ASMR Audio Interface

You only need an audio interface if your microphone uses an XLR cable. Choose a simple one with clean, quiet preamps, plenty of gain for soft sounds, and a headphone output you can monitor on. Skip it if you use a USB microphone, since that already has the parts built in.

We have not tested these products.

What an interface does

An interface gives an XLR microphone power if needed, raises its quiet signal to a usable level, and sends it to your computer. It also gives you a headphone output so you can hear what you record.

For soft sounds the key job is adding gain without adding hiss.

What to look for

• Quiet preamps: look for a published noise figure on the maker page and compare it with similar models.
• Enough gain: whispers are quiet, so check there is plenty of clean gain, especially for low output microphones.
• Phantom power: needed for many condenser microphones.
• Headphone output: look for a direct monitoring switch so you hear yourself without delay.
• Stereo inputs: needed if you want to record two microphones or a binaural pair.

Do not blame the interface for hiss

Many hiss complaints come from the room, the microphone or the computer rather than the interface. Check by unplugging the microphone, turning the gain up as you would for a whisper, and listening. If it is quiet, the interface is not the problem.

Try a different USB port, move the cable away from power adapters and turn off nearby electronics before buying new gear.

Mixer or interface

A small mixer can do the same job and gives knobs for each channel. An interface is usually simpler, smaller and easier to connect to a computer. For one or two microphones, an interface is the usual choice.

Buying used

Used interfaces can work well, but test every input, knob and the headphone output before you rely on one. Ask whether a return is possible, and check the seller describes any damage.

Spend money where it shows

If your recordings sound thin or hissy, fix things in this order: the room, the microphone position, the microphone, and last the interface. An expensive interface will not rescue a noisy room.

If you are still deciding on a microphone, read our guide to monitoring headphones first, since you will need to hear problems to fix them.

Quick decision list

• One XLR microphone, quiet room: a simple one channel or two channel interface.
• Binaural or stereo pair: two matching inputs with the same gain control.
• USB microphone: no interface needed.
• Constant hiss: fix the room and cables before replacing anything.

A simple way to compare

If you can, borrow or buy from a shop with an easy return policy. Record the same whisper and tap on two interfaces at the same distance, then listen on headphones with the volume matched.