

So you can get an XLR-USB cable to connect a mic up to your computer, and also guitar-USB, line out to USB etc etc. They work on their own and don’t need any other equipment. There are other USB audio adapters that fit into this category. It may just be a recording mic or it may also have a headphone output too and be a complete input and output device. This means you simply plug the mic’s USB lead into a USB port and it will work.

In fact, if you are confused you may find our article on a USB Microphone vs Audio Interface useful.Įffectively a USB microphone is a mic that contains an audio interface. But there are lots of other devices that are effectively “audio interfaces” too. General rule of thumb, if you're device connects to your computer via USB, you won't need a MIDI interface.Aha, this is such a common question and a source of much confusion! You tend to think of an audio interface as a box with various inputs for mics, instruments etc and outputs for speakers and headphones. With most DJ Gear / Music Production Gear, you will not need a separate MIDI-interface. MIDI interfaces are used to connect older and retro-styled equipment (outboard equipment such synthesizers, effects units, sequencers) to your computer. What is a MIDI-interface, will I need one? Inquire to see if any of your music production gear includes an interface, otherwise, you'll probably need one. Some, but not all, music production gear comes with interfaces built-in. Inquire if the setup you're interested includes an interface.įor music production, you'll probably want a quality interface because you'll need to input sound into your computer. If you're DJing, most setups include an interface or have an interface built-in. This is feature is essential for DJ mixing. If you're in a club situation where you have separate master speakers and booth speakers, you'll need separate outputs if you want to adjust the sound of the two speaker sets separately.įor DJs who are mixing solely on their computer (using a program only without a DJ controller or additional setup), a DJ interface adds a 2nd output for headphone previewing. For example, if you want to perform a live set while recording into a recording device, you'll need separate outputs. Multiple outputs allow you to send your output to multiple sources.

Or if you're recording multiple musicians simultaneously, you'll want to record them on separate inputs. You will want to input the mix and mic separately into your computer, so you can edit and adjust the levels independently in your recording program. Say you want to record a DJ music mix with talking on the mic. You'll find when you're producing music or DJing, that you'll need more flexibility.įor example, having multiple inputs allows you to record from more than one source. Most computers offer a single input and output. How does a different number of inputs and outputs effect an interface? If you are recording / sampling into your computer, an interface ensures you'll record quality, high resolution sound. In addition, an audio interface works in preparing sound that you bring into your computer. Most computer soundcards + outputs (including the ones that come installed in Macs) are not intended for the higher resolution output associated with music production and DJing. In the most basic sense, an audio interface upgrades the sound output of your computer.
