading brand in the interface manufacturing scene. Famous producers of the Scarlett series, a reliable and highly competitive preamp lineup in the market.
Taking it up a notch with its third generation, Focusrite developed audio interfaces with reduced total harmonic distortion (THD), higher headroom, high output instrument control, broader gain range, and better dynamics.
Features and Specification
Brand: PreSonus
Connectivity: USB Type-C
Model: AudioBox 96 interface
Dimensions: 3.77 x 5.65 x 1.71 inches
Weight: 1.1 pounds
Power Source: USB bus-powered
A/D Resolution: 24-bit/192kHz
Simultaneous I/O: 2 x 2
Bundled Software: Focusrite Red plugin suite, Ableton Live Lite, Pro Tools First Focusrite Creative Pack, Artist, and so on
Phantom Power: +48V
Pros
Body Makeup
The equipment has a solid build. An all-metal chassis covers the top and sides. A plastic material sheaths the front and back of the device.
The Air circuit feature
It is a unique function available to only high-end Focusrite preamps. Switching on the effect enriches your recording with a brighter and more open sound. The boosted upper frequencies of the audio are responsible for this effect. You can turn the air effect on and off via a button at the front of the equipment.
You can access the effect of the air circuit on vocals through this review video on YouTube at the 3:48 timestamp.
Resolution
It has an impressive sampling rate of 192kHz.
Cons
You are required to download items that usually come with the pack on most audio interfaces, such as documentation, drivers, and software on the Focusrite website.
Price
Look up the price of this audio interface on its amazon page here
Summary
From where I’m standing, the Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB audio interface wins the race among the other competing budget audio interfaces reviewed in this article, and it only costs a few dollars more than the rest. Its sturdy metallic body promises durability, and most importantly, records sound with a high resolution, giving your vocals the clarity needed for your podcasts.
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