Audio Interface
Every home studio needs an audio interface. Here, we explain what the audio interface does and how different models have unique sounds and features.
Converting analog audio to digital information for your digital audio workstation (DAW) is the primary role of the audio interface in any studio. In many home studios, artists and engineers choose to use an interface that serves a number of purposes.
Microphone pre-amp - used to amplify low-level microphone signals to line level
Analog to Digital Converter - as in the name, converts the analog signal to digital
Computer Audio Interface - enables the computer to take the new digital signal, often provides two 1/4” outputs for studio monitors as well as a 1/4” output for headphones.
A great example of an interface that covers all three of these tasks is the Scarlett 2i2 USB by Focusrite, which we currently use in our studio. It has two combo inputs (both XLR and 1/4”) that can take both line- and mic-level signals, with built-in pre-amps to boost those mic-level signals.
