In the last few articles we have been talking about how to monitor your audio either with studio monitor speakers or with studio quality headphones. By the end of this post you will have a better understanding of what an audio interface is and how it ties everything together.
What is an audio interface?
It is the piece of audio gear that brings your computer and microphone together and makes recording possible. It bridges the analog sound your microphone picks up or the signal your instrument makes and the digital domain where it is recorded by a digital audio workstation on your computer.
Audio interfaces have pre amps that take a weak signal from a microphone know as “mic level signal” and amplifies it to “line level signal” so it can be recorded cleanly.
“Without an audio interface recording to a digital domain and into a computer would not be possible. We would still be recording on analog tape and home recording would not be as accessible as it is today.”
We have determined that an audio interface is important and an essential part of the recording process. Here are some things to consider before you go and buy one.
How many inputs / outputs?
If you are recording drums or a full band you will need more inputs to record everything. If you are like myself you may only need two inputs for microphones and two outputs for studio monitor speakers and a headphone output.
As a rule of thumb if you do not for see yourself using the inputs and outputs do not get them. Spend your money on a higher quality pre amp and analog to digital converts. Having 8 inputs you are not using with low quality pre amps will not help your music production.
How will you connect the interface and will it work with your digital audio workstation?
There are 3 primary ways an interface connects to your computer each have their own advantage and disadvantages. If you are using a specific DAW (digital audio workstation) like Pro Tools or Logic studio, make that the audio interface will work by checking the user manual or manufacturer’s website. We will be diving more into a DAW’s in a future post along with computers for music production.
- FireWire - Primarily used with Apple computers.
- USB - Mac and PC friendly, the most universal way to connect to a computer
- PCI - These types of interfaces will connect directly into your computers PCI slot.
Portability, expandablity and easy of use.
Where and what do you plan to record? This is a huge question that should not be taken lightly. I say this because it will make a huge difference if you plan to record your band’s drummer in a practice space while recording the rest of the band simultaneously verses recording vocals in your bedroom. One requires more inputs and outputs and portability while the other does not.
In the next 2-4 years what do you anticipate your recording needs will be?
I knew in my studio I would only record guitars and vocals primarily. I planned to book studio time at a bigger studio if I needed to record drums or something that required more inputs. You want to try to future proof your investment as much as possible.
What does the software that runs the hardware look like?
How does it run? Is it easy to understand? Take a look at the photo below that is the software for the original Apogee duet. Simple, clean, and easy to use.
Here are some of my personal recommendations based on price. I have either personally used these or know people that have had great results with the following. Click the link (affiliate link) to check them out. Please keep in mind these are not the only good audio interfaces.
$100- $400
Apogee ONE USB Microphone and Audio Interface
Avid Mbox Mini Ultra-Compact 2×2 Audio Interface for Mac and PC
Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 Firewire Audio Interface
Apogee Duet 2×2 FireWire audio interface (Standard)
$500-$800
RME Babyface USB 2.0 High Speed Audio Interface 10 in, 12 out
Apogee Duet 2
Avid Mbox Pro High-Resolution 8×8 Audio Interface for Mac and PC
Interfaces if you need 8 inputs
PreSonus FireStudio Project 10×10 FireWire Recording Interface
M-Audio ProFire 2626 High-Definition 26-in/26-out FireWire Audio Interface with Octane Preamp Technology
Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 Professional 20 In/20 Out Firewire Audio Interface with Eight Pre-Amps
I’ll leave you with the following “when in doubt get less inputs and better pre amps and converters”. You can thank me later.
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