Audio Interfaces

Audio Cards Overview

Although an external audio-card (interface) is more relevant for recording with a microphone then for music engraving, the benefits of these devices are substantial. This is true especially on Windows computers that often have a subpar generic built-in audio-card. The performance and headphone sound quality are significantly improved. Furthermore when connecting to external speakers an external audio interface becomes indispensable.

An external audio card or audio/sound interface is a hardware device that provides audio input and output connections. Every computer, tablet or phone has a built-in sound-card that can be bypassed when an external device is connected. Advantages are: more connections, better audio quality, monitoring options and most importantly better audio latency.

Types

Generic USB

Focusrite Scarlett USB audio interfaces:

alt

alt

With built-in Recorder

Zoom recorders or more high end solutions like Sound Devices. They can double as external audio-card:

Mixing Desk

Soundcraft MTK series:

alt

… and even all sorts of music gear

Elektron Digitone Keys:

alt