Monday 4 March 2013

Audio Interfaces: What are they, and tips on buying one

By Jr. Huff


In the last few articles we've been writing about how you can monitor your audio either by using studio monitor speakers and / or maybe along with professional quality headset. By the end of this particular post you will have a greater grasp of what a good audio interface is and the way it brings pretty much everything together.

Exactly what 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 have pre amps that are actually taking a less than strong signal from a microphone know as a "mic level signal" and increases it into "line level signal" therefore it can be recorded without problems.

"Lacking an audio interface recording into a digital field and right into a personal computer would not be attainable. We would continue to be recorded on analog tape and home recording would not be as accessible as it is right now."

We have established that an audio interface is important as well as a vital involving the professional recording procedure. Here you will find a few things to consider before going and buy one.

What number of inputs / outputs?

If you're recording drums or perhaps a full ensemble you'll need more inputs/outputs to track it all. If you happen to be like myself you'll only have to have a couple of inputs for mics and a pair of outputs for studio monitor speakers plus 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.

Possessing 4 inputs and outputs you're not making use of with second-rate pre amps will not advance your music production.

How does an audio interface connect to a computer?

You will find three primary ways an interface connects to your computer each possess their own benefit and disadvantages. If you're using a particular DAW (digital audio workstation) like Pro Tools or Logic studio, ensure that the said 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 computer systems for music production.

Firewire - Primarily utilized with Apple computer systems.

USB - Mac as well as PC friendly, the most established way to connect to a computer

PCI - These types of interfaces will hook-up right into your pcs PCI slot.

I hope you have a better grasp of an audio interface. Check out musicproductionhq.com for personal suggestions along with other methods to make your music production simple.




About the Author:



No comments:

Post a Comment