If you want to record with one or more mics and are starting from scratch, the most cost-effective option is to choose an interface with suitable mic preamps built-in. Microphones output a much lower-level signal, and therefore require an additional preamp to bring their signal up to line level, before it gets converted to digital form to enter your computer capacitor mics require a preamp that can supply 'phantom power', and these days, nearly all do so.

The simplest inputs are 'line-level', and are suitable for connecting other electronic equipment such as mixing desks, CD/DVD players, synthesizers and preamplifiers. This is the most important question of all, since it determines how many simultaneous inputs, and of which types, you'll need. Follow this SOS step-by-step guide to make a more informed buying decision. To successfully choose the perfect audio interface for your own particular requirements isn't difficult if you follow some basic steps to narrow down the options. After all, the best audio interface for a musician creating electronica may be totally different from one used to record a live band, while if you only require stereo inputs and outputs, within a given budget you'll generally get better audio quality than spending the same amount of money on an interface with eight or more channels. We're regularly asked on the SOS Forums 'which is the best audio interface?', but even if we know the available budget that question is impossible to answer without knowing what the person asking it wants to achieve. Whether you're a newbie or a seasoned pro, there's now a bewildering choice of audio interfaces available, at prices ranging from pocket money to arranged loan.

You can narrow down the choices significantly with the help of our essential guide.Īt its simplest, an audio interface lets you record external sounds such as vocals and instruments into your computer, converting them from analogue to the required digital format en route, and performs the opposite function on the return journey from computer to amp/loudspeakers. The vast majority of computer-based musicians will need an audio interface, but with so many on the market, it can feel like an impossible task to decide which to buy.

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