Best Microphones & Audio Interface for Streaming Options in 2025

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Whether you’re a songwriter trying new material, a podcaster preparing for an interview, or a gamer looking to share your achievements, having a good microphone and an audio interface for streaming helps you stay connected with friends and fans around the world.

A streamer using a Maono microphone for live streaming

A few decades ago, entertainment used to be quite simple as most of it would be showcased on television. However, the advent of the internet changed everything as more forms of entertainment came into being. You may be familiar with quite a few of these, including gaming and movie streaming. Another form of entertainment that has begun to take hold is live streaming.

Live streaming involves a person providing entertainment to a digital audience live in many ways. Typically, streamers will play games with other streamers, which is by far the most popular form of streaming. People often assume that streaming involves simply sitting in front of a 1080p HD video camera and a microphone, but they don't realize how much work goes into it. Part of the challenge is to find the right equipment for streaming, especially the best audio interface for live streaming to ensure crystal-clear sound quality. Look no further than this article if you're looking for the best live streaming equipment in 2025. Keep reading to find out.

What Makes A Good Streaming Setup?

Live streaming is an interactive and visual medium. Since our screens have limited real estate, you’ll want an audio mixer that looks as good as it sounds and isn’t too bulky on camera—if it appears on screen at all.

If you can have only one mic, we recommend using a condenser mic rather than a dynamic microphone for streaming. Its increased sensitivity allows you to position the mic near the edges of the screen without drastically impacting audio quality.

And now, for the main event—MAONOCaster AM100 audio mixer!

Maonocaster AM100 audio interface for streaming

Importance of Audio interfaces in Live Streaming

Audio interfaces are crucial in live streaming because they enhance sound quality by converting analog audio signals into digital format with minimal latency. They provide professional-grade audio, allow the use of high-quality microphones and instruments, and offer features like gain control and monitoring. An audio interface for live streaming ensures clear, balanced, and immersive sound, improving the overall experience for both streamers and their audience.

How to Choose the Best Audio Interface for Streaming?

To choose the best audio interface for streaming, consider these key factors:

Connectivity: USB interfaces (like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2) are ideal for plug-and-play setups, while XLR interfaces offer better sound quality but require a mixer.
Latency & Drivers: Low-latency performance and ASIO drivers ensure real-time audio without delays.
Inputs & Outputs: Choose an interface with enough mic and instrument inputs for your needs. Streamers often prefer 1-2 XLR inputs for flexibility.
Built-in Preamps & DSP: High-quality preamps improve vocal clarity, while DSP (digital signal processing) features help with noise reduction and audio enhancements.
Compatibility: Ensure the interface works seamlessly with your streaming software (OBS, Streamlabs, etc.) and your OS (Windows/macOS).

For beginner streamers, the MaonoCaster Lite AM200 is a great all-in-one option, while advanced users may prefer the GoXLR or Focusrite Scarlett series for professional sound control.

Features to Consider When Choosing an Audio Interface for Streaming

1. Latency

Latency is the delay between when you speak into the microphone and when the sound reaches your audience. Low latency is crucial for live streaming to maintain real-time interaction.

Why It Matters: High latency can cause lip-sync issues and delays in communication.
What to Look For: Choose an interface with low-latency monitoring and support for ASIO (Windows) or Core Audio (Mac) drivers.

2. Preamps, USB vs. XLR Inputs, and DSP Processing

Preamps: A high-quality mic preamp ensures clean and clear audio. Look for interfaces with low noise and high gain range, such as those in the Focusrite Scarlett series.
USB vs. XLR Inputs:

USB interfaces (like MaonoCaster Lite AM200) are plug-and-play, budget-friendly, and great for solo streamers.
XLR interfaces (like GoXLR or Focusrite Scarlett) offer superior audio quality but require a separate XLR microphone and potentially a mixer.

DSP (Digital Signal Processing) Features:

Some audio interfaces include built-in EQ, compression, and noise gates to enhance voice quality in real-time.
This is useful for streamers who want professional sound without post-processing.

Step-by-Step Guide to Optimizing an Audio Interface for Streaming

Step 1: Connect and Set Up Your Audio Interface

Plug your audio interface into your computer via USB or Thunderbolt.
Install the required drivers (ASIO for Windows, Core Audio for Mac).
Connect your XLR microphone or headset to the appropriate input.

Step 2: Configure Audio Settings in Streaming Software

Open OBS Studio, Streamlabs, or your preferred streaming software.
In the audio settings, select your audio interface as the input device.
Adjust the sample rate (48kHz recommended) for optimal quality.

Step 3: Adjust Gain and Monitor Audio Levels

Set mic gain on your interface to avoid peaking/distortion.
Enable zero-latency monitoring if available to hear yourself in real-time.
Test audio levels using OBS audio mixer and adjust accordingly.

Step 4: Apply DSP Enhancements (If Available)

Use built-in noise gates and compression to smooth out voice fluctuations.
Add EQ settings to enhance vocal clarity and reduce background noise.
Save a custom profile for consistent audio settings in future streams.

Step 5: Test and Fine-Tune Before Streaming

Do a test recording or private stream to check audio clarity.
Make final adjustments to mic placement, gain, and software settings.
Go live with professional, crystal-clear audio!

Choosing the right audio interface and optimizing its settings, can enhance your streaming audio quality and create a more engaging experience for your audience.

For Streaming Beginners

If you're new to streaming and looking to start, you may have seen a lot of streaming equipment advertised for various aspects of it. It can be pretty distressing for a beginner because you see all this equipment you're supposed to buy individually and can't figure out which one to get. Additionally, the prices of all these equipment combined are so high that you may end up giving up taking the plunge altogether. Is there any solution to this problem? That's where the MAONOCaster AM100- All-In-One Podcast Production Studio comes in.

The Maonocaster AM100 audio mixer is an excellent option for anyone who wants to start a podcast, radio show, or Twitch stream. This is because it comes in an all-in-one bundle with everything you need to start your streaming career. This ensures that you don't have to worry about buying gear if something is bothering you. The MAONOcaster AM100 audio interface is easy and intuitive to use and can get you started on streaming within minutes. This ensures you can focus on the streaming rather than worrying about technicalities and whatnot associated with streaming.

It offers four channels for mixing audio and simple connectors for microphones, smartphones, and other devices. You can control sound levels and mixing through this advanced engineering and even add other sound effects. Additionally, it offers portability, ensuring you can easily set it up anywhere you want. It provides high-quality sound and total control, making it great for advanced streamers. Some other features include:

Fully Integrated
Built-In Battery
Multi-channel mixing and streaming
High-Quality Preamps
Noise Reduction
Voice FX

Top Audio Interfaces for Live Streaming in 2025

Also, here are some top audio interfaces for live streaming in 2025:

Mackie Onyx Artist 1x2

A traditional, easy-to-use audio interface with high-resolution recording up to 24 bits and 192kHz, featuring Mackie's proprietary Onyx Preamps for ultra-low noise, perfect for vocals.

Elgato Wave XLR

A compact USB audio interface designed for streamers, offering seamless integration with Elgato's streaming ecosystem and providing high-quality preamps for clear audio.

PreSonus AudioBox USB 96

A versatile USB audio interface with 2 mic/instrument inputs, 24-bit/96kHz audio quality, and a rugged build, making it suitable for live streaming setups.

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (3rd Gen)

A popular choice among streamers, this USB audio interface offers two high-headroom instrument inputs, 24-bit/192kHz converters, and low-latency monitoring.

Roland GO:MIXER PRO-X

A portable audio mixer and interface ideal for mobile live streaming, allowing multiple device connections and featuring loopback functionality for mixing audio from your smartphone and instruments.

For Seasoned Streamers

A female streamer recording using a guitar, microphone and audio interface for streaming

If you're someone who has established themselves as an independent streamer, you are likely looking out for better gear so you can improve your production quality. Most amateur microphones tend to get worn out after a while, so it would make sense to finally get a high-quality microphone. This is where we have the best option for you in the PM500T Large Diaphragm Condenser Microphone.

Maono microphone and audio interface for streaming kit

The PM500T, at its core, consists of a custom-made gold spluttered condenser capsule, which offers a large amount of clarity, dynamic range, and precise polar pattern. This means a rich and smooth sound that matches the quality of microphones you will typically see in studios. The top manufacturers make premium components inside this device, ensuring low noise and excellent sound capture. The microphone is built to last as it is built with durable alloys. In addition, it also comes in a microphone kit full of accessories to ensure you have pro-level content creation and that everything is well-protected.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What is the best audio interface for streaming on Twitch?

The best audio interface for streaming on Twitch depends on your needs. For beginners, the MaonoCaster Lite AM200 is a great all-in-one option. For professional streamers, the GoXLR offers advanced sound processing, while the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is a top choice for high-quality XLR mic input.

How do I connect an audio interface for streaming?

Plug the audio interface into your computer via USB or Thunderbolt.
Install necessary drivers (ASIO for Windows, Core Audio for Mac).
Connect your microphone (XLR or USB, depending on the interface).
Select the interface as the input device in streaming software like OBS.
Adjust gain and monitor levels to ensure clear audio.

USB vs. XLR: Which audio interface is better for live streaming?

USB interfaces are plug-and-play, budget-friendly, and great for beginners (e.g., MaonoCaster Lite AM200).
XLR interfaces provide superior audio quality and flexibility but require an external microphone and mixer (e.g., Focusrite Scarlett, GoXLR).
For professional streamers, an XLR interface is better, but USB interfaces are more convenient for casual users.

Conclusion

Streaming is one of the hot trends in entertainment right now, inspiring many people to take it up out of passion. If you are one such person or looking to improve their production quality, we recommend checking out the Maonocaster AM100 audio mixer and PM500T microphone, which is an awesome set for you to start your streaming. This combination serves as an excellent audio interface for live streaming, ensuring top-notch sound quality and seamless performance. We hope we provide you with the exceptional quality and ease you deserve so that you can get your streaming career rolling.

Explore our top picks for the best audio interfaces and microphones for live streaming in 2025. Whether you're a podcaster, gamer, or musician, these tools will help you deliver professional-quality sound and captivate your audience. Visit Maono.com to find the perfect setup for your streaming needs today!