Who this is for

Flat recordists working around noise

If traffic, neighbours or flatmates interrupt microphone takes, decide whether quieter recording times are practical or whether a guitar with a suitable pickup offers a more repeatable direct-input route.

First-time microphone recordists

If you plan to use an XLR microphone, check its gain and phantom-power requirements, then choose an interface with headphone monitoring and level feedback you can use while recording.

Singer-songwriters planning a flexible setup

If you may compare a microphone with a pickup or record guitar and vocals together, check for two suitable input channels. Balanced outputs may matter if you later connect monitors.

What matters when choosing

Microphone into an XLR input

Choose when: Acoustic detail matters most and you can record during a relatively quiet period.

Trade-off: The microphone also picks up room reflections and sounds reaching the recording position.

Guitar pickup into an instrument input

Choose when: Your guitar has a compatible pickup and airborne noise makes microphone takes unreliable.

Trade-off: A direct pickup signal sounds different from a microphone recording; some passive pickups also benefit from an impedance-matching preamp, according to Fishman.

Concern What to check Who this matters to
Noise and capture route Whether a quiet microphone session is realistic; whether the guitar already has a working pickup. If noise regularly interrupts a take, I need a recording route that does not depend on the flat being quiet. Around 36% of consumers would put that route decision first.
Microphone setup An XLR mic input, suitable gain and 48 V phantom power if the chosen microphone requires it. When starting with a microphone, I want to set a usable level without an awkward setup. For around 29% of consumers, a straightforward mic workflow is the primary concern.
Pickup compatibility A Hi-Z instrument input; the pickup maker’s guidance on impedance, any preamp and fitting. If I am using or adding a pickup, I need its signal to suit the input and any required fitting to suit my guitar. That compatibility comes first for around 21% of consumers.
Monitoring and flexibility A headphone output and direct-monitor control; two suitable inputs if recording more than one signal. I want to hear myself through headphones now and leave room to compare guitar signals or add vocals later. Around 14% of consumers would make monitoring and flexibility their main priority.

Buying pitfalls

  • Treating an interface as soundproofing

    An interface handles the recording signal, not sound entering the room. The Soundproofing Company distinguishes sound isolation from acoustic treatment, which addresses sound within the space rather than replacing isolation.

    Before comparing interface features, work out whether quieter recording times make a microphone viable. If they do not, assess a compatible pickup route.

    If the noise still prevents usable takes, changing the capture route may involve a pickup and fitting work, or more time spent re-recording.

  • Choosing by sample rate but overlooking the input

    An XLR microphone and a guitar pickup need different connections. A condenser microphone may require 48 V phantom power, while a pickup route calls for an appropriate instrument input and attention to the pickup maker’s guidance.

    List the signals you intend to record, then check the exact interface inputs and microphone or pickup requirements before buying.

    A pickup that needs impedance matching may also call for a separate preamp, as Fishman notes for its AG-Series undersaddle pickups.

  • Leaving monitoring until after purchase

    Monitoring through speakers may disturb others in a flat, while software monitoring can introduce distracting latency depending on the computer and settings.

    Check for a usable headphone output and direct-monitor or monitor-mix control. Consider MIDI, loopback and additional outputs only if your recording workflow needs them.

Relevant brands for reference

Focusrite

The Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen offers a two-input route for recording a microphone, an instrument or both.

  • Focusrite specifies two mic preamps, front-panel line/instrument inputs, 69 dB of gain, Auto Gain and Clip Safe.
  • Its gain and tone options do not isolate a microphone from noise in the flat.

Audient

The EVO 4 is a compact two-input option for buyers who want assisted level setting and a direct instrument connection.

  • Audient specifies Smartgain, 58 dB of mic gain, 48 V phantom power and a 1 MΩ DI input.
  • For software monitoring, the computer and recording settings still affect latency; check whether its monitor-mix workflow suits you.

Solid State Logic

The SSL 2 MKII is a two-input option to consider if instrument recording and separate headphone connections matter to your setup.

  • Solid State Logic specifies 64 dB of mic gain, instrument mode, balanced monitor outputs and two headphone outputs.
  • Its Legacy 4K tone mode does not address ambient noise picked up by a microphone.

MOTU

The M2 is a two-input option for recording setups where visible level metering, direct monitoring or MIDI connectivity is useful.

  • MOTU specifies two combo mic/line/Hi-Z inputs, independent input controls, hardware monitoring and a full-colour meter display.
  • Metering and MIDI are workflow features; neither prevents external sound from reaching a microphone.

Joybuy products

Related products coming soon.

Frequently asked questions

Can an audio interface remove traffic or neighbour noise from my recording?

No. An interface handles inputs, gain, conversion and monitoring; it does not stop sound reaching a microphone. If outside noise disrupts takes, try a quieter recording time or assess a compatible pickup route rather than expecting a different interface to isolate the room.

Should I use a microphone or plug the acoustic guitar straight in?

Use a microphone if you can get a sufficiently quiet take and want an acoustic capture that includes the instrument’s sound in the room. If your guitar has a compatible pickup and airborne noise makes that difficult, a Hi-Z instrument input offers a direct route; check the pickup maker’s impedance and installation guidance.

Do I need 48 V phantom power?

You need 48 V phantom power only if your chosen microphone requires it. Check the microphone’s instructions before enabling it; Audient specifies 48 V on the EVO 4, while Solid State Logic and MOTU specify it for the SSL 2 MKII and M2 respectively.

What should I check before buying for a home setup?

Confirm that the interface supports your computer’s operating system and USB connection, and that it has the right inputs for your microphone or pickup. Check the exact seller listing for the supplied cable, warranty coverage, return terms and after-sales support.