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What’s the Best Audio Interface for Me?

What’s the Best Audio Interface for Me?

Finding it tough to pick out the right audio interface? We get it. There’s an insane amount to choose from and some are more extensive than others. But do you really need all of those options? This purpose-made Gear Guide will lend you a hand by answering all of your most pressing FAQs. Can’t see your question? Feel free to contact us!

1. What is an Audio Interface?

An audio interface (also known as a ‘sound card’) sends and receives sound from your computer, tablet, or smartphone. A microphone, musical instrument, or set of speakers can be connected to this external device and it’s an excellent choice if you want to record higher quality audio and overall, offers more professional audio connections.

If you only use a computer, tablet, or smartphone for daily tasks like browsing the internet, reading e-mails, editing photos, playing music, etc. then you’ll usually get along fine with the built-in audio chip. If you’re recording music, however, things are different. First of all, you’ll need to use adapters since these devices are usually fitted with 3.5mm mini-jack ports ,while something like an instrument cable you’ll want to connect will have a 6.35mm jack, and most microphones use an entirely different 3-pin XLR plug. Also, it’s actually not advisable to use adapters because this will compromise on sound quality. Secondly, the quality of built-in audio chips is almost always inferior to that of an audio interface and this is immediately noticable when recording. Also, the sound sent to a pair of headphones or speakers will not be as good, and connecting directly to one of these devices can cause an audio delay, also known as ‘latency’, which is frustrating when recording several layers (tracks) one by one.

Tip: If you’re not planning to record, and you’re just looking for improved sound quality via your speakers or headphones, then see Question 4.

All Audio Interfaces

2. Internal or External Audio Interface?

There are two types of audio interfaces: internal (built-in) and external. An external audio interface is connected via a USB cable, or sometimes, a Thunderbolt cable. The potential of these interfaces is enormous and they are much simpler to expand than an internal interface. Also, the inputs and outputs are easier to access. However, if you don’t use a laptop and have a desktop computer, you could opt for an internal interface. The advantage here is that your desk is kept clean and, since some of these interfaces can be built into the front of your computer, you have immediate access to controls and functions. Internal audio interfaces were the standard before people started using laptops and other mobile devices, but they can still be found.

External Audio Interfaces
Internal Audio Interfaces
All Audio Interfaces

3. I Already Have a USB Microphone. Do I Still Need an Audio Interface?

It’s not possible to connect a USB microphone to an audio interface (or to a mixer). USB microphones can only be connected to a USB port. An audio interface will therefore add nothing to your set up, unless you’re using it to improve the audio sent to a set of external speakers or to your headphones (see Question 4).

USB Microphones
All Audio Interfaces

4. I Don’t Really Make Recordings and Only Use Music Software. Do I Need an Audio Interface?

In principle, no. If you only produce music using software (like a DAW), then an audio interface will not be necessary. This way of working is also referred to as ‘in-the-box’ production since the sound remains within the computer software – or ‘in the box’, and this production method is used a lot to make genres like EDM. Of course, adding a good quality audio interface does have its advtantages. By using one, you’ll notice that the stereo imaging is improved and that virtual instruments become more distinguishable from one another. This doesn’t just sound better, but is an enormous help when completing an accurate mix.

A good alternative option is to use an audio interface without any inputs, or a special DA converter. The plus here is that you won’t be paying for inputs that you’re never going to use.

External Audio Interfaces without Inputs
Converters
All Audio Interfaces
DAW Software

5. What Connections Will My Audio Interface Need? And How Many?

The first thing to ask yourself is what you want to record and how many people/audio sources that will include. For example: if you only want to record yourself with a microphone, then one microphone (‘mic’) input is enough. Often, this input will be a 6.35mm jack and 3-pin XLR combination socket. This kind of input can usually also be used as a line-input, for connecting ‘line’level’ sources like keyboards and synthesizers. Do you also want to record a guitar? Then you could do with a second microphone input or, if it’s possible, you could directly connect the guitar to the interface using a jack cable by making sure the interface you choose includes a ‘Hi-Z’ input, also known as an ‘INST’ input. Combi XLR/jack inputs often have this capabilty. See Question 6.

Please note: On the inputs of some audio interfaces, only ‘mic’ is indicated, while line-level devices can also be connected. The same is true of inputs labelled ‘line’, i.e. both line-level sources and microphones can be connected. On the product page of any audio interface, you will always find more information about what’s possible.

External Audio Interfaces with 1 Input
External Audio Interfaces with 2 Inputs
External Audio Interfaces with 2 Inputs + Hi-Z
All Audio Interfaces
XLR Cables
6.35mm Jack Cables
Blog: How Can I Connect a Guitar to a Computer?

6. I Want to Record a Full Band. How Many Inputs Do I Need?

This depends on how many instruments and vocals there are in the band. If you want to accurately record an extensive drum kit, then you’ll quickly need around 11 microphones. You could also decide to just mic up the snare, kick and place a couple more microphones to get the total sound, since most of the time, this is more than enough for a rehearsal. Besides recording the drums, have you got enough room for the vocals, the bass, and one or two guitars? In short, do you want to record everything in one go? If the answer is yes, then you’re likely to need an interface with around 15 inputs. A cheaper option is to record every instrument (or group of instruments) one by one. Then you can easily use an interface with much fewer inputs.

An alternative solution for recording a large number of audio sources is using a mixer with a multitrack USB (so, not stereo USB). In essence, this is a standard mixer with an audio interface conveniently built in.

External Audio Interfaces with 9 or More Inputs
Mixers with Multitrack USB

7. My Interface Doesn’t Have Enough Inputs. What Now?

You could expand your interface with a preamp. Since a preamp has its own inputs, microphone preamps, and converters, it would give you access to more channels. If you want to do this though, you will need to have an audio interface fitted with an ADAT input. Using this port, you can expand the microphone inputs of your interface by ‘adding’ the preamp inputs – ideal for recording something like a full, live band.

External Audio Interfaces with ADAT Input
Microphone Preamps with Digital Outputs

8. 44.1, 48, 96, or 192 kHz? Which Sample Rate Does My Interface Need to Record In?

A sample rate of 44.1kHz or 48kHz is normal. With many audio interfaces, higher sample rates are possible, but if you’re a beginner, this isn’t something you need to worry too much about. The sample rate size is not the most important thing to look at when understanding the sound quality of an interface. What’s much more important, is the quality of details like the built-in preamps and converters.

To put it simply, it works like this: the higher the sample rate, the better the reproduction of the highest frequencies. It can also be that certain effect plugins sound better when working with a higher sample rate. But there’s always endless discussion about this since we can’t even be certain that humans are actually able to hear anything above 48kHz, even if you are a seasoned professional with the best equipment available.

External Audio Interfaces: 96kHz Sample Rate or Higher
All Audio Interfaces

9. What’s the Difference Between a Cheap Interface and an Expensive One?

The difference lies in many factors. First, a more expensive interface is likely to have better quality converters, transformers, and preamps. These components have a direct impact on the recording quality and audio reproduction. Often, you’ll also find that you get more input and output options when you spend more money, including digital multi-channel ports like S/PDIF, ADAT, AVB, and MADI, which enable you to expand the interface or connect other equipment. Expensive interfaces usually have a better clock-generator as well (see Question 10).

External Interfaces (Price Low to High)
All Audio Interfaces

10. Clocking: What is it and is it Important?

For most beginners, this detail won’t be important. Clocking means that a ‘pulse’ is generated by the interface or converter, and this pulse makes sure that the audio is kept precisely ‘on time’. As long as the audio arrives in your computer software ‘on time’, then the signal is recorded with accuracy and without distortion. Expensive audio interfaces will have more precise clock-generators than cheaper ones. If you tend to use a few recording devices, then one device will function as the ‘master-clock’. In this case, a separate clock-generator is needed. But this is really entering the realm of professional engineering and production.

All Audio Interfaces
Clocking Devices

Links and More Information

Blogs

What Do You Need to Produce Music?
DAW Software Buyer's Guide
How Can I Connect a Guitar to a Computer?