USB Mic VS Audio Interface: What’s Best for Your Home Studio?

Find the missing piece in your audio gear by understanding the nuances of USB mics and mics that require audio interface.

Whether you’re a singer, podcaster, voice-over artist, or even a videographer, the quality of audio plays a vital role in defining the nature of content. You will need a decent microphone to capture your vocals or instruments, but this is where it gets tricky. Microphones were originally designed to work with audio interfaces, which seems complicated for average users. As the tech advanced, USB microphones occupied a major space in the industry mainly because of their simple plug-and-play functionality.

Although simplicity is the obvious benefit of USB microphones, it does not make them superior or inferior, for that matter, to the mics that use Audio Interface. You will have to understand the nuances of between USB microphones and those that need an external interface, to make the right pick and this is exactly what this article will discuss.

USB Mic Vs Audio Interface – Overview of Differences

Attribute	USB Mics	Mics + Audio Interface
Portability	✓	╳
Versatility	╳	✓
Upgradability	╳	✓
Simple operation	✓	╳
Sound Quality	Fair	Excellent
Price	$$	$$$

Overview of Audio Interface

Audio interface is an electrical device that serves a relaying point for the signal coming from a microphone before it is sent to the PC or laptop. It is typically housed in a box-shaped metallic case and offers multiple knobs for volume controls and other features. You need an audio interface for the microphones that record analog signals so they can be converted to digital signals for devices such as desktop computers and laptops.

While the audio cards of the laptops and computers can also perform the conversion, the quality of the sound is inferior to that offered by dedicated audio interfaces. The studio-grade audio interface offers multiple inputs for XLR microphones and those with TRS jacks, making them versatile and enabling a variety of applications. The versatility and superior audio quality make audio interfaces a vital instrument for professional recordings in studios.

That said, audio interfaces work effectively only when paired with a decent microphone. These devices can only convert the signal recorded by the microphone. While an audio interface ensures an impeccable signal conversion, it needs a quality microphone to send a high-quality signal, making mics equally important too.

Benefits of an Audio Interface

Using an audio interface with a quality microphone offers several benefits. Some of them are compelling enough to make it a part of your audio gear, which include the following;

1. Sound Quality

The primary and perhaps the most compelling benefit of an audio interface is the better sound quality. These devices are equipped with better preamps and analog-to-digital converters, meaning they boost the low signals and execute conversion with perfection so none of the notes go missing during the process. Consequently, you get transparent, rich, and more dynamic audio with higher fidelity.

2. Versatility

Most audio interfaces offer multiple inputs, allowing you to connect more than one microphone with them and use them simultaneously. You can use multiple microphones, both XLR cables and those with TRS connection at the same time, enabling recording from different audio sources simultaneously. While recording a musical piece, you can allocate a separate mic to the guitarist, drummer, and vocalist and process them together to get incredibly detailed audio.

There are several controls on the audio interface to manipulate the sound during recording and get the desired results.

3. Low Latency

Professional music producers, vocalists, or even podcasters need direct monitoring of their recordings in real time so they can make necessary modifications to get the best results. It is best done when there is minimal latency between the microphone and headset, which is where the audio interface shines. While modern USB mics also offer a headphone output, it is not nearly as good as that offered by an audio interface because of higher latency.

4. Upgradability

Audio interface is available in a range of configurations ranging from simple two input two output setups to models that offer many more input and output options. It makes an audio interface suitable for a wide range of applications and you do not have to change your entire setup every time your needs evolve. 

For example, if you are a musician learning your way around different instruments, purchasing a complex audio interface will help, because once you master them, you will have the necessary equipment to process and record high-quality audio from the signals coming from different instruments at once.  

5. Compatibility

If you are a professional sound engineer or want to produce studio-grade content, it is best to invest in an audio interface straightaway. These devices are built by keeping the professional requirements in perspective, enabling their compatibility with almost all studio equipment, including DAW and recording software.

6. Durability

An audio interface is a rugged piece of electronics, allowing it to withstand abuse and the test of time. Once you invest in an audio interface you can rest assured that it will last years to come owing to the quality of components and ruggedness of the body encasing them.

Drawbacks of an Audio Interface

While the benefits of an audio interface make it an appealing option, it has some drawbacks that may not make it an appropriate purchase for everyone. These include;

1. Cost

Cost is the most obvious drawback of an audio interface. You can get at least a couple of average-quality USB microphones for the price of a single audio interface. Not everyone has that kind of budget, especially when setting up a new studio or workspace. While there are some manufacturers dedicated to offering cost-effective options, they still have a long way to go before making audio interfaces accessible to everyone.

2. Complex Operations

While the job of a separate audio interface seems simple, it has a lot going on and you must know the application of different features to get the best results. There is a learning curve to it and not everyone has enough time to indulge in it, especially when they do not even need it.

3. Portability

Among the basic audio equipment, an audio interface is perhaps the most hefty and bulky restricting portability. You will find it challenging to pack it inside a bag and travel with it. Furthermore, while the audio interfaces are compatible with most studio equipment, they will need separate drivers to work effectively. So, if you are on the move and use your microphone and audio interface with different devices, you will have to install new drivers every time.

4. Additional Gear

In theory, these devices can work with a simple microphone and a PC. However, you will need several other accessories or devices to get the best out of a typical audio interface, including headphones and studio monitors. You will not only have to invest more money but also your time to understand their features to get the desired output.

Overview of USB Microphones

USB microphones are rather simple, in terms of their features and operations. As the name implies, these microphones can connect directly to the USB port of your PC or laptop. Additionally, you do not require any drivers to make them. Simply plug them into a smart device, turn them on, and they will become the default input sound device.

These microphones also record analog signals, but they have an analog-to-digital converter built into them, so they do not need an external device to produce a digital signal. However, the quality of the conversion is relatively inferior to the one carried out by external analog to digital converters.

USB microphones typically come with an array of features, including multiple polar patterns, mute buttons, and output for headphones for audio monitoring. They also do not require phantom power, eliminating the need for a mixer, interface, or amplifier.

Benefits of USB Microphones

A USB microphone offers a number of benefits, especially for users who are only interested in basics. These include the following;

1. Ease of Setup

You will not need any additional accessories or equipment to make a usb mic work. Simply plug it to your computer’s usb port and it will start recording. Users who only want to improve the streaming experience for their audience without investing in expensive gear will find usb microphones a delight. Someone who has no prior experience with setting up a microphone will also find a usb mic super easy to set up.

2. Simple Operations

A USB microphone may offer a lot of features, but none of them will be too complex to understand. Unlike an audio interface, you will not have to spend hours trying to understand what different knobs and buttons are meant for. A typical usb mic offers a mute button, switch to change polar pattern, and volume control, all of which are self-explanatory.

3. Portability

USB microphones typically have a compact design, making them travel-friendly. You can live stream or record voiceovers with them anywhere as long as you have a laptop and an internet connection with you. Modern USB microphones are also quite durable, you do not have to worry about them getting damaged while traveling.

4. Affordable

Affordability is probably the best part about a USB microphone. You do not have to break the bank to get your hands on a quality USB mic. Additionally, you do not have to spend extra for USB cables, an external interface, or any other accessories you typically need with an XLR microphone. It makes a USB microphone an excellent option for people who are either only starting out or do not have enough resources to build a complete studio-like setup.

5. Compatibility

Unlike XLR mics which may need drivers or additional accessories, a USB microphone can connect with a range of smart devices without any of it. You can connect a USB microphone to desktops, laptops, tablets, and even with smartphones. It also contributes to portability because you do not have to carry a hefty bag containing a laptop to record your vocals or instruments.

Drawbacks of USB Microphones

The benefits of a USB microphone make a compelling case for them, but there are several drawbacks to them that may limit their applications. These include the following;

1. Inferior Sound Quality

A mic with a USB cable is no match for an XLR mic, because XLR cables are much better at transmitting audio while avoiding the interferences in the process. Furthermore, the built-in converter in USB mics is not as effective as a separate device in converting the audio signal effectively. It makes a USB mic unsuitable for professional sound recordings.

2. Limited compatibility with outboard gear

If you are planning to upgrade your setup to a professional level, USB mics may not be the best choice. This is because they have limited compatibility with professional gear such as mixers, amplifiers, and DAWs. 

3. Durability

USB mics are not as durable as their XLR counterparts, they have relatively fragile microphone capsules, USB cables, and outer casing. You will have to replace your microphone quite frequently. A good USB mic may last a little longer, but it will still be a no match to a premium XLR microphone.

Frequently Asked Questions