5 Best Audio Interfaces For Live Streaming (Buying Guide)

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Livestreaming can be confusing, mainly due to the fact that you need to have all the necessary equipment so that your audience doesn’t have any problems hearing you or the music you put on.

I believe we are all here reading this article because we want to know what the Best Audio Interface for Live Streaming is, right? Well, there is a device that will help you do the job perfectly, and that is an audio interface!

In this article today, I’ve compiled a list of the best Audio Interfaces for Live Streaming. So, without further do, let’s get into it and see what it is all about!

A Quick Look at My Favorite Audio Interface for Streaming

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Best Overall 
Behringer XENYX Q1202USB

Behringer XENYX Q1202USB

9.7
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Best Features 
Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX

Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX

10
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Best Runner Up 
M-Audio AIR 192|14

M-Audio AIR 192|14

9
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Best Value 
TC Helicon GoXLR

TC Helicon GoXLR

8.5
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Best Budget 
M-Audio M-Track Duo

M-Audio M-Track Duo

8.6
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Key Takeaways

  • Most live streamers use audio interfaces as they help a lot with the boost of sound!
  • The M-Audio M-Track Duo audio interface is the most affordable audio interface to pick.
  • If you are on the hunt for the perfect audio interface for live streamers, you can check out Behringer XENYX Q1202USB.
  • You need at least two microphones connected to an audio interface when streaming!
  • The connection is the most important thing to check out before choosing an audio interface!

Top 5 Best Audio Interfaces For Live Streaming

5. Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX – Best For Most People

The first audio interface in this article is the Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX, one of the streamers’ most impressive and most used audio interfaces.

Usage and construction-wise, you will find this audio interface strong enough to withstand long hours of usage, while at the same time, it’s one of the most durable audio interfaces out there. It is well-built, and many people refer to Alesis MultiMix 4 as the tank of audio interfaces. What you may not like is its size, because it is known to be a bit big.

You know what? Alesis MultiMix 4 USB FX is, in fact, a mixing deck, but it includes an audio interface, and people refer to it as such. You will be thrilled to use its inputs and outputs, as it works with everything you may need. That’s because this audio interface has an excellent connection part, especially with the two XLR cables.

In order to use microphones, mic preamps are present to provide you with a good and reliable connection with great audio quality that will come out. The frequency range is one of the greatest, starting from 20Hz as the lowest.

Why Should You Buy It?
You get all the software you need to start producing with the MultiMix 4 USB Audio Interface. This unique package contains Eleven Lite, which has over 20 top-notch guitar, amp, and effect models.

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Why Should You Buy It?

Besides the great frequency response and audio quality, this audio interface will allow perfect connection wherever you live stream.

Audio Resolution16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power48V
Channels4
ConnectivityUSB
Size7.75 x 6 x 2 inches
Weight2.42 pounds

Pros

  • Strongly Built
  • Good Frequency Range
  • XLR Inputs Included
  • Great Connection

Cons

  • Big
  • Pricey for Some

4. M-Audio AIR 192|14 – Best High-End 

Just as listed, the M-Audio AIR 192|14 is the priciest audio interface you can choose regarding live streaming in general.

This audio interface has a sleek design, and I am pretty sure that you will immediately fall in love when you just look at it. It comes covered in shiny black color, and it includes lighting as well. Also, the metal chassis it owns will bring out the best in durability. So you will have in your hands a sleek and perfectly durable audio interface.

A specific connection is added to this audio interface and it boasts MIDI connectivity. It means that this interface can work with different instruments that you may be using, and when it comes to live stream, you will use the four inputs for microphones and any other kind of microphone on them. Yet again, when it comes to computer usage, you can connect it via the USB cable.

M-Audio AIR 192|14 works at 24-bit/192kHz resolution of audio which will help you sound clear while live streaming as if you are in there talking with your “fans” face to face, indeed it rewards with good audio quality.

Why Should You Buy It?

I am quite sure that this audio interface will become your favorite by just looking at it, as it has a very eye-catching design and is durable. There is also the connection part and audio resolution, which will make you sound perfect while doing a live stream.

Audio Resolution24-bit/192kHz
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power48V
Channels8
ConnectivityUSB
Size7.32 x 10.2 x 3.6 inches
Weight3.97 pounds

Pros

  • Good-Looking
  • Rugged
  • 4 Microphone Inputs
  • MIDI Connection Included
  • Pristine Audio Quality

Cons

  • Pricey

3. TC Helicon GoXLR – Most Versatile 

As you can see, I have listed TC Helion GoXLR as the most versatile device in this article, and that’s because it is a mixer and an audio interface at the same time. You will be surprised by how powerful this audio interface is.

If you are a fan of lighting while streaming, let me mention the fact that TC Helicon GoXLR is an audio interface that will bring light to your streams with its RGB adjustable light settings, and everything will be perfect. This audio interface is durable and will stay with you for many years.

The primary connections of this audio interface are via USB 2.0 and XLR; meanwhile, it also includes different inputs and controls. What I would like to mention about this audio interface is the fact that it has control all over it, while the first one is the one for the microphone that you will be using.

TC Helicon GoXLR has a focus, and the main one is the sound quality or the voice quality, in this case, live streaming. Whatever you do and talk about will be heard completely fine as it comes with outstanding clarity.

Why Should You Buy It?

Even though there are not too many specifications about this audio interface, I can easily assure you that you will be more than satisfied with everything it offers. It is a perfect choice, especially if you have a studio where you live stream.

Audio Resolution/
Frequency response/
Phantom Power48V
Channels4
ConnectivityUSB 2.0
Size6.5 x 11 x 2.75 inches
Weight3.53 pounds

Pros

  • RGB Lights
  • Perfect Connection
  • Decent Audio Quality

Cons

  • Bit Big

2. M-Audio M-Track Duo – Best Budget 

M-Audio M-Track Duo is an audio interface that shouldn’t be left unmentioned in any list regarding these devices. It is a commonly used audio interface by many streamers, and I am sure that with the price it comes, it will also become your favorite.

This audio interface is a compact one and very well built. It is different from the ones mentioned above as it is more portable and can accompany you wherever you may go.

The connection part of this audio interface is done via a USB when connected to a PC. Still, as you should use it for live streaming, you can connect two microphones simultaneously without any problem. It also has instrument inputs so that you can use it easily.

The audio resolution of this audio interface is not in its highest form, but you should be sure that it will be the best audio interface for streaming, as 24-bit/48 kHz will deliver sound clearly and crispy enough.

Why Should You Buy It?

I am well aware that not everybody wants to spend too much money on an audio interface, and the M-Audio M-Track Duo is here for you, and it comes at one of the lowest prices when compared to other audio interfaces.

Audio Resolution24-bit/48 kHz
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power48V
Channels2
ConnectivityUSB
Size4.34 x 7.5 x 2.13 inches
Weight12.7 ounces

Pros

  • Portable – Compact
  • Affordable
  • Delivers Clear Sound

Cons

  • Not Very Durable

1. Behringer XENYX Q1202USB – Best Overall 

Like the third audio interface of this article, here we have the last one being a mixer and an audio interface simultaneously. By the way, this is the best choice you can make as it is the best overall.

You should know that this audio interface isn’t the easiest to use at the beginning, but if you use it for some time, you won’t want to use a different audio interface! Anyways, this audio interface is big and sturdy, but it needs someplace in a studio or wherever you do your live streaming sessions.

The USB connection cannot be a lack in this fantastic audio interface as it is the primary and the most common connection used in most devices. All and all, in total there are 12 inputs available for you to connect your microphones.

You don’t have to worry about how everybody will hear you or how your voice will come out, as this audio interface is the most professional regarding sound performance. Its frequency range of the 20s will help you sound clear enough for everybody.

Why Should You Buy It?

As it is the best overall, you should know that the Behringer XENYX Q1202USB audio interface has everything that you have been looking for. Your streams will go smoothly without any issues, and bare in mind that getting the best equipment for your streams will only make the audience’s experience better.

Audio Resolution16-bit, 44.1/48 kHz
Frequency response20Hz-20kHz
Phantom Power48V
Channels4
ConnectivityUSB
Size12.17 x 4.17 x 16.02 inches
Weight3.31 pounds

Pros

  • Reasonable Price
  • Versatile
  • Sounds Good
  • Perfect Connection

Cons

  • Complicated at First

Buying Guide

Whenever searching for a product, no matter what it is, you should have in mind some main things that you should always consider. Of course, I would like to mention some of them regarding choosing the best audio interface for live streaming!

Audio Resolution and Frequency Response

When searching for an audio interface, you will always find out different things such as HZ, and the main ones to check are the whole audio resolution and the frequency response. It’s important to check them because you should consider how the audio interface will bring the sound to you and how it does the job regarding high or low frequencies of sound. By the way, most audio interfaces for live streaming have similar frequency responses.

Connection

I am well aware of the fact that you use different devices. When choosing usb audio interfaces for live streaming, you should always consider the connectivity between your devices and the audio interface itself. Make sure to dedicate some time to check the ports and the cables, because a non-compatible usb audio interfaces will ruin everything!

Channels

The channels on an audio interface will tell the number of inputs and outputs that it owns and how it will work with other things, in this case, other devices. As you are trying to purchase an audio interface for live streaming, the main channels your audio interface should have are the microphone input channels, which you need to be heard precisely.

Other Accessories

There are different things that one might need to use with audio interfaces, but as far as essentials go, you should always consider the cables and the connectivity of the device. There are audio interfaces that come along with cables, but there are some that don’t, and you have to buy them separately. Make sure to choose the ones that do have cables.

Price Range

For some people, the price of an audio interface is one of the main things that one should consider, and I would like to say that it is quite important to check. Some audio interfaces are pricey, and you should divide a specific budget for them when choosing one. Anyways, I would like to assure you that the price isn’t the most important thing! Audio interfaces are really worth it, especially if you plan on streaming everyday.

Frequently Asked Questions

What exactly is an audio interface?

Audio interfaces are devices that will help you bring out the best of your voice while doing anything, no matter what it is related to. Anyways, its primary objective is about the microphones and converting the mic signals into any format for your PC.

Do I really need an audio interface for live streaming?

As I mentioned above, an audio interface is related to microphones mostly, and you can be more than sure that it will boost everything that needs a boost and it will help you become the best live streamer. Every live streamer uses an audio interface for beginners and professionals as well.

What else can I use audio interfaces for?

You can use audio interfaces for instruments, in case you are a musician or play anything. Basically, it also converts the instruments’ signals for your computer or any other device you may use.

How many microphones should I use while live streaming?

You have probably seen that streamers use two microphones while doing anything. If you are thinking of becoming a live streamer, you should also use two microphones. One is a console mic, and the other one is for the computer. With the console, an example is in gaming; you can talk to the people you are playing with; meanwhile, the one connected to the PC will help you stream.

Do I need a mixer for the live stream?

If you use an audio interface, you don’t need a mixer! That’s because most audio interfaces are used for mixing, and they are great at it!

Should I connect my headphones to an audio interface while streaming?

It would be the best thing to do! Everybody should listen whenever you live stream, and you should also listen to what you are doing. A high percentage of audio interfaces have headphone outputs, and they allow usage with headphones without a problem.

Final Words

Here we are at the end of this article in which I mentioned some of the greatest audio interfaces for you streamers all around the world.

Every audio interface mentioned in this article is some of the greatest ones in the nowadays’s market, and you can be more than sure that no matter which one you choose will do the job perfectly fine, as many people use them.

I hope that this article will help you choose the best audio interface for live streaming that you require! Have fun!

Further Reading

There is a whole world of articles that I have written for you, thus I don’t think you need to be content with only this one. Thus, give it a read to the best karaoke mixers you can buy or about 4 Best Electrostatic Headphones in 2022.

And if you happen to own a Dell laptop, then you should read something more about the best headphones for Dell laptops. And, if you are saying that you are a fan of adventurous sports, such as ATV, then give it a read to the 7 best Bluetooth speakers for ATV riding.

No worries, I have something for the party animals, as well, so if you consider yourself a party animal, then I encourage you to read the best Bluetooth party speakers of 2022 (Top 5 Picks Reviewed). 

Enjoy first, and you can thank me later! 😉 

Whether you’re looking for information on audio equipment, looking to learn more about how things work in the music field, or looking for reviews of products, we got you covered!

 
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