Video conferencing has always had its palace in society, but we are seeing this type of software in recent times being used more and more.
This is largely down to the global pandemic in which we currently find ourselves. Still, even aside from that, international companies would be lost without the ability to hop online and instantly connect to anyone, anywhere in the world. But since the use of these video meeting platforms is relatively new to most of us, many people do not have a wide range of equipment to make the most out of their remote meetings.
Of course, a lot of people are under the impression that all you need is your laptop and a decent webcam, and while that is true to an extent; you could be getting much better sound quality, giving you the impression that you are in the room with the other person.
If you use Zoom a lot, then these several audio interfaces are excellent for this purpose, and in this guide, we will be introducing you to the cream of the crop.
Why Do I need an Audio Interface for Zoom Meetings
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As we have mentioned, many people do not realize the potential of audio interfaces, especially where Zoom meetings are concerned. One of the biggest problems is that many people believe that this is the type of equipment only reserved for people in a music studio or other professional sound area.
However, an audio interface certainly adds a new layer of quality to your Zoom calls; but what does it even do?
In the most simple terms, an audio interface is a small device that allows you to connect things like mics and musical instruments or anything else sound related to your computer. These devices turn an analog signal into a digital one.
Suppose you regularly take part in Zoom meetings. In that case, you will know that using the mic/speaker system already installed in your computer’s hardware rarely gives a good or even satisfactory result. But with an audio interface, this all changes.
What’s more, if your Zoom meetings require several sound inputs, you have this option when using an audio interface. These pieces of equipment have input and output connections so you can hook up your mic and anything else, as well as linking your Zoom call to a more powerful external speaker or headphones. You will be able to record all sounds, which is excellent if you need to look back over the meeting or record music remotely.
The Best Audio Interface For Zoom Meetings
Of course, one of the main problems that many of us face when looking for an audio interface for our Zoom calls is where to begin. We would strongly advise sourcing an audio interface with multiple input connections, especially if several mics or other things need to be hooked up.
We would also suggest that you err on the side of caution and opt for a little more high-end equipment. You can pick up an audio interface for as little as $50, but you cannot always be sure of the quality of the product. Going for something with a slightly higher price tag may feel like an investment, but you can be much more confident that the equipment will do what you expect and will stand the test of time.
Furthermore, it would help if you tried to go for brands that you have heard of, companies considered elite in the world of audio. In some cases, a brand name is exactly that, a name. However, in the world of audio, this can often signify quality.
Focusrite Scarlett 18i8
- Eight analog inputs: four natural-sounding Scarlett mic pres with plenty of even gain; two inst. Inputs, four additional line level inputs. Two 1/4-inch balanced jack outputs; two discrete headphone outputs with dedicated gain controls; MIDI I/O; S/PDIF in and out; ADAT input to expand channel count
- Class-leading conversion and sample rates up to 192kHz / 24 bit; Super-low roundtrip latency for using your plug-ins in real time without the need for DSP; Focusrite iOS Control – download the free Focusrite iOS Control app and adjust cue mixes remotely from an iPad, iPhone or iPod touch
- LIMITED TIME OFFER: FREE Venomode DeeQ, Maximal 2, and Pivot, plug-ins upon registration and download.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
In terms of how well-received a product is, the Scarlett 18i8 has been hugely popular with audiophiles. This is down to several factors; primarily, you will notice eight inputs, which makes this an excellent option for anyone with more complex needs.
Hooking up to a live music performance or recording remotely is made effortless with this. You would expect an eight-input device to be much more prominent in most cases, but this is quite a compact design.
But what we find most exciting is that it comes with a range of Pro Tools, including the Focusrite creative pack and soft tune, among others.
MOTU 4pre USB/FireWire Audio Interface
- 6-channel USB/FireWire Audio Interface with 4 x Microphone Preamplifiers
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
If you are a Mac user, then this is one of the most highly-acclaimed audio interfaces that can be used for remote recording and conferencing.
It boasts six USB connections with four preamps and four mics, giving you a diverse piece of equipment. Not only this, but this is a rather snazzy-looking bit of kit, so if you’re concerned with aesthetics, then you’ll likely be impressed.
But of course, looks aren’t everything, and functionality is undoubtedly an essential aspect when looking at audio equipment. In short, this is a flexible audio interface that delivers great-sounding audio every time. It is compact and relatively easy to use, so an excellent choice for beginners.
Audient iD4
- Zero-latency monitoring with monitor mix and pan.USB 2.0 bus powered.OS compatibility: macOS, iOS, and Windows
- Clean, punchy and musical character.Flexible topology – design optimized gain range between 0 – 70 dB gain
- With a touch of a button iD4’s volume encoder becomes a virtual scroll wheel, enabling you to adjust DAW hosts, plug-in parameters and even scroll through your iTunes library, just like you’re adjusting a piece of hardware.
Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Potentially one of the most compact audio interfaces we have seen, it delivers in all aspects at an amicable price. It features a single class A mic preamp and two headphone outputs with USB connections.
The Audient ID4 is one of the better choices for a Zoom meeting and excellent when using Teams since this software will only ever pick up on channel 1.
However, one of the best things about this piece of equipment is that it is super quiet when you are recording. There is no buzz, no hiss, and zero interference, so you can be sure that you will get the utmost where sound quality is concerned.
Summary
Zoom meetings are becoming the most used way of communicating with people worldwide, especially in the current climate. But if you want to record music or hook up multiple speakers and sounds to your computer, you need to have the right equipment.
An audio interface is a way forward, but it can be challenging to choose the right one with so many products out there. These are our top picks for audio interfaces for Zoom meetings, and they are all easy to use, compact, and deliver some of the most outstanding sounds you will ever hear.
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