XLR Microphone Audio Interface...?

[NicsterV]

I want to buy an XLR microphone for my YouTube channel, and I was wondering if all audio interfaces result in the same audio quality for the microphone? Or, the most expensive the audio interface, the clearer the quality? The microphone itself is really expensive but I kind of want to get a cheap interface. What do you think I should do?

 

[WeiseGamer]

Unfortunately you get what you pay for like 9 times out of 10. That being said, "most expensive" isn't the way to go either.

I've been wanting to get into XLR as well and finally retire my AT2020, but its daunting and expensive to make the jump. I've heard a decent starter/not-too-expensive/not-a-piece-of-crap way to go is Focusrite 2i2 interface (can look for it on Amazon). I've seen them from $100 on sale up to around $150 I believe.

Also make sure you look into reviews on the pre-amps, if you want multiple outputs so you can listen via speakers/headphones/etc, phantom power, 3rd party software support and/or the 1st party software, etc.

 

[Shehzad]

As @WeiseGamer said you really do get what you pay for but there are some brands that are a little more affordable like the behringer audio interface lines which are quite good. Here is one I've been eyeing (http://www.amazon.co.uk/Behringer-P...sr=8-5&keywords=behringer+audio+interface+usb). You'd also need to make sure that the audio interface is providing enough power (48v) for XLR condensers like the AT2020. Dynamic XLR microphones are getting quite good now at competing with the audio quality of condensers and you get the advantage of less background noise with Dynamics. You also don't need 48v running through a dynamic mic since the electric current is created when you speak through it's diaphragm so that can be a cheaper option since they are cheaper than condensers and you won't need an expensive phantom powered audio interface (though I'd still recommend buying one since you don't know if you will upgrade in the future and may need the 48v power). Good XLR microphones will cost you over $100 dollars or 70 pounds. A good dynamic microphone is the shure sm58 and I recommend this if your looking for one. Also to note microphones at that price range all do different things to your voice, like the AT2020 has a unique radio like voice quality that no other microphone has at that range. So personal preference comes into play a lot and I recommend you watch a lot of reviews on different products so you get your fill and make an informed decision.

 

[MattyGreen]

I use a Focusrite Scarlet 2i14 for all my audio stuff. It has two XLR/Jack inputs and since I make music it's great for recording guitars, vocals and so on. It's sturdy and affordable and can't recommend enough!

 

[THEREALFLUFF]

You don't need to spend a ton of money to get good sound quality. I picked up a Presonus Audiobox at Guitar Center for like $70 and it's worked perfectly with both my dynamic and condenser microphones and both of my guitars. I believe Behringer has also released a line of audio interfaces that are VERY inexpensive and apparently pretty good. Just make sure they satisfy all of your needs and check the reviews to make sure they aren't crap.

 

[NicsterV]

Okay, so do you guys think if I got an Audio Technica AT2035 ($150 microphone), there would be no difference in sound quality comparing an expensive interface to a cheap one? If it does effect sound quality, I will buy something expensive. I'm willing to make the investment lol

 

[Shehzad]

Okay, so do you guys think if I got an Audio Technica AT2035 ($150 microphone), there would be no difference in sound quality comparing an expensive interface to a cheap one? If it does effect sound quality, I will buy something expensive. I'm willing to make the investment lol

There is still going to be a difference in sound quality using a cheaper one compared to an expensive audio interface. This is because you have more control over the audio quality with an expensive interface like noise gain, bass, equalizer etc. There's not a huge notable difference between the AT2020 and the AT2035 as shown in the video below (starts at 3:26). Visit the link I sent you in my last post if your interested in the behringer interfaces since they are sold at a more affordable price and give you nice quality control over your microphone voice quality.

 

[Tarmack]

At the entry level, the Focusrite 2i2 is one of the best interfaces you can get for the money. At some point, you may want to upgrade from there, but it is not necessary right out of the gate and you can always sell the 2i2 when you're ready to get new kit. You're not likely to notice big differences between interfaces in the $100-$300 range. Mostly that range is explained by additional features like more inputs, etc but the basic hardware inside that processed the audio is the same across models. When you get into the $500+ and $1000+ range, at that point you become more concerned with the included preamps and other bits, or you just get a proper preamp and a mixing board instead of an "audio interface" in the traditional sense.

If you want a good but expensive unit, then the RME Babyface is highly regarded. Not cheap though.

To go a step further, you'd notice more of a difference spending another $100 and going higher grade on the mic than you would spending the extra $100 on the interface. Or spend it on acoustic foam, or a nice scissor arm, shock mount or other kit instead.

 

[WeiseGamer]

At the entry level, the Focusrite 2i2 is one of the best interfaces you can get for the money. At some point, you may want to upgrade from there, but it is not necessary right out of the gate and you can always sell the 2i2 when you're ready to get new kit. You're not likely to notice big differences between interfaces in the $100-$300 range. Mostly that range is explained by additional features like more inputs, etc but the basic hardware inside that processed the audio is the same across models. When you get into the $500+ and $1000+ range, at that point you become more concerned with the included preamps and other bits, or you just get a proper preamp and a mixing board instead of an "audio interface" in the traditional sense.

If you want a good but expensive unit, then the RME Babyface is highly regarded. Not cheap though.

To go a step further, you'd notice more of a difference spending another $100 and going higher grade on the mic than you would spending the extra $100 on the interface. Or spend it on acoustic foam, or a nice scissor arm, shock mount or other kit instead.

Would you say like, AT4040 and the 2i2 for an upgrade over the USB version of the AT2020?

 

[Tarmack]

Would you say like, AT4040 and the 2i2 for an upgrade over the USB version of the AT2020?

I've never used the 4040 to be honest. Personally though, I don't think that I would upgrade beyond the 2020 until I was ready to spend $400+ on a mic. Shure SM7B, EV RE20, etc.

The problem with those mics however is that they are very gain hungry. A 2i2 isn't enough to push them, so you'll need a cloudlifter to get the right level of gain or spend a lot more on an interface with more gain.