Basic question about using an interface

[Ricklh]

Most folks on the forum here tell newbies "you'll need an interface" when recording to your computer. When I record, I use one of the following:

Digitech RP50 effects box

Behringer practice amp - has RCA phono/line-out jacks on the back. I use a cable to go directly from the jacks with a 1/8" mini-plug on the other end straight into my computer's line in.



My sound card is a Realtek AC97. Using either of the above results in great-sounding guitar tracks. Are both of those considered an interface? Would I get even better results using something else? For a sample of the Behringer amp method, check out the track "Power Poppin'" at the link below.

 

[bouldersoundguy]

No, they aren't interfaces. Your Realtek soundcard is acting as the interface, but it is a cheap device that will tend to lower the quality of your recordings. If you like the results with the Realtek you will only get better quality with a real interface, plus other advantages like XLR mic inputs and hardware monitoring.

 

[TimOBrien]

Using a built-in POS soundcard like the Realtek is like trying to run the Indy500 in a VW.

That onboard has about 40cents worth of parts in it.
The drivers are terrible and you'll have horrible latency (delays in processing).

Here's a good guide and user-tested suggestions that work: http://www.tweakheadz.com/soundcards_for_the_home_studio.htm

(you'll want to bookmark and read through all of Tweak's Guide while you're there...)