Best Podcast Audio Interfaces Compared: Focusrite, MOTU, and More
TL;DR: Our pick for most two-person podcasts is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen): two mic preamps, Auto Gain, and loopback (Focusrite). The MOTU M2 suits creators who want a full-color level meter on the unit and low monitoring latency (MOTU). Solo hosts can save with the Scarlett Solo (Focusrite).
Table of Contents
- What Is an Audio Interface?
- Audio Interfaces for Podcasting at a Glance
- Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Our Pick for Two Mics
- MOTU M2: For Metering and Low Latency
- Budget Options Worth Considering
- How to Choose the Right Interface
- FAQ
What Is an Audio Interface?
An audio interface converts your microphone's analog signal into digital audio your computer can record. Think of it as the translator between your XLR microphone and your recording software.
Why do podcasters need one?
If you're using an XLR microphone, you need an interface to connect it to your computer. Interfaces also provide:
- Preamp gain: Amplifies quiet microphone signals
- Phantom power: Powers condenser microphones that need it
- Headphone monitoring: Listen to yourself while recording
Audio Interfaces for Podcasting at a Glance
Prices are US list prices on each maker's own store in September 2026. Where the maker doesn't list a price, check a current retailer.
| Interface | Price (as of September 2026) | Mic inputs | Good fit for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) | $224.99 (Focusrite) | 2 mic preamps (Focusrite) | Two people on XLR mics |
| MOTU M2 | Not listed on MOTU's page (MOTU) | 2 mic/line/Hi-Z inputs (MOTU) | On-device metering, low latency |
| Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen) | $159.99 (Focusrite) | 1 mic preamp plus an instrument input (Focusrite) | Solo podcasters |
| PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary | $79.99 list, sold out (PreSonus) | 2 combo inputs (PreSonus) | Budget setups, if you can find one |
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2: Our Pick for Two Mics
We pick the 2i2 for two-person shows because it covers two XLR mics, sets levels for you, and records computer audio through loopback (Focusrite).
What Makes It Useful for Podcasting
Gain range: Focusrite quotes a 69dB gain range on the 4th Gen preamps (Focusrite). Very gain-hungry dynamic mics may still want an inline booster, so check your mic's sensitivity.
Auto Gain and Clip Safe: Auto Gain sets your input level and Clip Safe adjusts gain to avoid clipping (Focusrite). Useful when you're new to setting levels.
Air modes: Two Air preamp modes add high-end presence (Focusrite).
Loopback: Route computer audio into your recording alongside your microphone (Focusrite), useful for recording calls or sound effects.
Software Bundle
Focusrite includes Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE, and its Hitmaker Expansion bundle (Focusrite). Even if you edit in Audacity, the bundle gives you room to experiment.
Specifications
- Inputs: 2 mic preamps, 2 instrument inputs, 2 line inputs (Focusrite)
- Outputs: 2 line outputs, 1 headphone output (Focusrite)
- Resolution: 24-bit/192 kHz (Focusrite)
- Connection: USB Type-C, bus-powered (Focusrite)
MOTU M2: For Metering and Low Latency
The MOTU M2 is the pick if you want to see your levels on the interface itself.
What Makes It Useful for Podcasting
Latency: MOTU quotes 2.5 ms round-trip latency at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer (MOTU).
LCD metering: A full-color LCD shows level meters for all inputs and outputs (MOTU), so you can check levels without looking at your computer.
Per-input phantom power: MOTU lists independent 48V phantom power (MOTU), useful for mixed condenser and dynamic setups.
Loopback: The M2 driver provides loopback channels for mixing computer audio with live mics (MOTU).
Direct monitoring: MOTU lists hardware (direct) monitoring, so you can hear live input without routing through your computer (MOTU).
Budget Options Worth Considering
Focusrite Scarlett Solo (4th Gen)
If you're a solo podcaster who only needs one microphone, the Scarlett Solo has one mic preamp, one instrument input, Air modes and loopback at $159.99 as of September 2026 (Focusrite).
PreSonus AudioBox USB 96 25th Anniversary
A 2x2, 24-bit/96 kHz interface with switchable 48V phantom power (PreSonus). PreSonus lists it at $79.99 but showed it as sold out in September 2026 (PreSonus).
How to Choose the Right Interface
Consider Your Input Needs
- Solo podcast: 1 mic input is enough (Scarlett Solo)
- Two hosts or guest + host: 2 mic inputs minimum (Scarlett 2i2, MOTU M2)
- Panel discussions: Look at interfaces with four or more mic inputs
Consider Your Microphone
If you use a low-output dynamic microphone, check its sensitivity against the interface's published gain range, such as the 2i2's 69dB (Focusrite), and add an inline booster if the numbers are tight.
Consider Your Workflow
- Need loopback for calls or streaming? Scarlett 2i2, Scarlett Solo, or MOTU M2 (Focusrite, MOTU)
- Want on-device level metering? MOTU M2 (MOTU)
- Want the software to set your levels? Scarlett 2i2 with Auto Gain (Focusrite)
Scarlett 2i2 vs MOTU M2: Head to Head
| Feature | Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) | MOTU M2 |
|---|---|---|
| Price (as of September 2026) | $224.99 (Focusrite) | Check a current retailer |
| Standout feature | Auto Gain and Clip Safe (Focusrite) | Full-color LCD meters for all inputs and outputs (MOTU) |
| Loopback | Yes (Focusrite) | Yes (MOTU) |
| Software bundle | Pro Tools Intro+, Ableton Live Lite, Cubase LE (Focusrite) | See MOTU's page |
The verdict: Pick the Scarlett 2i2 if you want the interface to set your levels (Focusrite). Pick the MOTU M2 if on-device metering and low-latency monitoring matter more to your workflow; MOTU quotes 2.5 ms round-trip latency and full-color LCD meters (MOTU).
FAQ
Do I need an audio interface for podcasting?
Only if you're using an XLR microphone. USB microphones have the conversion built in. An XLR setup gives you more flexibility and a clearer upgrade path as your podcast grows.
How much gain do I need for podcasting?
It depends on your microphone. Compare your mic's sensitivity with the interface's published gain range, and use an inline booster if you're short.
Can I use an audio interface with recording software like Audacity?
Yes. Select the interface as the input device in your recording software's audio settings. Check the maker's page for any driver your operating system needs.
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