Do You Need an Audio Interface?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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You need an audio interface if you record with a microphone that has an XLR connection or with a guitar or bass. It supplies the mic input, 48V phantom power, and gain control that a computer on its own lacks. If you only listen to music or use a USB microphone, you do not need one.
You need one for an XLR microphone
A microphone with an XLR connection has nowhere to plug into a computer on its own. An audio interface gives it an XLR input, a gain control to set the level, and 48V phantom power when the microphone is a condenser. Without an interface, that microphone cannot reach your recording software at all.
You need one for guitar or bass
A guitar or bass plugs into the 1/4-inch instrument input of an audio interface. The input takes the instrument signal straight in, and the gain control sets the level before it reaches the computer. Recording this way keeps the guitar and the vocal on separate tracks when you record both at once.
You do not need one for a USB microphone
A USB microphone plugs straight into a USB port and takes its power from the computer, so no interface sits between the mic and the recording software. The same goes for a headset with a USB connection. If your only microphone is a USB model, an interface adds nothing to the recording chain.
You do not need one for listening only
Listening needs no interface. Music, films, and calls play through the computer sound card to speakers or headphones connected with 3.5mm jacks. Add an interface only when you start recording a microphone or an instrument, not to hear playback.
Count your inputs before you buy
Count what you record at the same time. 1 input covers a microphone on its own, while 2 inputs cover a microphone and a guitar together. Check that the interface supplies 48V phantom power if your microphone is a condenser. A headphone output on the interface lets you hear the recording as you make it.
What you need
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording, and a 56dB gain range for a mic and guitar recording setup.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 1
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
- 3-year warranty stated
MOTU M2 USB-C Audio Interface
A USB-C interface with 2 mic preamps, 24-bit/192kHz recording, LCD meters for all inputs and outputs, and MIDI in and out for recording 2 sources at once.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 2, the most here
- Outputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 2-year warranty stated
M-AUDIO M-Track Duo USB Audio Interface Dual
A USB interface with dual XLR, line and DI inputs, 48V phantom power, 48kHz recording, and a 0.7 lb body for a portable recording, streaming, and podcasting setup.
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 48 kHz
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Ableton Live Lite
- 0.7 lb, the lightest here
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 Hi-Z instrument input, 24-bit/192kHz recording, a 120dB dynamic range, and Air modes for a mic and guitar setup.
- Inputs: 2
- Mic preamps: 1
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools Intro
These come from our ranked list Best Audio Interface, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Can I record without an audio interface?
Yes, with a USB microphone, which plugs straight into the computer.
Can I use my computer sound card instead?
For listening, yes. For recording, an interface supplies the XLR input and 48V phantom power that take a microphone with an XLR connection.
What cables do I need with an interface?
A USB cable connects the interface to the computer, and an XLR cable connects the microphone to the interface. A guitar or bass uses a 1/4-inch cable into the instrument input.
Ranked audio interfaces lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.