There are several items used in recording and music production that you can class as “luxury.” While you do not require them, they add something unique to the recordings. On the contrary, there are music production and recording items without which the process remains incomplete. Audio recording interfaces are an example of such things.

Every recording studio will use them, as they serve the most important purpose. It enables you to control the input and output audio from your laptop or desktop. While the old desktops relied heavily on internal soundcards, today, with the advancement in technology, the music industry completely outsources the recording to external audio recording interfaces. Before discussing in detail how to choose the audio interfaces, let us briefly discuss an audio interface.

Audio Recording Interface: What is it? 

An audio recording interface facilitates input and output audio from a computer. It includes capturing or recording vocals, instruments, and other sound sources and then passing on the audio to external devices such as studio monitors or studio headphones. Using the audio interface requires you to take the burden of processing that signal away from the computer.

There is a need for latency in developing or forming music. Latency allows to do so, hereby these interfaces help in forming the accurate music as it is. The ears can prominently hear the differences with the precise controls, faders, and other tools.

How to Choose an Audio Interface? 

Knowing the ways to choose an audio recording interface is a challenging task. You need to keep in mind plenty of things, such as the budget, specifications, features, and, most importantly, its application. Enlisted are the factors that you need to keep in mind while choosing your audio recording interface.

1.      Your Requirements: 

Before asking questions like “which audio interface shall I purchase,” ensure you have a plan about what you want to do with it. Determine whether you would like to perform mobile stereo recording, track an entire band, record sounds of musical instruments, such as guitar, or perform vocal overdubs. Your performance determines the best interface for you.

2.      Connection: 

Most audio recording interfaces offer varieties of input options. It includes microphones and one-fourth of inches of jack for guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers. The external connections usually include XLRs, one-fourth of inches of jack for combination. The more advanced interfaces come with optical, SPDIF, or RCA cables so that the production team can use them with DJ equipment.

Moreover, you can also connect your computer or laptop through MIDI I/O, enabling your computer to communicate with external MIDI gear such as synthesizers and drums. If you choose an interface with phantom powers, you can use several other gadgets, including condenser microphones, which require low power.

3.      Class Compliance & Drivers: 

With any equipment, there needs to be a good bonding between the computer and the external unit. It takes the form of drivers, and in audio, it means ASIO. If you are a Mac user, you will find that your system plays well with any audio interface without any issues. It is not possible to set in windows as there is a requirement for individual USB MIDI drivers. Worry not, as the manufacturers offer dedicated drivers for their interfaces. However, it would help if you had driver updates, as they improve the performance level and reduce the risk of issues while recording music or playing the recorded track. 

Conclusion- 

We hope to offer you a clear idea about an audio recording interface and the things you need to consider while purchasing one for your home studio. Ensure that you do not go with the flow of how your interface looks. Instead, consider the way it performs.