Generic dumb newbie question

[batigol]

I would like to purchase a pre-amp and an audio interface and know that these two components are often included together. I am seriously considernig the Akai Professional EIE I/O because it is windows 7 compatible. This interface has 4 XLR jacks built in. Do these jacks automatically qualify the device as a pre-amp as well as an interface?

 

[240v]

Hi batigol,

It looks like you're not entirely sure on what a pre-amp is. Basically, a pre-amp takes a signal, and amplifies it. For example, the level of noise that a microphone emits is not enough for the computer to handle it, so the audio interface amplifies that signal before sending it to the computer.

If I am correct, this is the interface you're looking at. While this interface has 4 inputs, it is 16-bit. I'm not sure if you know what the difference between 16-bit and 24-bit is, so here's a link. The bottom line is in this time, you would almost always want to have a 24-bit interface.

Now, the audio interface that fits you depends on how much your budget is, and what you'll be recording. If you're just recording guitar, bass and vocals, the M-Audio Fast Track will be enough. However, if you're recording a full drum kit, it isn't uncommon that you'll need 8+ inputs.

It also depends on what DAW you're using. A lot of interfaces will come with a stripped down version of some software, whether it's Cubase, Pro Tools, or Studio One. Out of these, I'd recommend Studio One, which comes bundled with the PreSonus Firebox and Audiobox series, which you can check out here. The 44VSL goes for about $350 and has 4 inputs and MIDI I/O.

Let me know if there's anything else you'd like to know

 

[Armistice]

I googled your device and although the Akai site wasn't working today, found it on a Sweetwater site, which tells me that it does contain preamps, however, as the previous dude says, it's restricted to 16 bits/44.1k. Don't do it.

If you're talking about the Akai device that has a "Pro" attached to the end of it's name, then that does 24 bits and 96 and 48k as well as 44.1

HERE

So if you're talking about the one on top, yes, the second one, no.

I can't answer as to quality but that shouldn't be hard to find out, and "automatically" does a device with four inputs have four preamps.... no, but if it has 4 XLR inputs then it usually will have 4 preamps... but you don't need to guess these things, just read the specs...

 

[Armistice]

Oh, and anything that has a USB connection is going to be Windows 7 compatible most likely, but again, read the specs... and beware of buying an interface for the free software as mentioned in the answer above, as this can often be restricted in some way (number of tracks etc.). Read up and make sure you know what you're getting.

If you want free software, download Reaper, then if you decide you like it, fling them $60 like a good chap.