What is an Audio Interface - Do I Need One?

[@vmt1016]

I like your funny words, magic man.

[@starrybenchstudios]

Lol

[@Trezn]

😭

[@WoockerSocket]

Nothing bad ever happens to the Kennedys

[@1jsaid647]

mannn i thought it was effing confusing as hell with those different terminologies, i had to stop and go back a couple times. I hate those words but i have to learn and understandthem because i want to master my craft before i cant.

[@cafeadicto]

😹

[@dhchoi]

My English is really poor , really bad. But funny thing is.. Everytime I see this gentleman's demo, I almost understand what he is saying. I can hear him. It's his English ? or his explanation ? I don't know. But all i can say is he's great

[@TheApolloOrder]

Your English seems great. If I didn’t know, I would think u were fluent.

[@nahlene1973]

If this is poor English i am sure a lot of English education institutes will go out of business lol.

[@DjAmber_D]

@@TheApolloOrder He's maybe using Google translate. I use it all the time, and it gets me in trouble because people assume I know how to speak the language when it's just me copying and pasting the Google translation lol. If I'm wrong though, and this is his "Poor English" then I agree with you. His English is much better than a lot of English people (including myself after too many Gin and Tonics) ❤‍🔥

[@hungcao919]

I don't see anything's bad here maybe you just don't feel confident about yourself

[@dhchoi]

@@DjAmber_D thank you so much :-) I didn't use the Google thing though 😅 I just tried my best to show proper English Cheers!

[@BenScooter1]

These Sweetwater videos are top notch! Well-produced, featuring someone with an in-depth knowledge of the product(s) related to the subject matter, and the ability to explain what are often quite technical audio engineering concepts in a clear and concise manner that can easily be understood. No doubt that anyone will walk out of Sweetwater considerably more informed than when they walked in.

[@sweetwater]

This comment is top notch! Thank you, Ben! 😊👍

[@rosscoeradio3741]

You can see there is a slight pain in his eyes having to dumb down things for us. It’s like a great mathematician stuck teaching elementary school math.

[@rizzbod]

Just true!

[@ludens5129]

I like this guy, he's good at explaining audio interfaces in detail without making it confusing.

[@Mr_A_Mia]

i love all these FYI and tutorial videos Sweetwater's been doing. thanks ya'll

[@sweetwater]

Thanks for checking them out! 😎👍

[@DjAmber_D]

WHY HAVE I NEVER HEARD OF THIS BEFORE!?!?!?!? You've just blown my mind. I actually found out earlier today that the usual TRS 1/4" jacks you use to connect hardware instruments / FX units to your mixer / audio interface etc don't actually send stereo information!!! They just balance the signal with a second stereo image of the audio signal. It's taken me the vast majority of the day to process this, as well as checking all the cables I own in my studio, and discovering I have had a MONO TS Cable plugged into one of my Mackie studio monitors for about 5 years, which means there's a big chance most my music I've released recently is going to have some level of stereo imbalance haha @Sweetwater I love you so much... Thank you for this informative video, but also I wish you hadn't told me all this new info, because this is going to get expensive. Oh well... Christmas is overrated anyway - I'll just record the family a Christmas song for their presents this year, I'm sure they will be just as excited as me about zero latency recording and near lossless audio quality! Cheers mate. Love from me and my ever growing synth collection... Amber x

[@GJones712]

I thoroughly appreciated the sound quality of this video.

[@dennism7191]

I like the fact that the one in front of Mitch is the exact one I have. Easy peasy and sounds great.

[@buckyflex1]

This video should be used as an educational tool & be studied by any & all content creators in the how-to, diy, unboxing, review, information, explanation & similar genres and regarded as the quintessential example of what a perfectly executed video looks like. As far as explainer vids go this is pure excellence and ought to be considered the standard to which they hope to achieve. People click on these vids in search of specific information and complete explanations nothing more. This is how it's done.

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Unboxing it depends on what the channel is... Like my viewers really like the fact I take them though the whole unboxing experience like they were there with me... Much like my Live comantary gameplay videos... But yes this is a great formate in general and should be more standard.

[@TriumphwithTristin]

Great breakdown, thank you! Currently in the process of building a touring rig and have been looking at the RME interface. Now that I understanding line outputs better I know which direction I need to go in. Thanks, again!

[@Ace-js3lj]

The sound quality of this video says a lot, im gonna have to buy one!

[@michael-dy8tz]

Interface converts analog to digital and changes analog signal to a bunch of numbers so your computer can read it and convert the numbers into the music you played on your guitar, piano or voice.

[@shipsahoy1793]

Mitch, your gear dissertations are excellent ! Good job man😎

[@PUTUPLAN7]

A life saving device!

[@driftwoodmusic3915]

Really? Because right now I’m just straight recording vocals, drums, keyboard into the pc I have. I do hear a really bad rustling noice in the back when I record my microphone, but would like the rustling noice go away with an interface? Like does it really “improve” the sound in that way? Or should I just see it as something that brings al your cable’s together and it makes an output of it, from your choice. Please correct me about everything, because I’m really not too sure if I should buy one or not.

[@PUTUPLAN7]

@@driftwoodmusic3915 So what audio interfaces have are good or decenty preamps. Preamps get have a very low floor noise, they really will make your sound cleaner. I remember I used to record to the pc as well, then I got myself a little interface from radioshack, and now I have a scarlett solo used pretty good for like 60$ or so. the difference is that a lot of sheap audio interfaces cannot deliver a clean high band input they all sound muddy. When you pull the brightness up its noisy.

[@NoDebut]

Thank you for this, I think I needed this like 25 years ago, but better late than never :)

[@Awwethome]

This was absolutely fantastic, great explanation guys!

[@booheccrahysb2014]

He does not move his left arm the entire video.

[@NeCtRiCkS]

His left hand is an audio interface. Moving the left arm would take it out of focus.

[@bornebybees]

Creepy now that you mention it

[@ashlielaurensmith]

He has no left arm. It’s a prop.

[@alexsaling7132]

Lmfso

[@crawled2]

ah yes, very intuitive

[@rohandevaki4349]

where is your mic, how is your audio this good?

[@ThomasJones-ij6hv]

Not going to lie, I slowed it down to 75% so it could sink into my brain.

[@DeadFace_yt]

Thank you for the tip . Lol my god this guy talk fast.

[@ganglalo]

I just opened up my studio for booking at my current office space where I usually just make beats. I've experienced latency with my scarlett 2i2 3rd gen and some static/vnyl noise coming out on vocals. I am still on a budget as I am currently spending $ on bills and other products. Im not really focusing on sessions with bands where I need so many input connections. The Mic I'm currently using is a Warm wa87. Is there a Audio Interface you recommend to use for now to upgrade from my Scarlett 2i2 3rd gen if the Apollo Twin is out the picture?

[@sweetwater]

Hello, Luis! The issues you are facing sound to me like they will not be fixed by just upgrading interfaces. Though the Scarlett is more affordable than the Apollo, it is not prone to excessive noise or latency. We’d be happy to help you troubleshoot this issue and if need be, make a recommendation from there. If you would, please either give us a call, contact us through our website, or reach out to me directly via my info below. Thanks! Cody Kraus, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1766, [e-mail]

[@DjAmber_D]

Sounds like your issue might be a poor quality cable, or perhaps you're recording the vocals a bit too loudly. Try setting the microphone at a lower volume, and record in 32bit floating as this will give you unlimited headroom (which means no clipping / distortion on the recording in case you've got a very dynamic singer)! You could also try using a noise gate when recording, or use a free program like Audacity to remove the "noise floor" you mentioned with their noise removal tool. It does, however sound like you've simply recorded the signal in too hot (or you've accidentally got the audio doubling over in your DAW when you've been recording, as that creates a hissing sound in the background too, as the audio is doubled in volume) so it is most likely going to be an easy fix that won't require upgrading to get your recordings sounding better. Sometimes it's the simplest things that can have the biggest impact on our music. Preparation is everything when it comes to recording vocals, so make sure you have an area that's quiet, record it somewhere that's got some acoustic treatment, no matter how basic it is... In fact, recording in a wardrobe or a closet would be perfect! Record at a lower level, (you can normalise the audio afterwards) and record in 32bit floating to avoid distortion, use a noise removal tool to clean up any floor noise, then... you get to the most FUN PART... before attempting any processing on the vocal, manually go in to the audio (you can do this in Audacity, which is a free program) and find all the peaks / loudest parts, highlight them then reduce them in volume till they're level with the quieter bits. It is also important to ensure you reduce (or increase) the volume to the whole phrase being sung, otherwise the vocal will sound disjointed. Once that's done, if you normalise the whole audio recording now, you'll get it much louder and ready to add the fun stuff like compression / fx etc to it. Technically, the process I've just shared with you is exactly what the compressor / limiter would be trying to do, but by doing it manually first, your compressor won't have to work so hard, so it will be easier to get a good result. It might take some practise and some patience, and sorry for the absolute essay, but this is an area I always used to struggle on myself, so I thought it might help you out :) GOOD LUCK! :D

[@davidlalremruata]

Latency - time taken for raw signal to be processed by the gears so it comes out as sound on the monitoring equipments.

[@TayeHykiem]

Thank you so much!!! Very thorough, very mindful, very demure😂🔥

[@ripest_avocado]

thank you so much for this!!

[@mohde7958]

Very useful video , if i have a mic with 16-bit conversion rate ( samson q2u ) will i get benefit from audio interface with 24-bit or higher and getting better quality ???? I do not want to spend money on something with no dood return

[@Raoh1st]

Why not pluging the audio interface to a camera?

[@davidlalremruata]

This is really very good, quite easy to understand 👍

[@sassycat]

Man, this all sounds like work.

[@mistersternberg2]

Very helpful video.

[@rayfer.]

Soooo, if i just want to get no latency, can i just plug the midi controller to my pc as regular, and then plug my headphones jack to the audio interface and still get no latency? Or do i strictly need to plug the midi controller onto the audio interface for it to work?

[@BUZZYBUZZIE]

Wonderful review

[@CakesUnlimitedbyAngelWings]

Thanks for the info...

[@labrahamabraham9033]

Thank you for your this great information.God bless you. Because you have so much rich knowldge,may I ask you some guidance. I think that a Rode wireless hands free mic can also be used for live programs also by connecting through a mobile / laptop, by connecting through a mixer /amplifier. For example, for a church service,for addressing the congregation? Please guide. Thank you sir .

[@aquarius5264]

ok so i'm like REALLY poor so what's the best audio interface under or around 100 dollars?

[@winterheat]

I think the "Audio Interface" box is really a good quality soundcard in the old days... so instead of having a soundcard inside of a computer, now it is by USB instead, and so it is external... that's it... basically converting the analog sound wave to the digital wave data... as WAV or mp3 or mp4, that's it

[@vassilisvassilis6159]

very helpful thanks

[@normbarrows]

if you end up at CD audio quality, anything over 16 bit, 44.1Khz is lost in the down-mixing. PC DACs have been able to do 16 bit, 44.1Khz since the Soundblaster 16 card (1992). I started doing DDD home recordings in 1998. I did 3 CDs and 5 EPs that way.

[@TuPham-sk6gv]

I have a question. I use my DT 770 Pro with a pc and i have no need to record anything. What should i get? A dac or an audio interface, and what is the difference between these two?

[@sweetwater]

Hi Tú Phạm, great question! If all you are doing is listening, there is really no need for an interface. Buying a quality DAC with a solid integrated headphone amp is a good way to go! Apogee makes a really solid little DAC here: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Groove--apogee-groove-usb-dac-and-headphone-amp If you have further questions or would like to go over some of the differences between our various offerings, give me a call! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@TuPham-sk6gv]

@@sweetwater thank you so much! But i am wondering whether the fiio k5 pro is the best dac/amp for this headset in the price range

[@shimronnetia]

Than you for information

[@leorosendow9728]

Which one has better audio quality? M track 2x2 or Presonus Itwo ???

[@dylanhurst9982]

cool vid I had to watch for music tech

[@cmritchie04]

I don't understand something: if the audio interface only gets 5 volts from the USB port, then how does the condenser microphone/phantom power deliver its 48 volts?

[@letmebreakitdown2u152]

What's the best audio interface to use with a Mac book?

[@davidlalremruata]

Sampling Rate - should be high enough to cover 45 plus (term relevant to sampling rate to be added here).

[@turkscfc]

This man knows his onions

[@tyjakkty8668]

excellent video,cheers

[@svantesson5456]

Great video, thanks:)

[@Nword3390]

so I have an acoustic guitar that I want to add a reverb effect to, but played back in real time--instead of recording it and playing it back. Is this possible with such a device?

[@GreenBlueWalkthrough]

Oh by the way make sure you need more then your motherboard can handle and make sure your interface won't sound worse or have less capblity then it... For example I have a top of the line PC tower from 2021 and in a an awesome motherboard that is just eounh for my any of needs I can think of. Which mainly includes having a hardwear snyth just one... which I can plug straight in to it if I wasn't going to use the USB most have these days like most mics and keyboards... Like I could get an interface just for midi ports for that anolog sound instead of USB... But I don't need it yet and while an interfaqce does have nice physical controls I also have not felt I needed that as windows and my programs is fine and the motherboard has software that is even better... So just guessing I would easly need a $500-$1k+ interface to beat my Motherboard which is not in my budget and again why if my $500 Motherboard is good enough for my needs?

[@driftwoodmusic3915]

Hey, right now I’m just straight recording vocals, drums, keyboard into the pc I have. I do hear a really bad rustling noice in the back when I record my microphone, but would like the rustling noice go away with an interface? Like does it really “improve” the sound in that way? Or should I just see it as something that brings al your cable’s together and it makes an output of it, from your choice. Please correct me about everything, because I’m really not too sure if I should buy one or not.

[@sweetwater]

Hi, thanks for your interest! Great question - it really depends on where that rustling noise is coming from. If your mic is picking up background noise in your space, an audio interface probably wouldn't solve that specific problem. If it's electronic noise coming from a bad connection to your computer, a good interface might do the trick. Either way, getting an audio interface will get you a better quality recording than just plugging a mic or guitar into a built-in input jack on your computer. Feel free to contact me directly and I'd be happy to go into further detail to help you get the best recordings you can! Caleb Lowrey, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1620, [e-mail]

[@vivalarob2244]

Great video

[@Mj-bg2uj]

Hi , I'm not much of tech guy but I have a basic acoustic set up in my back room that I just use for some covers I do and post to my social media .. I just use my iPhone 13 to record it and then I edit the video on the phone and post it .. I have a couple pedals then have the guitar and mic going into a Yamaha mixer and then into a PA .. the reason I use my phone is because it just seems so much easier than having to use my laptop .. could I use an interface with my phone and would I notice a difference ?? Any advice is greatly appreciated

[@sweetwater]

Hi, MJ312. We don't have to get complicated to elevate your results! You can absolutely get higher quality audio with a simple interface like the iRig Pro Duo: www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/iRigProDuoIO--ik-multimedia-irig-pro-duo-i-o-2-channel-audio-midi-interface-for-ios-android-and-mac-pc How I would set it up is using the Mixer as normal, but plug the main outs into the iRig and monitor with headphones. If headphones would cramp your style on your posts, you could also use the Tape Out from the Yamaha for the iRig feed and monitor through the PA like normal. Should give you a much more isolated and high fidelity sound! If you have any further questions, give me a ring, I would love to help! Drake Sobehrad, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 3271, [e-mail]

[@queenofthecastle6916]

Wow this guy rocks 👍🥇🙌

[@iam_forhisglory1387]

Thank you 🙏

[@sweetwater]

Thank YOU 💙🤘

[@victorsupreme214]

Doesn't matter what you are saying, it looks like you are telling me off and very disappointed in my behavior lol

[@grayfullbuster2857]

I have a usb kungber kt01 and I was hoping you could help me understand something. how could I use this with an audio interface? Am I sol? It was a gift and I dont wanna be rude and get rid of it I wanna utilize it to its full potential, please help. :)

[@lawrencevillegas7152]

Hi sweetwater crew! What audio interface works well with windows 10 S mode?

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Lawrence. That is a great question! I would generally not recommend using "S Mode" or any other setting in Windows that would limit the function of 3rd-party software/firmware, or throttle the CPU (such as battery saver mode). We cannot guarantee the functionality of any audio interface in those modes. Feel free to give us a call to go into more detail. Thanks! Jason Filloramo, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1281, [e-mail]

[@carlosserrano3985]

Motu M2/M4 Is excellent!

[@twitchbook-1]

Thanks

[@sonicvisy9975]

thank you.ive been trying to answer this particular sooo basic question 4 a while. keep on tellin it like it is, im hearin you mitch🎧 makin sense , common sense.NOW🤔 RECORD ONTO LAPTOP? only need 2 track digi record.wave editor? can i avoid daw

[@grxygxds]

Would you need one for a new Mac w M1 chip paired with Roland TD27KVS? If so would you recommend anyone or can I jist plug and play with superior drummer

[@sweetwater]

Hey, Jason. Thanks so much for your interest. You don’t necessarily need an interface as you can use your TD27 module to interface via USB and Superior Drummer. I hope this helps. Best Regards, Jason Thiele, Sweetwater Sales Engineer, [phone] ext. 1391, [e-mail]

[@fildo_morečku123]

Can somebody tell me, if i got audio interface connected with usb to computer and i am going to watch youtube or listen to music, can i hear audio from studio monitors or headphones?

[@vikplevnes736]

Hey yes of course, you need to have your studio monitors connected to the audio interface

[@POLLOTROM]

I have to watch this like 20 times to understand it.

[@illopedragoon]

i love sweetwater

[@Trezn]

2:26 did he just say flavor

[@liliumcloud_prod5750]

yes

[@anandnephopX]

why motu m2 not in stock?? does motu hav defective ?

[@1jsaid647]

Thanks mister your information was like sweetwater lol anyways yes you did hit me with some complicated terminologies but i will go try my best to understand the whole process of vocal recording. I hate listening to my recording but thanks for showing an aspiring artist a way to improve my craft. PS. Your stores apogee interface is marked up a bit too high. $600! woooo, a quick search on google i found used ones for 150ish even low as 90 but probably in bad condition. Do as you please with that information but i hope to do business with you and help your store as much as you helped me Thanks again!

[@joedominguez-romero]

So are audio interface for microphones. And what’s the difference between midi and audio interface. I care more for the keyboards, so is an audio interface works on a MIDI keyboard

[@MrHammerjoe]

My man

[@jakegascon9727]

Done

[@davidlalremruata]

MIDI - useful to control musical instruments and other gears relevant to music production and live shows like, say, a smoke machine.

[@jamesjirik2245]

We got both types of music, country, and Western

[@sweetwater]

That ain't no Hank Williams song! 🤠

[@neurowhiz876]

Expert

[@xenia_fox_girl]

y'kmow, I've been thinking. When life gives you lemons, don't make lemonade. Make life... TAKE THE LEMONS BACK

[@skibidisam69]

you hurt my brain

[@laakshayveersingh9608]

Plz suggest me sound card 1.zoom Uac 2 2.steinberg ur24c What's the best anyone....? Suggest me Faithfully

[@zayarlinn3120]

I don't understand what r u saying???

[@anon6056]

So it's a big microphone

[@Star..._]

Thanks for the tips. may God bless you Jesus Christ is Lord.

[@Dhruv-qw7jf]

The background is just way too distracting man.

[@ferdinandtugano]

Hard to understand without illustrations, might as well just read on the internet.

[@cunmel1969]

Never go into teaching.. my 4 yr old daughter could explain in more simple terms and talk at a rate that other kids would understand.. don’t give up your day job whatever that may be..

[@ErikHeller-sg8sw]

OK, here is my comment. I NEED SOME HELP. I am a Musician and I Record Music. I'm also Soon to start a You Tube Channel to share both Music and Video. I Know how to Record Music, BUT, I'm Green when it comes to 'putting the picture together' in order to Purchase the Necessary Equipment, and Learn the Chain of Ingredients I will need to accomplish my goal. (To Edit and Upload Content. Whatever it takes) SO SWEETWATER, Is there the 'Go to Guy' to Walk me through & Help me Set this up??? Please Advise. THX.

[@sweetwater]

Hi, Erik! Our team would be glad to dig into these details with you. When you have a moment, please give us a call at [phone] or email us at [e-mail]. Thanks for the message!

[@mksounds6326]

I was once where you are (when I set up my channel). Check it out and hit me up. I've used Sweetwater for some stuff, in addition to my local guys as well. Have fun on the journey! All the best from the Bay Area. MK

[@ErikHeller-sg8sw]

@@mksounds6326 Well Thank You. I Most Definitely Will ask you for some help Soon. I start my 'Build' of a small mobile studio next week. Once All the power requirements are installed I will contact you. Is there a Better, Private Platform to communicate??? Again, Thank You for the Offer. Greatly Appreciated. Erik.

[@ErikHeller-sg8sw]

@@sweetwater Oh Yes. Sweetwater will be hearing from me for my equipment needs. I have many questions. I Appreciate Your Response. Erik.

[@sekritskworl-sekrit_studios]

What this has to do with a MIDI specific interface, is VERY LITTLE.... and this is an annoying habit of Sweetwater is slapping filler videos onto items which waste our time clicking on them.

[@tylerlopez1526]

Way to much hand movements. It’s distracting

[@drummerman4444]

This sucks. He never once said why you would use it. What is it for? What does it do for you?

[@CodyW-sq9cl]

I agree, terribly annoying to waste time. I wish someone could explain something short, sweet, and simple. But I continued my own research tonight and found out that these, from what I can gather, just help you process audio. So it’s really unneeded if you have a decent computer. If you don’t, this is an alternative over buying a a computer with a decent CPU and RAM. I hope that helps.

[@CodyW-sq9cl]

If your computer is already decent then you can just plug your mics into that, instead of buying one of these.

[@ethalia3093]

Gee, You talk so fast. A novice like me can't keep up.

[@eleanorclub]

You can slow any video down with the playback speed function. You'll find it in the menu (3 dots) near the top of the video.

[@ethalia3093]

Thanks so much. I didn’t know.

[@rhys2611]

In English please

[@richpeltrick1492]

Man, that was fast. Just getting started in computer recording? Let's see how many features I can rattle off before you get overloaded. Better to go with your product engineer who can slow it down. So.... down the line...maybe I need a better computer, betterDAW, and a condenser mic? Might need a keyboard, guitar, bass along with plug-ins to get you going. Add in a whole bunch of frustration racking your brain to understand the entire process and you're off and running. Where do I start again?

[@antoonhermans8953]

jeezzz , it always looks/sounds like this guy is in a hurry to get home , slow down man , you're talking way to fast !!!

[@Harrie23]

LOL

[@jdub9664]

This guy is reading off the script

[@boyifyouboomeimaboobooonyall]

so?

[@jayesheart]

Why is that a bad thing? He's educating us

[@jaklair]

:)

[@comfyathome]

Your right hand is both distracting AND irritating. Otherwise - I might listen to your voice......

[@chrisyates8115]

Too much rant, simply it

[@faithchristianchurchgardin949]

Thanks

[@Xxxxxrrr6464]

Thanks