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Using the audio interface + DAW system makes it possible to use a huge array of effects and plugins.Audio interfaces usually have better analog-to-digital (A/D) converters and hence, offer better audio quality.An audio interface can do double duty in a home studio as well as be useful in a live gig – a major positive for cash-strapped artists.This brings up the obvious question – why would you want to buy an audio interface and not an audio mixer? Why Choose an Audio Interface (Instead of a Mixer)? Which is why it has become much more popular recently. If you're a home producer, you are likely much more familiar with this setup. Once the signal is processed, the DAW would send it back to the audio interface from where you can output it to a pair of speakers and in-ear monitors. The audio interface would plug into your DAW which can act as an effects box as well as a digital mixer. In this case, your guitar and microphone would plug straight into the audio interface (you can also plug the guitar into an effects box before). The laptop also doubles up as a mixer and sends the signal back to the audio interface, which then outputs it to the PA system With an audio interface system, your live performance setup might look like this: With an audio interface based setup, instrument and mic inputs are sent to a laptop via an audio interface. In this case, you can use the computer as a mixer and use it to capture and reproduce audio signals.Īnd to capture audio signals, you'll obviously need an audio interface. You can often plug 16+ inputs into a single mixer, which is enough for most live bands.īut a traditional setup isn't right in every situation, especially if you already plan on using your computer as an effects box. Mixers work great in live settings since they have low latency and tons of I/O ports. The mixer takes another signal from a microphone, mixes the two together, and sends them to a pair of speakers. You plug in your guitar into an effects unit, which goes into a mixer. With this traditional system, the mixer does the heavy duty job of mixing all the signals together. Usually one channel is for the audience (the PA system) and one for the musicians (in-ear monitors) Speakers and monitors that plug into the mixer and produce sound.Sound mixer that captures all these signals, “mixes” them, and sends them to a desired output.Sound production/capturing equipment, such as microphones, guitar, synths, etc.This is the traditional live performance I/O map. When you're performing live, your setup will most likely look like this: With a traditional setup, instruments and mic inputs are processed separately and sent to a mixer, which then sends the output to a PA system You're generally better served by a mixer that you can plug all your gear into. This isn't a rhetorical question – using an audio interface isn't necessarily the right path for many situations. Why do you want to buy an audio interface for live performance? Best for Studio + Live Use: Focusrite Clarett 4Pre.Best for Latency: Roland OctaCapture USB 2.0.Best Audio Interface for Live Performance.Number of input.output options is crucial Why Choose an Audio Interface (Instead of a Mixer)?.
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So to answer all your questions and help you find the best equipment for your gigs, here's our detailed guide to buying the best audio interface for live performance. I haven't even talked about the great debate between audio interfaces and mixers for live performance. This will vary greatly depending on the kind of music you want to play. You also need an audio interface that can accommodate all your instruments. If your audio interface doesn't have latency below 14ms, your performance will suffer. You would also prioritize sound quality above all else in a home studio.īut in a live performance, removing instruments or tolerating high latency isn't an option. You have the luxury of plugging in/out instruments and recording them over multiple tracks at home. Stage fright and hostile audiences aside, you need very different gear for performing live than you would in a studio setting. To help you find the right interface for live gigs, we put together this guide to the best audio interface for live performance.
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While you might prioritize pristine sound quality in your home studio audio interface, live performance demands low latency. If you're performing live, you have very specific requirements from your setup. We might get a commission if you buy gear through a link on this page. Midi Nation is supported by our great readers.
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