However if you already have a DAW you want to continue using, be sure to verify compatibility on the company’s website. If you don’t yet have a particular DAW that you are loyal to, then you need not worry here.īecause 90% of the top DAW’s will be compatible with any interface you choose. In general, most DAW’s work with most interfaces…but not always. In particular, these are the 5 key specs to focus on: The 7 Key Features to Look Forīecause of the fact that audio interfaces have so many features, it’s difficult to know which ones matter, and which ones don’t. Ok so now that we have this out of the way, let’s move on to the 5 key features you’ll want to look for in your audio interface. If you want the smoothest experience, get a decently powerful desktop computer. However and if you want my advice here, this is generally not an optimal idea unless you’re planning to record on a laptop, which are generally less powerful than desktops computers.
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Unless you actually choose an interface with DSP ( Digital Signal Processing) built-in, which is basically its own CPU that will process sound without requiring your computer to do so. Now, let’s see what an audio interface ISN’TĪn audio interface isn’t a processing unit, meaning you can’t use it to offload some of your computer’s work on it…
- The Beginner’s Guide to Digital Audio for Music Recording.
- If you want to learn more about digital sound in general, check out this article: The better the DAC ( Digital to Analog Converter), the better the output. Indeed, the - most likely - bad, low bit-rate built-in converter in your computer would lower your track’s quality DRAMATICALLY. What for? Essentially so you can hear your mix back into your headphones or studio monitors with as much accuracy as possible. This is done with an ADC ( Analog to Digital Converter).Ĭonversely, it also converts your digital signal into - you guessed it - an analog signal. Into a digital signal that can be processed by your computer. Well, because it converts an analog signal that can’tbe processed by your computer (your voice, guitar, bass, keyboard or anything else)… These are very wise thoughts, so let’s address them briefly by first looking at what an audio interface IS.Īn audio interface is a physical gate between your instrument and your computer. I mean, let’s be honest here: if you’re a total newbie you’re probably wondering what an audio interface really is, and why you should get one. Next up… Why Should I Get an Audio Interface?
#Best audio interface for macbook pro 2017 professional#
By extension, this term started being applied to mid-range devices that are powerful enough for 99% of people.Īs it turns out, audio interfaces are no exception and as a proof of the prosumer success, more and more professionals actually use audio interfaces that are way cheaper an way smaller that professional models. Well, according to Wikipedia it’s anybody who “consumes and produces”. Which is why for today’s post, I’ve created an in-depth guide to help you find the perfect option for your studio.īut before we dive right it, I’d like to address a recent phenomenon: the ever-growing rise of “prosumer” equipment.īut how does one quickly defines a prosumer device compared to a consumer or fully professional counterpart? Needless to say, matching the right interface with the right studio is tricky even for the experienced.
However, with the recently growing trend of “prosumer” equipment, the audio interface offer has greatly shifted in the past few years… If all you need is a single pair of outputs for your studio monitors.Īt the opposite extreme, a pro studio that requires dozens of INs/OUTs might need several interfaces, each costing $4000 or more.
There’s no single purchase more confusing than the audio interface.Įach one is designed to meet the demands of a specific “type” of studio.Īt one extreme, a small $100 interface might be perfect in a simple bedroom studio… Whether you’re starting a new home studio, or improving an existing one…