Audio Interfaces

Users looking for an audio interface are sure to find what they are looking for in Thomann's extensive range, which includes interfaces for beginners, home recording and rehearsal room setups, and bedroom producers as well as for professional recording studios, content creators, and gamers.

The number and variety of audio interfaces available are virtually endless, so this guide has been designed to make the selection process easier. Those who want to explore the world of audio interfaces in more detail can also check out Thomann's online guide to audio interfaces. Customers who have any other questions can of course contact Thomann's Studio and Recording Equipment department by telephone at +49 (0)9546-9223-30 or by e-mail at studio@thomann.de. And just in case the product you opt for is not quite what you needed after all, Thomann also offers a 30-Day Money-Back Guar­an­tee as well as a full 3-year warranty.

What is an audio interface, and what is it used for?

An audio interface is required whenever the user wants to route analogue signals into or out of their computer. When recording vocals, speech, or instruments, for example, the interface converts the audio signal into digital information and sends this to the computer, while digital signals coming from the computer are converted back to analogue, e.g. for monitoring via the connected speakers. Electronic circuits that are capable of converting analogue to digital and vice-versa in this manner are referred to as "AD/DA converters". Incidentally, the term "soundcard" also refers to a type of audio interface. The term stems from the fact that these used to be designed like a card that was installed inside the computer.

What alternatives are there to audio interfaces?

• In some cases, such as podcasting, streaming, Skype/Zoom calls when working from home, and gaming scenarios, a USB microphone can be used in place of an audio interface.
• DJs, bands, and home recording producers can also consider purchasing a mixing desk that features a in-built audio interface.
• Users who create all of their music on a computer and only need to send a signal to their monitor speakers and headphones can also opt instead for a monitor controller with a USB connection.
• Mobile digital recorders and multitrack compact studios can also be a practical alternative to an audio interface, and many of these devices can even be operated like an audio interface when connected to a computer.

Should an audio interface have USB connections?

The majority of interfaces are connected via USB, and every modern computer - whether Apple Mac or Windows PC, desktop or laptop - also features USB ports. Alternatives such as Thunderbolt and Ethernet are generally only found on professional-level interfaces found in recording studios. Many USB interfaces come equipped with control software and drivers, or the user may receive a download link for specific software packages containing various audio programmes. What is more, the majority of interfaces do not require any drivers when used with a Mac.

Is an audio interface required when using a USB microphone?

No, this is not necessary, since USB microphones already have an integrated audio interface and can thus be connected directly to a computer - and this is of course a major advantage compared to stand-alone interfaces. When considering whether to buy a USB microphone or an audio interface with an analogue (XLR) microphone connection, users should note that the latter option is better, since this type of setup is much more flexible and can be expanded.

Are special audio interfaces required for mobile devices like the Apple iPad?

The number of interfaces that can be connected to an iPad is growing all the time. This sometimes requires an adapter, e.g. the Apple Camera Connection Kit, or the device may already come with a cable that has a Lightning connection. Audio interfaces for Android devices are harder to find, and the most important step is to check the compatibility between interface and tablet. If in doubt, Thomann's specialists are of course happy to provide assistance.

What number and type of inputs and outputs does an audio interface need to have?

Audio interfaces are available with a single input (also known as a "channel" or "input channel") and a single stereo output, but models with eight or 16 input and output channels are also available. Microphones are one of the most frequently connected sources, so many interfaces accordingly have onboard mic preamps; synthesizers, drum machines, electric guitars and basses, and even effects units and mixing desks/DJ mixers can be connected to an audio interface and recorded to a computer. The audio interface's outputs are normally used to connect monitor speakers and headphones, in addition to which many interfaces also feature digital and MIDI connections, allowing keyboards, sound generators, effects units, mixing desks, and controllers to communicate with the computer.

Audio interface inputs can be used to record and stream with:

• Microphones
• Line-level signals (effects units, keyboards/synths/etc. and mixing desks/DJ mixers)
• Instrument signals (electric guitars, electric basses)
• Digital audio signals (low-loss signals from other digital devices)
• MIDI (control signals, non-audio signals)

Audio interface outputs can be used to play back:

• Line-level signals (for playback via speakers during signal editing)
• Headphone signals
• Digital audio signals
• MIDI

Does an audio interface need to have an onboard monitoring controller?

It is not always necessary to have a separate monitoring controller to adjust the volume of the headphone or speaker output. However, a direct monitoring option is important when recording to a playback track from a computer, as this ensures that the line/microphone signal can be blended with the playback track with no time lag (know as "latency").

Which brand makes the best audio interface?

There is no single "best" audio interface, but everyone can certainly find the right one for their needs. For example, high-end interfaces are available from manufacturers like Apogee, Prism Sound, Metric Halo, and RME. More budget-friendly models are in turn available from the t. bone, IK Multimedia, Behringer, and many others, while brands like Focusrite and Universal Audio offer audio interfaces at multiple different price points. Popular manufacturers additionally include MotU, SSL, and Audient, to name just a few examples.

Where can I find the right audio interface at Thomann?

• USB interfaces | USB audio interfaces represent the category with the broadest available selection, which encompasses everything from the compact MicPlug USB microphone preamp with integrated AD/DA converter from the t.bone through to large high-end interfaces. A wide range of more specialised audio interfaces are also available that are tailored to the needs of guitarists, podcasters, and others.
• Thunderbolt interfaces | High-performance audio interfaces and those with a large number of inputs and outputs are frequently connected via Thunderbolt.
• Ethernet interfaces | Ethernet interfaces can be used to create large and expansive setups in recording and broadcast studios, but are better left to professional users due to their high level of complexity.
• PCI and PCIe interfaces | Soundcards were previously the standard, but are now no longer commonly used.
• Firewire interfaces | The Firewire interface standard is approaching obsolescence, and is thus seldom found on audio interfaces today. | Note: Many interfaces feature a range of different connection options!
• DSP audio systems | The term "DSP" does not refer to the connection standard in this case, rather it denotes audio interfaces that are equipped with their own processors for computing specific effect plugins. Many of these interfaces do not feature any kind of audio connections and are equipped only with DSPs.