When recording audio on your computer, this audio needs to be converted from sound (air molecules bouncing around and crashing into each other) into data that a computer can work with called digital audio. The hardware that does this "analog-to-digital" (A-to-D) conversion is called an audio interface. The most basic form of this is the humble sound card built into most computers. These can be noisy and not actually very good at the conversion process at all. In most cases the term audio interface refers these days to an external box that connects (usually via USB) to your computer. Examples include the M-Audio Fast Track, the Lexicon Alpha and Omega models, and the PreSonus Audio Box. There are lots more than these, starting at around $70 for 1 or 2 inputs, going up in cost, quality and number of inputs available into four figures.
Also, recently USB mics have become technologically advanced enough to incorporate the A-to-B conversion themselves. This eliminates both the need for the audio interface "box" or sound card microphone input. There are a range of good quality USB mics on the market including the Samson G Track, Blue Yeti, and the Samson Q1U, ranging in price from around $49 up to around $300 depending on the quality of the capsule and converters on board. These microphones are amazingly inexpensive considering what they can do, and as they avoid the need for extra costly equipment. They can be ideal for the folks who just want to record single track audio or voice overs with maybe some production music in the background.
There are several USB mics of fantastic quality which you can get for less than $100, which is a sound (no pun intended) investment considering you're aim is to produce professional sounding audio recordings at the lowest cost (or at least I think it should be). These mics are hard-wearing, long-lasting and a fantastic investment if you are just setting out on a career in the voiceover or music industry.
There are a couple of factors you should consider if you are purchasing an audio interface, including:
How many inputs do you need? Consider what type of audio you're going to be recording and think about the number of inputs you will need. The price increases with the number of inputs. If you're a singer-songwriter-type, for example you'll almost certainly want an interface with two microphone preamp inputs so you can simultaneously record, say, your vocals and guitar. If you're going to utilize a drum kit rather than synthesized drums, or you want to record an entire band at once, you will need more inputs for things like snare, bass, kick and cymbals, other guitars, other vocals, etc.
Do you need Pro Tools compatibility? Pro Tools is widely regarded as the industry standard in music recording software, and not very many interfaces are compatible with Pro Tools. You'll want to look into M-Audio's M-Powered line of interfaces like the M-box, Fast Track Pro, or Mobile Pre. These also usually come bundled with a stripped-down version of Pro Tools such as Pro Tools SE. Let me state here, however, that Pro Tools is definitely NOT mandatory, even if it is considered the industry standard. If you aren't planning to have multiple studios working on your projects, all with their own set-ups, then compatibility is not an issue.
Your audio interface, in whatever form, is essential for recording your audio tracks. There are a range of audio interfaces of all sizes so you can record from single tracks to full orchestras! As we always say at Home Brew Audio, let you needs drive your gear purchasing decisions. Whatever your needs are there is an audio interface out there to meet them.
Learn to record and produce professional sounding audio from home. With fun and short video tutorials we'll show you how to start with a $0-$5 budget, and then how to improve your studio for a few dollars at a time as your knowledge and confidence increase. If you would like to start doing home recording on computer in the next hour, visit us here: Home Recording Equipment
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