The Biggest Mistake Beginners Make When Buying An Audio Interface

I really like my Presonus Revelator, works as a 2 input interface and as a midi interface

My minimum recommendations for any audio interface are:

24-bit depth, 96 kHz sampling frequency (192 kHz is nice but not necessary)
2 inputs and 2 outputs minimum
MIDI ports would be nice but not necessary
Line-level and instrument-level compatibility
Direct monitoring (optional stereo and mono modes are nice but not necessary)
48 volts phantom power
A good price (below £100 UK)

Thank you! Great tips!

Good warning. Got to me in time. I was and am still planning on trying a mixer instead of a interface, but now I know what to watch out for when I get to that step.

It seems like all of the advice out there ONLY applies to situations where you already have a studio.
I'm trying to find a mic that'll work in an imperfect room. Something that has a low output (basically everything) winds up sounding like a old 4-track once you've raised the volume by 200% to actually hear the thing. I could use post to clean up the signal, but I don't want to start with 'bad' and make it 'decent'. I want to at least start with 'decent'.
Are there any decent mics out there with high enough signal that I won't have to either run it at 90% gain, or wash it out by jamming the volume to the roof? The few I've tried all wound up sounding worse than my $90 gaming headset mic. Alternatively, thoughts on the best headset mic?

Thanks

what microphone do you use?

Why record live drums when there are great plugins such as Toontrack Superior Drummer or XLN Addictive Drums?

Looking to buy my first audio interface. Glad I watched this video. Thank you, Sir.

I really like having an audio interface with multiple inputs as well as those inputs being combo inputs that support mic and instrument types, those used to be more expensive but they've gotten cheaper and more common as people in the industry upgrade their gear and then resell the old stuff. My current setup has 4 inputs, midi i/o and 2 stereo outputs with all inputs being able to be separately output as well. Very versatile.

Also you didn't say that anyone can use an analog mixer for the connections of additional mics as vocals, drums or guitars simultanuesly and just two main outputs to send them to an audio interface with two channels as L & R inputs so with this method you didn't need to spend alot of money to buy a multichannel Audio interface.

I see this advice everywhere, but I think it depends a lot on your practice, really. I've been using a Roland Duo Capture Ex with two mixed XLR and line inputs + 1 MIDI in/out for years and as I primarily compose through MIDI using USB keyboards and control surfaces, it's too much actually. Turns out I'm swapping my Duo Capture for a Focusrite Solo this year, one mic input is well enough as long as I keep doing most of my work with a USB keyboard and a mouse.

I honestly recommend beginners just buy 2nd hand audio equipment. When you need an upgrade you can just sell it, and in most cases if you don't use it for 10 years straight you'll be able to sell it for the same price you bought it for

biggest criticism on earlier gens of scarletts

"it doens't act liek a pod with line-in"
even though it's not a pod an traditionally eerything has always been miced so it's a bullshit criticism

how about having humbuckers not that hot, always theose extremists with their bollocks using subpar techiniques to reord their shite

Misleading title

so i got myself an audiolink III just to mess around with my guitrar on my couch. i got that hooked up to two active monitors that usually if i just plug em in with an aux cord are loud as balls. now i was told i should really use the xlr inputs they have because of something something symmetrical and its supposed to be even louder. i got everything on maximum and it still doesn't get louder than right above average. i dont get it and these boxes are eating watts like candy for not a lot of bang. is it just the interface that is shite? because i had zero issues with my focusrite (i sold that a while ago so i can't compare right now)

Well... DUH?
God how I hate these titles.

Based on your needs, why you did not buy usb 16 chanell mixer and avoid problems?

I've got a PreSonus Audiobox 44VSL for home use, a Zoom H6 for on the go recording (good for small acoustic stuff like; Guitar, Bass, Cajon, Keys and 2 vocals), and for my events work, or to record a full band I have my Behringer XR18 (which can multitrack all 18 inputs)

I'm almost in 20s and don't have a band. There as a solo bassist, what if I bought an audio interface online ONLY for making bass cover videos. There should no problem at all right?

what power amp do I need compared to speakers power ?
For example if speakers are rated 80W RMS , would 45W amp be sufficient?
Is there any formula for that

I don't even use microphones in my music, but a focusrite solo would still have had this problem for me. no line level input means that a guitar is the loudest thing you can actually record. forget even thinking about any synthesizers on instrument level, let alone analog gear.

I’m new to all of this!! I just want to record myself singing and to create songs and record them. I don’t play any instruments but want to know what microphones are worth buying if I’m just using for my singing? Recording music and having the right equipment seems like a big world that I’m not used to. Hopefully I figure this out for me.

you can get a impendence matcher,sure makes them

the first interface im sorry was just ewwww lol

and here I thought you would say just don't buy scarlet anything lol

mmmm this is a vid fa beginners, no beginner needs 8 mic inputs 😂

you look like an Ethan

Why does nobody talk about presonus? Same or better as focusrite but also comes with a perpetual license to a full DAW.

Man this sounds good but appears to have latency… EXCELENT VIDEO

when i started out i bought the M-Audio. I would not call it a Mistake, I would call it a stepping stone. After all it was only 35.00 when it first came out if memory serves and you are suggesting that a beginner goes out a pays well over 200 to start as if he/she was going to be the next top ten recording artist. I suggest working up the ladder that way by the time there is a need for a big investment they know exactly what they want/need to get the job done. No need to spend big bucks now and regret it later as there is nothing like having a 200-500.00 paper weight laying around.

Hi I'm George and I would like to ask you how you can turn an app into a digital audio mixer if you use an audio interface with four or more microphone inputs for example Fruity Loops studio

Bold of you to assume my microphone is for the signing that i cant do.

Dude. Who. Is. Mike.

love my audienr id14!

Great

Thanks for the help.

Rookies man! Rookies.

Due to Sound on Sound magazine, I bought a MOTU M4. It's been a great purchase!

can u suggest app for recording in android using focusrite solo? In laptop Im using Ableton Lite but I want the convinience of android smartphone or tablet, so can u please suggest a recording software for using solo in android. I tried Bandlab but the is no option for connecting the interface. Garage band is not available for android.

i will do editing in laptop, so DAW is not required for the android, i just want to record in android phone or tablet...

What's the story behind the hollow body in the back?

i got lucky as hell and fount a fast track duo at the thrift store for $25
tge interface itself is great but the drivers are horribly dated and will crash my pc every now and then

Fake informations

Just buy a compact desk with USB out, e.g. Allen & Heath Zedi-10FX. (not sponsored, had one, v. useful.)

I use my solo with the mic input for discord audio lol

You can use a mixer.

Rather than getting an interface with multiple inputs, why not just get a mixer. Isn't that what the mixer is for?

Geez bud, where have you been? You’re like maybe 16 or something? Heard of ‘Firewire’ back then? 🤣😂😆

Can you make a video on your vocal chain for the re20 please?

Videos like these just push more expensive equipment, when in reality it is absolutely unnecessary.
Buy what suits your budget and no, you do not need more than 2 mic/line inouts. Do more than 1 take like the big boys do