{"id":6875,"date":"2023-01-02T12:51:21","date_gmt":"2023-01-02T17:51:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/?p=6875"},"modified":"2023-04-21T09:38:51","modified_gmt":"2023-04-21T13:38:51","slug":"difference-between-audio-interface-and-soundcard","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/audioapartment.com\/instruments-and-equipment\/difference-between-audio-interface-and-soundcard\/","title":{"rendered":"Audio Interface vs. Soundcards (What’s the Difference?)"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
If you’re a musician looking to get started in recording, you might be just trying to understand the different audio interfaces and soundcards available on the market. But what is the difference between an audio interface and a soundcard?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n In this article, we will discuss the different features and differences between audio interfaces and soundcards so that you can make the right choice for your needs. We’ll also give some tips on how to find the right audio interface or soundcard based on your budget and level of experience. So without further ado, let’s get started!<\/p>\n\n\n\n What is the difference between an audio interface and a soundcard? <\/strong>A soundcard’s principal function is to play and convert sound. In the world of music production, an audio interface is a crucial piece of gear. Condenser microphones, for instance, may be powered using phantom power, which is often provided by audio interfaces. These microphones need phantom power to function.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An audio interface takes signals from a microphone or an instrument<\/strong> and converts them so your computer can process them. The interface can also send sound from your PC to your headphones or studio monitors. USB cables are the most common method of connecting an interface to a computer. However, Thunderbolt, Firewire, and Ethernet are all supported.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Internal soundcards are the machinery that converts digital audio to analog<\/strong> and back again. For example, one may use them to transfer audio to a set of speakers or headphones, and another can record audio from an instrument and deliver it digitally (like with your phone).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Even though they share similarities, soundcards and audio interfaces serve distinct functions.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Every electronic gadget that can play music or other sounds has a soundcard. In addition, all your portable electronic devices (laptop, tablet, gaming rig, and phone) have built-in audio playback capabilities. The quality of their sounds, however, might differ.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many budget PC laptops have infamously rudimentary soundcards, whereas premium PCs and newer Macbooks often have more capable soundcards. In addition, soundcards are becoming better as technology develops.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although most people don’t use this with their soundcards, they can also record music. Unfortunately, soundcards are incompatible with a wide variety of professional audio equipment due to their limited number of inputs and outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Common audio inputs on computers include built-in microphones and 3.5mm line-in jacks for external devices. Because of this, there needs to be more wiggle space for the instrument and microphone signals.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhat is an audio interface?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is a soundcard?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
The differences between audio interfaces and soundcards<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Soundcards<\/h3>\n\n\n\n