The “What Is” Series: What is an interface?

Should you spend a lot on one?

You might have heard the term "interface" thrown around a lot in the voiceover industry. But what is it? Why do you need it? Is it expensive?

What is an interface? - 4:49

Thanks for joining me for another episode of The Gift of Gab! Today we’re continuing the “What Is” series, taken straight from the glossary in my book VO 101. There are so many aspects of this industry that beginners aren’t yet clear on, and my goal is to help clarify them and make your voiceover journey a whole lot easier.

Today’s topic: interfaces.

So… What Is an Interface?

An audio interface is a small (usually small!) piece of equipment that sits between your microphone and your computer. It literally interfaces between the two.

In my opinion, an interface is one of a very small handful of absolutely essential items in your recording chain or studio setup.

Your microphone on its own might be amazing.Your computer on its own might be amazing.But neither of them can produce or transmit clean, clear audio without help.

Why? Because computers—regardless of brand, operating system, or whether they’re custom built—are designed to output audio, not take it in. They’re like televisions: great at playing sound, not so great at capturing it.

That’s where the interface comes in. And that’s why it’s so important.

Interfaces: Shapes, Sizes, and Price Points

Interfaces come in all shapes, sizes, and budgets. For voice actors just starting out, a relatively inexpensive box is usually more than enough.

The two most common—and the two I recommend most often—are:

1. Focusrite Scarlett

This one is everywhere in the VO world. So many beginners use it, and it’s a solid, reliable starting point.

2. Steinberg (My Personal Favorite)

Models like the Steinberg UR22 are fantastic workhorse interfaces. No bells, no whistles, nothing fancy—just clean audio from point A to point B.

Both brands sit in a similar price range, and both do a great job.

Should You Upgrade Later?

Absolutely—if it’s justified.

There are bigger, more powerful interfaces out there, like the Universal Audio Apollo, which I do own and love. But it’s not necessary for someone just starting out. It’s an expensive piece of gear with lots of extras that will likely be lost on a beginner.

Early on, your money is better spent elsewhere.

What an Interface Actually Does

Your interface is responsible for:

• Inputting your microphone

• Connecting your headphones or speakers

• Managing sound coming in and sound going out

• Adjusting mic levels (gain)

• Adjusting playback volume

  
  

Most of your time is spent tweaking one of two things:

1. Gain – input level from the microphone

2. Volume – output level to headphones or speakers

That’s really what these devices are designed to handle, and they do it beautifully.

Spend Your Money Smartly

When you’re just starting out:

👉 Spend a little more on your microphone👉 Save a little on your interface

That balance will serve you much better in the beginning.

Have Questions? I’m Here to Help!

If you have a topic you’d like me to cover in this series, send me a message—I’d love to tackle your question. Beginners always have tons of things they’re unsure about, and that’s exactly what this series is for.

Prefer to talk one-on-one? You can also set up a free 15-minute consult with me. I’m happy to help however I can.

Thanks so much for reading—and take care!

704-674-8294 / GabrielleNistico.com / gabby@voiceovervixen.com

Gabrielle Nistico, Gabby Nistico, The Voiceover Vixen, The Business First VO Coach, #VoiceoverVixen #VoiceOnFire #BusinessFirstVOCoach Voiceover, Charlotte, North Carolina, interface, audio engineering, Scarlett, Steinberg, microphone, DAW, audio, audio interface, where to buy audio interface