How to Choose and Use Audio Interfaces
- Author: Anderton, Craig
How to Choose and Use Audio Interfaces
- Author: Anderton, Craig
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About
Along with a computer, an audio interface provides the all-important hardware foundation for computer-based recording. This book helps musicians choose, apply, and get the maximum performance from all types of audio interfaces. Written in a clear, practical, non-intimidating style, topics include:
• The significance of different types of analog and digital connections and how you would use them
• Interconnection protocols (USB, FireWire, Thunderbolt, PCIe) for Windows and Mac computers
• Product options from portable, mobile units up to sophisticated mixers that can also serve as audio interfaces
• The special requirements involved in recording guitar
• The function of drivers and accessory programs (like software mixers for signal routing)
• Ways to minimize delays that occur when using audio interfaces with computers
• How and why to choose particular sample rates and resolutions
• The "high-resolution audio" controversy
• Microphone preamps
• Using multiple interfaces
• Expanding existing interfaces for more inputs
• Understanding specifications
• Various special features unique to particular interfaces, and more
Loaded with illustrations and featuring the judicious use of sidebars to give details on selected topics for those who want to know "why" as well as "how," How to Choose and Use Audio Interfaces is essential reading about one of the most important elements needed for a high-quality, computer-based home or project studio.
Contents
- Acknowledgments Introduction. About this Book The Purpose of an Audio Interface Tips and
- References
- Chapter 1 . Jacks and Connectors Balanced and Unbalanced Lines . Signal Level Categories Connector Types . Key Takeaways
- Chapter 2 . Audio Interface Types and Computer Connections External Box External Mixer with Audio Interface External Gear with Built-In Audio Interface DJ Controller with Built-In Audio Interface Internal PCIe Card Digital Connections for External Boxes I
- Chapter 3 . Choosing Settings for Sample Rates and Bit Resolution Sample Rates The “High-Resolution” Sample Rate Controversy Bit Resolution Audio Interface Resolution vs. Recording Software Resolution . Key Takeaways
- Chapter 4 . Choosing Settings for Latency (Computer-Based Audio Delays) Latency Basics Latency Specifications How to Obtain the Lowest Possible Latency Key Takeaways
- Chapter 5 . Digital Audio Connections S/PDIF (Sony/Philips Digital Interface) AES/EBU (Audio Engineering Society/European Broadcast Union) ADAT (Alesis Digital Audio Tape) Optical Interface MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) MIDI (Musical Instrum
- Chapter 6 . Microphone Preamps Preamp Gain Preamp Design Classes Understanding Mic Preamp and Audio Interface Specifications Key Takeaways
- Chapter 7 . Other Audio Interface Features Input Level Metering Onboard Effects Universal Audio’s Apollo Interfaces Mic Preamp Low Cut and Phase Switches Digital Mixer Capabilities Software Applications Remote Control Programs Auto-Level Digitally Control
- Chapter 8 . Cascading/Aggregating Interfaces Windows Apple Mac Expanding Interfaces via the ADAT Port Interconnecting an Audio Interface and Expansion Unit Key Takeaways Appendix. Obtaining the Benefits of High Sample Rates in Lower Sample Rate Projects
