Buying my first gear, need suggestions for sound card and/or audio interfaces

I have an analog synth on order, and I need to hook it up to my windows machine. I know I'll need an audio interface but I'm not sure if this doubles as a sound card and input device or what.

Do I need a sound card + an audio interface to connect external devices? If so what should I get? Assuming budget is ~$600 per item.

in edmproductionby NnOxg64YoybdER8aPf85

40%

12d

Maleficent_Welder581

11d

I’m a couple years into music production as a hobby and needed to connect a mic to my midi/daw setup. Went with Scarlett 4i4 3rd gen that has 4 inputs and outputs as the name suggests. Good price on it currently since 4th gen. was recently released. Comes with lots of free software as a bonus. Highly recommend.

afox38

11d

a used UAD apollo would probably be ~600

greenhavendjs

11d

Second this. Used UAD Apollo or Apollo Twin

raistlin65

11d

Do I need a sound card + an audio interface to connect external devices?

Some hardware synths, drum machines, and grooveboxes have USB audio out capability. And so you don't need an external audio interface.

And then do you plan on sequencing your hardware gear with your DAW? Some hardware has MIDI in via USB, so once again you don't need an external interface. Other hardware music gear has MIDI DIN inputs. Which means you need a USB interface with MIDI DIN output. And even just one output is good, because there are MIDI devices to let you combine or send out MIDI II multiple devices

https://www.perfectcircuit.com/midi-controllers-sequencers/midi-utilities_midi-solutions.html

NnOxg64YoybdER8aPf85

11d

This synth has no midi and has left and right 1/4 size audio channels out.

raistlin65

11d

So any basic interface with 2 line inputs will work. Motu, Focusrite, and UA Volt are good to look at.

What you have to decide is whether or not you plan on adding more gear, and so how many inputs do you need.

Infobomb

12d

A sound card is a type of audio interface: one that fits inside your computer. All you need is an audio interface; nowadays these are usually external boxes that connect to the computer via USB. It will have various audio inputs and outputs and will convert the audio to and from digital signals for your computer. Nowadays they are similar in terms of sound quality. Have a think about how much equipment you are going to plug into it. If it’s only a couple of stereo signals, then the popular boxes like the Focusrite or a Komplete Audio 6 will be enough.

One-Steak

12d

Motu M4

KennedyFriedChicken

12d

Once all my scarlets fail for good im switching to motu.

moderately_nuanced

12d

It does. If you get an interface it will function as a soundcard, and most connect through USB. . You don't need extra devices. The budget will be more then enough. A best seller is the focusright Scarlett, a pretty decent entry level/ budget interface with good bang for your buck, but there's a ton of options. Important is that you have enough inputs for what you need. Good luck

omeSjeef

12d

Actually, get at least 1 input more than you THINK you need. You will thank me later.

AutoModerator

12d

❗❗❗ IF YOU POSTED YOUR MUSIC / SOCIALS / GUMROAD etc. YOU WILL GET BANNED UNLESS YOU DELETE IT RIGHT NOW ❗❗❗

Read the rules found in the sidebar. If your post or comment breaks any of the rules, you should delete it before the mods get to it.

You should check out the regular threads (also found in the sidebar) to see if your post might be a better fit in any of those.

Daily Feedback thread for getting feedback on your track. The only place you can post your own music.

Marketplace Thread if you want to sell or trade anything for money, likes or follows.

Collaboration Thread to find people to collab with.

"There are no stupid questions" Thread for beginner tips etc.

Seriously tho, read the rules and abide by them or the mods will spank you.

I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please contact the moderators of this subreddit if you have any questions or concerns.