5 Reasons Why Serious Podcasters Should Use An Audio Interface
Are you looking to take the next step in advancing your podcast recording? or maybe you're looking at launching a podcast and want to ensure you represent yourself and your brand correctly?
Utilizing an audio interface will elevate your podcast's quality while achieving better control over recordings.
What is an audio interface, and why is it better than a USB mic?
A USB mic is a new technology which allows beginners to connect a mic directly to their computer or laptop. However, it comes with a few significant drawbacks. Mainly that it's difficult to control the gain/volume, and it's challenging to spot lousy recording techniques, which leads to many ruined recordings.
An audio interface is essentially an external sound card that will allow for a more professional audio signal than a USB microphone.
Instead of a USB microphone going through whatever sound card is on your computer, you can connect a microphone through an XLR cable via an interface, giving a better signal.
Without getting too technical, an interface is the best practice for recording audio onto any computer or laptop and presents several benefits, which I will explain.
1) Better Recording Quality
Scientifically, an XLR-connected mic will give you a better signal when recording than a USB mic. While not massively noticeable, the subtle nuances of a traditional connection offer a much warmer and wide-ranging frequency.
Recordings made via an interface will be less noisy, warmer and of a higher technical quality.
2) The Best Podcast Microphones are XLR (not USB)
Using an interface will also mean you will have your pick of the very best microphones. USB microphones are a relatively new phenomenon. The fact of the matter is that the best microphones are not USB.
My favourite mic is the Shure SM58. A mic that is robust and sounds excellent in a wide variety of locations. You can't use this mic unless you have an interface.
Or maybe you're considering the incredibly popular Shure SM7B. A fantastic sounding mic which has become the go-to for the most popular podcasts in the world. Again, if you're considering this, you will need an interface.
3) Precise Gain Control and Safer Recording Practices
In any digital recording, "input" or "gain" levels are significant.
I can't tell you how often I have dealt with podcast recordings where someone is using a USB microphone coming in too loud and distorted or so low you can't make out what is being said by the speaker.
In this scenario, the person behind the mic has to go into their Windows or Mac settings and adjust the inputs on the sound card. There is no quick fix or go-to guide because every version of Windows/mac or each brand of laptop presents different variables.
The most basic audio interface will have controls for inputs and output.
Input = the level of recording
Output = the volume at which you listen back
Using an interface means you can adjust these on a physical device; this is much easier than doing it through Windows or Mac settings. It will also lead to a much more balanced recording.
4) The ability to monitor recordings, making you a better Podcaster
Essentially this means you will hear yourself back in your headphones a split second after you speak. While many people don't like hearing themselves back at first, it is best practice and how all professional studio recordings work.
The ability to monitor is vital if using a platform like Riverside.fm
Ever been on a podcast call and noticed that something sounded wrong with the audio from your guest? You could monitor their recording live to spot it and tell them. But what about your audio? If using a USB mic, there is no way of telling how your audio sounds while recording. Chances are your guest is not going to spot it.
Hearing yourself in your headphones will give you a better sense of how you sound and the ability to diagnose any issues. It also will help you learn how you position yourself and changes the sound of the recording. Finally, it will make you adjust your tone and voice so that listening is much easier.
I always use my mic and audio interface for consultations or introduction calls. Because I can hear myself back, I speak with a much calmer and more natural tone. If I'm sounding too loud or pitchy in my ears, then that's what the person at the other end of the call is hearing, so I adjust my voice.
By default, most of us who are on calls without any ability to monitor will speak in a very unnatural way. We will probably shout or speak faster/slower than usual and cannot realize how this might sound at the other end.
I highly recommend getting used to recording while hearing yourself back in your headphones. It will improve your ability to speak to guests and the listener and make you a better podcaster.
5) Versatility
If you record a podcast in person, you can buy interfaces with multiple inputs, allowing greater versatility. Recording in person with USB mics is a bit of a no-go.
Headphones and speakers can be connected directly to the interface. Everything is controlled by this device, giving a much more professional and safe recording setup. When recording a podcast, you will avoid speaker feedback, distortion, noise and all the other downsides of a USB microphone.
You can also connect various other devices and instruments to an interface. So if you are a guitar enthusiast or hobbyist, you could easily record an original piece of music for your podcast.
Interfaces are small, robust and easy to transport. So you can have a mobile recording studio if you are on the go. Your interface will easily connect to any laptop or computer.
Recommended Audio Interface for Podcasting
Best Value: M-Audio M-Track - $50
I use the M-Audio M-Track for all recordings. It's small and light, and easy to use. For the price, you won't find any better. If connecting two mics, you must go for the M-Track Duo, but if you record remote or solo podcasts, the M-Track Solo is perfect.
Equipment to accompany an interface
So you have your external interface and wondering what else you need for podcasting.
I've tried a lot of mics, and for the price, you cannot beat Shure. Depending on your budget, here are two options.
Shure SM58 with cable - $125
The industry standard for versatility and known for its ability to sound great no matter the scenario. The Shure SM58 is my choice; I love the sound of the SM58. Get nice and close to it, and it always sounds incredible. This is the all-around best podcast microphone if you have an audio interface.
ALTERNATIVE: Shure SM7B - $399 (aka “the Joe Rogan mic”)
No cables included, so you would need to add an XLR cable
The holy grail of podcast microphones. This microphone has been made famous because it’s used by the world’s best-known podcasters. Have you ever watched a podcast hosted by Joe Rogan, Steven Bartlett or Rich Roll? They can all be seen using this microphone. The sound is undeniably excellent. They are also great if capturing two voices in the same room. If you have the budget, this is the go-to.
Other Essentials
Microphone Pre Amp - $39
A handy tool for a little bit of extra control. Connect this to your interface, feed the mic into it and do nothing else. It will automatically boost the signal, giving you a more robust and precise audio recording.
Microphone Boom Arm - $70
The positioning of a microphone is vitally important. The BIGGEST mistake I see over and over again in podcasting is bad positioning of the mic. I highly advise you not to record a podcast without a boom arm. The mic needs to be about 2 inches from your mouth, and you should be in a natural position. The only way to achieve this is with a boom arm.
Earphones / Headphones - $49
Any pair of wired headphones or earphones are fine. I prefer using wired earbuds on podcast calls because they are less noticeable and intrusive on video. A simple set of Sony earbuds will do the job for monitoring recordings.
Overall Budget for a Pro Podcast Set up from home:
Here's a rundown of everything you need for an optimal home recording setup. I have chosen the equipment that I think offers the best value for money. Everything is of good quality, and I would guarantee an excellent-sounding podcast with this budget.
Audio Interface: $50
Microphone & cable: $125
Mic preamp: $39
Earphones: $49
Boom Arm: $70
Total Budget: $333
This would be the total cost of an excellent home recording set-up for podcasting. You could spend more/less depending on the alternatives available.
