Audio Interfaces

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1. Determine your budget.
   • Determine what features you want. (preamps, DSP etc.)
2. Choose some units.
   • New audio interfaces are constantly being developed and released.
     • Do the research.
   • Sweetwater is a good resource to learn about audio interfaces.
   • Google Searches will help find the latest equipment.
   • You get what you pay for.
     • The more expensive, the better the sound quality.
     • Good news is, even the inexpensive audio interfaces sound great!
3. Make sure the audio interface is compatible with your computer.
   • Computer hardware.
   • Operating sustem and drives.
   • Do the research.
   • When in doubt, call the manufacture directly.
   • Most audio interfaces will work fine with most computers.
   • Most audio interfaces will work fine with all DAWs.
   • Pro Tools Approved Audio Interfaces and Peripherals
   • Pro Tools Compatibility Charts
4. If possible, arrange for a hands on test, and listening, of 2 or 3 different audio interfaces.
   • Set them up right next to each other.
   • Playback reference mixes into high quality headphones.
   • Record voice and acoustic instruments with large diaphragm condenser microphones.
   • Nothing replaces actually listening!
   • Sweetwater will let you test them for 30 days. Keep you favorite and return the others.