Audio interfaces have become a trend in home studios in recent years. Perhaps you have I have heard about interfaces before, but exactly what is an audio interface and what is it for? In this article I will explain everything you need to know!
Guide
What is an audio interface?What is an audio interface for?What is an audio interface: OperationHow to record with an audio interface?Number of inputs/outputs: How many are necessary?Recommended audio interfacesSolistHome StudioBanda Musical
Things to keep in mindI only want to record a microphone, do I have any alternatives?
Final thoughtsSummaryWhat is an audio interface?What is the function of an audio interface?What factors are important on an audio interface?
What is an audio interface?
An audio interface is a device that allows you to connect microphones, musical instruments or other equipment to the computer. Most audio interfaces today come with a USB connection to the computer, but there are also Thunderbult or FireWare. The job of the audio interface is to convert the analog signals it receives from the instruments/microphones into digital signals so that the editing/recording software on the PC can record it.
What is an audio interface for?
An audio interface is used to record any microphone or musical instrument such as guitar, bass or piano in recording software on the computer. The most typical uses of audio interfaces are:
- Home studio: Most home studios have an audio interface to make recordings of instruments such as guitars, basses, pianos and voices. If you are considering setting up a studio in your room, then an audio interface is the best option. indicated option to obtain the highest quality in your recordings.
- Podcast: For those who make podcasts, an audio interface with a microphone is the best way to improve recordings.
- Youtuber: If you make videos on YouTube and want to level up the quality of your audio, then you will need an audio interface. And of course, also a condenser microphone to record your voice.
What is an audio interface: Operation
The audio interfaces connect to the PC via USB cable. On the interface, you have the input and output connections. Instruments and microphones are connected to the inputs of the interface, and headphones or studio monitors are connected to the outputs. Headphones or studio monitors are used to listen to what is happening in real time. that enters through the inputs, or to listen to the audio coming from the PC. Here we see a more graphic description:
It also has controls such as the audio level of each input, headphones, monitors or activating different functions. On the other hand, something important to highlight about the audio interfaces is that they record in multi-track mode. That is, each instrument/microphone input on a different channel. So, later in the recording/editing software we can edit each instrument separately, and then mix them more efficiently.
How to record with an audio interface?
To explain how to record with an audio interface, I am going to do it with a practical example: recording an electric guitar with my Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface (with other instruments or interfaces the procedure is the same).
The first step is to connect the interface to the computer using the USB cable.
Windows will detect it and install some basic drivers. But we need to install the drivers from the manufacturer’s official website for it to work correctly, in this case I download them from the Focusrite website.
Next, we connect the instrument (it can also be any microphone) to the audio interface. This interface has two inputs, so you could record up to two instruments or microphones at once.
And we adjust the input volume on the panel.
Once everything is connected, we need recording software. Generally all audio interfaces come with software, for example, the Scarlett 2i2 comes with Ableton Live which is great. We open our software, and look for the section where it says preferences or audio options. Here we have to make sure we select our interface.
Now, to record the instrument or microphone, this step will depend a lot on the software you use, so you will have to watch program tutorials. But, basically you have to create a new track, select the input source and start recording.
You can also record new tracks without limit, to record as many layers as you want.
This is the basic procedure for recording instruments or microphones with an interface. From here on, you can add effects, equalize, etc.
Number of inputs/outputs: How many are necessary?
Audio interfaces come with different numbers of inputs (and also outputs). Interfaces may come with 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 or more inputs to connect instruments/mics, as well as outputs for headphones or studio monitors.
But how many are really necessary?
Because… it makes no sense to buy an 8-input interface if you only want to record up to two instruments or microphones at the same time. In my home studio, I have a two-input interface since I always record the instruments in different layers, I almost never need more than two at a time. What you have to define is the maximum amount that you are going to use at a time, and not buy more than that since it will be spending unnecessary money. It is advisable to focus on a higher quality with the right quantity.
Recommended audio interfaces
Soloist
If you are a soloist, then you can buy one for only 1 ticket. You can stay a little tight, since if you want to record singing with a microphone and the electroacoustic guitar via cable, you will need two inputs. But if this is not the case, and you only record with one microphone or instrument at a time, you can check the following interfaces:
- Focusrite Solo (Amazon/Thomann)
- Shure Motiv MVi (Amazon/Thomann)
Home Studio
If you want to set up your home studio in a room, generally what is recommended is between 2 and 4 entrances, depending on your requirements. The recommended interfaces are:
- Scarlett 2i2 (Amazon/Thomann)
- Audient iD14 (Amazon/Thomann)
- Komplete Audio 6 MK2 (Amazon/Thomann)
Musical Band
For a band that wants to record all its instruments at once, consider audio interfaces with 4 inputs or more. Also depending on the number of your musical band. Here are some recommendations for large interfaces:
- Steinberg UR44 (Amazon/Thomann)
- Tascam US-16×08 (Amazon/Thomann)
See more recommended interface models
Things to keep in mind
When choosing an interface, there are some necessary parameters to consider that you have to know. These are:
- Phantom Power: Phantom Power is a technology that improves the signal of the microphones so that they work correctly. Most interfaces have them, but you should make sure just in case you have any doubts.
- Quality of the preamps: The preamps, also known as preamps, serve to amplify the signal of the input instruments. They are cataloged by classification, with category “A” being the best. In the description on the official page of the interfaces, they generally give details of the quality of the previous ones.
- MIDI: Some interfaces include these connections to connect MIDI devices directly.
- Software included: The software included in the interfaces is also a factor you should consider. Many interfaces come with excellent, high-quality DAW recording software, but not all. And believe me, this saves a lot of money on software.
I just want to record a microphone, do I have any alternative?
In the event that you only want to record a microphone and nothing else, such as for podcast or YouTube purposes… then you have an alternative to save money. That alternative is called USB condenser microphones.
What are USB microphones?
These microphones come with a USB output to record directly to the PC without the need for an interface. The biggest benefit of these microphones is that they save you money on buying two different things (microphones and interfaces). Some USB microphones that are good are the Blue Yeti USB, the Audio-Technica AT2020USB or the Rode NT-USB. You can check out more USB mics in this other article. But of course, it is a special option for those who only want a microphone, since you cannot connect instruments.
Final thoughts
After reviewing what an audio interface is and what it is for, you now have all the necessary information to get a good interface. My recommendation is that you look for an interface with the necessary capabilities, without spending more on functions that you do not use .And instead, focus on better quality of components such as preamps or construction quality.
Summary
What is an audio interface?
An audio interface is equipment that allows you to connect instruments and microphones to your computer.
What is the function of an audio interface?
The main purpose of an audio interface is to make high-quality recordings of instruments and microphones in recording software on the computer.
What factors are important in an audio interface?
The most important factors to review in an audio interface are the quality of the preamps, whether it has phantom power, the number of inputs and additional functions such as MIDI or included software.
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