Usb recording without an interface?

~~Odyshape~~ · 03-19-2011, 05:36 PM

I recently purchased an apex 440 usb condenser mic. I plan to do some simple recording soon but have some questions. What does an audio interface do (preamp?) and how much sound quality will I lose if I directly connect it into my Sony Vaio?

~~[MERIT]~~ · 03-19-2011, 05:41 PM

The audio interface will generally have multiple inputs for mics/instruments and will give you the ability to manually set seperate gain/loss levels for each. They usually require a Breakout Box that connects to either an open PCI/USB/FireWire slot.

It is not necessary for recording, but it definitely will give you more control.

~~Odyshape~~ · 03-19-2011, 06:02 PM

Thanks so much. So just to clarify I am only losing control not quality?

~~[MERIT]~~ · 03-19-2011, 06:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Odyshape

Thanks so much. So just to clarify I am only losing control not quality?

Well that all depends on your setup. Without an audio interface, you're relying solely on your computer's soundcard. As long as you have a decent one, if you're just looking to use a microphone for vocals, I don't think you'll lose too much quality. If you are looking to record instruments through the mic, then you'll definitely lose quality versus a Breakout Box.

s_k · 03-20-2011, 06:08 PM

Put simply: I've yet to run into the first laptop with a decent onboard audio card.
It's not going to sound as good as it gets, but most people don't hear or don't care

~~Odyshape~~ · 03-20-2011, 08:54 PM

hmm well I will get back to you next week when I get a chance to actually record something because Ive been busy. Ill let you know if im satisfied with the sound or not and you guys can help me find a solution if I don't.

03-19-2011, 05:36 PM	#1 (permalink)
~~Odyshape~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 526	Usb recording without an interface? I recently purchased an apex 440 usb condenser mic. I plan to do some simple recording soon but have some questions. What does an audio interface do (preamp?) and how much sound quality will I lose if I directly connect it into my Sony Vaio?

03-20-2011, 06:08 PM	#5 (permalink)
s_k Music Addict Join Date: Nov 2010 Location: The Netherlands Posts: 2,206	Put simply: I've yet to run into the first laptop with a decent onboard audio card. It's not going to sound as good as it gets, but most people don't hear or don't care __________________ Click here to see my collection

03-19-2011, 05:41 PM	#2 (permalink)
~~[MERIT]~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Missouri, USA Posts: 4,814	The audio interface will generally have multiple inputs for mics/instruments and will give you the ability to manually set seperate gain/loss levels for each. They usually require a Breakout Box that connects to either an open PCI/USB/FireWire slot. It is not necessary for recording, but it definitely will give you more control.

03-19-2011, 06:02 PM	#3 (permalink)
~~Odyshape~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 526	Thanks so much. So just to clarify I am only losing control not quality?

03-20-2011, 08:54 PM	#6 (permalink)
~~Odyshape~~ Account Disabled Join Date: Feb 2009 Posts: 526	hmm well I will get back to you next week when I get a chance to actually record something because Ive been busy. Ill let you know if im satisfied with the sound or not and you guys can help me find a solution if I don't.