Audio & Entertainment / Recording
Last updated: Written by: Rafael Rocha

The 5 Best Audio Interfaces for XLR Microphones

Five audio interfaces for xlr mic, chosen for useful everyday performance, practical features and clear value for the intended use.

Our top 5 audio interfaces for xlr microphones

Swipe to compare price, rating and best use →

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface | 2 Mic Preamps, 2 Hi-Z Instrument Inputs, 24-Bit/192kHz, 120dB Dynamic Range, Auto Gain, Clip Safe, Air Modes product image from Amazon

01 — Focusrite

Best for two-mic home sessions

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface 2 Mic

4.5/5Amazon
$224.99In Stock

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provides two microphone or instrument paths, Auto Gain, Clip Safe and loopback for a forgiving USB recording workflow. It suits a two-person podcast or solo musician, but more simultaneous microphones require a larger interface.

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Reasons to buy

+The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provides two microphone or instrument paths, Auto Gain, Clip Safe and loopback for a forgiving USB recording workflow.

Reasons to avoid

−It suits a two-person podcast or solo musician, but more simultaneous microphones require a larger interface.

Inputs
2 mic, 2 line/instrument
Conversion
24-bit / 192 kHz
Features
Auto Gain, Clip Safe, loopback
Connection
USB-C (USB 2.0 protocol)
PIYONE Audio Interface, 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface for High-Fidelity, Studio Quality PC/Mac/iOS Recording, XLR/TRS Combo Input, Monitor Mix/Loopback Function, One-Cable Setup(Alloy Red) product image from Amazon

02 — Piyone

Best for entry-level loopback

Audio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface

4.3/5Amazon
$66.49In Stock

Audio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface offers two combo recording inputs, monitor mixing and loopback for a small voice or instrument streaming setup. The 24-bit/192kHz claim describes supported format, not microphone quality; confirm phantom power and device compatibility.

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Reasons to buy

+Audio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface offers two combo recording inputs, monitor mixing and loopback for a small voice or instrument streaming setup.

Reasons to avoid

−The 24-bit/192kHz claim describes supported format, not microphone quality; confirm phantom power and device compatibility.

ProductType
audio interface
Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface | Recording, mixing and podcasting with 4x4 USB-C connectivity, MIDI I/O and low latency monitoring product image from Amazon

03 — MOTU

Best for extra line routing

Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface Recording mixing

4.6/5Amazon
$279.95In Stock

Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface Recording mixing provides four inputs and four outputs plus MIDI connections, allowing two front-panel sources alongside additional line-level gear. The extra routing is useful for synthesizers and outboard equipment, but it is more interface than a one-mic podcast setup needs.

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Reasons to buy

+Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface Recording mixing provides four inputs and four outputs plus MIDI connections, allowing two front-panel sources alongside additional line-level gear.

Reasons to avoid

−The extra routing is useful for synthesizers and outboard equipment, but it is more interface than a one-mic podcast setup needs.

ProductType
audio interface
KYXAIN Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound Card with Type-C & Lightning for Live Streaming by iPad, iPhone, Android, PC Plug and Laptop Plug & Play product image from Amazon

04 — KYXAIN

Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound Card

4.1/5Amazon
$17.99In Stock

The KYXAIN Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording Sound Card listing specifies iPhone, android, and pC Plug and Laptop Plug & Play. Key specifications include producttype — audio interface. The main compromise is needs a computer or compatible recording device.

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ProductType
audio interface
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface | Dual XLR, Line and DI Inputs, Professional Software Suite for Recording, Streaming, and Podcasting product image from Amazon

05 — M-AUDIO

Best for low-cost dual XLR

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual XLR Line and DI

4.4/5Amazon
$69.00In Stock

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual XLR Line and DI offers two combo inputs that can accept microphones, line sources or instruments for a basic two-person recording setup. Its entry-level monitoring and controls are straightforward, but check software compatibility and phantom-power needs before purchase.

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Reasons to buy

+M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual XLR Line and DI offers two combo inputs that can accept microphones, line sources or instruments for a basic two-person recording setup.

Reasons to avoid

−Its entry-level monitoring and controls are straightforward, but check software compatibility and phantom-power needs before purchase.

ProductType
audio interface
Price information

Amazon price and availability checked Oct 18, 2026, 2:31 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.

  • 01
    Relevance

    Each product must fit the guide’s intended use, audience and requirements.

  • 02
    Specifications

    We compare the key product details that meaningfully affect the buying decision.

  • 03
    Use case and fit

    We compare the intended use, configuration and practical fit of every selected product.

  • 04
    Strengths and limitations

    We explain where each option performs best and the compromises to consider.

Read our full methodology →

Good questions

FAQ — Audio Interfaces for XLR Microphones

01Will any audio interface power a condenser XLR microphone?+

Check that the interface supplies the phantom power your microphone requires. Dynamic microphones typically do not need it, but some benefit from more gain.

02How do Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio… and Audio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface compare for audio interfaces for xlr microphones?+

The Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 provides two microphone or instrument paths, Auto Gain, Clip Safe and loopback for a forgiving USB recording workflow. Audio Interface 2X2 24-bit/192kHz Interface offers two combo recording inputs, monitor mixing and loopback for a small voice or instrument streaming setup.

03What should I know about Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface Recording mixing when choosing audio interfaces for xlr microphones?+

Motu M4 4x4 USB-C Audio Interface Recording mixing provides four inputs and four outputs plus MIDI connections, allowing two front-panel sources alongside additional line-level gear. The extra routing is useful for synthesizers and outboard equipment, but it is more interface than a one-mic podcast setup needs.

04When would I choose Guitar Audio Interface Pocket Internal Recording… over other audio interfaces for xlr microphones?+

05Who is M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual XLR… best suited to among these audio interfaces for xlr microphones?+

M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual XLR Line and DI offers two combo inputs that can accept microphones, line sources or instruments for a basic two-person recording setup. Its entry-level monitoring and controls are straightforward, but check software compatibility and phantom-power needs before purchase.

The short answer

Start with the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen USB-C Audio Interface 2 Mic.

It is our first pick for this guide’s exact scope. Choose another option when its stated use case or trade-off better matches yours.

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