Whether you’re starting a new home studio, or improving an existing one There’s no single purchase more confusing than the audio interface. Because among the dozens of options Each one is designed to meet the demands of a specific “type” of studio. For example At one extreme, a small $100 interface might be perfect in a simple bedroom studio If all you need is a single pair of outputs for your. At the opposite extreme, a pro studio that requires dozens of INs/OUTs might need several interfaces, each costing $4000 or more. Needless to say, matching the right interface with the right studio is tricky even for the experienced. And for beginners, its 10x worse. Which is why for today’s post, I’ve created an in-depth guide to help you find the perfect option for your studio.

• Apogee One Interface

So let’s get started. First off The 5 Key Features to Look For Because of the fact that audio interfaces have so many features, it’s difficult to know which ones matter, and which ones don’t. So let’s talk about that now. In particular, these are the 5 key specs to focus on:. DAW Compatibility. Interface Connectors. Input/Output (I/O) Count.

Input Channel Types. Form Factor And here’s why: 1. DAW Compatibility In general, most DAW’s work with most interfacesbut not always. If you don’t yet have a particular DAW that you are loyal to, then you need not worry here. Because 90% of will be compatible with any interface you choose.

However if you already have a DAW you want to continue using, be sure to verify compatibility on the company’s website. And just to warn you, this info is often hard to find.

You would think they would just post DAW compatibility in the interface’s product description, right? But it rarely happens. Usually it’s buried somewhere within an FAQ page.

While it’s not clear why this is done, my best guess is that these companies prefer not to advertise their current DAW compatibility, because they have no guarantees of future compatibility. A particular interface might be compatible with your DAW today, but it may not be in a future release. And while that’s not likely to happen, it’s always possible.

Which is why personally, I prefer to use a DAW/interface combo made by the same company. Later in this post I will give you some good examples of these. However, since there are only a few companies that make both, the downside to this solution is that it severely limits your options. Up next 2. Interface Connectors When connecting an audio interface to a computer There are 4 cable options commonly used:.

USB– which is typically seen on cheaper home studio interfaces, and offers the slowest data transfer rate. Firewire– which is used on more expensive home studio interfaces, and offers a significantly faster transfer rate ( nowadays these are becoming less common).

Thunderbolt– which has recently become popular with newer semi-pro interfaces, and is way faster than either USB or Firewire. PCIE– which has long been the standard connection for professional interfaces, because it offers additional processing power and extremely fast data-transfer. While USB is by far the slowest of all 4 options, it is still more than fast enough to get the job done for the vast majority of home studios. So if you’re on a budget, USB is what I recommend. But whichever type you choose, remember to double-check that your computer has the appropriate connection. Input/Output (I/O) Count On a typical interface, I/O counts can range anywhere between:.

1-2 on a simple interface, to. 20+ on a professional one. And the number you need for your studio depends mainly on the number of tracks you plan to record/monitor at once. For example:. Solo musicians – may need only 2-4.

Songwriting teams – who work in small groups, want at least 4-8. Engineers who record bands – should have as many as possible (16 at least). Also alone can sometimes require 8 inputs if they offer separate channels for each part of the kit. So take that into consideration if you plan on using one.

4. Input Channel Types One thing recording newbies often fail to realize is When counting the input channels of an audio interface, manufacturers could be referring to any number of different input types. However in almost all cases, it includes some combination of these 3:. Mic Input – which allows you to connect a mic directly to the interface.

Apogee One Interface

Line Input – which requires the addition of an outboard mic preamp to be used as a mic channel. Optical Input – which is a type of “digital” input that requires the addition of BOTH an outboard mic preamp, and digital converter w/ “optical out” to be used as a mic channel. Now here’s what this means for you: If you want to use your interface “ as-is” without adding a, you might have less available inputs than you think.

Because as you’ll notice, interfaces often have 16 or more total input channels, but only 2-8 mic inputs. So without any additional gear, the “ real” number of inputs on your audio interface is the mic preamp count, NOT the same as the input count.

Now that you knowmake sure you actually have enough channels for your purposes. Otherwise you will be sorely disappointed. NOTE: Two other input types that you should also look for are DI inputs (if you play guitar/bass), and MIDI inputs (if you use any type of keyboards/MIDI controllers). Form Factor A fancy jargon term used by computer geeks “ Form factor” simply refers to the physical size and shape interface. The two form factor options are:. Desktop Interfaces – which are smaller, and sit on your desk next to your computer. Rackmounted Interfaces– which are larger, and mount in a standard size rack unit.

For beginners, I recommend starting with a desktop interface, because they’re cheap, easy-to-use, and require no special mounting or peripheral devices. You just plug them in and start recording. With intermediate/advanced studios, rackmounted interfaces are typically better, as they tend to offer more I/O’s, as well as greater flexibility with signal routing and organization. Now that you know what to look for, let’s check out some specific models. Starting with Best Desktop Interfaces For the vast majority of people reading this article, who only want a cheap interface that will allow them to record their music at home I recommend a 2-6 channel USB desktop interface, which normally costs between $100-$300 on the low-end, and $500-1500 on the high-end. Currently, the top brands for these “types” of interfaces are Presonus, Focusrite, Avid, Universal Audio.

Here are the models I recommend from each brand: Presonus AudioBox ( USB connection) (includes Presonus Studio One Artist DAW). AudioBox USB – (///).

AudioBox iTwo – (Compatible with iPad) – (//). Audiobox 44VSL – (///) Who do I recommend these for? – Beginner studios on a tight budget who want a bundled interface/DAW combo. Focusrite Scarlett ( USB connection). Scarlett Solo – (///). Scarlett 2i4 – (///). Scarlett 6i6 – (///).

Scarlett 18i8 – (///) Who do I recommend these for? Beginner studios on a tight budget who already have a 3rd party DAW they prefer.

Focusrite Clarett ( Thunderbolt connection). Clarett 2Pre – (///). Clarett 4Pre – (///) Who do I recommend these for? Studios of ALL levels that don’t need a lot of I/O’s and can afford the price tag. Apogee ( USB connection). Apogee One – (///).

Apogee Duet – (///). Apogee Quartet – (///) Who do I recommend these for? Intermediate studios that don’t need a lot of I/O’s, or beginner studios that can afford the price tag. Avid ( USB connection) (Bundled with Pro Tools 12 DAW). Pro Tools Duet – (///). Pro Tools Quartet – (///) Who do I recommend these for?

All Beginner/Intermediate studios who want to use the industry standard Pro Tools DAW. NOTE: While the Apogee Duet and Quartet are “Mac Only” interfaces, the newer Pro Tools Duet and Quartet are compatible with both Mac and PC. Universal Audio ( Thunderbolt connection). Apollo Twin SOLO – (///). Apollo Twin DUO – (///) Who do I recommend these for? Intermediate/advanced studios who want pro studio quality, in a home-studio-sized package.

More Options? If for some reason of the previous options aren’t to your liking Here are 2 more great budget desktop interfaces to check out:.

Audient iD4 (USB) – (/). Audient iD14 (USB) – (/) And here is 1 more great high-end desktop option:. Antelope Audio Zen Tour (Thunderbolt/USB) – (///) Up next Best Rackmounted Interfaces For the purposes of this article, let’s define an “intermediate” studio as a home setup that requires a higher I/O count to meet the demands of some of the more complex recording tasks. If that’s the type of studio you need, I recommend an 8+ channel rackmounted interface.

The Swiss Army Knife for Personal Recording and Audio Production. Apogee ONE is an all-in-one portable, USB audio interface that gives you everything you need to make professional recordings on the go.

Connect a microphone, guitar or use ONE’s exceptional built-in omnidirectional microphone to easily capture your music without compromise. ONE even lets you record with a microphone (built-in or external) and guitar simultaneously. Using Apogee’s industry-leading AD/DA conversion and mic preamp technology, ONE produces pristine music, podcast, and voice-over recordings while also delivering studio quality sound to your headphones for precision mixing or hi-fi listening.

With an intuitive controller knob and seamless compatibility with macOS and Windows, ONE is easy for anyone to use. Legendary Sound Quality Why Apogee is the best choice for your studio Apogee is an award-winning industry leader in digital recording technology with over 30 years of experience. Preferred by recording pros around the world, Apogee products like ONE, Duet, Quartet, Ensemble and Symphony I/O have been instrumental in creating countless GRAMMY® and OSCAR® winning recordings and have set the industry standard in professional recording for over two decades. A difference you will hear ONE makes the legendary quality of Apogee’s mic preamps, AD/DA converters and clocking available in a portable form factor and at a great price. With components carefully selected in critical listening tests and a highly efficient circuit design, ONE was built by Apogee engineers to make a difference you can hear. Pristine, next generation AD/DA converters ONE’s AD/DA converters are designed to deliver the purest recordings and best listening experience possible.

ONE’s efficient circuitry and state-of-the-art components provide a simplified signal path resulting in incredibly transparent recordings. Smooth, detailed world-class mic preamps ONE features a microphone preamp with seamless click-free transitions as the gain increases and decreases throughout the incredible gain range of 0 to 62 dB.

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This unprecedented feature allows you to dial in the perfect level, either with the controller knob or from within software, while delivering ultra-low noise and smooth, crisp detail. ONE’s mic pres are suitable for all dynamic, condenser or ribbon microphones, allowing you to capture any sound without compromise. Application for low latency monitoring and control of Apogee audio interfaces on Mac, PC or iOS Access all control functions and settings with Maestro, Apogee’s comprehensive software control application.

Maestro features a single window interface with quick access to all Apogee device settings. Select your input type and use the mixer for low latency monitoring. Maestro lets you easily configure your Apogee interface to fit your workflow. Maestro is included in the ONE software installer for Mac/PC. If you’re connecting ONE to an iPhone or iPad (iOS connectivity kit sold separately), Maestro is available for free from the App store. Recent Projects: Of Mice and Men 'I love my Apogee ONE! We're constantly writing new material on tour and finding an interface that is not only compact but also durable AND delivers a great sound can be quite difficult.

The Apogee ONE is the perfect solution. Plus the control knob is pretty handy!' 512 684 Brad Delava //www.apogeedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/apogee-logo-hdr-2016.png Brad Delava 2014-05-23 15:-05-28 16:09:12 Alan Ashby - Musician. Recent Projects: Confluence and Amalgam 'I bring my Apogee ONE with me whenever I go out on tour with John Mayer, and it's helped me finish two distinctly different solo records in the process. The fact that it's so compact is an added bonus for the touring lifestyle - I would have brought this puppy in a rack unit if that's what it took!' 512 684 Brad Delava //www.apogeedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/apogee-logo-hdr-2016.png Brad Delava 2014-04-08 17:-09-17 13:56:28 Zane Carney - Musician. Recent Projects: Slash, Alter Bridge “I've been a loyal Apogee user for years.

I recently discovered ONE to be the perfect solution for any artist/songwriter who wants an interface that will not slow down the creative process while on the road. Plug in the USB cable, fire up Logic or Garageband and you are ready.” 512 684 dylan //www.apogeedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/apogee-logo-hdr-2016.png dylan 2014-01-15 17:-03-31 18:39:25 Myles Kennedy - Musician. “I’ve been recording on my I Mac for a couple of years, first using a MOTU 8 pre, and then picking up a used first generation Apogee Duet, I instantly fell in love with the sound I was getting from the Apogee, but felt limited to my studio, since purchasing the new Apogee One for my Ipad, I can record anywhere, the sound quality, is actually better than my Duet, and what’s phenomenal about that is I’m getting this quality on my Ipad. Well done Apogee, and thanks also to Ed Needler, (my Sweetwater salesman) For hookin me up. If you buy this, you won’t regret it.” Robert Leyden from Plymouth MA.

'The sound from the ONE is absolutely stunning. It has no trouble driving the headphones well beyond my comfort level, doing so with plenty of headroom to spare.

The ONE has a, dare I say it, ruler-flat response. Its performance is on par with some desktop DAC/amps that are many times more expensive.With the help of the ONE, I can listen to high-quality music files from my iPad - and it sounds great. It's a no-brainer for audiophiles who travel a lot and don't want to lug around their MacBook. Not a road warrior? Not a problem. The ONE also works great as an audio engine for a clean and simple rig on your bedroom nightstand - or anywhere.'

107 277 David Podosek //www.apogeedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/apogee-logo-hdr-2016.png David Podosek 2014-03-18 23:-04-01 18:56:32 Tone Audio Magazine - Hi-Fi Playback and Recording on the Go. 'If you’re a singer, guitarist, or any kind of solo musician who wonders why your recordings sound dull and muddy, wake up your music with the One. Its one quality input channel can certainly be a better buy than wasting money on eight mediocre ones.' 131 206 David Podosek //www.apogeedigital.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/apogee-logo-hdr-2016.png David Podosek 2014-03-18 23:-04-08 17:52:51 Mix Magazine Product Review - USB Audio I/O for iPad and Mac.