Are you struggling to choose the right audio interface for your live-streaming needs? Look no further than our list of the top 10 best audio interfaces for streaming in 2023.
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or just getting started, having a high-quality audio interface is essential to providing your audience with a professional and engaging streaming experience. With so many options available, it can be tough to decide which one is right for you.
That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you make an informed decision. From compact and portable interfaces to high-end models with advanced features, we’ve got you covered.
So, keep reading to find the perfect audio interface to take your streaming game to the next level.
TC HELICON GoXLR Mini
The TC Helicon Go XLR Mini is an excellent choice for streamers who value portability without sacrificing professional-grade sound quality. This compact audio interface boasts two XLR/TRS combo inputs with phantom power, as well as a Hi-Z input for guitars and other instruments. With volume attenuation, you can easily adjust the levels of your inputs and fine-tune your sound to perfection.
- Distinct audio channels
- High-quality preamp and USB interface
- Streamlined mixing
- Compatibility
- Great build quality
- Built-in audio processing
- Sufficient I/O
- XLR connectivity for using a mic with this interface
- Individual channel volume controls for each input
- Complex setup
- Expensive
- Limited availability
Compared to the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, the Go XLR Mini is a bit more expensive, but it offers several additional features. The TC Helicon Go XLR Mini is ideal for content creators who want to stream on the go and require a high-quality audio interface that can keep up with their dynamic lifestyles.
While the TC Helicon Go XLR Mini only has one XLR/TRS combo input compared to the two found on the Go XLR, it’s still an excellent choice for those who need a compact and portable solution. And while it doesn’t offer phantom power or a Hi-Z input, the Go XLR Mini makes up for it in terms of its compact size and ease of use.
Overall, the TC Helicon Go XLR Mini is a top-performing audio interface that provides a great balance of portability and functionality, making it a worthy investment for any streamer who values high-quality sound.
M-Audio M-Track Solo
Budget USB audio interface for streaming
It doesn’t have many bells and whistles, but it does offer XLR mic pre-amps so you can record with condenser XLR microphones. It also has a direct monitor button so you can listen back through the interface, and it comes with M-Audio’s Fast Track software for DAWs to allow you to edit your recordings.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2
Excellent Audio Interface For Music.
Popular low-budget audio interface for streamers.
The 2i2 is a USB 2.0 interface that comes with two pre-amps and 24 bit/96 kHz audio quality and is compatible with Mac and PC, both for streaming and recording purposes.
The mic pre-amp also has phantom power at 48 volts along with gain control knobs, so if you’re running a condenser mic, you can just turn it to the appropriate level. You can also plug-in guitars, keyboards, and other instruments into this interface as well for streaming or recording purposes.
Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 3rd Gen
Audio Interface for Recording, Songwriting, Streaming and Podcasting — High-Fidelity, Studio Quality Recording, and All the Software You Need to Record.
TC HELICON GO XLR
Very popular premium audio interface for streaming on Twitch.
GO XLR is another great audio interface for live streaming on Twitch, especially if you’re using a condenser mic.
The GO XLR has two XLR/TRS combo inputs as well as phantom power and a Hi-Z input for guitars and other instruments. It also comes with volume attenuation, so you can easily adjust the levels of your individual inputs. It’s a bit more expensive than the 2i2, but it also offers a few more features.
Check out the up-to-date prices on Amazon here.
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4
Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 is similar to the 2i2 but with enough key differences that it deserves its own mention on this list of best audio interfaces for streaming.
Like the 2i2, the 4i4 is a USB 2.0 interface that offers 24 bit/96 kHz audio quality. It also has two pre-amps and comes with Scarlett MixControl software so you can easily mix and monitor your stream or recording. But the 4i4 also has MIDI in and out connectivity, which the 2i2 does not have.
It also has a direct monitor button to mute your computer speakers as you listen back through the interface.
Check out the up-to-date prices on Amazon here.
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Focusrite Scarlett Solo is also a great beginner audio interface for those looking to get into streaming on Twitch.
This USB 2.0 interface has one mic pre-amp and 24 bit/96 kHz audio quality. It’s compatible with both Mac and PC, and it comes with Scarlett MixControl software so you can easily mix and monitor your stream or recording. It does not come with a built-in headphone amplifier, but it does have a direct monitor functionality. The solo has no MIDI connectivity or DAW software included.
Check out the up-to-date prices on Amazon here.
Elgato Wave XLR
Check out the up-to-date prices on Amazon here.
The Elgato Wave XLR from Elgato Systems is a professional-level audio interface that has USB 2.0 and 1/4 inch connectors to accommodate both studio headphones and microphones.
It offers 24 bit/192 kHz audio quality, which means it’s compatible with high-resolution audio formats like FLAC and Apple Lossless. It also comes with Elgato’s software so you can easily record and edit your audio.
AVerMedia Live Streamer AX310
AVerMedia Live Streamer Nexus is a versatile USB interface that offers 24 bit/48 kHz audio quality.
It’s compatible with both Mac and PC, and it comes with free studio recording software so you can easily record, edit, and share your broadcasts on Twitch or any other streaming service. It also has a built-in headphone amplifier so you can monitor your stream or recording without latency.
Best Audio Interface for Streaming: Conclusion
The Twitch.tv community craves high-quality audio, so it’s important to find an interface that can record your voice without any hiss or static.
You may have to pay a little more to get the quality you deserve, but these options offer great features at budget-friendly prices so you can focus on building your following and creating new and exciting content.
All of these interfaces are compatible with Windows 7 or later and Mac OS 10.11 or later, but some of them can work with older operating systems as well.
Some support iOS compatibility, while others don’t.
Be sure to check all the specs before you buy so you can stream your content with the best possible audio quality.
Thank you for reading! We hope this article helped you find the perfect audio interface for your live streaming needs. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask in the comments section below. And be sure to check out our other articles for more tips and tricks on how to make the most of your Twitch stream.
Best Audio Interface for Streaming: FAQ
What is an audio interface, and why do I need one for streaming?
An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect professional-quality microphones, instruments, and other audio equipment to your computer for recording and streaming. It’s essential to have a high-quality audio interface to ensure that your audience hears the best possible sound quality from your stream.
How do I choose the right audio interface for my needs?
When choosing an audio interface, consider factors such as the number and type of inputs and outputs, the quality of the preamps and converters, the compatibility with your computer and streaming software, and your budget.
Can I use a USB microphone instead of an audio interface for streaming?
While USB microphones can be a convenient and affordable solution for streaming, they typically don’t provide the same level of sound quality and versatility as a dedicated audio interface. If you’re serious about streaming and want the best sound quality, we recommend investing in a high-quality audio interface.
Do I need any special software to use an audio interface for streaming?
Most audio interfaces come with their own drivers and software that you’ll need to install on your computer. Additionally, you’ll need streaming software such as OBS, Streamlabs, or XSplit to use your audio interface for streaming.
Can I use an audio interface for other purposes besides streaming?
Absolutely! Audio interfaces are versatile tools that can be used for a wide range of audio recording and production applications, including music production, podcasting, voiceover work, and more.
Check out our other lists of top equipment to use for streaming on Twitch.
Best XLR Microphone for Streaming
