Does A Better Audio Interface Improve Sound Quality? (Should You Upgrade?)
Do audio interfaces actually make a difference in sound quality? Is it worth it to upgrade to a better interface?
Audio interfaces do impact the quality of a recording. The quality of an audio interface is determined by the quality of converters and preamps built-in to the interface. Cheap interfaces can capture clear audio, but they don’t provide the warmth, depth, and high resolution audio that higher-end interfaces provide.
That being said, does this mean you can’t product pro-level recordings without a pro-level interface?
Not at all!
However, I would say an interface would be the first piece of equipment I would upgrade to pro-level, before microphones, monitors, or anything else.
Let’s unpack what makes for a great audio interface, how to know when to upgrade, and which are the best.
what does an audio interface do?
Audio interfaces convert analog electrical signals from a microphone or instrument into a digital format that your computer and software can recognize. An interface also routes audio from your computer out to your headphones or speakers.
In other words, an audio interface is what allows for all of your other gear (instruments, mics, monitors, etc.) to communicate with your computer and DAW.
Interfaces typically connect to your computer via USB cable, though some use Thunderbolt, Firewire, or even ethernet.
Interfaces can range in price from under $100 to several thousand dollars. Today, even the most affordable interfaces sound great, and can be used to produce professional-quality audio.
So if even cheap interfaces can be good, then what makes an audio interface good or bad?
what makes an audio interface good?
There are several different elements that factor into whether or not an audio interface is good for you and your situation.
1. Number of I/O
First, is the number of I/Os (Inputs and outputs). Does it have the number you need?
Since I’m never recording more than two microphones or instruments at a time, I’m good with an interface with just two I/Os.
However, if you are recording a band, then you will need an interface with many more I/Os.
2. Durability
How well an interface is built is also important. You want to make sure your interface will be reliable, and won’t break on you.
Interfaces with metal chassis and knobs are going to be more durable than those built out of plastic.
3. Sound Quality
Of course, most important, is sound quality.
The sound quality of an interface is going to come down to the quality of the preamps and converter that it uses.
Preamplifiers (preamps) increase the gain of low level signals until they meet the “standard” operating level of your recording gear. Without a preamp, the recording level of your microphones would be just too low to do anything with.
Most microphone signals operate at around 30-60db below what is required, which is why a preamp is needed to boost the recording.
Preamps also generate noise, so you want to get one with a low signal-to-noise ratio of at least -80dB.
The interface I use, the iRig Pro Duo, has a level of about -104dB.
The second thing your interface will have that impacts the sound quality is the converter, which converts your analog signal to digital so that it can be read and understood by your computer.
The better quality your converter and preamps are, the better quality interface you have, and the better your audio will sound.
What Is The Difference Between a cheap and expensive audio interface?
Preamps will affect things like:
- Improves the overall sound quality
- Boosts tonal color and depth
- Giving you more or less warmth
The cheaper interfaces are going to provide you with more of the natural tone of your voice or instrument/amp. The more expensive interfaces are going to add more of what was described above…color, warmth, depth, etc.
Another major difference is the number of inputs and outputs the interface has. Most cheaper, simple interfaces give you two inputs for recording instruments, which will usually allow for both XLR and 1/4″ inputs. And two outputs for your studio monitors (this is typically for the left and right output monitors).
Interfaces that are more advanced (and expensive) will come with more outputs and other capabilities.
Lastly, there are also differences in things like…
- Dynamic range
- Frequency response
- Whether it uses tubes or transformers
- Quality of the converters
These features may not only vary between cheap and expensive interfaces but more so by the manufacturer.
For example, you’ll find that almost all of the newer Presonus interfaces have the same quality XMAX preamps. The options you’ll see on their more expensive interfaces are things like more inputs, outputs, and other features.
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