Is an audio interface really necessary?

Ok, right now I have my condenser mic hooked up to a phantom power and from the phantom power to the computer. All my recordings come out clear and loud. But my friend told me that if I get an audio interface, my recordings will sound much better. Well is it true? What are the benefits of an audio interface?
thanks

I actually use a variety of interfaces. Yesterday I spent the day with one from M-Audio and, while not as good sounding as the RME in my sig, the results were surprisingly good.
While there are a number of technical reasons why interfaces will sound better than going into the computer directly, aside from the technical mumbo jumbo, I do find a big jump in sound quality using an interface vs. a direct input, and not simply the difference between one flavor preamp and another.
Obviously, there are interfaces, and then there are interfaces! But even so, I've yet to use any interface that hasn't worked noticeably better than plugging directly into the computer.
That said, if someone is just starting out and wants to plug and play, and is more than happy with the quality of the computer's inputs, then they're wasting their money buying anything else. No one should buy anything they don't want or need!
But if someone is striving for better sound quality than what comes with the computer, the fact that interfaces add obvious flexibility shouldn't shroud the fact that they also improve sound quality under the hood.
kbeartx does make an excellent point, one of two that frequently degrade conversations about gear. Of course experience is all important! And the other: "it's all about the music," as if discussing equipment suggests otherwise. Still, equipment, and discussing it, has a value. Equipment and experience are not mutually exclusive.
It's like surgeons speaking about scalpels. An experienced surgeon will do a better job with a steak knife than an inexperienced surgeon will do with a finely-honed scalpel. Still, no one would denigrate any surgeon for seeking the best tool available.
That's all this is.
Inifinity239 has a steak knife and is wondering if a scalpel works better. As someone who has used both (to continue this now very tortured metaphor )... I would say of course!

Similar Messages

Is an audio interface still necessary?

I am using
Logic Pro X, Samson L2400 24 channel mixer connected via USB, is an audio interface still necessary to record all 24 tracks separately?
Noob hardly expresses my incompetence here so thank you for your patience.

MacDyver wrote:
I am very appreciative for the assistance however it confuses me slightly more in that I do have a Roland Octa-Capture however it also connects via USB. I guess it is also useless
Articles I read state USB can theoretically carry 255 channels but everything else points to L/R Stereo.
It appears a fire sale is in order and purchase of a firewire mixer or interface may be my only option
Thanks everyone hope I can find a solution
I don't quite get your conclusion: the fact that an interface connects via USB, does not make it useless. And according to a quick look at specs the octacapture aka UA1010 has 10 inputs; you could aggregate that with the Samson and another interface with at least 12 inputs, and there you have your 24 inputs: 10 from the UA1010, 2 from the Samson itself, and 12 from whatever extra interface you'd use.
Getting one interface with 24 or more inputs may be a more secure and simpler route to take though.
I also don't get why you almost blame our appreciated assistance - by "howevering" it - for confusing you about your 10-input audio interface, when you never even mentioned you had it in the first place?

Sound Cuts Out During Playback-Sound Card/Audio Interface Necessary?-

I'm a voiceover artist with the following setup:
Sennheiser MKH 416 P48 U3 Microphone
Yamaha HS80M Reference Monitors
Mackie Onyx-i 1220 Mixer
Adobe Audition CS6
Dell Inspiron 1720 laptop (Intel Core2 Duo, CPU T5750 @ 2GHz, 32-bit)
Until recently, I could hear anything I recorded or pre-recorded items with no issues. However, now, as I listen to anything, the sound 'cuts out' (latency issues?). The meters on Audition will still be moving, but I'll get no sound from my monitors. I upgraded to Windows 7, hoping and thinking this would solve the issue, and that Audition would play nicely with Windows 7. This 'solution' seemed to have helped, but ultimately, it did not resolve my issue. At this point, I believe it's my sound card. My studio quality setup seems to be too much for my consumer grade sound card. Because my Mackie has an interface built into it, I did not believe that I needed an interface. However, I'm beginning to question that. So, that's part of my question. Is an audio interface necessary for me even though I have one built into my Mackie? If so, based on what I list for my system, does anyone have any recommendations for interfaces? If I do not need an interface, I'd appreciate any suggestions or ideas as to what's causing the sound to 'cut out' and how to resolve it. Any and all help, I thank you for it in advance!
E

Finally! I wrote a reply a few hours back but the fine folks at Adobe took the site down just before I hit send! Lucky I saved it elsewhere because the "recovered post" was only the first couple of paragraphs.
Anyhow, take 2.
Well, first off, your Mackie Onyx mixer has a firewire interface built in so it, in effect, becomes your sound card. The one in your computer isn't involved in the recording/playback process at all (at least not unless you're trying to do something like monitor via the computer card rather than the mixer). Therefore, buying another sound card/interface won't help at all.
Similarly, audio dropouts aren't a latency issue, at least not directly. Latency is the delay in the audio as it does the round trip via you sound interface (mixer) and computer. It's more of an issue for musicians trying to be beat accurate as they over dub tracks. However, the latency controls could be affecting your drop out problem. The latency control in Audition is effectively controlling the buffer size--and having a larger buffer (which increases latency) also gives you playback more protection against glitches when your computer gets busy doing something else. So...the first thing to try is increasing the latency/buffer size on the Edit/Preferences/Audio Hardware menu.
Another thing to check is that you're using the latest drivers from Mackie--check their site and download/install the latest if there are some available. If there's a choice, go for ASIO drivers rather than MME if there are some available.
Also, I mentioned your computer getting busy with other things--for serious sound work shut down everything else on your computer. Pay special attention to networking, wifi, and anti virus software, all of which are usualy prioritised to grab processor cycles over your sound work. Also make sure you shut down all system sounds.
Hope at least one of these suggestions works for you.

Project sample rate vs the audio interface clock

I used Audition for digitizing archival audio and I mostly work in 96 kHz because it's the current archival standard for analog audio, however I occasionally need to transfer DAT or ADAT tapes at 44.1 or 48 kHz. One thing I noticed when I went to change the project format was that my audio interface clock did not change and match the multitrack settings. I was able to change the clock manually but I had to go to the Audio Hardware preferences.
I find this behavior for a DAW very strange. If I have a multitrack open of one bit rate and my clock set to another, how does that work? How does Audition 6 play and record audio at differnt sample rates than the interface clock? When I open a multitrack that's 96 kHz and my clock is set to 48, what sample rate am I getting? The audio file being saved says 96 kHz but is it?
Audition 6
RME Fireface UCX
Mac Pro mid-2010

loneraver1 wrote:
If true, this is indeed strange. I have used just about every DAW under the sun for the last 10 years based on what my employer purchased and I have never seen a DAW allow you to record sample rates where the project didn't match the incoming clock.
There should be an option that locks the audio interface internal clock to the opened project. It makes it annoying any time I have to switch between recording in 96 kHz to 48 kHz. That's annoying on it's own right, but what's really annoying is that it's an extra step that I have to train our archival technicians who don't have a techical background in audio.
I can definitely say it's true for my set-up!
Surely, the "extra step" you refer to is not necessary if AA is resampling the audio to match the desired sample rate?
As for the "option" to "lock the audio interface clock to the opened project", for those cards, like mine, which cannot have their sample rate changed by the audio software, how is that going to work? I suspect this was how AA CS5.5 and earlier worked: unless session/project and interface sample rate matched, no audio. I much prefer the current "resampling" method; no necessity to have to think about soundcard/interface settings every time a different sample rate is being used.
FWIW, if I want to record something at 44.1 I always ensure the card and AA settings are 44.1; but for "playback" (or video editing which I do quite a lot of and which requires 48 - my video editor software will not "play" unless the audio sampling rate of the card is 48 - ) 48 is my "default" setting.
JMO!

Considerations on firewire audio interfaces

Hello,
After buying a m-audio firewire audiophile of late, and finding issues such as kernel panics, and inconsistency in being recognised by my computer (dual 2.0 ghz g5 powermac) i have decided i need to upgrade my interface.
Im looking at firewire with the thought that i would like mobile recording as an option in the future, presumably with something like the current macbook pros.
I have looked at the Edirol FA-66 and the Presonus Firebox as "budget" options to achieve my required minumum specs: four analogue outs, 2 ins necessary, midi not fussed, pres handy...
After some research im identifing issues with the presonus buspowering, and the general issue with devices using coreaudio, and the edirol in particular being iffy with macs, having driver issues...
This line of enquiry has lead me to the motu ultralite as my potential - way out of my budget, but seems stable, and can use its own drivers too...
I have included links to various threads on the issues described... rather than treading over common ground, i would like to ask of people in the know a few questions:
1: Is the cpuspiking associated with class compliant devices really that much of an issue? Given that my current beast is a dual 2.0 g5, and my eventual lappy i couldnt see as being less powerful than the current macbook pros, wont the power of these machines be enough to deal with the cpu spiking issue?
2: Does it seem if this issue can be fixed? do you forsee a soft upgrade of some sort from apple, not requiring hardware upgrades etc?
3: bus powering - do motus suffer from this issue?
4: im using renoise and max/msp primarily, as well as peak and logic express - any specific issues to report in relation to this with specific cards, particualrly the motu drivers?
5: it seems there really is no safe bet in the cheaper interface domain, is there?
Many thanks to those who take the time to help out here, my searches to date still leave me a little confused...
Some links may be of interest...
Presonus Firebox - bus powering issues
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3318886#3318886
Same issue reported here on abelton forums with MacBookPro 17"
http://www.ableton.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=39307&highlight=
Comment generally on MacBookPro having issues bus powering
http://www.bigbluelounge.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=29573
General comments on presonus glitches
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3154624#3154624
On the edirol and issues with devices using coreaudio
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?messageID=2998323
Again on this issue, in particular reference to the Edirol again
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=582401&tstart=15
General discussion on the mac coreaudio issue/cpu spikes, particular critisism on Edirol interfaces as well
http://www.macintouch.com/readerreports/audio/topic4370.html#aug16
Specific Firewire/Edirol issues
http://lists.apple.com/archives/Firewire/2005/Jun/msg00017.html

Firewire audio interfaces these days are legion. Personally, my favorite is the Edirol FA-101. Their customer service is top notch, and it is one of the few interfaces that is hot-pluggable without frying your Firewire port (try that with M-Audio). It is also directly supported in Core Audio; no drivers needed! Also, Edirol has a lifetime warranty on non-movable parts. It's at the top of your budget, but all in all it's a solid unit.

Windows 7 no longer recognizes or allows ASIO drivers for my usb audio interfaces

Hello All, last year I purchased a new version of Propellerheads Reason and the Balance digital audio interface that came with the bundle.
Everything was fine it all worked well, especially when I added asio4all drivers. (The Balance comes with its own asio driver).
Super low latency on my keyboard and midi guitar. I was using my midi guitar and set up at jams for several months last year and it was great!
One day I was getting ready for the jam session and I noticed that the latency on my midi guitar became so bad that I could not play in time with the other musicians.
I checked out the preference/audio page in Reason and saw that my asio drivers were missing! I immediately went and down loaded asio4all again and installed it. It would show up in any of my music software. I have tried removing and re-installing
the stock ASIO driver that came with Balance and no luck.
I suspect that shortly before this huge problem ( my music software is basically useless without asio drivers) I allowed a windows update to my system.
I think that somehow during one of these "updates" something changed and windows 7 no longer allows asio drivers on my computer. This really sucks!
Is there some way to get rid of the offending "update" that ruined my music system?
Thanks in advance!
Don

Thank you for your response FangZhou Chen, unfortunately this problem started last fast, possible early November so I can't do a restore that far back.
my best,
Don

XLR microphone, do I need an audio interface?

I have a Sennheiser ME66 microphone with a K6 modular power supply. My computer is a Mac Pro. Using a chain of cable adapters from Radio Shack, I was able to convert from the Sennheiser XLR output to a mini-mono plug and input the thing into the Mac microphone input. This does not result in any sound getting to my software, so from poking around the Internet, I am starting to think maybe I need an audio interface of some sort. If that is correct, what is a reasonably priced interface? I only need to connect one XLR device, I am not going to be recording a band or anything, so I don't think I need a complex mixer. I am going to use the mic for voice over recording, but I want it to sound good.
Mac Pro 2.93 HHz Quad-Core Intel Xeon; Mac OS X 10.6.8
Thanks!

Something like this XLRmic-to-USB preamp should do the job OK.
http://www.amazon.com/MXL-MICMATEC-Preamp-Condenser-Microphones/dp/B000VZ8WC2
However, the ME66 is not really a voice mic - it's a directional shotgun, with too much gain for close-miked voice (but you probably know that!)

Do I 'need' an audio interface on modern Macs?

Hi there
Don't think I've posted on here in nearly 10 years but I'd be really glad of some help.
I currently record on a 2003 eMac running 10.3.9 using Garageband 06. I record directly into the audio in via a tube preamp.
I am considering finally upgrading and am weighing up the relative merits of a Mac Mini or an iMac. I am clueless about the technological advances made since I last bought a computer and would appreciate some help. Clearly both those computers will be a quantum leap forward from my eMac.
So, specifically, would I need an audio interface with either of the above computers or is the internal soundcard and audio in sufficient? As stated, I don't currently use a USB or Firewire interface and use the eMacs internal soundcard.
I only record audio and don't use virtual instruments but we have an electronic drum kit knocking about so we may consider using it as a midi trigger at some point. We are an indiepop band so your usual guitar, bass, drums and vocals. I do not expect 'pro' quality as we are a DIY band, hence I've managed for so long with GB. However we've done singles on small indie labels and are releasing an album next year which I'm halfway through recording. I'd just like a bit more power to add some decent reverbs, compression etc to the recordings, but also need to consider how I get audio into the machine in future. I would like to get Logic so that takes some of my budget too. Our songs currently have a maximum of about 10 tracks of audio, I don't envisage going much further than that.
Hopefully that gives you my basic requirements, so any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks a lot
Leon

The built-in audio-in should yield the same results i would imagine, i've used it before and it' s been fine. I guess the iMac's etc have a seperate audio-in still? I know they were stripped from the macbook's (bah!).
But obviously, you really should get an interface if you want to get serious, as not only will it give you better sound quality, but more control on the sound going in (Gain etc.).

Do you have to use an audio interface when you record a guitar with garageband on an iPad Air?

I've been looking into getting an iPad Air through a new cell phone contract. The only reason I want it is so that I can start recording my own music. I don't want to have to buy an audio interface however, so I'm just wondering if I really need one.

Josh, there really is no good way in and out of the iPad for recording audio without some sort of interface. There are a broad range available, some starting under $100.

Takes a while to play sound via audio interface on iMac

I purchased iMac along with Focusrite Scarlett 6i6 USB audio interface and started having following problems from the beginning.
When I play video/music on itunes, logic or whatever apps that plays sound, it takes a while(about 20 sec) to play sounds. Sometimes it does not play sounds at all until I turn the volume halfway up on Focusrite Scarlett 6i6. It happens all the time when I play sound for the first time after turning the computer on. It happens when I start using the computer after a while. Sometimes it turns off the sound even when the music/video is being played. I had problem with latest Scarlett driver and still happens after switching to class compliant mode. It seems like it takes time for the computer to wake 6i6 via USB, but I am not sure. Please help!
computer Specifications:
- late 2013 iMac / flash 1TB / GTX 780M / 32GB RAM
- mavericks 10.9.2
- Just Scarlett 6i6 connected directly via USB
- no other devices connected, just apple bluetooth keyboard, magic mouse and touchpad
Softwares:
- Logic pro x latest version, Kontakt 5.3.0
- sample rate 44
Product Info:
- was using latest 6i6 driver but recently switched to class compatible mode

Well I have done the disk cleanup and it still didnt fix it. I just got this player yesterday too I have about 3.5 gigs on it. I didnt get my usb 2.0 system yet, but im just really worried about these long load times for the songs on the player. Im gona try loading some mp3s and see how those go.
edit... I just loaded up some MP3s and they start in about 3-4 seconds. A lot faster then my WMAs from yahoo, but still I was expecting mp3s to play instantly pretty much.Message Edited by Johnwashere on 05-2-2005 2:26 AM

Which Audio Interface for Me?

Okay, I have decided to make the switch from my iMic and a mixer to an audio interface that has two inputs so I can record two channels at once. I may be using external pre's at times so it must have line-in's. Also, right now I am using a Rev. A Mac Mini, but soon I will be upgrading to a Mac Intel Book to be named later. I will mainly use this to record acoustic guitar, vocals, bass, and ocassionally drums (using a mixer to sub mix and then into the audio interface). I will do everything for my own home enjoyment so my standards are real high. Here are the possibilities I have come up with from the Sweetwater catalog in my price range ($150 - $300):
1.)Lexicon Alpha (this is a new model) or Lambda - both are USB
2.)Tapco Link.USB
3.)Makie Spike (USB)
4.)Alesis io I 14 (what is this thing USB or Firewire?)
5.)M-Audio Firewire 410
6.)Presonus Firebox
It doesn't matter to me if it is USB or Firewire, I guess my biggest requirement is the ability to use the line-in for external pre's. Thanks for any help!

I guess you guys mean that I could pan channel one
left and two right and then into the iMic?
That's correct
There are two jacks on the iMic I see,
No, one of those is the input, one of those is the output (you could plug headphoines into that one)
but I guess I don't
understand how I can have those on two seperate
channels in garageband.
That's the easy part. Create a New Basic Track and click the "I"nfo button, then set the input popUp menu to "Channel 1 (Mono)". Create a second New Basic Track and set it's Input popUp menu to "Channel 2 (mono)". Make sure the little red Record Enable buttons are on for both track and hit record. You'll be recording 2 tracks.
Also, I think one thing for
me as that my mixer didn't have in/outs on each
channel so I can use external pre's.
Okay, like I said, I would never dissuade someone from getting a better interface, and the iMic is nowhere near the Top Of The Line...
I use PreSonus' FirePod and for the year+ that I've had it I've been thrilled with it. I have no person al experience with the FireBox, but PreSonus has an excellent reputation so if it has the features you want, I'd expect it to be a great product.
Finally, I guess I should say that I'm using
Garageband now, but had thought about Logic Express
in the future. Thanks for the help
Any of the interfaces you listed should work fine with whatever software you want to use (the compatibility question is not really with the software, but rather the hardware. If the interface works on your Mac then it will work with GB and Logic).
Hope that helps --HangTime [Will Compute for Food] B-|>

Which audio interface(s) for 16 to 20 analog outputs?

Hi. I wonder if anyone can help me...
I'm running Logic 7.2 on a black MacBook. For my inputs I am using the MOTU 8pre, as this is convenient especially when recording drums with my band... no scrambling together of pre-amps... no faff...
The thing is... I've been given a shed load of gear (literally), including a 24 channel analog mixing desk and tons of outboard rackmounted effects units/compressors/gates...
I would REALLY love to integrate the two systems, especially at the mixing stage, by routing my Logic tracks to the desk. Unfortunately, the MOTU 8pre only has a couple of analog outputs (+ headphone out).
To make this a venture worth undergoing, I'm going to need a minimum of 16 analog outputs. 20 would be great if possible.
I suppose my initial questions are:
1. Can I daisy-chain 2 firewire audio interfaces (each with 8 analog outputs) to give me a total of 16 analog outputs?
2. Bearing in mind I have a low budget, could anyone advise me on which units to get. I don't think I could afford any more MOTU gear, unless I find an amazingly low priced second hand item. What about Edirol or M-Audio?
Thanks in advance.
MS

This is worth checking: http://www.ioneconnects.com/product.shtml
Based on new DICE II firewire chip with JetPLL technology (should have much lower jitter than regular firewire Audio devices that are not built on DICE II).
I believe that you can choose the configuration you need.
The only question for me is whether they are affected by apple's firewire streaming bug. But as I've heard that in the info of 10.4.9 SDK is a statement, that core audio bugs were repaired, I hope the offset streaming problem will be finally the past...
Man I am really considering this firewire snake, as it definitelly has many ins and outs - including 4 AES/SPDIF in and out!!!
I am going to upgrade my studio and two of those will probably give me enough ins and outs for all my needs (musicians + outboard hardware and a summing mixer). I was also thinking about Symphony (PCI solution seems to be still more stable than firewire) and some I/O "modules" from apogee, but that is much more expensive. And I 've read only positive info about the DICE II, so maybe I will give a firewire another chance...

Can anyone help!! with Edirol FA 66 Audio interface and Logic Pro 7

Hi I really need help!!
I have Logic Pro 7 and just have brough tnew Audio interface. I have connected it up via Firewire and my Mac has recognised drivers for interface.
I am plugging midi keyboard up to interface using two midi cables but cant get input signal through logic
PLease help someone!!

I have connected my Keyboard to my Edirol FA 66 Audio Interface
via midi cables
Ok, so you should be able to use the Casio to play Logic's instruments.
I would like keyboard to play into Logic and then be heard as an
output through my external speakers.
Well that's your problem, you've only connected it via MIDI cables - MIDI IS NOT AUDIO.
MIDI does not carry any audio signals at all, you cannot record audio via MIDI cables. You need to connect the stereo outputs of your keyboard into the audio inputs of your audio interface in order to record the Casio as audio, and/or to pipe it's audio through Logic.

Thunder Bolt to Monitor and Firewire to Audio Interface Problem

Hello. I just purchased 2 studio monitors for producing. I have a audio interface connected from my firewire plug on my 15 inch mabook pro, which are going out to my speakers. Thats all fine, but whenever I plug in my thunderbolt to hdmi adapter going to my other computer screen, it makes a really annoying buzzing sound. I can like hear all the buzzing and sounds inside my computer hard drive or something, its weird. Does anyone know why this is happening?
Any help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Zach

Hi Studzik,
Welcome to the discussions.
Ummm ---- given that you have a G5, maybe it's better that you post this is the iMac G5 section of the discussions (this is the flat panel iMac G4 section that you have posted in). That way, you have a greater chance of a G5 iMac user familiar with your issue picking it up and being able to help you.
All the best, hope you find a solution.
Cheers!
Karl

Al iMac + FW800 HDD + FW400 Audio Interface

Hi All.
I need some technical advice.
I understand that if I connect a FW800 + FW400 at the same time that the FW800 will drop to FW400 speed (and I'm fine with that) as they use the same bus.
My question is... will both ports operate as inidividual FW400 ports (ie sharing 800Mb/s or will they be sharing 400Mb/s like if you normally have 2 x FW400 on the same bus.
What I want to do is attach a RAID (mirrored) Hard drive setup (Taurus RAID II) to the FW800 and a Firewire Audio Interface (such as a MOTU) to the FW400.
Most of the audio interfaces I've looked at say that they need their own FW400 port (which I take as meaning not sharing the 400Mb/s bandwith with any other devices).
I do have several work arounds if this setup is going to cause problems (ie using a USB audio interface or a ADDA converter attached to the iMac's optical in/out... but this limits my choice of interface).
I really wish now that I had saved a little longer and got an entry level MacPro instead... but am very happy with my iMac (and man does it run quiet... my PC friends are all very jealous!!)
Thanks for any advice you can give.

Thanks to you both.
Some people seem to think its been fixed, others seem to report they are still having problems... but its hard to tell whether its the audio interfaces they are using or an actual problem with the firewire bus.
I think i'm going to use an ADDA converter and the optical ins and outs anyway now... so I'll probably never know the answer to my question... but thanks for the replies.

Is an audio interface really necessary?

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