While many computers do have good internal built-in sound cards, these external devices are specially built to capture robust audio and have mic-preamps built into the XLR cable inputs that will get you better sounding audio than an XLR mic typically does. These interfaces vary a lot in size, price and function and the right USB audio interface will vary based on what you need, how many inputs and outputs you are looking for and what mics you are using. 

While there are audio interfaces built for a single microphone, you will probably want at least two XLR inputs just in case the option to add a second mic ever comes up. If you are already recording with two mics, look to purchase a four input interface for the same reason. Unlike audio mixers which can be large in size and for many podcasters, feature controls you likely will not touch, the best USB audio interfaces are still relatively small and simple to control. 

One thing that you may notice when shopping for audio interfaces is that less options are available, and most come from well-regarded brands. This makes the shopping experience much easier than buying microphones, headphones or a mixer, but also means that most of the top options are very similar in features. You will typically see a gain control for each mic input, as well as an output control and a control for the level going into your headphones. Beyond that, other controls or features are less essential for podcasters recording voices. 

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 

The 2i2 from Focusrite is an incredibly popular, compact audio interface with two XLR inputs, 48V power, direct monitoring and a headphone jack for monitoring. The interface is powered over USB 2.0 and both the XLR inputs and the headphone jack have their own gain control for precise audio levels. 

The interface works with iOS, macOS, and Windows devices, as will most newly released interfaces you encounter. At just 1.32 pounds, it is incredibly lightweight and compact and in addition to being very easy to set up, it is a great option for recording on the go. 

Focusrite’s Scarlett line of interfaces also includes the Scarlett Solo for single mic recording, but the price difference between the two is so slim that in most cases it makes sense to go with the 2i2. 

Presonus AudioBox iTwo 2×2 USB 2.0/iOS Interface

Very similar to the 2i2 from Focusrite in size, build and features, the Presonus AudioBox iTwo is another great option to consider if you are looking for a compact interface with two XLR inputs. The front panel design is slightly less intuitive than the Scarlett 2i2 with controls all together, rather than next to their corresponding input, but ultimately both provide a very similar experience. 

The AudioBox also links directly with Capture Duo for iPad, a dedicated app that allows for one-tap recording. For podcasters who are not already working with a recording software or app they like, this could be one small advantage. Of course, there is also the difference in color, with the Scarlett interface being a red color and Presonus AudioBox a metalic blue. 

Behringer U-Phoria UMC202HD

Behringer is well-known for their variety of audio recording equipment, including a great series of mixers. Their U-Phoria interface is also incredibly high-regarded, with two mic preamps that include +48 Volt phantom power for condenser microphones. The device works with both Mac and PC and includes access to Tracktion, an easy-to-use software for recording, editing, mixing and sharing audio files. 

If you are just looking for a one-channel interface, consider the Behringer’s U-Phoria 1x XLR, which is typically priced at less than $50. Typically, one-channel and two-channel interfaces are priced closer, but here the smaller interface is just as good of an investment. There is also a four-channel interface priced at $178.00 and a large eight-channel interface at just over $300.00. It can sometimes be advantageous to purchase a mixer with more channels than you think you will need, to give you flexibility down the road, so consider these mixers if you think you may need more than two inputs. 

Tascam US 4×4 USB Audio Interface

If you are looking for a well-priced four channel interface, consider this option from Tascam. While all of Focusrite and Behringer do offer four channel options of their devices as well, Tascam’s is priced a bit lower and is one of the simplest four channel interfaces to use. 

Each input has a gain control adjacent to it, as does the headphone jack. The gain controls also have a slight angle at the front, which can make them a bit more comfortable to use and view if you are working at a computer with your interface lower down on a desk. This is helped even more by the fact that the entire interface sits at an angle as well, making the front controls slightly more exposed. The interface comes with two digital audio workstations to choose from, Cakewalk SONAR X3 LE and Abelton Live Lite 9, and is compatible with other editing softwares too.  

Rode AI-1 Single Channel USB Audio Interface

For a well-made, easy to use, single channel interface look no further than the Rode AI-1. While it is priced higher than some other single channel interfaces, the device is super compact and newly released to feature a USB-C port on the back instead of USB 2.0 or 3.0. The AI-1 works great with Rode mics, but the 48V phantom power and class compliant build (meaning you do not need to install any drivers) makes it a great fit for any other mics you might have as well.

The real selling point of the AI-1 is the sound quality and the fact that it is not compromised by the small, minimal design. At just 1.1 pounds with an incredibly small footprint, this is a great interface to keep permanently on a desk or workstation. 

Universal Audio Apollo Twin MKII Duo

An ultra-premium audio interface that stands out from the pack because of the design and the price point is the Universal Audio Apollo Twin. This interface is really meant for music recording and while audio engineers love it, an interface of this quality will not improve your podcast recording. That being said, it features beautiful design, world-class 24-bit/192 kHz audio conversion and top-notch build quality. Though it’s quite expensive, unless your podcast features live vocal performance or instrumentation, it may be excessive. 

The post The 6 Best USB Audio Interface Tools for Podcasts appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Without an external microphone, audio on your iPhone can be blown out, full of echoes if recorded in a large room and subject to wind noise or other distracting background sounds. Consider the difference between talking to someone on speaker compared to talking to someone using a headset. You’ll immediately notice the difference when using a mic for audio recording, and can also use all of these options for video recording and even calls or meetings. 

The two types of iPhone microphones you will encounter for your iPhone are lavalier, or clip-on, microphones and external condenser microphones. While both will improve on recording directly from your phone or using Airpods or other headphones, they have very different functions. Lavaliers for iPhones will work best for stationary recording, either of one speaker or two speakers if using a two-mic kit. Condenser microphones can be used for interviews as well, but are also able to record audio in the field, such as group meetings or other audio with multiple voices or sounds that need to be captured. 

After recording, you will likely want to send audio to your computer to edit, although there are several apps that allow for editing audio on your phone as well. Zoom and Shure are a few brands that have released apps to accompany their iPhone microphones, and a quick search in the app store will reveal numerous other paid and free options. You can use all of these apps for recording as well. 

While several microphones that use the headphone jack or other inputs that are compatible with a wider range of phones are available, for this list we’ll focus on iPhone microphones with a lightning port input. Keep in mind that because iPhones only have one lightning port, you may not be able to monitor sound as you are recording unless the mic includes a headphone jack or you also invest in a lightning port splitter.

Should You Use An iPhone Mic? 

If you are an iPhone owner already, purchasing an iPhone mic and using your phone to record may seem like an easy option for podcasting. There are several great mics available for iPhone, and in many cases audio quality will match that of similarly priced podcast mics that require a laptop or other mixing device to record. In recent years, top brands like Shure, RODE and Zoom have embraced the iPhone as a recording device and podcasters are no longer left to gamble with obscure manufacturers.

The best applications for iPhone microphones are for on-the-go recording or other situations where you may not be able to bring a full-recording set up. Beginning podcasters not yet ready to invest in more advanced microphones may also choose to try out podcasting with their iPhone first. In most professional situations, you will be better off with an XLR or USB microphone that can be controlled a bit more and produce a fuller audio track. You will likely be editing your audio on a computer anyway, so recording to your phone only saves you a bit of time in the long run. 

However, if you only have $100.00 to spend and don’t have access to a computer you can edit or record with, these are great bets. Podcasters who travel a lot and want the option to record on the road and then edit later may also want to consider these mics. 

Best iPhone Mics

Shure MV88

This compact condenser microphone from Shure will get you some of the best audio recording quality possible on iPhone. The microphone is multi-directional, meaning it will work well for quick two-person interviews, performances or other recording where audio should be captured from multiple directions. The mic also tilts, so you can direct it towards yourself or another speaker. 

The microphone can quickly be connected and used with your preferred recording app or with the ShurePlus Motiv Mobile Recording App. Shure’s app also allows you to adjust the stereo width, gain and EQ of the mic. 

At $129.00, this is one of the more high-end iPhone mics but the quality of audio is second to none.

Zoom iQ6 X/Y

Anyone experienced with audio recording will speak highly of Zoom, well-known for their field recorders like the H4N. This compact device mimics the design of the H4N and other condenser microphones Zoom manufactures, with two microphones that can be adjusted to capture audio from a variety of angles. 

The $99.00 iQ6 also has an easy to use gain adjuster on the exterior that allow you to precisely set your input level. Another benefit of the iQ6 is a built-in dedicated headphone jack so you can monitor audio as you record. The jack also doubles as a line output, allowing you to connect your phone to speakers or another device. 

Zoom’s Handy Recorder app introduces more editing tools and effects, as well as different recording formats. 

The iQ6 is one of three iPhone mics currently available from Zoom. The iQ7 is another great option, and the iQ5 (while a bit harder to find online) has a few less capabilities but is worth considering too. 

RODE SC6-L

If you already have are primarily looking for a microphone for interviews, consider the SC6-L from RODE. The “frequently bought together” kit includes two of RODE’s popular smartLav+ mics, as well as an input adapter that can be used to input both mics into your smartphone for recording. You have the option to record a single file with both mics, or separate tracks for each speaker. 

While there are less situations where the RODE SC6-L would be helpful, for interviews it is an ideal option that will lead to less background noise and overall better audio quality than an external mic. 

RODE i-XY-L

Another option from RODE is the i-XY-L, which produces a rich, smooth sound and has a compact design. The microphone has an ultra-durable metal build and comes with a small windshield for outdoor recording and a case for travel. 

A slightly older model, the i-XY does not have as many recording options as some newer devices, but the audio quality it does produce is great. Two ½ inch cardioid condenser capsules are fixed at a 90 degree angle to produce an immersive and true to life recording pattern.

Blue Raspberry Mobile USB Microphone

The Blue Raspberry microphone connects to your phone via a USB connection, much like an external battery pack would, as opposed to connecting directly to your phone. It comes with an integrated stand with rubber shock-absorbing feet, allowing for hands-free recording more along the lines of a traditional audio recording set-up. Internal noise-reduction comes from diffusion within the mic, and the dynamic condenser structure is capable of recording high-quality sound while placed on a table or held closer to the speaker. 

While the cable connection makes the set-up a bit less portable and less ideal for recording on-the-go, you do have the option of using your phone will recording to check notes, or even attaching a longer cable to record with the mic a greater distance away. You can also always opt to use the mic with a computer instead of a phone, if desired. 

The Blue Raspberry is typically priced over $100, making it more expensive than Blue’s popular Snowball and about the same price as the Blue Yeti.

Discover Pods may receive a commission for items purchased, however, neither the reviews nor the rankings have been influenced.

The post The 5 best iPhone microphones (for recording podcasts on the go) appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.

Demand is high, so units have been somewhat hard to come by. But I’ve had one for just over a month now and have some strong opinions. Now that podcasters like me are putting it through its paces, how does it fare?

Related reading: best podcast microphones, podcast mixers, podcast hosts.

The grand promise was that podcasters would be able to significantly upgrade their podcasting quality and workflow within minutes of unboxing. Some podcasters were giddy with excitement upon hearing the announced features. Other podcasters were hesitant based on a few key, missing ones.

It’s a mixer and an audio interface. It’s a compressor and a noise gate. It’s a hardware recorder and even a soundboard. It does numerous things well. It does not, however, slice or dice tomatoes, or make julienne fries.

So, is it worth the hype — and the $599 price tag?

The tl;dr? Yes, it’s worth it. But let me tell you why. There are four important reasons.

1. The RODECaster Pro lightens the production load for indie podcasters

Recording in real-time can lighten podcasters’ load from a production standpoint by allowing us to do more in real-time, less in post-production. The addition of intros, outros, ad reads, and even dropping in interviews or other segments can happen instantly through savvy use of the RODECaster Pro’s eight, on-board sound pads.

Your episode workflow will be faster, podcasters. If you let it. But if you’re determined to spend hours scrubbing every trace of an “uh” from your podcast, applying a podcast version of plastic surgery to make it fit some arbitrary definition of “perfect,” I don’t know what to tell you, other than this: you’re going to burn out.

Load your pre-recorded standard intro, your outro, and your ad spots to individual sound pads. Record your interview, if you have one. Load it to a sound pad as well. Then start recording your episode-specific intro, triggering any of these elements at the proper time. Thank me later.

Letting go of the urge to purge every pause, or every “um,” is important for your long-term love of podcasting. You’re not recording an audiobook where precision matters. You’re recording a conversation. Conversations include these human moments of reflection, of hesitation, where people collect their thoughts.

This piece of equipment will make it much more realistic for you to produce an entire episode on-the-fly.

The RODECaster Pro was initially built without multitrack recording built-in. All tracks were automatically mixed down to a single stereo file. While Rode has since backtracked on that and, as of this writing, allowed for recording to multitrack via USB, the initially perceived weakness should have been seen as a blessing in disguise.

I’m not saying you shouldn’t run through your show afterwards to pull out the wild distractions and tangents in an episode, or even over-reliance on crutch words. But I am saying that rehearsing more so you can record “live-to-tape” will dramatically lighten your production load with your podcast over the long haul.

The time savings will preserve your sanity.

2. The RODECaster Pro will sharpen podcasters’ broadcasting skills

The RODECaster Pro has a clean and simple interface. That’s so important for indie podcasters. And it should make you a better on-air personality.

As an alternative, look at this competitive product:

It’s the Zoom LiveTrak L-12. A wonderful piece of equipment, I’m told. Around the same price point, maybe even cheaper now with the RODECaster Pro’s emergence.

Imagine conducting an interview with a guest, or producing a show with your cohost, while simultaneously having to glance at the multitude of options this board presents you. Buttons, switches, LEDs, faders.

By contrast, here’s the RODECaster Pro:

The settings are far more manageable on-the-fly. Turn this mic on or mute it, or put it in solo mode. Fade that sound in or out. Tap that sound pad to unleash that pre-recorded track. Boom, that’s it.

Owning a RODECaster Pro allows you to focus on other things in the moment, like connecting 1:1 with your cohosts and guests, and conducting your actual show. That should be valuable to a podcaster.

With so many professional storytellers, journalists, and celebrities rushing to podcasting, as an indie podcaster you need to up your game. That doesn’t mean just drinking MORE beer during your podcast. It means improving how you communicate or entertain, and how you bring out the best in your guests, if you have them.

I think devices like this play their small part in doing just that.

3. The RODECaster Pro will upgrade your audio quality but won’t require you to become an audio engineer

This point is a continuation of the previous point.

It’s one thing to have an easy-to-use device. It’s quite another for that device to also provide professional sound. That starts with you, your mic, and the settings you select on the RODECaster Pro.

I’ve owned several of the most-recommended pieces of equipment for podcasters beyond microphones: from mixers, to noise gates/compressors, to audio interfaces. The number of dials and settings to perfect your sound is mesmerizing.

Should your dbx 286s De-esser be at a frequency of 4K or two ticks beyond? What about the Expander/Gate — does negative 30 sound about right, or maybe it should be three ticks past?

Oh, the constant tweaking.

These devices weren’t designed for podcasters, lay people like you and me, just wanting good, consistent audio quality without having to watch eight-minute videos on the settings for one piece of equipment.

You’ll get better audio but you won’t have to worry about your nine-year-old daughter getting excited by ALL THE DIALS AND THEN SHE STARTS TURNING THEM FOR FUN. Sorry, got a little too personal there.

4. The RODECaster Pro will force innovation from other hardware makers

I was surprised to see so many people rush to take down the RODECaster Pro for its lack of multitrack recording at launch. Rode built the device — either knowingly or unknowingly — to nudge podcasters to produce higher-quality podcasts. Not handle every single scenario a podcaster may face.

It’s hardware that can’t be modified without a firmware update. And firmware updates can’t solve all problems.

My feeling was this, however: It’s version 1.0 and it does things, in one piece of hardware with software, entirely dedicated to podcasters, that no other single piece of podcasting equipment does, and it does them easily, right out of the box, with very little configuration. Those aforementioned sound pads and faders; the purposeful lack of buttons and dials; taking calls via Bluetooth; piping in a call or sounds from another device that’s tethered via TRRS, these things.

Could it have more sound pads? Sure, though I’d hate to see an increase in physical size. Could it have even better sound quality? I suppose so, though I’m getting solid performance from it and I’ve heard others’, which sound great.

I’m looking forward to seeing what Mackie, and Presonus, and Tascam, and especially Zoom come up with in 2020 in response to Rode’s offering. Maybe those julienne fries are coming after all.

Summary: Yes, it’s worth the hype

Is the RODECaster Pro for everyone, no? It’s $599, to begin with. It’s a next-level device. Brand-new podcasters: you shouldn’t rush to buy it if your budget is lean, or if you’re just testing the waters.

But my own production time, for a podcast I produce that was narrative-driven, was cut nearly in half the my last two episodes of season six, as I mastered recording my portion and layering in other snippets with it. In fact, after two years, I just switched that show to weekly starting in May as I officially felt confident I could use the full force of the RODECaster Pro’s features in real-time with my guests.

If you have even the slightest desire to produce better shows on-the-fly in order to lighten your post-production load, it’s absolutely worth it. And I suspect it’s going to fuel competitive products that are equally powerful.

Specs

Frequency Range
Mic Inputs: 20 Hz – 20 kHz, -3dB at 20 Hz (high-pass filter)
Monitor Outputs: 20 Hz – 20 kHz better than ±0.5dB

Input Impedance
600Ω (Mic Preamplifiers)

Equivalent Noise
–125dBA (A-Weighted, measured as per IEC651)

Maximum Output Level
+3dBu (Monitor Outputs)

Headphone Output Power
Max output power at 1% THD: 32Ω –> 220mW | 300Ω –> 31mW

Dynamic Range
100 dBA (Mic Preamplifiers)

Gain Range
0dB – 55dB (Mic Preamplifiers)

Power Requirements
External DC power supply 12 – 15v DC, 1A

Output Connection
USB-C, 1/4” Balanced TRS STEREO (Monitor Outputs)

Computer Connectivity
USB

Bit Depth
24-Bit

Sample Rates
48 kHz

Storage
microSD card slot, 512MB internal memory for storing sounds for programmable pads

OS Requirements
macOS 10.11
Windows 10

The post The RODECaster Pro: Worth the Hype? appeared first on Discover the Best Podcasts | Discover Pods.