Do You Need an Audio Interface to Record Vocals?
Updated Nov 13, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Yes, if you sing into a microphone with an XLR plug. That mic needs a preamp and, for a condenser, 48V phantom power, which an interface supplies. A USB microphone is the exception: it plugs straight into the computer and works without an interface.
Check what plug your microphone has
Start with the plug on the microphone. An XLR microphone needs an interface with an XLR input and a preamp, while a USB microphone plugs straight into the computer and works on its own. A built-in microphone also works, with no separate input to manage, though it shares the computer with everything else.
Give a condenser mic phantom power
A condenser microphone needs 48V phantom power to work, and the interface supplies it through the XLR cable. A dynamic microphone makes its signal without outside power, so 48V does not apply to it. The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo lists 48V phantom power on its combo inputs, which covers condenser mics.
Set the gain before you sing
Set the gain while you sing at full voice, and leave room at the top so the signal never clips. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen uses Gain Halos around the gain knob to show when the level is right. If the sound distorts, turn the gain down and sing the part again.
Listen back through headphones
Plug headphones into the interface and listen while you record, so you hear the voice as the software hears it. The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo has a 1/4-inch headphone output and a USB/Direct switch for zero latency monitoring, and the MOTU M2 lists hardware monitoring. Hearing yourself without delay keeps the timing steady.
Pick an interface with enough inputs
Count the sources you want to record at the same time, then match them to the inputs. The MOTU M2 has 2 mic preamps, so it takes two sources at once, while a Scarlett Solo has 1 XLR preamp and 1 Hi-Z instrument input. The M-AUDIO M-Track Duo has dual XLR inputs for two microphones or a mic and a line source.
What you need
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, a 56dB gain range, Air mode, and 24-bit/192kHz recording for vocals and guitar.
- 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, 2-in/2-out, hardware monitoring, and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
- 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 portable interface with dual XLR inputs, 48V phantom power, 48kHz resolution, and a 1/4-inch headphone output.
- 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, a 120dB dynamic range, Air modes, and 24-bit/192kHz recording.
- 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 vocals without an audio interface?
Yes, with a USB microphone or the computer's built-in mic. A USB mic plugs straight into the computer and works on its own. An XLR mic still needs an interface with a preamp, and 48V phantom power for a condenser.
Do I need phantom power for a dynamic microphone?
No. Dynamic microphones make their signal without outside power, so 48V does not apply to them. Condenser microphones need 48V phantom power to work, and an interface supplies it.
What does an audio interface do for vocals?
It gives the microphone a preamp, supplies 48V phantom power for a condenser, and gives you a headphone output for monitoring. It also connects the mic to the computer over USB, so the software can record it.
Can I record vocals and guitar at the same time?
Yes, if the interface has enough inputs. The MOTU M2 has 2 preamps for two sources at once, while a Scarlett Solo has 1 XLR preamp, so an extra source needs an extra 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.