How to Connect a Microphone to a PC
Updated Nov 12, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Connect a microphone to a PC through an audio interface: plug the mic into the interface with an XLR cable, connect the interface to the PC with USB, and select the interface as the input in your recording software. A USB microphone skips the interface and plugs straight into a USB port.
Check what kind of microphone you have
Look at the connector on the microphone. An XLR microphone needs an audio interface with an XLR input, while a USB microphone plugs straight into the PC. A microphone with a 3.5mm plug goes into the PC mic jack, and a condenser microphone needs 48V phantom power from the interface.
Connect the microphone to the interface
Plug the XLR cable into the microphone and into the interface mic input, pushing each end in until it clicks. Keep the input gain turned down while you connect. If the microphone is a condenser, switch on 48V phantom power at the interface after the cable is in.
Connect the interface to the PC
Connect the interface to the PC with its USB cable and wait for the PC to recognise it. If the interface is bus powered, it draws power from the USB connection and needs no separate power supply. If the interface comes with driver software, install it before you open your recording software.
Select the interface in your software
Open your recording software and set the audio input to the interface. Create a track, arm it for recording, and speak or sing into the microphone while you raise the input gain slowly. Aim for a level that stays clear of the red, and turn the gain down if the meter clips.
Monitor with headphones and record
Plug headphones into the interface and switch on direct monitoring if the interface offers it, so you hear the microphone without delay. Record a short passage and play it back to check the sound. If you hear a hum or a buzz, check the cables and move the microphone away from the PC power supply.
What you need
Solid State Logic 2 MKII Plus USB-C
A USB-C interface with 2 XLR mic preamps, 48V phantom power and 32-bit/192 kHz conversion for connecting a microphone to a PC.
- Mic preamps: 2
- Outputs: 4
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 32-bit
- 48V phantom power
NUOSIYA USB Audio Interface for PC Computer Recording
A USB interface with 2 XLR/Line combo inputs, 48V phantom power and 24-bit/192 kHz recording, with a headphone output for monitoring.
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 192 kHz
- Bit depth: 24-bit
- 48V phantom power
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools
Behringer U-PHORIA UM2 Audiophile 2x2 USB Audio
A 2x2 USB interface with a XENYX mic preamp, direct monitor select and 48 kHz resolution for recording a microphone on a PC.
- Inputs: 2
- Max sample rate: 48 kHz
- Software named in listing: Pro Tools
Audient iD24 USB-C Audio Interface
A USB-C interface with 2 Class-A console mic preamps, 32-bit conversion and 96 kHz sample rate, expandable by 8 channels over ADAT.
- Inputs: 8
- Max sample rate: 96 kHz
- Bit depth: 32-bit
- 3-year warranty stated
These come from our ranked list Best Audio Interface for PC, which compares them spec by spec.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need an audio interface for a microphone?
It depends on the microphone. An XLR microphone needs an interface to reach the PC, while a USB microphone connects directly. A 3.5mm microphone plugs into the PC mic jack without an interface.
Why does my microphone sound quiet on my PC?
The input gain is probably too low, so raise it slowly while you speak into the microphone and watch the level meter. Also check that the PC input is set to the interface and not to the built-in microphone.
What is 48V phantom power?
Phantom power is a 48V supply that an interface sends to a condenser microphone through the XLR cable. Condenser microphones need it to work, while dynamic microphones do not. Switch it on only after the microphone is connected.
Can I use a microphone without an interface?
Yes, if it is a USB microphone or a 3.5mm microphone, since both connect to the PC without an interface.
Ranked audio interfaces lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.