Do I need a mic interface?

What is a microphone interface?

A microphone interface, also known as an audio interface or mic preamp, is a device that allows microphones to connect and communicate with other audio equipment like computers, audio recorders, mixers, and speakers. It converts the analog audio signal from the microphone into a digital signal that can be processed by other digital devices ¹.

The microphone interface acts as the middleman, receiving the quiet mic level signals, amplifying them to line level, and then digitizing the audio for recording, broadcasting or other applications. It allows microphones, which on their own only output mic level signals around 2mV, to integrate into more powerful audio setups and produce high-quality recordings ².

A dedicated microphone interface provides control over the gain, EQ, and compression applied to the microphone signal before it gets sent to the computer. This preprocessing allows you to optimize the sound quality to suit your particular microphone and application.

Types of microphone interfaces

There are a few main types of microphone interfaces to consider based on the connection method:

USB mic interfaces

USB microphone interfaces connect to your computer via USB and provide plug-and-play connectivity. They are convenient, easy to set up, and work with most recording software. Popular budget USB interfaces include the Focusrite Scarlett Solo and Behringer U-PHORIA UM2. Higher-end USB interfaces offer more I/O and features like the PreSonus Studio 24c.

Firewire mic interfaces

Firewire (IEEE 1394) mic interfaces used to be common but are less prevalent today. They provide high bandwidth and low latency connectivity. Some musicians still use legacy Firewire interfaces, but Thunderbolt has largely replaced Firewire.

Thunderbolt mic interfaces

Thunderbolt microphone interfaces offer the fastest speeds and lowest latency. They are designed for pro music production and recording studios. Leading Thunderbolt interfaces include the Universal Audio Apollo Twin and Focusrite Scarlett 18i20.

Benefits of a dedicated mic interface

One of the biggest benefits of using a dedicated microphone interface is the ability to get better audio quality recordings. Most built-in computer sound cards and mic inputs are noisy and low quality. An external interface provides pristine audio conversion and low noise preamplifiers to capture your microphone’s signal with precision and clarity. According to MI.edu, audio interfaces convert analog signals into high-quality digital audio that your recording software can understand.

With a dedicated interface, you also get more control over important settings like gain, phantom power, and headphone monitoring. You can accurately set input levels and hear yourself in real time without latency or delay while recording vocals or instruments. As this UCLA article points out, routing microphones through an interface allows more customization and adaptability versus relying on your computer’s limited onboard inputs.

Low latency monitoring is crucial for great recordings. Interfaces provide near zero-latency direct monitoring so you can hear exactly what you’re recording in real time. This allows for better performance and comfort while tracking audio. Onboard computer inputs have higher latency which can be distracting and make performing more difficult.

Do you need one for podcasting?

When starting a podcast, one of the first questions is whether you need a dedicated microphone interface or if a USB microphone will be sufficient. According to this source, a microphone interface is recommended for podcasting if you want to use professional dynamic microphones and capture multiple speakers on separate tracks. USB microphones can work well for simple podcasts with 1-2 people, but an interface opens up more options.

Some benefits of using a microphone interface for podcasting include:

• Ability to use XLR microphones – Many high-quality podcasting microphones like the Shure SM7B or Electrovoice RE20 use XLR cables, requiring an interface.
• Multi-mic recording – Interfaces allow you to record each host on their own track for better control in post-production.
• Better sound quality – Dedicated mic preamps on an interface can provide cleaner audio than using a USB mic alone.
• Room for expansion – If you want to add more mics or gear later, an interface gives you that flexibility.

Popular microphone interface options for podcasters include the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, and the Zoom Podtrak P4. According to recommendations on Reddit, the Focusrite Scarlett line provides great quality and value for podcasting.

Do you need one for streaming?

A dedicated audio interface can provide noticeable improvements to your live streaming audio quality. The built-in sound cards in computers often don’t provide enough gain for sensitive microphones needed for streaming. An interface provides cleaner pre-amps with lower noise floors to capture high-quality audio from your streaming mic (Source).

Interfaces also allow you to use professional XLR microphones instead of relying on lower-quality USB mics. Popular streaming mics like the Shure SM7B or Electro-Voice RE20 are XLR mics that require an interface. The converters in an interface are higher quality than a computer’s built-in sound card as well (Source). This results in clearer, more professional-sounding streaming audio.

Recommended budget streaming interface: Focusrite Scarlett Solo

Recommended pro streaming interface: GoXLR Mini

While not absolutely necessary, a dedicated streaming mic interface provides tangible audio quality improvements over built-in computer sound. Cleaner pre-amps, better converters, and XLR connectivity make an interface worth considering for serious streamers looking to maximize production quality.

Do you need one for music recording?

If you are recording music at home, whether you are a musician, producer, podcaster, or songwriter, having a dedicated microphone interface provides significant benefits for your workflow and end results. According to experienced home musicians on Reddit, while you can technically record without an interface, using one unlocks key advantages especially for music production quality.

The top reason to use an interface for home music recording is the vastly improved audio quality. The preamps and converters on even budget interfaces far exceed a basic computer or laptop soundcard. This cleaner signal leads to better quality recordings with less noise and interference [1]. The interface also allows you to use professional studio microphones, instrument pickups, and other gear.

Another major plus is the ability to record and monitor audio with virtually no latency. This helps musicians record takes more smoothly without distracting lag between playing and hearing the playback. An interface also provides multiple inputs to record vocals, instruments, and mixes all at once.

While it is possible to record music without one, especially using simple laptop or USB microphones, any musician doing serious home recording would benefit greatly from investing in even an entry-level interface. The boost to signal quality, monitoring, and connectivity make it an essential component for home studios.

Budget-friendly options

If you’re just getting started with home recording, streaming, or podcasting, you don’t need to spend a ton of money on an audio interface. There are many affordable USB interfaces that provide decent sound quality for beginners. Some top recommendations for entry-level gear include:

The Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd gen) is one of the most popular budget interfaces for around $100. It has one XLR mic input, headphone output, and USB connectivity. Great for basic podcasting and streaming needs.

The Presonus Audiobox USB 96 is a step up with 96 kHz sampling and MIDI I/O for around $100. Good for music production on a budget.

The Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD provides two inputs with phantom power for around $75. A nice option for recording vocals and instruments.

The Native Instruments Komplete Audio 1 is optimized for NI’s software at $99. Integrates well for production workflows.

The Audient iD4 MKII has high quality converters and preamps for $199. One of the best models for the price.

While budget interfaces have limitations on I/O and power, they provide an affordable way to get started recording and interfacing mics/instruments with your computer.

Higher-end professional interfaces

For recording studios and professional musicians who want the very best audio quality and features, there are higher-end pro-level interfaces. These offer top-of-the-line components, preamps, converters, and connectivity for serious audio production work.

Some popular pro interfaces include models like the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96, Focusrite Scarlett 18i20, Steinberg UR44, and Universal Audio Apollo Twin.

These interfaces offer pristine audio conversion with high sample rates and bit depths, premium microphone preamps for ultra clean gain with wide dynamic range, robust driver stability, and advanced connectivity options like ADAT, S/PDIF, and Thunderbolt. The software bundles also include high-end plugins, emulations of vintage studio gear, and DSP powered mixing tools.

While more expensive than budget models, for professional studios and musicians who need reliable, transparent audio performance and robust I/O, these flagship interfaces deliver unmatched quality and versatility.

Setting Up and Using Your Interface

Getting your new microphone interface set up properly is important for getting the best audio quality. Here are some tips for connecting mics and instruments as well as installing and configuring the interface:

Connecting Mics and Instruments

Most interfaces will have XLR, 1/4″ or 1/8″ inputs for connecting microphones, keyboards, guitars and other instruments. Make sure you use the proper cables for each – XLR for condenser mics, 1/4″ for guitars/keyboards, and 1/8″ for small devices. Pay attention to input impedance – mic inputs are generally high impedance while instrument inputs are low. Impedance mismatch can affect signal quality.

Balanced cables like XLR are better for long cable runs to avoid noise. Connect each mic/instrument to its own channel on the interface for maximum control. Make sure phantom power is enabled for condenser mics. Start with gain knobs low and increase slowly while testing levels to avoid clipping the inputs.

Installation and Configuration Tips

Download and install the latest drivers and control software from the manufacturer’s website. Connect the interface via USB or Thunderbolt before launching the software. Select the interface model in the settings if prompted. Set sample rate and bit depth appropriate for your needs – 44.1KHz/16-bit for basic recording or 48KHz/24-bit for high resolution. Reduce buffer size if able for lower latency.

Configure each input channel with phantom power if needed, and adjust gain so levels peak around -12dB to -6dB. Turn direct monitoring on to hear live inputs without latency. Use built-in DSP like EQ and compression sparingly during recording for more control during mixing. Start simple and only add effects as needed. Read the manual thoroughly to understand all the interface’s capabilities.

FAQs

Here are some answers to common questions about microphone interfaces:

Do I need an audio interface if I already have a good microphone?

Yes, you still need an audio interface even with a high quality microphone like a condenser mic. The interface provides phantom power to the condenser mic and converts the analog signal to digital so it can be recorded on your computer (source).

What’s more important, the microphone or the interface?

This depends on your budget, but generally the microphone is more important for sound quality. A good interface ensures you can capture the mic’s quality, but it can’t make up for a poor mic. Prioritize the mic first before upgrading the interface (source).

Do I need an expensive interface for podcasting/streaming?

No, budget interfaces around $100 like the Focusrite Scarlett Solo are fine for basic podcasting and streaming. You only need more expensive interfaces with more inputs and features if you’re recording music or have specialized needs.

What are the downsides of cheap interfaces?

Cheap options may have worse audio conversion quality, fewer inputs, less durable construction, no phantom power, and limited headphone outputs. But for simple voice recording like podcasts, basic cheap interfaces can work fine.