There’s no doubt about it, podcasts are insanely popular. No matter what topic you’re interested in — popular culture, daily news, science fiction, gardening, or music — there’s a podcast that’s tailored just for you. Some podcasters record straight to their smart device, but the final product doesn’t sound so smart (pun intended). Others use a USB microphone, which is a step in the right direction. But if you really want to achieve professional sound, then you’ll need a high-quality audio interface. Here are a few of our favorites.
Note: At Sweetwater, we know there’s no such thing as “best” when it comes to music gear. Every player and artist has unique tastes, which is what makes selecting gear so fun! The items on this list feature some of our favorite products from top manufacturers to help you start your buying journey! Explore these recommendations and dive into Sweetwater’s massive collection of gear on our online store. For personalized picks and expert advice, please contact our knowledgeable Sweetwater Sales Engineers at (800) 222-4700!
- Focusrite Vocaster Two
- PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition
- Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface
- Zoom H6essential Handheld Recorder
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
- RODE RODECaster Pro II
- RODE RodeCaster Duo
- Mackie DLZ Creator XS
- Lewitt Connect 6 and Connect 2
Focusrite Vocaster Two
Designed with podcasters in mind
Set up fast and share your story with the Focusrite Vocaster Two. The Vocaster is no doubt one of the most intuitive podcast interfaces to hit the market in recent years. Auto Gain for both you and a guest make traditional mic checking and level-setting a thing of the past. Meanwhile, broadcast-based vocal enhancements let each speaker cycle through Clean, Warm, Bright, and Radio presets in a matter of seconds.
The Vocaster Two bears the marks of an interface that’s been designed by podcasters, for podcasters. Its two clearly labeled mic preamps (“Host” and “Guest”) with +70dB gain range and phantom power serve as a capable front end for all your favorite dynamic and condenser broadcast mics. Then there are the two stereo loopback channels and “mix-minus” wireless Bluetooth connection, which allows users to seamlessly pipe in audio from a soundboard or phone call without interference to clean up after the session. Finally, dedicated mute buttons on both the Host and Guest sides let each speaker duck out for a quick beverage sip, cough, or off-mic conversation. We also offer the Vocaster Two and PodMic Desktop Two-host Podcast Bundle, which includes the Vocaster Two, a pair of microphones, two pairs of headphones, and accessories.
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition
Perfect for podcasters on a budget
If you’re searching for a great, budget-friendly option, then you can’t go wrong with the PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary Edition. The 25th Anniversary Edition updates the cosmetics of the interface while leaving the pristine electronics totally unchanged. This USB audio interface boasts a pair of excellent-sounding preamps and up to 24-bit/96kHz recording. It includes +48V phantom power for your condenser mics, a handy clip indicator to ensure proper recording levels, and a separate volume control for your headphones. Best of all, it comes with a six-month trial of PreSonus Studio One Pro 7 DAW software.
Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface
Experience the magic of unison preamps
Want your podcast to sound like it was produced in a high-end recording studio? Then grab a Universal Audio Apollo Twin X DUO Gen 2 Thunderbolt Audio Interface. This top-of-the-line Thunderbolt 3 audio interface includes a pair of UA’s Unison preamps, enabling you to track through digital models of the industry’s most celebrated hardware. Beyond that, you get elite-class AD/DA conversion for flawless sound quality and sub-2ms latency — a feat that USB interfaces simply can’t match. Finally, you get LUNA software, which provides you with a top-shelf recording platform and super-tight integration with UA’s DSP-powered plug-ins, such as the included Realtime Analog Classics bundle. Your purchase also gives you access to the UA Essentials+ suite of amazing plug-in emulations of coveted studio equipment used in most major studios.
Zoom H6essential Handheld Recorder
Perfect for on-location recording and interviews
If your podcast involves any fieldwork, then you’ll want a standalone recorder like the Zoom H6essential Handheld Recorder. This enables you to effortlessly capture audio in the field then take it back to your studio for editing and processing. The H6 is a true hybrid. Not only is it a portable standalone recorder, but it’s also a full-blown 6-in/2-out USB audio interface. Four XLR/TRS combo inputs accommodate a wide range of microphones and sources, and since it’s battery-powered, you can take it everywhere. At Sweetwater, this is one of our favorite ways to record interviews. Thanks to its high-quality built-in microphones, you can record anywhere — tour bus, green room, backstage — anywhere. If your podcast is famous for nailing hard-to-get interviews, then keeping an H6essential on you at all times guarantees that you’ll never miss an opportunity.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen
One of the world’s most popular interfaces
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is one of the best-selling USB audio interfaces here at Sweetwater. You’ll find it in home studios everywhere. But did you know that it also makes a top-quality podcasting interface? Its XLR/TRS combination inputs work great for mics and instruments alike. Meanwhile, the new 4th Gen interfaces come with the same converters found in the company’s flagship RedNet interfaces, giving you amazing clarity and a whopping 120dB dynamic range. Also new in the 2i2 4th Gen audio interface are Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Dynamic Gain Halos, and Easy Start functionality. All of that comes wrapped up with impressively low latency for excellent recordings. Plus, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 runs on USB bus power — no wall plug required. We also carry the Scarlett 2i2 Studio 4th Gen Recording Bundle, which gives you everything you need to start podcasting.
RODE RODECaster Pro II
An ultra-powerful podcast production tool
RODE changed the podcasting game when they released the original RODECaster Pro podcast production console. Now, they’ve one-upped themselves with the RODE RODECaster Pro II. This desktop console provides everything you need to run your podcast in one unit. It even handles livestreaming and studio recording! The RODECaster Pro II comes with four ultra-clean microphone preamps, so you and three other hosts can debate, hang out, or cover the news. Plus, the simplified control layout and full-color touchscreen make the RODECaster Pro II an absolute breeze to use.
Looking for a complete podcasting system? No problem. The RODE RODECaster Pro II SM7B Solo Podcasting Kit has you covered. With one purchase, you get the formidable RODECaster Pro II podcast production console, the iconic Shure SM7B dynamic microphone, a pair of Shure studio headphones, a mic boom arm, a dust cover, a 128GB microSDXC card, and a mic cable. And it all ships in the same box from Sweetwater. How’s that for convenience?
RODE RodeCaster Duo
Classic RodeCaster power for small-scale setups
For podcasts with only one or two speakers at a time, the RODE RodeCaster Duo supplies just enough microphone inputs with all the audial power of its older sibling, the RodeCaster Pro. The same color-coded interface is supplied with four physical and three virtual faders for quick control over audio levels. Plus, six onboard SMART pads let you trigger custom sound effects and shout-outs to add some dynamic flair to your show. It’s even compatible with RODE Series IV wireless products, thanks to its built-in wireless receiver. Topped off with 76dB of onboard gain through its Neutrik combination inputs and a handy USB-C interface, it’s a fan favorite among several podcasters at Sweetwater.
Mackie DLZ Creator XS
Comfortable command for any creator
Yet another compact mixer for smaller podcasting setups, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS mixer supplies three operating modes for simple use at any skill level. Easy mode gains access to an automated streaming setup with a task-based workflow while enhanced and pro modes give more control over defining EQ, effects, and gain. No matter which you choose, you’ll be given an immediate visual representation of your mixer’s performance through an easy-to-read 7-inch touch display with rotary encoders. Sweetwater content creators are particularly appreciative of the DLZ Creator XS’s dual-PC compatibility, making dual-computer creation setups easy to manage within a single mixing device. Take it from us: Whether you’re a newcomer to the podcast scene or an experienced content curator, the Mackie DLZ Creator XS contains all the bells and whistles to fit the bill of any streaming project.
Lewitt Connect 6 and Connect 2
Sleek, serviceable Lewitt podcast interfacing
Inspiring, sleek, and packed with dutiful audio power, the Lewitt Connect 6 USB-C audio interface is both impressively clean and easy to operate. It all starts with two crystal-clear mic preamps, each with up to 72dB of gain and minimal distortion. Next, a collection of onboard DSP delivers effects with near-zero latency, including a compressor, expander, and, of course, adjustable EQ. The best part? The Connect 6 comes with Lewitt’s Control Center software, granting complete digital control over your I/O, two independent master mixes, three software channels, and much more.
Looking for something a bit more portable? Lewitt’s Connect 2 USB-C audio interface sports audial power similar to its larger sibling but scaled down and optimized for more portable use. Control Center, 2 x 2 I/O, USB-C interfacing — it’s all here. No matter which route you decide to take, rest assured your production will remain in good hands with a Connect series audio interface in your arsenal.
Podcasting Is Better with Sweetwater
Thanks for checking out our picks for the best audio interfaces for podcasting. If you need a shiny, new microphone to go with your awesome new interface or if you have any questions about how to make your podcast sound its best, then give your Sweetwater Sales Engineer a call at (800) 222-4700. They’ll be happy to help!
