Podcasts with poor audio quality are unpleasant. So the audio production quality is essential. If you want to take your podcasting to the next level, it’s time to invest in a decent audio interface device. These devices improve your recording quality and are very easy to get started with.
But what is an audio interface, and how does it work? In this article, we’ll take a look at the audio interface and why it’s essential to anyone trying to record audio.
Part 1. What are audio interfaces for podcasting?
Audio interfaces are unnecessary, complicated gadgets for some people. Others see them as an essential piece of gear to enhance the music experience.
It is a device that converts digital signals from a computer into analog signals. These analog signals can then be recorded and played back on another audio source. This includes microphones and instruments. They have become a necessity in the world of music recording and editing.
The audio interface has a lot to offer. It records and playbacks audio on various devices and is useful for recording:
Podcasts
Streaming music
Even making phone calls on a computer.
Main functions
Here are the main functions of an audio interface.
It allows you to connects with external devices and record audio from multiple sources. Here are these external devices:
A microphone
Computer’s line-in
Mixer,
An instrument amp,
Keyboard
It lets your playback audio files recorded previously on a computer.
It can control external devices’ volume, pan, mute, and more.
Fourth, it lets you stream audio over the internet, like when you use an online streaming platform.
Part 2. What does an audio interface do for a podcast?
If you are looking for ways to record and create podcasts, you should consider investing in an audio interface. An audio interface is one of the first things you’ll need to record your podcasts.
This is one of those things that sounds like an obvious thing to buy, but if you don’t already have one, you should consider buying one.
The Pros and Cons of Recording with an Audio interface:
Pros
Offers better quality sound
Control your recording environment
Add a second microphone
Add sound effects
Even cut up your audio
Cons
Require the high cost of setup
Requires more space to set up
The Pros and Cons of Recording with a USB microphone:
Pros
Convenient to use
It doesn’t need big setups
Budget-friendly
Cons
Compromised quality
Limited editing features
Part 3. Is an audio interface a must for podcasters?
No, since without an audio interface, the recording could be done manually through other means. Therefore, the audio interface helps you record podcast episodes with better quality and higher fidelity, making it easier for listeners to hear your voice.
This means an audio interface is not needed to record a podcast or voiceover but is recommended. With any audio editing or recording, you must ensure that your audio interfaces work in tandem with your computer sound card.
What types of recording setups require an audio interface?
For example, record an acoustic guitar to hear the difference between the various pickup types (strings, bridge, neck, etc.).
You can’t do this without an audio interface. Or, If you plan on making music or mixing audio, you’ll need an audio interface; in addition, those who work within bigger setups to make professional-looking audio give you all the tools necessary to process, mix and master your audio files.
Part 4. Does an audio interface improve sound quality?
Most people were left to wonder whether or not an audio interface made any difference in the sound quality of their recordings. The answer is a resounding yes. An audio interface makes it easier to create better-sounding music, and the equipment is essential to recording high-quality music for distribution.
What does “better audio quality” mean?
“A better audio quality” means you can understand people’s voices more clearly. A sound recorded or reproduced in such a way as to have improved clarity or intelligibility over existing recordings, or to provide greater depth of perception.” In other words, it describes an improvement.
Listening to someone speaking over the phone while trying to talk to them in person, their voice may sound garbled. Because noise surrounds the person’s mouth, creating a distortion in their voice that makes it impossible to decipher who is saying what.
Which parameters determine “better audio quality”?
A microphone records sound waves, and digitization processes the sound waves and converts them into digital data called parameters. The main parameters include
Sample Rate
This is how many audio samples are being recorded per second. Frequency response is the response of a signal to the input. The higher the sample rate, the more information, and detail in the sound.
For example, 44100 (44.1kHz) samples per second are considered good quality.
Bit Depth
Bit depth controls the dynamic range of the recording and measures how many bits of information can be recorded for each sample.
The lowest bit depth you should use for professional recordings is 16-bit, but many digital audio recorders offer up to 32-bit floating settings with a higher dynamic range.
Part 5. Which audio interface should you get for podcasts?
If you’re looking for an audio interface for podcasting, you’re in luck—many options are available. Which is best for your needs and budget, from USB interfaces to standalone Bluetooth audio systems? Here are some of the most popular options in the industry right now.
The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio recording bundle gives you a great recording experience with all the essentials. It’s packed with powerful upgrades, including two upgraded Scarlett mic preamps and high-performance AD/DA converters. The Scarlett 2i2 also offers preamp emulation named ‘Air’ for a clearer, open and brighter sound. That makes this interface a perfect choice for small project studios.
If you want to add a USB audio interface to your studio, check out the AudioBox USB 96. With a two-front panel mic input and great performance, this microphone is a great fit for singers, podcasters, and guitar-bass collaborations.
This interface is one of a kind that delivers impressive results for a low cost. The PreSonus Audiobox is a great portable, easy-to-use, affordable recording solution that will fit your budget.
Specification
24-bit/96kHz digital resolution
2-channel USB 2.0 interface
Onboard +48-volt phantom
Internal analog mixer
Dual preamplifiers
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen is the best recording interface for beginners looking to start making their studio. This audio interface looks nice, and the design is straightforward.
The unit’s solid preamps, agreeable price, and amazing recording quality point set it apart from the pack. Overall, the Scarlett Solo is a very capable digital audio workstation. It will allow you to work on your ideas without getting too bogged down in the audio processing.