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Intro to Audio Interfaces  

 

Audio Interfaces
It can be quite confusing when it comes to picking audio interfaces especially when you are just getting into audio production. As I am writing this there is a set of new audio interface released by M-Audio, both in firewire and USB format. Understandably there can be a lot of confusion about which one to buy. The variables included are not only related to the performance of the device but also your budget. Though the best way to figure out which audio interface is ideal for you would be to actually understand how they all work.

  

What is an audio interface?
An audio interface is a device that can convert digital signal from your computer into an analog form that your speakers can understand. Its just the same thing as a sound card that exists in your computer, only difference being it is external and has a few more features that your stock internal sound card does not have. Most of these audio interfaces have a converter that converts the digital signal into analog signal which can be easily understood by your speakers. It also does the opposite. Lets say you record an acoustic signal, using a mic. The mic converts that acoustic signal into an analog signal which is then in turn converted to digital by the audio interface. Just understand this,a computer can only accept audio in digital form audio interface. Just understand this, a computer can only accept audio in digital form. So no matter what the process, finally the sound has to be converted into a digital from. The process of converting the analog signal to digital or digital to analog is also called A/D or D/A conversion. By now you probably know what A and D stand for. This is one of the most important jobs of the audio interface. The better the A/D and D/A converters, the better the quality of the recording.


Why can’t the internal sound card take care of all this stuff?
Actually the internal sound card on your computer will definitely take care of all this. If it didn’t, you would not be able to record or even listen to music. The only reason you would get an external or exclusive audio interface is because it will record and playback audio, much better than your internal stock sound card. Audio interfaces will have inputs and outputs that you can
use for your microphone and speakers respectively. Your internal sound card may not have the right connectors for these devices. For example most internal stock sound cards will have 1/8 in. inputs (see image to the right ) while most speakers and mics come with 1/4 in. or even XLR cables.

  



1/8 in. jacks


1/4 in. cables







XLR cables		 What are the different kind of audio interfaces?
Now since an audio interface is an external device, you will need to connect it to your computer. Some use USB connections, some Firewire (IEEE 1394) and some even come with their own card that you install in your computer and connect through that. The third option is ruled out if you are using a laptop as you will not be able to open it up and install the card, but if you are using a desktop computer all three options are available.


Which one is the best option?
It can be really hard to pick out a particular kind of audio interface and say that it is the best among all, though there can be an audio interface that works best for you and your particular needs. In terms of pricing, usually USB interfaces are the cheapest and easiest to use, just like most plug and play USB devices. Firewire interfaces are considered a bit better because it has a better through put. In other words it transfers information to and from the computer much better
that a USB device. The audio interfaces that come with their own card are considered the best as it is not using any of your USB and firewire slots and it can be a bit more stable as it has a dedicated connection to the computer, you will never have to remove it. On the other hand you may need to remove your USB or Firewire interface, if you ever need to connect anything else.

It might be a good idea to figure out how many USB and Firewire connections your computer has and how many are being used by other devices like an external hard drive, keyboard or mouse. That way you can make a better judgement on which kind of audio interface would be best for you. It is also not recommended to use an audio interface through any kind of hub, it should always be connected directly to the computer.

Lets go though a firewire interface made by M-Audio called Firewire 1814 and see what features they offer. Not all interfaces will have the same features but this particular interface covers most of the features in an audio interface so the one you end up buying will definitely have some of these features.


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