The 5 Best Podcast Audio Interfaces by Number of Hosts
A podcast interface should be sized for the voices in the room, not the number of channels in its name. One host on an XLR mic can work with a very small box. Two hosts need two microphone preamps, and four people around a table need four; software cannot add a missing socket later. Remote guests also make loopback worth checking.
I would start with the EVO 8 for a small panel because it offers four microphone preamps and loopback without a rack. M-Track Duo is the inexpensive two-host answer, Zoom AMS-22 handles a lone host who streams, and the Scarlett 18i20 is there for a studio that genuinely needs eight mic inputs. Buy the input count you'll use, then budget for microphones, headphones and stands.
Our top 5 podcast audio interfaces by number of hosts
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 EVO Audient EVO 8Details ↓ | — | 4.2/5Amazon | Best small panel studio |
02 M-Audio M-Track DuoDetails ↓ | — | 4.4/5Amazon | Best inexpensive two-host setup |
03 Zoom AMS-22Details ↓ | — | 4.3/5Amazon | Best solo live stream |
04 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd GenDetails ↓ | — | 4.6/5Amazon | Best familiar one-mic desktop |
05 Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 4th GenDetails ↓ | — | 4.4/5Amazon | Best permanent multi-mic studio |
01 — EVO
Best small panel studioAudient EVO 8
EVO 8 has four microphone preamps, making four separate XLR host tracks possible in a compact desktop interface. Smartgain can help establish starting levels across a group, and loopback supports a remote caller workflow. You still need to plan headphone distribution when several people must hear the recording.
I put EVO 8 first because four real mic inputs cover a common panel format without jumping to a rack system. A solo host should save money with the Zoom or Scarlett Solo; a larger permanent studio can justify the 18i20's eight inputs instead.
Specifications: Audient EVO 8 product overview ↗
View on Amazon ↗Up to four local XLR voices.
You record only one host or need eight mics.
What I like
+Four mic preamps and loopback.
What to weigh
−Headphone distribution may need extra gear.
02 — M-AUDIO
Best inexpensive two-host setupM-Audio M-Track Duo
M-Track Duo offers two combo XLR inputs with phantom power and a direct-monitoring option at a much lower current offer than the four-mic choices. It is a practical first interface for two hosts recording locally. Its basic routing leaves more of the remote-guest workflow to your computer software.
Second place is about matching the common two-person table without paying for unused preamps. I favor EVO 8 for a growing panel and its documented loopback path; I favor this Duo if the show is reliably two local voices and the budget is tight.
Specifications: M-Audio M-Track Duo details ↗
View on Amazon ↗Two local hosts on XLR microphones.
You need four independent local mics.
What I like
+Two preamps at a low offer.
What to weigh
−Simpler routing for remote guests.
03 — Zoom
Best solo live streamZoom AMS-22
The compact AMS-22 has one microphone input and a loopback mode aimed at combining a host's voice with computer audio. It is easy to justify for a solo live stream or a travel recording desk where every extra inch matters. It is the wrong box for two local XLR hosts.
I rank Zoom third because its loopback feature answers a real solo-creator need at a smaller footprint. It cannot displace M-Track Duo for an in-person cohost, and it cannot replace EVO 8 when a panel needs separate tracks.
Specifications: Zoom AMS-22 operation manual ↗
View on Amazon ↗One host plus computer audio.
You have two or more local XLR speakers.
What I like
+Dedicated loopback mode.
What to weigh
−One microphone input.
04 — Focusrite
Best familiar one-mic desktopScarlett Solo 3rd Gen
Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen has one XLR mic preamp and a separate instrument input. It can serve a single-host spoken-word show, with familiar gain and monitor controls that keep setup simple. The guitar jack does not become a second microphone preamp for an interview.
Fourth is for someone who wants a conventional one-mic desk interface rather than Zoom's streaming-first loopback. I keep it below the two-host Duo because adding a cohost is a common podcast step and the second XLR input matters far more than a brand label.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗A solo XLR microphone recording desk.
A second local host may join.
What I like
+Simple mic and monitor controls.
What to weigh
−Only one XLR mic preamp.
05 — Focusrite
Best permanent multi-mic studioScarlett 18i20 4th Gen
The 18i20 4th Gen brings eight microphone preamps in a rack-shaped interface. It makes sense for a regular multi-guest studio that needs each voice on its own track and room for other sources. The high price, rack footprint and routing complexity are wasteful for a two-person table.
I put it fifth for broad shoppers because most shows do not need eight mics. It jumps to first for a fixed studio with a genuine eight-input plan; otherwise the compact EVO 8 buys the useful four-mic capability for much less.
Specifications: Focusrite Scarlett 18i20 product details ↗
View on Amazon ↗A fixed studio with many XLR voices.
Your show has one to four people.
What I like
+Eight separate mic preamps.
What to weigh
−High cost and a rack-sized setup.
Our process
How we picked.
We compare five relevant products for different needs, using documented specifications, clear use cases and practical trade-offs. Our goal is to make the differences clear and help you choose with confidence.
- 01Relevance
Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.
- 02Specifications
We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.
- 03Use case and fit
We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.
- 04Strengths and limitations
We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.
Good questions
FAQ — Podcast Audio Interfaces by Number of Hosts
01How many mic inputs does a two-person podcast need?+
Two separate XLR microphone inputs let you record and adjust each host independently. Check the exact model’s preamp count, not only a broad channel number.
02Why would a podcast interface need loopback?+
Loopback can capture audio playing on the computer, such as a remote guest, alongside local microphones. Check the interface’s software routing before relying on it for a live recording.
The short answer
Start with the Audient EVO 8.
I recommend it for up to four local xlr voices. Choose something else if you record only one host or need eight mics.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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