One shouldn't allow technology to get in the way of your creativity, but it's inevitable that some technology will be required at some time. The appropriate equipment may motivate you, speed up your job, and even ensure that what you hear is heard by everyone else. When you first start out in music production, one of the first considerations you'll have to make is how to get sound into and out of your computer. That's the key to understanding the need to buy the best audio interface for guitar and vocals.
What is the Purpose of an Audio Interface?
Microphone and instrument signals are converted by audio interfaces into a format that your computer and software can understand. Audio from your computer is also sent over the interface to your headphones and studio monitors. USB cables are commonly used to connect interfaces to computers; however, others use Thunderbolt, Firewire, or even ethernet. The cost of an interface can range from around $100 to several thousand dollars, yet even the most basic interfaces sound amazing and offer the essential functionality. You can easily go through the list of best audio interfaces for guitar and vocals and choose one that befits your budget.
Is it better to use a USB microphone or an interface?
You may not require an audio interface if you only use one microphone and a USB mic works for you, although it is always recommended to utilize one for quality retention. If you want to use XLR microphones or monitors on speakers, you should consider investing in a specialized audio interface.
Here are some of the advantages of using an audio interface:
You may use any XLR microphone.
You can use many microphones at the same time (USB mics only allow for one connection);
A USB interface's headphone output will sound better and louder than a USB mic or laptop jack's headphone output.
Most interfaces provide inputs for guitars, basses, and keyboards, as well as microphones;
Most interfaces include volume control for at least one pair of speakers, with some offering additional headphones and speaker outputs.
Selecting The Best Audio Interface for Guitar and Vocals
When determining which interface is best for you, consider the following questions:
What type of connectivity (USB, Thunderbolt, Ethernet) does my machine have?
How many microphones will I need at any given time?
Is it necessary to have separate volume controls for headphones and speakers (or many pairs of speakers)?
Additionally, you can also ask these questions:
Is it necessary to have separate headphone feeds and talkback for an artist who is in a different room?
Do I want an onboard DSP for plugins from UAD or Antelope Audio, for example?
Is it important for me to record at high sample rates (96kHz or higher)?
Is it likely that I will wish to add more mic/instrument inputs in the near future?
Is there anything else I require, such as MIDI, digital connectors, or ramping outputs?
The answer to all these questions combined could help you ascertain the right kind of Audio interface that you may require. It also helps you make a sound decision when it comes to choosing - audio interface for guitar recording solely or something that needs vocal recording.