What is an Audio Interface? How to choose ?

What is an Audio Interface?

Inputs and outputs configuration of audio interface

Choosing the right input & output configuration. The first thing to consider when choosing the best audio interface  for home studio. The number and type of inputs and outputs you need depends entirely on what you want to be able to record, now and in the future.

For singer-songwriters who want to capture their voice and acoustic guitar using microphones, a pair of balanced mic inputs will be required. Condenser mic need an input with phantom power to energize it. To record in acoustic guitar in stereo with vocal, two inputs would be insufficient, and a four input interface would be required. Most audio interfaces include two or more microphone preamps.

For electric bass, guitar, or electronic keyboard that can connect directly to the recording setup, just need an instrument-level input, often referred to as a “high-Z input.”

Digital input output is needed for incredibly useful down the road. Some external devices with S/PDIF and ADAT connector allows connect multi-channel mic preamps to increase the amount of simultaneously available mic preamps in recording system.

Connectivity

It’s a  computer-related technology. Few audio interface connection types are considered standard. The most common connection types are – Thunderbolt, USB, FireWire, and PCIe.

Thunderbolt

It’s new reference standard for connecting audio interfaces. The brand name of a hardware interface developed by Intel. This high-bandwidth Intel technology is currently installed on the newest Mac computers. Thunderbolt 3 is 8 times faster than USB 3.

USB

USB or Universal Serial Bus is a plug and play interface. Audio interfaces typically run over USB. This is the most common connectivity option. Best for mobile recording with the help of laptop.

Firewire

It is a method of transferring information between digital devices. It transfer audio and data at more consistent rate than USB but fewer interfaces uses this connectivity option.

PCIe

PCIe or PCI Express is an internal card-based computer connection platform. It connection provides high data bandwidth and low latency.

Level of sound quality

Here we will discuss over the key factors and specs that influence overall audio quality of recording-

Bit depth

Digital recording converts the analog audio into bits and bytes. In simple words, greater the number of bits the higher the level of fidelity. Fidelity is depend on the digital bitstream describes musician’s vastness dynamics while deducting noise. The audio CD uses a 16-bit standard that delivers a dynamic range of 96dB.

Sample rate

Sample rates is the digital snapshots of audio gear captures from time to time. Higher sampling rates capture information that contributes to overall fidelity. It can create more perfect music. work at 48kHz, 96kHz, or even 192kHz sampling rates.

Converter quality

Analog to digital, and digital to analog  converters are the devices that convert the incoming analog audio signals into digital data, and the digital data from the computer back into analog audio output signals.

Types Of Audio Interfaces

There are numerous types of Audio Interfaces are available in the current market 2020. We will put into your view 5 top of them –

Audient iD4

With low budget the best audio interface. It is a simple two-input/two-output offering featuring a mic preamp. It has main features like Supports Bus Power, Scroll Control DAW Control.

 SSL 2+ audio interface

Focusrite audio interfaces are very useful. We can work correctly with any major DAW out there with no interference. The interface with great signal path. SSL have developed a Chinese manufacturing operation which has enabled them to bring products such as the Fusion mastering processor. The lightweight and compact Wedge-shaped metal case. Headphone sockets and guitar DI inputs on the front panel.

Focusrite Scarlett 4i4 3rd Gen

Four balanced line inputs, for connecting synths or other line-level audio, Two high headroom instrument inputs, Loopback, for grabbing a stereo feed of any combination of hardware inputs and software playback, no cables needed, for simple sampling, streaming or podcasting. Two of the best performing Scarlett mic preamps the range has ever heard.

Universal Audio UAD Apollo Twin MkII

This is a professional desktop recording interface for Mac and Windows. Two Unison^™-enabled mic preamps and stellar next-generation A/D and D/A conversion derived from UA’s flagship Apollo 8, 8p, and 16. With thunderbolt connectivity.

Native Instruments Komplete Audio 2

It is a 2-channel audio interfaces. Easily record audio into your computer. Choose from two flavors – same pristine audio quality, different ways to plug in and play back.is as slick as its looks, and though the features are basic, it does its job perfectly.