Voice-and-guitar demo recordists
If you want a vocal microphone and an acoustic-guitar pickup recorded in the same take, look for two inputs that accept those sources at the same time.
Who is this for?
First-time recordists with limited desk space
A bus-powered interface and assisted gain setting may make short recording sessions easier to start. Leave room for the cables as well as the unit itself.
Two-microphone acoustic recordists
If you plan to use microphones for both voice and guitar, or record a stereo acoustic source, check that both inputs have microphone preamps and suit your microphones’ power requirements.
What matters when choosing?
Decide whether you need two sources in one take before comparing desk footprint, gain controls and headphone monitoring.
| Concern | What to check | Who this matters to |
|---|---|---|
| Simultaneous recording | Check that the two inputs accept your intended combination of XLR microphones and a 6.35 mm instrument connection; a two-input label alone does not establish two microphone preamps. | If I want to sing while recording my guitar pickup, I need both sources captured in one take. Around 42% of consumers put simultaneous-source flexibility first. |
| Desk space and setup | Measure the available space with cables connected, and check USB power and computer compatibility. | When I need to clear a shared desk after a short session, I want a compact setup that is quick to start. Roughly 33% of consumers prioritise simple setup. |
| Quiet monitoring and levels | Look for a headphone output and suitable direct-monitor or monitor-mix controls. If your microphone requires 48 V phantom power, check how the exact interface applies it. | Recording near other people, I need to hear myself through headphones and keep input levels under control. Around 25% of consumers place monitoring and level control first. |
Buying pitfalls
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Choosing one input for a two-source performance
One input cannot capture separate vocal and guitar sources at the same time.
Before buying, list what you will connect in your first session and whether the sources must be recorded in one take.
Recording the parts separately means spending additional time overdubbing rather than capturing one performance.
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Treating phantom power as a sound-quality switch
Phantom power serves compatible devices that require it. Focusrite says the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen applies 48 V to both XLR microphone inputs when enabled.
Check each connected XLR device’s documentation before switching phantom power on.
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Assuming low latency will be identical on every computer
Audient notes that low-buffer performance can vary with CPU load, operating system and driver performance.
Check the interface’s system requirements and, if software-monitoring delay is distracting, consider its direct-monitor or monitor-mix controls where available.
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Measuring the interface but not its cables
Even a compact unit needs clearance for its USB, microphone, instrument and headphone connections.
Measure the usable desk area with the connections in place. When the interface reaches the end of its life, follow local electrical recycling arrangements; GOV.UK advises against putting unwanted electrical products in household rubbish.
Relevant brands to consider
Focusrite
The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen is a two-input desktop option for recording a vocal microphone with a guitar connection, or using two microphones.
- Focusrite lists two microphone preamps, front line/instrument inputs and Auto Gain for initial level setting.
- Its 48 V control powers both XLR microphone inputs together, so check both connected devices before enabling it.
Audient
The EVO 4 offers two microphone preamps and an instrument input in a compact, bus-powered format.
- Audient lists Smartgain, a headphone output and monitor controls; the enclosure measures 140 mm × 67 mm × 67 mm.
- Audient’s low-latency figures depend in part on the computer’s load, operating system and driver performance.
Universal Audio
The Volt 2 Gen 2 offers two mic/line inputs, front Hi-Z instrument inputs and direct monitoring for an acoustic-demo setup.
- Universal Audio lists bus power, Auto-Gain, Clip Protection and independent 48 V phantom power per channel.
- Its selectable preamp character modes are creative controls, not a reason to assume they will improve every recording.
Joybuy products
Related products coming soon.
Common questions
Do I need two inputs for an acoustic demo?
You need two usable inputs if you want to record a vocal microphone and guitar pickup together, or use two microphones at once. If you are content to overdub one part at a time, a single input can accommodate that different workflow.
Does an acoustic demo require phantom power?
Phantom power is needed only when a connected microphone requires it. Check the microphone and interface instructions: Focusrite says the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen applies 48 V to both XLR microphone inputs together, whereas Universal Audio lists independent 48 V control per channel for the Volt 2 Gen 2.
How can I monitor a recording at a shared desk?
Use headphones with an interface that has a headphone output and monitoring controls. Direct monitoring or a monitor mix can help if listening through recording software introduces distracting delay, though room and desk noise can still enter the microphone.
What computer compatibility should I check?
Check the current system requirements and driver or software downloads for the exact interface and your computer’s operating system. For example, Universal Audio specifies an ASIO driver for the Volt 2 Gen 2 on Windows.
How should I dispose of an unwanted audio interface in the UK?
Use an appropriate electrical recycling collection point rather than household rubbish. GOV.UK advises that unwanted electrical products should not go into household waste.