Why You Should Use an Interface for Streaming

are made with the same, or similar internal components.

The main benefit to having an XLR connection is the modularity it provides whereas using a USB microphone is all about convenience and having a minimal, low-cost setup.

The main difference with USB microphones is that they have a built-in analog to digital converter, effectively acting as the audio interface itself. This is also what allows you to monitor your computer’s audio through the USB mic.

With an XLR connection, you’ll have a much wider selection of microphones to choose from including any pieces of external analog equipment like preamps, interfaces, and more.

For the long term, and as a streamer who may be looking to improve their setup overtime, using a standalone interface with an XLR microphone will offer you much more opportunity to expand your setup and invest in higher-quality equipment.

What if I only Want to Use a USB Microphone?

As stated earlier, a USB microphone actually acts as an audio interface itself, though the benefits it provides are not quite comparable.

The main reasons you would opt to use a USB microphone are:

• Convenience: USB microphones offer a simple, minimal solution to a setup without the need for various pieces of equipment.

• Cost: On average, USB microphones can be much cheaper that buying an XLR microphone, interface, and cables to connect everything. But again, it comes at the cost of potential sound quality and better preamps.

If you plan on adding any instruments to your streaming setup or upgrading your microphone in the future, having a standalone audio interface gives you that modularity.

However, if all you plan on using is a microphone, then a USB-only device, albeit limited for the reasons mentioned, will give you what’s needed for a simple streaming setup.

So you don’t actually need a separate interface if the USB microphone already suits your needs as a streamer.

4. Better Sound Quality

At the surface, it’s easy to explain that an audio interface offers better sound quality.

But what does “better” actually mean in this context?

First and foremost, the converters in an interface are going to be higher quality than what’s offered by a built-in sound card.

To most (without a trained ear, that is), the difference may not be noticeable, but it’s there.

An audio interface gives you the ability to record at a high bit depth.

A higher bit depth will capture a higher dynamic range of the audio being recorded.

Sample rate defines the number of samples taken from an analog signal per second. In other words, the higher the sample rate, the more the audio source is sampled per second.

To offer a real-world example, many CDs use tracks that are exported in 16/44.1 meaning a bit depth of 16 and a sample rate of 44.1kHz.

This is typically more than enough to produce a high quality sound without losing any important dynamics or audio information.

As for recording, many stick with using a bit depth of 24.

Most, if not all interfaces offer highresolution recording with 24 bits and a sample rate of up to 192kHz. However, there is a practical limit to the bit depth you use as anything higher may begin to deliver diminishing returns like large file sizes or intense loads on your CPU.

So, Which Audio Interface should I Buy?

Here are our recommendations for audio interfaces that are perfect for livestreaming and those just beginning to build their setup:

1) MProFX6v3

The Mackie ProFX6v3 features two awardwinning Onyx preamps and a versatile GigFX engine, allowing you to get colorful highresolution recordings with sample rates up to 192 kHz. Paired with the Waveform OEM software bundle, you’ll have the ultimate workstation for recording, streaming and creating content.

• High-resolution Recording via USB

• Award-Winning Onyx Preamps for Pristine Audio

• Powerful FX Engine with Customizable Presets

• 48-volt Phantom Power

• Headphone Output with Independent Volume Control

• Rugged Design

2) Onyx Artist 1x2 Audio Interface

A traditional, easy-to-use audio interface with no frills, just great sound and quality preamps.

• High resolution recording up to 24 bits and 192kHz

• Latency-free direct monitoring with headphones and/or speakers

• Mackie’s proprietary Onyx Preamps that offer high gain with ultra-low noise, perfect for vocals

• One XLR input and one Line input

• Built-in vocal processing presets to sound great with any microphone

• Built-in voice changing FX

• Bluetooth connectivity

• 48V phantom power

• And much more

Ultimately, the best audio interface for your streaming setup will depend on what you’ve decided will fit best into your setup and streaming production needs.

[Editor’s note – we wish to thank Mackie for granting permission to republish this how-to guide that originally appeared on their website. To learn more, please head to www.mackie.com]