Audio Interfacing

Let’s take a look at some of the options available for getting a signal from your mic, instrument, amplifier or preamp into a digital audio workstation (DAW).

Computer-based recording makes a number of things much easier in the studio but what’s the best way to move your signal around and get it into the computer in the first place?  There’s no one-size-fits-all answer but here are some solutions to consider depending on your particular setup and needs.

If you tend to prefer an analog mixing console then the focus will be more on converting your signals from analog to digital via AD/DA converters of some type.  Interfaces from Motu and RME can handle a variety of analog inputs and send them into the computer via USB and/or Firewire.  Motu also makes an interface that will occupy a PCI slot in the computer to handle 24 inputs and outputs.  The Allen & Heath ZED R-16 mixer is a nice choice as well since it allows the signal to go over Firewire or via 16 channels of ADAT Lightpipe.  The Mackie Onyx series is similar in that up to 16 audio channels can be sent to the computer via an optional Firewire interface.  When using a USB/Firewire interface you’re able to integrate practically any type of analog mixer into your studio but make sure to consider the number of inputs and outputs that you’ll need to make sure the interface you choose can handle them. 

For a digital mixer solution there are a number of options.  Digital mixers tend to be more pricey than analog solutions (until you move into the higher end range of analog mixers) but their features can be very compelling.  In this realm, consider mixers from Yamaha like the 01V96, the Tascam DM4800 or DM3200 or the Presonus Studio Live 16.4.2.  All of these mixers have preamps and line inputs to handle mics and other signals but also include a complement of built-in digital FX and a huge array of audio routing possibilities.  The Yamaha and Tascam mixers also have slots to expand the mixer’s capabilities.  Keep in mind however that even these digital mixers may still require an audio interface to connect with a computer so make sure to do your research!

Some studio operators may prefer to use a variety of discrete mic preamps  and direct boxes rather than a full mixer solution.  In this case (or for those who use both a mixer and individual mic pres) the audio interface will be the primary solution to deliver the signal to the computer.  The selection of USB and Firewire interfaces is vast and ranges from simple 2 input units to units capable of handling 64 or more channels of audio over MADI connections.  Ultimately the interface or interfaces you choose should address your current needs and allow some scalability for future expansion.  After all, we can never have quite enough gear right?

This is a very broad outline of the different directions you can go in choosing your input/output solutions in a computer based studio.  Budget will certainly be a factor in your decision as will your studio’s particular needs.  Whatever solution you choose, make sure to research it fully and try to consider some of the newer computer technologies that are emerging such as USB 3.0.  Overall you probably can’t go wrong with a good, solid analog mixer with good preamps.  From there you can focus on the audio interface and set the stage for your next expansion.