Interface craze

  • Thread starter Thread starter TruBLUE
  • Start date Start date
TruBLUE

TruBLUE

New member
Almost everyone that I have seen on HomeRecording.com when talking about increasing sound quality immediately suggest to ditch USB mics and purchase XLR mics and a interface this is a expensive set of things to buy.

There are Alternatives solutions like:
Getting a Preamp(if you have a xlr mic already)
usb sound card
Uprgrade to a new internal sound card.
And so on

Why Is it always the Interface. Interface has never been made such a big deal until i reached this site.

From my understanding a interface is a way of connecting analog devices to your computer.

It does not boost your quality. Just the volume. granted if you buy a crap interface it will negatively effect the quality but still It doesn't boost quality just the volume

Its like everyone with a xlr mic and interface is out to recruit everyone that doesn't have them.


Someone give me a realistic answer to why a Interface is worth spending a bunch of money instead of finding other methods of increasing quality
 
Wrong. The interface (or internal soundcard) converts the audio signal to digital. The quality of that conversion directly affects your sound. Otherwise, you could just use the POS factory soundcard that comes with your computer and it would sound as good as the recordings done with a $1000 interface. Typically the A-D converts in USB mics are marginal (depending on the price) and you can never use that mic for anything other than USBing to your computer.
 
Wrong +2.

Not only is the converter quality an issue, but the preamp as well. Squeezing a decent preamp and a converter into a mic body, is like putting a HEMI in a BigWheel.
 
From my understanding a interface is a way of connecting ANALOG devices to your computer.<<<Most people know computers are digital...I should have been more clear.

What are the specs for your interface assuming both of you are using one. im talking about bit and sample rate?

Who needs a preamp? there are so many plugins to boost your vocals and quality will remain high as long as the mic isnt completely crap(I have experience in doing this)
 
@ Jimmy
Squeezing all that in is irrelevant who cares what the mic looks like as long as it does what it is supposed to do
 
No microphone works without a preamp. None. The quality of the preamp is directly relative to the signal quality that is introduced 'before' conversion from analog to digital. That is my point, you are giving falsely presented information.

I do agree with the statement in your sig tho. :D
 
TruBLUE said:
@ Jimmy
Squeezing all that in is irrelevant who cares what the mic looks like as long as it does what it is supposed to do
Click to expand...

Looks like? What? I could care less what a mic looks like.

Jeez man....
 
TruBLUE said:
From my understanding a interface is a way of connecting ANALOG devices to your computer.<<<Most people know computers are digital...I should have been more clear.

What are the specs for your interface assuming both of you are using one. im talking about bit and sample rate?

Who needs a preamp? there are so many plugins to boost your vocals and quality will remain high as long as the mic isnt completely crap(I have experience in doing this)
Click to expand...

Who needs someone giving poor advice?

Plugins do not make a mic work. A preamp does that. Plugins do not make, nor do they create quality. They enhance a performance.
 
You are misinterpreting what I said.
MY POINT IS
1. You don't need a separate preamp. Pretty much anything you plug your mic into has a preamp in the circuitry(test the theory with a guitar if you don't believe it)
2. If you need volume boost, plugins can give you that boost (plugins cheaper then hardware)
3. A/D does not boost your quality. simply converts analog to digital, the built in preamp boosts the volume.(yes the interface can have a effect on quality it doesn't boost quality that is or isn't there)



I DID NOT SAY
1. Plugins increase quality although they can.(EQ )

And in all of you pointing out fault you failed to answer my question.

Why is a Interface is worth spending a bunch of money on instead of finding other methods of increasing quality?
 
Hey, we're know you're new here so we're trying to help, but you need to open your mind to what you're being told.

If you don't use a quality interface, how, exactly, are you going to get that ANALOG audio source converted over to digital? You have to have a preamp to hook up a mic. Try adapting your XLR mic to the 1/8" line in on your computer and record with it. Oh, try plugging your electric guitar into that same input and let us know how that does for you, too. Let us know how that works for you. Maybe you'll be satisfied with that level of 'quality'.

BTW, I use a Tascam US800, you can look up the specs if you're just concerned with the numbers - but interfaces aren't just about the numbers, it's about the quality of the components in them, and hence the quality of the A-to-D conversion.
 
TruBLUE said:
Why is a Interface is worth spending a bunch of money on instead of finding other methods of increasing quality?
Click to expand...

Because, an interface 'is' the direct link to getting increased quality. Done.
 
Break it down OP.

What I'd call an 'all in one' interface has three key things built in.

Microphone preamps
analog to digital converters
digital audio to data conversion. (ie.usb/firewire)


If you bought separate microphone preamps and separate converters, i doubt it would be cheaper than an equivalent quality all in one interface.

Anyway, usually the advice "Buy an interface" is directed to people who are talking about plugging a preamp into a stock built it soundcard, or a soundblaster card or something like that.


TruBLUE said:
From my understanding a interface is a way of connecting analog devices to your computer.

It does not boost your quality. Just the volume.
Click to expand...

That depends what you're comparing it to.
If you're comparing to a low end usb mic, or a mic preamp into a soundblaster, then many of the all in one interfaces probably do provide higher quality, and by that I mean a cleaner signal and a greater signal to noise ratio.

You'd need to give proper examples of your alternatives though, for a proper debate.

Also, an RME interface is likely to yield much higher quality results than say, a bottom of the line maudio, so even within interfaces there's an appreciable quality difference.
 
Your questions been answered...
But to add XLR or ANALOG is the standard and is the most common type of connection in the studio or on stage, USB is the new kid and to the most part an inferior quality alternative (in mics)
Most people require an interface because they are using the same gear that has been around for years or the same kit they use when playing live.
The interface solves lots of problems from normalising connections to enabling XLR or TRS connections and providing multiple simultanious connections.
Have a look in the NEWBS section and do some reading look at Tweak's Guide to the Home and Project Studio in particular.
Luck
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top