Audio Interfaces: What are they, and tips on buying one
Throughout the last couple of articles we've been writing about ways you can monitor your audio whether it's by using studio monitor speakers or with professional quality headphones. By the end of this post you will have a better understanding of everything an audio interface is and just how it ties everything together.
What exactly is an audio interface?
It is the piece of music equipment that brings your personal computer as well as mic together and makes recording possible. It bridges analogue sounds your mic picks up or the signal each of your musical instruments will make and the digital space in which its recorded through a digital audio workstation on your personal computer.
Audio interfaces include pre amps that take a weak signal given by a microphone recognize as "mic level signal" as well as amplifies it to "line level signal" so it can be recorded cleanly.
"Lacking audio interface recording sound into a digital space and into your personal computer would not be achievable. We would continue to record sound on analogue tape and home professional recording would not be as obtainable as it is right now."
We have identified that an audio user interface is important and basically an indispensable involving the professional recording process. Here are a few some things to consider before going and and buy one.
What number inputs / outputs?
If you are recording drums or a full ensemble you'll need more inputs and outputs to record all of it. If you're like myself you may only really need a pair of inputs for microphones in addition to two outputs for studio monitor speakers and also a headphone output.
As a rule of thumb "if you don't foresee yourself utilizing the inputs and outputs do not get these items. Use your funds to purchase a finer quality pre amplifier and analog to digital converts.
Having 10 inputs and outputs you are not using along with second-rate pre amps is not going to help your music production.
How does an audio interface connect to a computer?
You will find three main ways an interface connects to your current laptop each have their own advantage and cons. When you're using a particular DAW (digital audio workstation) like Pro Tools or Logic studio, ensure that the audio interface will work merely by checking the user manual or the manufacturer's website. We are going to be jumping more into a DAW's within a future posting alongside computers for music production.
Firewire - Primarily used with Apple inc computer systems.
USB - Mac and PC welcoming, essentially the most established way for you to connect to a computer
PCI - These types of interfaces will hook-up right into your pcs PCI slot.
Hopefully you've got a much better understanding of an audio interface. Check out musicproductionhq.com regarding personal recommendations and other techniques to make your music production simple.
What exactly is an audio interface?
It is the piece of music equipment that brings your personal computer as well as mic together and makes recording possible. It bridges analogue sounds your mic picks up or the signal each of your musical instruments will make and the digital space in which its recorded through a digital audio workstation on your personal computer.
Audio interfaces include pre amps that take a weak signal given by a microphone recognize as "mic level signal" as well as amplifies it to "line level signal" so it can be recorded cleanly.
"Lacking audio interface recording sound into a digital space and into your personal computer would not be achievable. We would continue to record sound on analogue tape and home professional recording would not be as obtainable as it is right now."
We have identified that an audio user interface is important and basically an indispensable involving the professional recording process. Here are a few some things to consider before going and and buy one.
What number inputs / outputs?
If you are recording drums or a full ensemble you'll need more inputs and outputs to record all of it. If you're like myself you may only really need a pair of inputs for microphones in addition to two outputs for studio monitor speakers and also a headphone output.
As a rule of thumb "if you don't foresee yourself utilizing the inputs and outputs do not get these items. Use your funds to purchase a finer quality pre amplifier and analog to digital converts.
Having 10 inputs and outputs you are not using along with second-rate pre amps is not going to help your music production.
How does an audio interface connect to a computer?
You will find three main ways an interface connects to your current laptop each have their own advantage and cons. When you're using a particular DAW (digital audio workstation) like Pro Tools or Logic studio, ensure that the audio interface will work merely by checking the user manual or the manufacturer's website. We are going to be jumping more into a DAW's within a future posting alongside computers for music production.
Firewire - Primarily used with Apple inc computer systems.
USB - Mac and PC welcoming, essentially the most established way for you to connect to a computer
PCI - These types of interfaces will hook-up right into your pcs PCI slot.
Hopefully you've got a much better understanding of an audio interface. Check out musicproductionhq.com regarding personal recommendations and other techniques to make your music production simple.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about Music Production , then visit Jr. Huff's site on how to choose the best Audio Interface for your needs.