How to Hook Up a Microphone to a Computer
Updated Nov 11, 2026 · By 
Jonah Mercer · Editorial policy
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Plug a USB microphone straight into a USB port, or plug an XLR microphone into an audio interface and connect the interface to the computer by USB. Then pick the microphone as the input in your computer's sound settings and set the level. A condenser microphone also needs 48V phantom power from the interface.
Work out what kind of microphone you have
Look at the plug on the end of the microphone cable. A USB microphone ends in a USB plug and connects straight to the computer. An XLR microphone ends in an XLR plug and needs an audio interface or mixer between the mic and the computer. A microphone with a 3.5mm plug goes into the mic jack on the computer.
Connect a USB microphone
Plug the microphone into a spare USB port on the computer. Open the sound settings and pick the microphone as the input device, then speak and watch the input level move. If the level stays flat, try another USB port and check that the microphone is not muted in the settings.
Connect an XLR microphone through an interface
Plug one end of an XLR cable into the microphone and the other end into the mic input on the interface, then connect the interface to the computer with its USB cable. If the microphone is a condenser, switch on 48V phantom power on the interface. Turn the input gain down before you switch the power on, then raise it slowly while you speak.
Set the input and the level
In the sound settings, set the microphone or the interface as the input device, and set the speakers or headphones as the output so you can hear playback. Speak at a normal voice and raise the input gain until the level meter moves well without reaching the top. If the sound breaks up, turn the gain down and move the microphone a little farther from your mouth.
If the microphone stays silent
Check the cable first, then check that the right input is picked in the sound settings. A condenser microphone stays silent without 48V phantom power, so switch it on at the interface. If the microphone still gives no sound, try another cable and another USB port, and install the driver or software the interface maker provides.
What you need
Focusrite Scarlett Solo 3rd Gen USB-C Audio
A USB-C audio interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 instrument input, and recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- 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 audio interface with 2 mic preamps, 2-in/2-out, and recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- 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 audio interface with two combo XLR inputs, 48V phantom power, and recording at up to 48kHz.
- 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 audio interface with 1 XLR mic preamp, 1 instrument input, a 120dB dynamic range, and recording at up to 24-bit/192kHz.
- 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
Do I need an audio interface for a USB microphone?
No. A USB microphone plugs straight into a USB port and the computer reads it as an input device. An interface is only needed for microphones with an XLR plug.
What is 48V phantom power?
It is the 48V supply an audio interface sends up an XLR cable to power a condenser microphone. Dynamic microphones do not need it. Switch it on only for a condenser mic, and switch it off before you unplug the cable.
Why does my microphone sound too quiet?
The input gain is likely too low, or the wrong input is picked in the sound settings. Raise the gain while you speak and check that the microphone or interface is set as the input device.
Can I use two microphones at once?
Yes, if your interface has two mic inputs. Plug each microphone into its own input, set the gain for each one, and pick the interface as the input in your recording software.
Ranked audio interfaces lists
More how-to guides
Product details come from each Amazon listing and can change. Check the listing before you buy.