Cover image: stylized audio interface with two inputs and glowing gain knobs, with a cabled microphone and a pair of headphones above it

Hardware9 min read

Audio Interface Buying Guide for Streaming: Connecting an XLR Mic the Right Way (2026)

Choosing an audio interface for streams, Discord and podcasts: gain, phantom power, loopback and monitoring explained, plus five interfaces in stock on Amazon.de.

* Ad link: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links go to Amazon.de – the price stays the same for you.

Contents
  1. Do you need an audio interface at all?
  2. What matters most
  3. Five example models
  4. Quick comparison
  5. How to connect an XLR mic the right way
  6. Checklist before you buy
  7. FAQ
  8. Sources

You can't plug an XLR microphone straight into your PC. An audio interface sits in between: it amplifies the weak mic signal, powers condenser mics and converts everything into a digital signal that goes over USB into OBS, Discord or your recording software. Which interface fits depends mostly on your microphone. This guide covers gain, phantom power, loopback and monitoring, plus five interfaces currently available on Amazon.de.

Transparency: We have not tested these interfaces ourselves. Specs come from Focusrite, MOTU, Behringer, Elgato and the verified Amazon.de product pages (as of October 2026). We deliberately don't list prices because they change constantly.

Do you need an audio interface at all?

Not everyone does. A USB microphone has the interface built in and needs a single cable. An interface makes sense if

  • you own or want an XLR microphone, such as a dynamic broadcast mic,
  • you want to upgrade to a better mic later without replacing everything,
  • you want to record two microphones at once, for example a two-person podcast,
  • you want to connect studio monitors.

The gaming microphone buying guide explains the differences between USB and XLR. If all you want is better headphone sound, a USB DAC is often enough.

What matters most

1. Gain: how much amplification your mic needs

The most important number is the preamp's gain range. Dynamic microphones put out a much quieter signal than condenser mics. Shure says its SM7B, the best-known streaming mic of this type, needs more gain than most entry-level and mid-tier preamps deliver. If your interface doesn't offer more than 60 dB of gain, Shure recommends an additional inline preamp. Shure says boosters like the Cloudlifter, FetHead or sE DM1/DM2 add 25 to 28 dB.

Gain is rarely an issue with condenser mics. With a dynamic mic, compare the manufacturer's figure before you buy.

2. Phantom power (+48 V)

Condenser microphones need 48 volts of phantom power, delivered over the XLR cable. Every interface in this guide has it. The details differ: the MOTU M2 lets you switch it per channel, while on the Behringer UMC202HD the switch applies to both inputs at once, according to B&H. Elgato's quick start guide says to switch phantom power off for dynamic mics. Elgato also notes that passive ribbon microphones can be damaged by phantom power.

3. Loopback for streams and podcasts

Loopback sends your PC audio (game, music, Discord) back into the computer as an extra input. That lets you record voice and PC audio together or stream both as a single track. Focusrite (Scarlett 4th Gen) and MOTU (M2) offer loopback through their drivers. Elgato handles it with its free Wave Link software, which lets you mix game, chat and music separately. In OBS you can also add PC audio and the mic as separate sources without loopback.

4. Direct monitoring and headphone output

If you hear yourself through the PC, there's a small delay. Direct monitoring routes the mic signal straight to your headphones inside the interface, without the round trip through the computer. Focusrite, MOTU and Behringer have a dedicated button for it; Elgato advertises low-latency monitoring and a dial for the mic/PC mix. Check the headphone jack too: Focusrite, MOTU and Behringer use a 6.35 mm (1/4") jack, Elgato uses 3.5 mm. For a 3.5 mm plug on the larger jack, Focusrite recommends a TRS adapter. According to Focusrite, headsets with a mic in the cable (TRRS) usually won't work properly there.

5. Connection and software

All five models are powered over USB, so you don't need a power adapter. Most use USB-C; the Behringer UMC202HD still uses USB-B. Behringer and MOTU explicitly state that their interfaces run on macOS without a driver. On Windows you install a driver or an app depending on the brand (Focusrite Control 2, the MOTU driver, the Behringer driver, Elgato Wave Link). For the Wave XLR MK.2, Elgato lists Windows 11 or newer as a requirement.

Five example models

The interfaces below are available on Amazon.de. They are not test winners but examples for different use cases. All are sold and shipped by Amazon and were in stock when we checked (October 2026).

Example model

Entry level with one mic: Focusrite Scarlett Solo 4th Gen

Compact interface with one mic preamp, a separate instrument input and loopback. Focusrite lists a gain range of 57 dB and equivalent input noise (EIN) of -127 dBu (A-weighted). It also has two "Air" modes that color the sound and connects over USB-C (USB 2.0). Focusrite offers a three-year warranty.

Mic inputs
1 × XLR
Gain
57 dB
Phantom power
yes
Loopback
yes
Connection
USB-C, bus-powered
Weight
382 g

Good for you if you want to get a condenser mic into your PC and one input is enough. For very quiet dynamic mics like the SM7B, 57 dB falls short of Shure's recommendation.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

Two mics and Auto Gain: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen

Two mic preamps, each with a 69 dB gain range. Auto Gain sets your level for you, and Focusrite says Clip Safe automatically pulls the gain back if you get too loud. Loopback, Air modes and USB-C as on the Solo; the preamps can also be controlled remotely through Focusrite Control 2.

Mic inputs
2 × XLR combo
Gain
69 dB
Level helpers
Auto Gain, Clip Safe
Loopback
yes
Connection
USB-C, bus-powered
Weight
595 g

Good for you if you podcast with a guest or use a dynamic mic and want headroom on gain.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

Budget pick with two inputs: Behringer U-PHORIA UMC202HD

Two combo inputs for mic, instrument or line with Midas-designed preamps, switchable phantom power and direct monitoring. Behringer lists up to 24-bit/192 kHz and a dynamic range of 110 dB (A-weighted). It connects over USB-B; on Windows you need the driver from behringer.com. Behringer doesn't list a gain range on the product page, and loopback isn't advertised.

Mic inputs
2 × XLR combo
Gain
not stated by the manufacturer
Phantom power
yes, shared by both channels
Monitoring
Direct Monitor
Connection
USB-B (USB 2.0), bus-powered

Good for you if you need two inputs on a tight budget and use a condenser mic.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

Level meters and loopback: MOTU M2

Two combo inputs with 0 to 60 dB of gain and phantom power you switch per channel. MOTU quotes an EIN of -129 dBu. A color display shows levels for all inputs and outputs, and the driver provides loopback channels. MOTU puts round-trip latency at 2.5 ms (at 96 kHz with a 32-sample buffer). There are MIDI ports on the back as well.

Mic inputs
2 × XLR combo
Gain
0–60 dB
Phantom power
yes, per channel
Loopback
yes (driver)
Display
color LCD with meters
Connection
USB-C, bus-powered

Good for you if you want to keep an eye on your levels at all times and need two channels with separate phantom power.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Example model

For streamers with a dynamic mic: Elgato Wave XLR MK.2

One input, but Elgato specifies 80 dB of gain, enough for quiet dynamic mics without an extra booster. According to the listing, the built-in effects processor includes a compressor, EQ, expander and low cut. You mute with a tap on the top, and Clipguard 2.0 is designed to prevent clipping. The free Wave Link software mixes game, chat and music separately, and you can also control the interface from a Stream Deck. It records at 24-bit/48 kHz, and headphones plug into the 3.5 mm jack.

Mic inputs
1 × XLR
Gain
80 dB
Phantom power
yes, switchable in Wave Link
Software
Wave Link (mixer, effects)
Connection
USB-C, USB-C to USB-C cable
Weight
320 g

Good for you if you stream live, use a dynamic mic like the SM7B and care more about a mute button and a software mixer than a second input.

View on Amazon.de*Ad link

Quick comparison

Model Inputs Gain Loopback/mixer Connection
Scarlett Solo 4th Gen 1 mic + 1 instrument 57 dB Loopback USB-C
Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen 2 69 dB Loopback USB-C
Behringer UMC202HD 2 n/a – USB-B
MOTU M2 2 60 dB Loopback USB-C
Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 1 80 dB Wave Link USB-C

How to connect an XLR mic the right way

  1. Plug the interface straight into your PC over USB. Elgato advises against using a USB hub in between.
  2. Connect the mic with an XLR cable. Only turn on phantom power if it's a condenser mic.
  3. Raise the gain while you speak at your normal volume. MOTU recommends going as high as you can without clipping. With Auto Gain (Scarlett 2i2, Wave XLR MK.2), the interface handles this step for you.
  4. Select the interface as the input device in Windows, OBS and Discord.
  5. Turn on direct monitoring if you want to hear yourself without delay.

A boom arm keeps the mic in the right spot in front of your mouth.

Checklist before you buy

  1. Dynamic or condenser mic? For dynamic mics, check how much gain you need.
  2. One or two microphones, now and in the future?
  3. Do you need loopback or a software mixer for your stream?
  4. Headphones with a 6.35 mm or 3.5 mm plug?
  5. Is there a free USB-C port on your PC, or do you need a matching cable?
  6. Want to connect studio monitors? Then look for line outputs.

FAQ

Can I connect an XLR mic with an XLR-to-USB cable?

A plain cable adapter won't do, because the mic signal has to be amplified and converted. For the SM7B, Shure points to an interface with at least 60 dB of gain, such as its compact MVX2U adapter.

How much gain do I need for a Shure SM7B?

More than 60 dB, according to Shure. If your interface delivers less, an inline booster adds 25 to 28 dB. Interfaces like the Elgato Wave XLR MK.2 with 80 dB don't need one.

Will phantom power harm my dynamic mic?

Elgato recommends switching phantom power off for dynamic mics, and says it can damage passive ribbon mics. Only turn on +48 V for condenser microphones.

What does loopback do for streaming?

Loopback adds your PC audio as an extra input. That lets you record game and voice together or send both to a program that only supports one input.

Does an interface sound better than a USB mic?

Not automatically. The sound depends mostly on the microphone and your room. An interface does give you the choice of any XLR mic and room to upgrade later.

Sources

As of October 2026. Specs come from the manufacturers and the verified Amazon.de product pages (ASINs in the article):

Manufacturers change specs and variants over time. We update this article when something material changes.

* Ad link: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links go to Amazon.de – the price stays the same for you.