Focusrite already boasts the most popular USB audio interface in podcasting – the Scarlett 2i2. But they also have a podcast-focused offering in their range: the Focusrite Vocaster.
The Scarlett 2i2 is a brilliant interface used by 14% of podcasters, according to our 2024 Gear Survey. But this famous old kit was designed – first and foremost – with musicians in mind.
A growing number of gear companies now create podcast-first options, such as the Rode Rodecaster II, Zoom PodTrak P4, and Mackie DLZ Creator. It’s likely that someone at Focusrite posed the question, “What if the Scarlett 2i2 was made for podcasters?” and the Vocaster was the eventual outcome.
A big thanks to Focusrite for sending this kit out to us for review. Some links here are affiliates, so we’d earn a small commission should you choose to buy through them, never at any extra cost. Rest assured, though, that affiliates never stop us from giving our honest opinions about products – we always review fairly!
Focusrite Vocaster Vs Scarlett 2i2
As you’ve no doubt established by now, the Focusrite Vocaster is a USB audio interface for podcasters. But what exactly makes it “for podcasters”?
Simpler Interface
The Scarlett 2i2 is by no means a cluttered or complicated-looking device, but Focusrite has definitely streamlined the Vocaster’s design. We have some big clear dials and buttons on the top of the device; even the greenest of podcast beginners will know their way around it within a few minutes.
Podcaster Presets for Clarity & Optimisation
The Vocaster offers four “podcaster-approved” presets that tweak your audio quality at the touch of a button: ‘Clean’, ‘Warm’, ‘Bright’, and ‘Radio’. You can easily try them on for size and see if you like how they work with your voice, tone, and mic.
Easy Call Recording
Around one in four podcasters run remote interview shows. There are loads of good online multitrack recording software options out there, but Vocaster owners can save on subscription fees by recording through the device itself. You can connect your phone to the Vocaster via Bluetooth or a cable and record any audio your phone can play.
With my testing, I found that phone calls sounded… exactly like phone calls (who would have thunk it?), but using something web-based like WhatsApp was a big improvement. Check out the sound samples section to hear for yourself.
Auto-Gain (70dB Gain Range)
The Vocaster’s 70dB gain range enables you to power even the hungriest of mics without them ever needing to look at the dessert menu.
It also has an “Auto-Gain” feature that can optimise and set your levels for you, which is ideal for beginners, podcasters in a hurry, or folks trying out a new mic for the first time.
Focusrite Vocaster One Vs Focusrite Vocaster Two
Quite simply, the Vocaster One accommodates one podcaster, whilst the Two can handle a couple. This doesn’t impact the number of people on your episode; it’s more about how many of them can record in the same room as you. The Vocaster One has one XLR mic input, the Vocaster Two has two. The latter also has additional jacks and controls for a second pair of headphones.
Obviously, there’s a pricing difference, too. Here are some costs at the time of writing:
Vocaster Software & Driver Issues (Windows/PC)
My joy at being sent a Focusrite Vocaster Two to review soon turned to dismay when I tried to install the driver on my (Windows 11) laptop. The outcome was a blue screen of death, and it wouldn’t work on another similar machine, either. There were two things going on here that are worth a heads-up:
McAfee: An old McAfee driver, which is still pre-installed on many PCs, incorrectly identifies the Vocaster driver and device as a threat.
Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable: The driver required Visual C++ Redistributable version 14.40 to be installed. I had version 14.38, which was missing its uninstaller component.
Figuring out and fixing these issues was above my own capabilities (most things are, to be quite honest with you), and I had to get help. It’s all sorted now (thanks, Adrian!), but if you’re using a Windows device, tread carefully here!
Vocaster Hub Software
Vocaster Hub is the Vocaster’s companion software. It allows you to set up your mics, their gain levels and presets, the levels of any Bluetooth or 3.5mm inputs, and your overall show mix. Anything I changed in here was instantly reflected in whatever software I had open (Adobe Audition, Squadcast, etc). It’s a pity there are no actual readings or numbers anywhere, though!
With the Vocaster Two, I like the fact that I can send Phantom Power to one mic and not the other. This means I can use a condenser mic and dynamic mic at the same time, if those are my only two available models.
Buttons, Knobs, Dials & Other Capabilities
On the top of the Focusrite Vocaster, there’s a big gain dial and a headphone volume dial. There’s also a mute button, an Auto-Gain button, and an ‘enhance’ button to toggle through the four presets, or turn them off altogether. The secondary (guest) input on the Vocaster Two has a second set of these buttons and dials, with the exception of the gain dial.
Again, like the Vocaster Hub software, there are no readings or numbers on the device to assist with gain or volume levels. The idea behind that might be “don’t confuse beginners with numbers they don’t understand”, but I feel that the cons outweigh the pros with that thinking.
The Vocaster connects to your computering machine via a USB-C to USB-C, or, USB-C to USB-A cable, and there’s a power button on the back.
On the back, you’ll also find 1/4″ stereo outputs that’ll enable you to connect a pair of studio monitors.
The XLR inputs are not combo ports, as they are on the Scarlett 2i2, so they only take XLR cables and not 1/4″ inputs. I doubt this is an issue for any podcasters, though.
You can link up a phone or tablet via a 3.5mm jack or Bluetooth connection. You can also send audio to your camera via a 3.5mm output.
The Phantom Power (48v) button lives on the back, too, alongside a Kensington security slot. This allows you to secure the device with a Kensington lock, which is like a bike chain for an audio interface. Now I can leave my Vocaster outside The Spar whilst I nip in for eight tins of Tennents Super.
On the very front, the headphone jacks are 1/4″. I used an adapter to plug mine (3.5mm) in. Guests have their own independent headphone jack and volume control on the Vocaster Two.
Focusrite Vocaster Sound Quality
I tested out the Focusrite Vocaster Two using a dynamic mic (the Shure SM58) and a condenser mic (the Rode NT1-5th Gen). I also made a “traditional” phone call and a WhatsApp call.
I had a hell of a time getting the NT1 5th Gen to connect, but it’s no surprise to hear it performing well once it worked. I think the Vocaster gets a really good tune out of the SM58, too. The presets add a little enhancement without being overbearing, which, I guess, is the tightrope these features tend to have to walk.
I would only use a phone call in a podcast if there were absolutely no other option, and I would make it as short as possible. If you’re using your phone to bring in guests, definitely try to use an app like WhatsApp or Facetime.
Focusrite Vocaster Review: Summary
I’d have probably marked the Focusrite Vocaster higher if I hadn’t had the setup troubles with the driver software and then the issues with getting the Rode mic to work. This feels harsh because the device is potentially blameless on both fronts, but I only have my own experiences to go on.
Our Rating: 4/5
I’ll say this—when it’s set up and working properly, the Focusrite Vocaster seems to be a brilliant interface for podcasters. I’ll definitely continue to use it going forward. But if you’re using a Windows PC or laptop, beware of potential conflicts with its driver and the McAfee /”Microsoft Visual C++ Redistributable” tag team of doom.
The Vocaster One is tremendous value at less than $80. If I were thinking of buying the Two, I’d maybe fork out the extra $50 or so and get the Scarlett 2i2 4th Gen. But if you’re a complete beginner and like the more streamlined interface of the Vocaster models, you might be inclined to disagree.
In any case, I hope that this Focusrite Vocaster review has left you feeling more informed than when you arrived. If you’d still like to shop around, be sure to check out our roundup of the best USB audio interfaces for podcasters.
Originally posted on September 4, 2024 @ 1:24 am