1.What’s the function of audio interface?
Audio interface designed to convert the signal from A to D or D to A. its basic function is converting mic, tape, CD original signal output to headphone, speaker, recorder and other electronic devices.
When recording, we want to mix instrument and vocal together. We need a interface to deal with sound, so the audio interface is the right one.
2.Many people wonder why I need independent audio interface while there still have a built-in audio interface in my PC?
Simply speaker, there has three reasons:
(1).Un-compatible with connector: pro mics and instruments’ connectors are not compatible with PC’s 3.5mm connectors. If you use convertor it may damage the sound quality.
(2).The sound quality does not reach the requirement: its built-in chip cannot reach the recording and arrangement’s requirement.
(3).Pro recording audio interface pick up the vocal and instrument sound then input into PC to mix or storage, also monitor directly.
so audio interfaces are a necessary tool for amateur or professional musicians.
3.How to view the sound quality and efficiency of audio interface?
Sound quality is usually expressed as two values: Sample Rate (kHz) and bit (bit).
Simply speaking, the sampling rate means "the number of times the sound source is recorded per second", while the bit is "the accuracy of sampling", the higher number, the higher quality of the sound.
Most popular music CDs on the market are 44.1 kHz 16-bit. For beginners who are interested in developing computer compilation,
a professional audio interface with 48 kHz 24-bit sound quality is enough.
Otherwise, there are some specifications to judge the audio interface level, such as "dynamic range" - the larger the dynamic range means the higher the signal-to-noise ratio, the better the sound performance. Generally, the dynamic range of entry-level audio interface can reach 90-95 db, better will reach 100 db. If you want dynamic range reach to 110 dB audio interface the price will be more than 2,000 yuan.