Audio Interfaces

The first step before we get some recording software is to get purchase a device that will allow analog audio signals to be recorded digitally into your computer. This is going to be our digital audio interface. These interfaces come extremely small and affordable, which have limitation, but also come as full blown multichannel mixers that can be used in a professional studio. Here are a few interfaces that will cope for our at home studios!

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Scarlett2i2

This is the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 digital interface. This interface offers 2 mic/line/instrument inputs on the front of the device, which will allow the user to plug in guitars and basses with no amps, microphones, or line level signals from other analog gear. The 2i2 has a stereo output on the back which will allow the user to either send this output to monitors for listening or to another mixer if they please. The connection used on this device is USB 2.0, which isn't the fastest connection since we also have FireWire and USB 3.0. However, for someone recording just guitar and lyrics would love this interface. Focusrite always has pristine products and offers professional quality gear.
This interface is available at http://sweetwater.com for $149.99, including free shipping, 2-year Sweetwater warranty, and also includes the Focusrite Scarlett plug-in bundle.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/SaffPro40

Looking familiar? If you have watched my video post where I take a quick tour through my at home studio, you will recognize this is the interface I use. As you can already tell, the Focusrite Saffire Pro 40 is a lot bigger and has a lot more options than the 2i2. This interface offers 8 channels of audio input, including 2 channels with DI options. This gives the user the option to record 2 guitars or guitar and bass at the same time with no preamp. What is nice about the DI options is there is also a pad on these two channels, which will lower the input value and give the user more control over getting a better signal on their track. Another great thing about this interface is that since there are 8 recordable channels of audio, one can mic up an entire drum kit with this interface and have no problem recording. One can even record guitar, bass, vocals, and drums all at the same time with this interface. This interface offers both USB and FireWire output, which is nice if one is tight on available inputs. This interface also included MIDI In and Out, which allows the user to hook up a MIDI controller to their system and run in sync with the Pro 40.
This interface is available on http://sweetwater.com for $499.99 and includes the Saffire plug-in package.

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Alpha/

This is the cheapest interface I was able to find that wasn't designed to just record guitar. The Lexicon Alpha is a 2 x 2 interface, meaning it has two channels of audio input and two channels of audio output. This interface has one instrument input on the front, which will act as a DI. It also has two line inputs on the back and only on microphone input. This is a little limiting because the user is only able to connect one microphone to their system. The only other way to connect one more microphone is to get an XLR to 1/4" cable that will be able to plug into the line input on the back of the interface. While this interface is cost efficient, there are definitely limitations to the device. The quality of the preamp in the interface may not be as quality as some of the earlier Focusrite products. Also, since there is only one XLR input, the user is tied down to using 1/4" cables.
This digital interface is available on http://sweetwater.com for $59.95 and also includes free shipping and 2-year Sweetwater warranty.

As you can see there are plenty of interfaces and options available to the at home engineer. For some of the products, you need to pay the price for what you get. However, there are great deals out there and products available that will sound great when recording at home. Leave some feedback on what you think of these interfaces and leave a comment on what you are using at home and why you like this product.

TTYL,

BCEB

 *It's not about how fast you can pump something out, it's how efficient you can use your knowledge to create the best available product while delivering a professional experience.*