In the world of podcasting, having a reliable and high-quality audio interface is essential to producing a professional sounding show. As the technology continues to advance, the market is flooded with an abundance of audio interfaces to choose from, which can be overwhelming for both seasoned and new podcasters alike.
In this blog post, we will be discussing the top 5 best audio interfaces for podcasting in 2024. We’ve carefully researched various interfaces, taking into consideration factors such as sound quality, ease of use, and affordability to bring you our recommendations.
Whether you’re an experienced podcaster or just starting, this guide will help you make an informed decision and take your podcasting game to the next level.
PreSonus Revelator io24
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The PreSonus Revelator io24 is a high-quality USB audio interface designed for podcasters, streamers, and content creators. It boasts several advanced features that make it an ideal choice for both novice and experienced users.
The Revelator io24 features a dual-channel input, which allows users to connect two microphones or other audio sources simultaneously. It also includes phantom power, making it possible to use high-quality condenser mics without an external power source.
The interface provides onboard effects processing, including built-in compressor, EQ, and reverb plugins, which can be used to fine-tune the recordings. Studio One Artist is also included so you can professionally mix the productions.
The Revelator io24 is designed with ease of use in mind, featuring a simple and intuitive control panel that allows users to quickly adjust their audio settings. It also includes several connectivity options, including USB-C, MIDI, XLR, and 1/4″, making it easy to use in a variety of settings.
Overall, the PreSonus Revelator io24 is a high-quality and versatile audio interface that offers advanced features and intuitive control. It is a great choice for podcasters and content creators who are looking for a reliable interface at an affordable price.
- High-quality sound: High-quality converters and XMAX-L preamps, ensuring excellent sound quality and clarity.
- Versatile input options: Two microphone inputs, two line inputs, two line outputs, MIDI IN/OUT, and one headphone output.
- Easy to use: Intuitive controls and a user-friendly interface that make it easy for beginners to get started.
- Built-in effects: Onboard processing, including EQ, compression, and reverb, which can help to enhance the audio quality and mix.
- Portable: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up in different recording environments.
- Limited inputs: While the Revelator io24 offers a range of input options, it is still limited to two XLR mic inputs, which may not be sufficient for more complex recording/podcasting situations.
- No physical pads: Having physical pads to tie sound effects to is important to many podcasters.
- No physical faders: Having built-in mixer faders allow podcasters to mix their show on the fly.
- Not meant for live: Though the Revelator io24 is great for live streaming a music performance or gaming, without physical mixing controls or sound pads, it makes live podcasting challenging.
Focusrite Vocaster One
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The Focusrite Vocaster One is a dedicated USB audio interface designed for podcasters who demand high-quality audio performance without much setup. It features an AI assistant to get you up and running quickly, along with many professional features all packed into this little box. The Vocaster One is powerful, portable, and possibly everything you need in a podcasting interface.
The Vocaster One provides a mic input with a phantom power switch, a 1/8″ mini jack input for a cell phone, 2 speaker outputs, a 1/8″ mini jack output to feed a camera, and lastly a headphone jack. The front panel gives users a microphone gain knob, output level knob, auto gain button, enhance button that toggles between 4 different presets, and a mute button. Best of all, it can be powered from a computer via USB bus power.
The Vocaster One includes a range of software including SquadCast, Hindenburg, and Acast. It also comes with Focusrite’s proprietary software Vocaster Hub which controls Vocaster’s onboard mixer. Beginners can use the Easy Start tool to get recording quicker than ever!
Overall, the Focusrite Vocaster One is an excellent choice for podcasters who require high-quality audio performance, ease of use, and versatility. And, if you are on-the-go, this is definitely the most portable audio interface on our list.
- High-quality audio performance: Class A microphone preamps and 24-bit/48 kHz A/D conversion, which ensures clear and accurate audio recording.
- User-friendly design: Intuitive controls with almost everything you need right on the front panel.
- Advanced features: Vocaster Hub allows you to mix your sound like a pro along with editing the 4 enhance preset options. The Easy Start tool gets you up and recording in minutes.
- Portable and lightweight: The interface is portable and lightweight, which makes it ideal for remote podcasting and content creation.
- Software: You get all the programs you need to create a podcast right out the gate.
- Limited number of inputs: Only one XLR input, which may be limiting for users who require more inputs for multi-person podcasts or live-streaming. NOTE: They have models for more money with more inputs.
- No physical pads: There is no way to trigger sound effects in a live scenario.
- No physical faders: The faders have to be adjusted in Vocaster Hub.
Related Article: The Top 5 Best Mics For Podcasting | Professional Options For All Budgets
Rode RODECaster Pro II
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The RODECaster Pro II is a complete audio production system designed specifically for content creators, podcasters, streamers, and musicians. Many consider it the best audio interface for podcasting out on the market today. With its endless features, superior sound quality, unmatched customizability, and ease of use, the RODECaster Pro II USB interface is all you will ever need to create amazing and professional podcasts.
The RODECaster Pro II features four XLR inputs, each with phantom power and a range of controls. It also includes four headphone outputs, each with independent volume control and source selection, making it ideal for collaborative podcasting and live-streaming. The interface also includes eight programmable sound pads, which allow you to play jingles, sound effects, and pre-recorded audio clips on-the-fly.
The Rodecaster Pro II has a large and intuitive touchscreen display, which enables you to control all aspects of your audio production with ease. It also includes a range of sound enhancement features, such as compression, equalization, and de-essing, which enable you to create professional-quality audio productions with minimal effort.
The Rodecaster Pro II also includes several connectivity options, such as Bluetooth, USB, and SD card recording, making it ideal for remote podcasting and live-streaming. NOTE: You can either use Bluetooth or the USB-C connections to bring in remote callers.
Overall, the Rode Rodecaster Pro II is a top quality audio interface for professional podcasters and content creators who require advanced functionality and high-quality performance. With its superior range of features, the Rode Rodecaster Pro II is probably the best USB audio interface on our list.
- High-quality audio performance: Professional grade preamps with studio-quality APHEX audio processing.
- Versatile connectivity: Bluetooth, USB, and SD card recording.
- Large and intuitive touchscreen: Users can setup and control their audio production with ease.
- Onboard Effects Processing: Compression, equalization, and many more effects to improve the audio quality.
- Live Mixing: 6 physical volume faders for a set-and-forget operation or to mix a live show.
- Programmable sound pads: Eight programmable sound pads to enhance the overall live production.
- Price: The cost to own one of these bad boys is much higher than any other audio interface on our list.
- Size and weight: Though still very portable, it is much bigger than other options on our list.
- Advanced operation: The unit does require some practice for those who are new to the audio production world.
- Overkill: It might be a bit too much for those who just want to do a single person podcast.
Zoom PodTrak P8
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The Zoom PodTrak P8 is a advanced USB audio interface designed for podcasters and content creators. It offers many robust features yet is simple to use. Zoom describes it as set it, edit, cast, simple.
One of the most notable features of the PodTrak P8 is its eight-channel mixing capabilities. This allows users to connect up to six XLR microphones and two stereo inputs, giving them the ability to record multiple participants in a podcast or livestreaming session. It also includes 2 speaker connections and 6 headphone outputs.
The PodTrak P8 offers a range of advanced features, including onboard effects processing to ensure great sound quality. It also includes 9 programmable sound pads, which users can use to play sound effects or jingles during their podcast.
The interface also features a large, full-color touchscreen display, making it easy to navigate and control. It offers a range of connectivity options, including USB, 1/8″ mini jack for a cell phone, and an optional Bluetooth dongle. These connections make it easy to use both in-studio and on-the-go.
Overall, the Zoom PodTrak P8 is a versatile and feature-packed USB audio interface that offers high-quality audio performance and intuitive control. It is a great choice for podcasters and content creators who are looking for a reliable and professional-grade interface.
- High-quality audio performance: High-quality Class A mic preamps and 24-bit/48 kHz A/D conversion.
- Portable and versatile: Easy to bring to different locations. Color coded editing all done within the box.
- User-friendly touchscreen display: Control your production all from the color-coded touchscreen.
- High Input Count: Eight channels of audio input, including six XLR inputs and two stereo inputs. Provides the most analog audio signals of any audio interface on our list.
- Onboard Effects Processing: Compression, equalization, de-essing, and noise reduction.
- Live Mixing: 8 physical volume faders to mix a show on-the-fly.
- Programmable sound pads: 9 programmable sound pads to add some character while recording podcasts.
- High cost: If you are just starting out in the world of podcasting, then this might be a bit pricey.
- Lack of firmware updates: They don't update the unit often for fixes or to bring new features to it.
- Advanced operation: The unit has a lot of features which requires a bit of a learning curve.
- Overkill: If you are looking to do a solo podcast then this isn't right for you.
Tascam Mixcast 4
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The Tascam Mixcast 4 rounds out our best audio interface for podcasting list. It is a compact USB audio interface designed to make content creation easy. It was made for podcasting, live streaming, event production, and voice overs. When used in conjunction with TASCAMs podcast editor software, you get a complete solution to create professional productions that will stand out.
The Mixcast 4 has a simple and sleek design, with a durable metal chassis and knobs that feel solid and smooth to use. It’s small enough to fit in a backpack or gear bag, which makes it great for on-the-go recording and streaming.
The Mixcast 4 offers four XLR inputs with phantom power, which is great for recording multiple microphones or instruments simultaneously. It also has 4 dedicated headphone outputs, as well as a mix output for connecting to speakers or a mixer. It provides a Bluetooth connection for receive incoming phone calls via a cell phone and utilizes mix minus.
The Mixcast 4 comes with a free copy of Tascam’s companion software, which provides additional features such as EQ and compression. The software is intuitive and easy to use, and it adds a lot of value to the Mixcast 4.
Overall, the Tascam Mixcast 4 is a great choice for podcasters and content creators who need a portable and easy-to-use audio interface. It offers a good balance of features, sound quality, and affordability, making it an obvious choice for our best audio interface for podcasting list.
- High-quality preamps: Delivers clear and natural-sounding audio.
- Multiple inputs: A wide selection of inputs allowing for a full production both live and recorded.
- Portable: Compact and lightweight, making it easy to transport and set up in different recording environments.
- Software: Comes with the TASCAM podcast editor software.
- Live Mixing: 8 physical volume faders to dial in your mix.
- Programmable sound pads: 8 programmable sound pads to add fun sound effects to a live podcast.
- Pricey: Like the Zoom PodTrak P8, this unit will break the bank.
- No built-in effects: The effects are accessible within the TASCAM podcast editor software.
- Advanced operation: There is a bit of a learning curve to fully utilize all the features.
- Overkill: For those looking to do a solo podcast, this will be more than you need.
Final Thoughts
In conclusion, choosing the right audio interface is essential for any podcaster looking to produce high-quality content.
While there are many options available on the market, we’ve narrowed down the top 5 best audio interfaces for podcasting in 2024 based on their features, sound quality, ease of use, and affordability. From the versatile and powerful Rode RODECaster Pro II to the simplicity of the Focusrite Vocaster One, these USB interfaces offer a range of options for podcasters of all levels.
Whether you’re recording in a professional studio or on-the-go, investing in one of these quality USB audio interfaces can help you achieve your goals and produce the best possible podcasting content.
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