Focusrite have announced the Vocaster One and Vocaster Two, a pair of new audio interfaces aimed at content creators and podcasters. Available on their own or as part of studio packs that bundle together the essential kit required to start recording professional podcasts, the Vocaster range aims to cater to new and experienced content creators alike.
Key features shared by both interfaces include an Auto Gain feature — a 10‑second process which allows users to speak into their microphone and have their levels set automatically with the push of a button — an Enhance button with four selectable presets which engages a mixture of compression and equalisation to ensure voices are captured clearly and consistently, a front panel mute button providing the ability to quickly cut the microphone signal, and finally, a Loopback function allowing computer system audio to be mixed in with the microphone input.
Included with both interfaces is Focusrite’s Vocaster Hub software, which allows users are able to set up their interface, take control of all of its settings, and configure their audio routing.
Vocaster One
Focusrite Vocaster One audio interfaceIdeal for the solo podcaster, the Vocaster One has a single on-board microphone preamp. A large rotary gain control sits between two LED meters, which have different functions depending on the current operation mode. During normal operation they behave as level meters, with green, amber and red coloured sections displaying the signal’s strength and providing a visual warning to help users avoid clipping. Once an Auto Gain calibration has been carried out, the meters will illuminate in green or red to confirm whether the process has been successful or unsuccessful. Lastly, when gain is being manually adjusted, the left meter changes to a white colour and displays the current gain level.
A second rotary control provides a level control for both the headphone output, and rear panel speaker outputs. A row of three buttons along the bottom of the panel provide direct access to the Auto Gain, Enhance, and Mute functions, and the front edge of the interface houses a quarter-inch headphone output socket. LEDs on the top right of the front panel indicate phantom power and USB connection status.
Over on the rear panel the Vocaster One features a single XLR input for the microphone preamp paired with a switch to engage +48V phantom power, and a pair of balanced outputs present on TRS connectors. A 3.5mm TRS socket provides an output designed to connect directly to the audio input of a video camera, whilst a 3.5mm TRRS socket allows a wired connection to compatible phones.
Vocaster Two
The Vocaster two follows a similar design, with the addition of a second microphone preamp and headphone output, Bluetooth connectivity, and another set of front panel controls for the second microphone preamp. The same rotary gain control and multi-function meters are present, but this time surrounded by two monitor control knobs, labelled Host and Guest. The former controls the speaker and main headphone outputs, with the latter providing a dedicated volume control for the second headphone output.
An additional pair of buttons provide easy access to the Auto Gain and Enhance functions for the second microphone preamp, and another status LED provides a visual indication of an active Bluetooth connection. The rear panel features all of the same connectivity at the Vocaster One, with the addition of a second XLR input socket and a button to enable Bluetooth connectivity.
Focusrite Vocaster Two rear panel
Both models’ mic preamps have 70dB of gain available, and Focusrite quote a total harmonic distortion and noise figure of -94dB, measured at -1dBFS.
Studio Packs
Focusrite Vocaster One Studio PackEach interface has the option of being supplied with a complete package of kit to get new content creators up and running. The Vocaster One Studio Pack consists of the interface, Focusrite’s Vocaster DM1 dynamic microphone, an XLR cable, and a pair of HP60v closed-back studio headphones. The Vocaster Two offers a similar package, but with Focusrite’s premium DM14v dynamic microphone complete with windshield and shock mount in place of the DM1.
Each purchase also includes a software bundle worth over $600. Thanks to partnerships with Acast, Hindenburg and Squadcast, Vocaster users will be equipped with everything they need to start recording, editing and sharing their shows.
Both Vocaster interfaces are available to order now, with pricing as follows:
Vocaster One - £189.99 including VAT$199.99
Vocaster One Studio - £289.99 including VAT$299.99
Vocaster Two - £289.99 including VAT$299.99
Vocaster Two Studio - £469.99 including VAT$499.99
