The 5 Best Audio Interfaces for Vocals
Recording one vocal at a desk is a one-microphone problem. Recording a singer and an acoustic instrument through two mics is a different one, and a tiny XLR-to-USB adapter will not turn into a two-input studio later. I would count the microphone preamps you need now, then check monitoring, phantom power and the connections on the computer you actually use.
The Volt 1 is my starting point for one singer who wants a conventional desktop box. Scarlett Solo is the alternative if its guitar input and recording software suit you; MAONO is a cheaper entry, while MOTU M4 earns its larger footprint when you need two mics. The fifth slot is a choice between Shure's tiny one-mic adapter and a two-input M-Audio fallback as offers change. None fixes a noisy room or poor mic placement, which can matter more than the interface badge.
Our top 5 audio interfaces for vocals
Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →
| Product | Price | Rating | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
01 Universal Audio Volt 1Details ↓ | $139.00 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best one-mic desktop starting point |
02 Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th GenDetails ↓ | $159.99 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best vocal-and-guitar desk |
03 MAONO PS22 LiteDetails ↓ | $49.99 | 4.2/5Amazon | Best low-cost XLR entry |
04 MOTU M4Details ↓ | $279.95 | 4.6/5Amazon | Best two-mic growth room |
05 M-Audio M-Track DuoDetails ↓ | $69.00 | 4.4/5Amazon | Best spare two-mic budget interface |
01 — Universal Audio
Best one-mic desktop starting pointUniversal Audio Volt 1
Volt 1 suits the singer recording a single XLR mic at a computer or supported tablet. It gives you a conventional desktop interface with a headphone path and an optional Vintage preamp mode, so you can record cleanly and decide whether that colored sound actually helps the song.
I place it first because its one-mic scope matches the common solo-vocal job without paying for spare inputs. It becomes the wrong box as soon as you want two microphones at once; choose the M4 or another two-preamp interface then. Confirm the exact mobile power arrangement for your device.
Specifications: Universal Audio Volt 1 specifications ↗
View on Amazon ↗One singer with a conventional desktop setup.
You will record two microphones simultaneously.
What I like
+Simple mic input and optional Vintage mode.
What to weigh
−Only one microphone preamp.
- Mic inputs
- 1
- Resolution
- 24-bit / 192 kHz
02 — Focusrite
Best vocal-and-guitar deskFocusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen
Scarlett Solo makes sense for a singer who also plugs in one guitar or bass. Focusrite specifies one microphone preamp and one separate instrument input, so the two channels cover that pairing without requiring a larger studio box. Direct monitoring helps you hear the input without relying entirely on software playback.
It follows Volt 1 because its extra draw here is the particular mic-plus-instrument workflow, not a second mic. I would choose it for that workflow and the supported software, but move to a two-preamp model for duets. Check your recording app's channel routing before assuming both inputs arrive as one mono track.
Specifications: Focusrite Scarlett Solo specifications ↗
View on Amazon ↗A solo singer who also records direct guitar.
You need two XLR microphones.
What I like
+Separate mic and instrument inputs.
What to weigh
−Second input is not another mic preamp.
- Mic inputs
- 1
- Instrument inputs
- 1
03 — MAONO
Best low-cost XLR entryMAONO PS22 Lite
The PS22 Lite is for someone moving from a computer microphone to an XLR vocal setup on a tight budget. It gives the basic interface workflow: an XLR input, a headphone output and a route into recording software. Those are more useful questions than the largest bit-depth number printed on the listing.
I rank it third because a low entry price is attractive but support, monitoring controls and output connections need closer checking than on the more established boxes. Confirm the exact cable and phantom-power needs for your mic. I would spend more on Volt or Scarlett for a daily recording desk.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗An inexpensive first XLR vocal setup.
You need two simultaneous mic inputs or detailed controls.
What I like
+Low upfront cost for XLR recording.
What to weigh
−Connection and support details need checking.
- ProductType
- audio interface
04 — MOTU
Best two-mic growth roomMOTU M4
M4 earns its place when the recording plan has grown beyond one voice: two mic-capable inputs plus additional line inputs let you keep a singer and another source connected, while the front metering makes levels easier to see. That is a meaningful difference from a Solo or Volt 1.
I put it fourth only because most solo singers do not need its extra channels or price. It is the first choice in this five for a vocal duet or a mic-plus-mic instrument setup. Count the actual XLR preamps, not the total number of analog inputs, before you promise space for more singers.
Specifications: Exact Amazon product listing ↗
View on Amazon ↗Two microphones or a growing recording desk.
You only record one voice and need a small box.
What I like
+Two mic preamps and visible level meters.
What to weigh
−Higher cost and larger footprint.
- Analog inputs
- 4
- Mic inputs
- 2
05 — M-AUDIO
Best spare two-mic budget interfaceM-Audio M-Track Duo
M-Track Duo is a sensible fallback when two people need separate XLR microphone inputs without paying M4 money. M-Audio specifies two combo preamps, phantom power and direct monitoring, which is a more relevant comparison than a vague claim of studio sound.
I would pick it over a one-preamp box only when the second mic will actually be used. Its compact controls and 48 kHz ceiling are fine for many voices, but the M4 offers more inputs and clearer front metering for a growing desk. Check the exact included cable and computer compatibility.
Specifications: M-Audio M-Track Duo features ↗
View on Amazon ↗A budget vocal duo.
You need more line inputs and front metering.
What I like
+Two mic preamps at a lower price.
What to weigh
−Fewer controls and expansion options than M4.
- ProductType
- audio interface
Price information
Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 5:55 AM Lisbon time. Prices and availability are subject to change; the information shown on Amazon.com at purchase applies.
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 — Audio Interfaces for Vocals
01How many microphone inputs do I need for vocals?+
One preamp is enough for a solo vocal. Two people, or a vocal plus a separately miked instrument, need two simultaneous mic-capable inputs; a guitar jack on a one-mic interface is not a second preamp.
02Does an interface make any XLR microphone work?+
Check the microphone’s power and gain requirements, the interface’s phantom-power and input specifications, and whether your recording device supports its USB connection.
The short answer
Start with the Universal Audio Volt 1.
I recommend it for one singer with a conventional desktop setup. Choose something else if you will record two microphones simultaneously.
View on Amazon ↗Keep looking
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