Now, let’s see what an audio interface ISN’TĪn audio interface isn’t a processing unit, meaning you can’t use it to offload some of your computer’s work on it… The Beginner’s Guide to Digital Audio for Music Recording.If you want to learn more about digital sound in general, check out this article: The better the DAC ( Digital to Analog Converter), the better the output. Indeed, the - most likely - bad, low bit-rate built-in converter in your computer would lower your track’s quality DRAMATICALLY. What for? Essentially so you can hear your mix back into your headphones or studio monitors with as much accuracy as possible. This is done with an ADC ( Analog to Digital Converter).Ĭonversely, it also converts your digital signal into - you guessed it - an analog signal. Into a digital signal that can be processed by your computer.
Well, because it converts an analog signal that can’tbe processed by your computer (your voice, guitar, bass, keyboard or anything else)… These are very wise thoughts, so let’s address them briefly by first looking at what an audio interface IS.Īn audio interface is a physical gate between your instrument and your computer. I mean, let’s be honest here: if you’re a total newbie you’re probably wondering what an audio interface really is, and why you should get one. Next up… Why Should I Get an Audio Interface?
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By extension, this term started being applied to mid-range devices that are powerful enough for 99% of people.Īs it turns out, audio interfaces are no exception and as a proof of the prosumer success, more and more professionals actually use audio interfaces that are way cheaper an way smaller that professional models. Well, according to Wikipedia it’s anybody who “consumes and produces”. Which is why for today’s post, I’ve created an in-depth guide to help you find the perfect option for your studio.īut before we dive right it, I’d like to address a recent phenomenon: the ever-growing rise of “prosumer” equipment.īut how does one quickly defines a prosumer device compared to a consumer or fully professional counterpart? Needless to say, matching the right interface with the right studio is tricky even for the experienced.
However, with the recently growing trend of “prosumer” equipment, the audio interface offer has greatly shifted in the past few years…
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If all you need is a single pair of outputs for your studio monitors.Īt the opposite extreme, a pro studio that requires dozens of INs/OUTs might need several interfaces, each costing $4000 or more. There’s no single purchase more confusing than the audio interface.Įach one is designed to meet the demands of a specific “type” of studio.Īt one extreme, a small $100 interface might be perfect in a simple bedroom studio… Whether you’re starting a new home studio, or improving an existing one…