An audio interface is a device that helps record audio into the digital realm, which is what most people call a computer. No matter how good your laptop is, its sound card is not enough to capture high-quality audio. The audio interface converts analog signals to digital signals and waveforms to 1s and 0s. This conversion is essential to improve or maintain the quality of the recording.
Factors to consider:
When choosing your first audio interface, there are a few different situations to consider. Understanding the technology behind it can help make more informed decisions.
Inside each audio interface is a preamp, which is an integral part of capturing sound. If you want to record vocals, the audio interface will help amplify the signal from the microphone. In this way, the DAW receives the signal. The preamp will determine the quality of the sound to a certain extent and add color to your sound in different ways. Each audio interface captures sound with different sound quality characteristics.
The two main components in an audio interface that determine sound quality are the preamplifier and the converter. While many of us like to save money when we can, it's important to invest in a high-quality audio interface with a quality preamp and converter. Cheap converters usually sound crispy, while good converters make the sound fuller.
port
There are also differences in the ports of the audio interfaces. There are three main types: USB ports, thunderbolt ports, and FireWire ports. At this point, FireWire port is a thing of the past. While the FireWire port once surpassed the early USB ports, it is now "outdated," as Mike Sorrentino, lead audio engineer at The Recording Den, puts it.
The USB audio interface is probably the most familiar to the average user. They are so popular because of how easy they are to use. Just install a driver, set it up and you're ready to go. For most makers, the USB audio interface works just fine, but the Thunderbolt audio interface will always come first. This plays an important role in terms of cost, making the Thunderbolt interface much more expensive than the USB interface.
The real key is latency, which is the time it takes for a sound to go from entering the computer to coming out again. If you find yourself with a slight delay between your performance and your headphones while recording, that's a latency issue. Thunderbolt enables low latency, making timing more accurate and recording easier.
Well-known, high-end brands, such as Universal Audio's Apollo series, make audio interfaces with both USB and Thunderbolt interfaces, so you know you're getting a great product either way.
Universal Audio 的 Apollo 系列
How much input do you need?
You should also consider its other components before buying an audio interface. You want your audio interface to be compatible with your needs, future needs, and other devices.
Input is an important factor in choosing an audio interface. For example, if you're going to put a microphone on your drum kit, you'll need an interface with a lot of input. Or, if you want to record multiple instruments live, you'll need more input.
Most everyday users only need two, but Sorrentino says that you should buy more interfaces than you need. Even if you only intend to record with a microphone. Many audio interfaces have two ports for stereo monitoring and recording. These interfaces are usually compatible with XLR and 1/4-inch cables and can be plugged into devices such as XLR microphones or electric guitars.
Other equipment
An audio interface is an important part of any studio setup, but you'll also need additional equipment before you can reach a professional recording level.
Music producers should have a pair of high-quality headphones, studio monitors, or both. Without hearing the accurate, authentic sound in the mix, it's nearly impossible to achieve a professional recording. Between monitoring speakers and headphones, headphones are probably the most budget-friendly.
Your audio interface may have a headphone output for direct monitoring. This means that you can monitor the input signal of the audio interface with little to no delay. Utilizing a headphone output can greatly improve the timing of audio tracks.
Some people may try to bypass the interface altogether by purchasing a USB microphone. These microphones are very convenient and the sound quality is good enough, but the main thing is flexibility. Each interface has its own sound characteristics, and so does each microphone. If you're only planning on podcasting, having only one microphone might be fine, but if you're a novice producer, you'll need to give yourself room to grow. If you only have one USB microphone, switching microphones to get a different sound won't work.
Different microphones produce different sounds. When recording and making music, you may use a condenser microphone. Condenser microphone