VO Studio: Recommended Audio Interfaces

Recommended audio interfaces for VO. Any of these Audio Interface models could work well at the center of your voiceover recording studio. Though they could be described as “simple” audio interfaces (as opposed to some I’ll describe next time which have more complex routing features and processing options), all of them have mic inputs with 48V Phantom Power and supply appropriate gain for the condenser microphones used most commonly in VO. Of the models in this group, I prefer the SSL as it provides a nice control layout and rear panel routing, though I’d be happy with a Focusrite or Steinberg.

The models below can currently be purchased in the $100 – $300 (USD) range. All are “bus powered” – meaning they draw their operating current from the USB cord, though the Steinberg models also allow the use of a separate power supply. Laptop or desktop computers provide appropriate power to all of these. A separate power adapter can solve certain types of setup issues – for example if trying to use an iPad as the recording device, or if you want to reduce the draw on a laptop battery.

One feature I didn’t mention last week is audio “loopback” which gives the ability to playback recorded audio through the interface (sometimes this is described as “streaming” audio). This can be beneficial in some directed session situations where playing back recordings to a remote director might be a bit cumbersome. Models with loopback are noted below.

While some interfaces come bundled with software packages, it’s important to note that all will work with any standard recording software in your computer. You do not need to use the specific recording software which comes with any of these (though Windows systems typically require installing a device-specific software “driver”).

Recommended Audio Interfaces: My Top Three

Focusrite Scarlett Series – 2i2 / Solo Gen3

These ubiquitous red boxes seem to be on the desk of many VO studios. There’s a reason for that: Scarlett models are simple to set up, have clean, neutral preamps and work consistently. The only general issue I’ve encountered with these occurred back when a run of Gen2 models shipped with bad USB cords, which was an easy, if somewhat annoying, fix. The current Scarlett Gen3 Series have an “Air” circuit for tonal options (the “coloration” I mentioned earlier). The one thing you need to remember: if you disconnect the interface from your computer, it resets the 48V power to “off” – but there are lights on the panel which show status. I recommend this audio interface in both the Solo (single mic input) and 2i2 (two microphone input) configurations.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 – two mic inputs – manufacturer’s site – purchase

Focusrite Solo – single mic input – manufacturer’s site – purchase

Steinberg UR12 / UR22 MkII / UR22-C

Since this company is owned by Yamaha, they tend to have their production chains pretty dialed in. These models tend to work reliably with little fanfare. Steinberg just released a USB-C version of the two-input 22 model, which will likely phase out the UR22 MkII. One nice option is that the UR series models all have the ability to be powered from a 5V DC adapter (sold separately) in addition to being bus powered. The 22 series both include Loopback. Another recommended audio interface for the VO studio.

UR22 MkII – two mic inputs – manufacturer’s site – purchase

UR22-C – two mic inputs – manufacturer’s site – purchase

UR12 – one mic input – manufacturer’s site – purchase

Solid State Logic SSL 2 / 2+

Solid State Logic (SSL) is a company with a long history of quality studio consoles – the impressive mixing boards you see in high end recording facilities. Over the past few years, they’ve been bringing out simpler versions for more home-based use and the 2 / 2+ sits in a true sweet spot for our VO needs. Both models have two mic inputs and a “4K” button for tonal options (it’s designed to have coloration similar to the 4000 series of their recording consoles). The “+” model adds MIDI ins & outs for musical instruments and has a second headphone and speaker output. This has been out for almost two years now, with a good track record.

This has become my most often recommended audio interface.

SSL 2+ – manufacturer’s site – purchase

SSL 2 – manufacturer’s site – purchase

Quite possibly the real reason I like the SSL 2 Plus – it goes up to 11…

Other Audio Interface Models to Consider

Universal Audio Volt 1 / Volt 2 – (above center)

Announced in late fall 2021, this is UA’s approach to a simpler interface (I’ll talk more about their Apollo series next week). Similar to “Air” or “4K” options above, these two base models in the Volt lineup have incorporated a “Vintage” button as a tonal option. Note – these interfaces do not support the software plugins found in the Apollo series. As new items, there’s not yet a significant track record of reliability.

Volt 2 – two mic inputs – manufacturer’s site
Volt 1 – one mic input – manufacturer’s site

In the Volt series, Universal Audio also brought out the 176 and 276 models with an onboard Compression circuit designed to mimic their 1176 model, but those only provide a limited number of discrete presets. Those models are probably less appropriate for a basic VO setup.

Audient ID4 MkII / ID14 MkII (above left)

As much as I generally like Audient products, they definitely had a few recent issues with consistency in their interface lineup. They brought out an interesting series of interfaces in the EVO line, which had some automations for input gain and other features. They have good quality converters and preamps. I’m showing the ID series here as they tend to be more commonly found in VO input chains. One nice improvement on the current “MkII” models is the inclusion of a Loopback option via a software mixer control.

ID4 MkII – one mic input – manufacturer’s site
ID14 MkII – two mic inputs – manufacturer’s site

MOTU M2 / M4 (above right)

Another company that makes higher-end interfaces. I do like the oversized displays on these as a quick reference and they do have the ability to loopback audio to a remote client on MacOS, which is one of the reasons they’ve grown in popularity. But, I have heard a few reports of these failing in the past year, so I’m paying attention to whether that was just a blip or a wider issue. Both are two input models, with additional output routing on the M4.

M2 – manufacturer’s site
M4 – manufacturer’s site

NEXT – Audio Interfaces for VO home studios that offer advanced processing and routing options.

This information recently went out directly to my email community.
If you would like to join in to receive those emails the day they publish, please take a moment to share your contact information through this sign up form.
Thank you.