Benefits of using the USB audio interface

A good home recording studio must have a good audio device. The audio interface is a piece of equipment that handles audio input and output from your computer. Contrary to common belief, a USB audio interface is not a sound card but much more than that; its proliferation is actually one of the best things that has happened to the music technology industry. This simple device provides the best benefits that professional recording companies have long enjoyed, but without the price tag that could match your second mortgage. Simply put, using this audio interface is the most affordable way to enjoy music recording.

A USB audio interface is a device that allows you to connect a computer with a sound card but without an audio jack to an external device via the USB jack. The USB specification characterizes a standard interface that allows the USB audio device with a single driver to work properly with the various USB audio devices and interfaces available on the market.

Many people are concerned about certain factors when considering the use of this type of audio device; sound quality and channel availability. A high-speed USB audio interface is a better choice than a Firewire interface if you’re going to be using one or two channels in a single period of time and no more than that. That means the number of available channels is limited by the USB device.

Audio quality, on the other hand, is affected by the type and use of microphones and the strength of the audio signal. If the audio signal is at the right level, USB audio devices don’t have to do much to alter the sound of the audio; this means that the signal is clearly translated from analog to digital signal.

Types:

Generally, these audio devices are available in 2 categories, stereo and multi-channel devices, and are available in professional and consumer versions. And most are compatible with USB 1.0 and USB 2.0, making it easy for the device to work with any computer made in the last five years. This device connects to your computer with the use of an average USB connector and to the audio device with any type of connectors.

Sizes:

These audio devices range from 3 x 1 inches and up and sizes differ due to the variety and availability of connectors that can be used. For a smaller USB device, a 1/8-inch port input with a 1/8-inch port output is ideal.

There are certainly many advantages to using the USB audio interface and one of those advantages is that it can be powered by the USB port, which makes the device equally useful for laptops. One of the best benefits and the main reason why it is the most popular audio interface is that it is very affordable compared to a PCI based audio interface. It can provide high quality audio recording result without ripping you off.