Audio / Buying guidance
Do You Need an Audio Interface for a USB Microphone?
A USB microphone normally connects to your computer directly; an interface’s computer USB port is not a microphone input.
By Rafael Rocha · Updated
Start with the microphone connection
For a USB-only microphone, use its supported computer connection and select the microphone in your recording software. Buying a standard XLR interface does not add a compatible USB microphone input.
What an interface accepts
Focusrite’s microphone preamps accept analog microphone signals through XLR inputs. The USB connection carries audio between the interface and a computer; matching connector shapes do not establish device compatibility.
When an interface makes sense
Consider an interface when using an XLR microphone, instrument or other supported analog source. If your microphone offers both USB and XLR, use its documented XLR output for that setup.
Check specialist equipment explicitly
Some mixers support particular USB microphones through a dedicated host connection. Verify the exact microphone in the manufacturer’s compatibility documentation before buying. This page replaces an incompatible five-product shortlist with connection guidance.