One of the first pieces of equipment necessary to capture music on your computer is an audio interface. The Audio recording port converts audio (analog) signals from your microphone or another sound source into electronic data that your computer can process and record. The first and important thing that you should keep in your mind before buying an audio interface is that audio interfaces are able to connect to a personal computer or are supported by applications.

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How does the interface link to your computer? 

Three types of connections are used: USB, FireWire, or an expansion card that goes inside your computer and plugs into the motherboard. 

What connections are available on your pc? Or how to install a FireWire card? 

While Firewire is faster, USB 2.0 is significantly more prevalent and will work great. (USB 1.1, on the other hand, is a lot more restricted ) And if you are thinking about an expansion card, then ensure that your computer has an open slot of the right type.

How many inputs will you're recording at one time?

I advise you to list them. Also, notice what kind of input you'll need. For example, most microphones will use XLR inputs, many instruments like keyboards and guitars use inputs, and don't forget MIDI if you're using it.

Will you mix many inputs, or would you consider growth? 

As an example, are you recording a full band? If so, it might be well worth considering with a minimum of one control surface or mixer built into the port. Even without understanding all the sound specifications, you can form lots of them just by understanding that the sound CD uses 16-bit resolution and a sampling rate of 44.1 kHz.

Higher resolution and sampling rates create cleaner noise; On the other hand, higher resolution and sampling rates also generate more info – which can quickly overwhelm your computer processor and take up huge amounts of disk space. Your work is to create a balance that meets your own needs.

Does the port you are considering provide output for your monitor speakers or headphones?

You may plug in your PC. right? Okay, depending upon your instruments, you might end up playing a note on your guitar then listening to that note in a different part coming through your speakers or headphones. Therefore, if your interface provides a headphone output with zero latency, this is a great method to overdub tracks