Buy Audio Interface in Early Learning Stages of Music Production?

  • #84320
    alberto

    Would it be ideal to have a audio interface in the early learning stages or is that something that can wait?

    #84334
    GratuiTous Join Platform!

    Hi Alberto!  I hope you’re enjoying the membership, and very good question!

    The short answer is NO!   You do not need an audio interface to make beats.

    The next question is.. “When do I need an Audio Interface”, then, right!?

     

    An audio interface becomes very useful when you want to start plugging in audio equipment, like reference monitor speakers, microphones, or headphones that need a little extra power to drive them.

    The built-in audio into your laptop or computer from the motherboard itself it usually very high-quality nowadays, so that won’t be a factor in regards to making poor quality music!

    At the moment, I’m using the Mackie Big Knob Studio, which is pretty powerful to switch between two sets of speakers (great to help your music sound good on different speakers (translate) in the real world).

    For now, I’d say wear headphones or use a decent set of speakers that allows you to hear bass to learn the beatmaking basics until you’re ready to jump into more audio equipment!

    You can also browse my Essential Gear Needed to Make Beats course to learn how to save money when buying audio equipment, and what to generally look for!

    #85507
    William

    As for me, I got a USB interface for my PC and it has been collecting dust. Haha
    But, I will use it for vocals in the future–if I decide to sing again. And from my research, the course material here has the best suggestion for what to purchase.

    Also, I had a friend say something about getting a good preamp and condenser mic to make a good sounding recording which GratuiTous covers in his courses. Seriously, get the lifetime course from here–it is worth it.

    If you are not sure about FL Studio, I think it is the best out their for beats and it works great with VST3. I have read that other DAWS tend to crash a lot with VST unless you use their native plugins.

    I am using a laptop and haven’t had any problems with lag or latency with the following system information:
    Windows 11 Home
    Central Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) i5-8265U CPU @ 1.60GHz

    I don’t practice this, but I have read it is best to have an isolated PC that you use just for music production. Also, if you keep it off of the internet and use what I call “the sneaker net” (USB drive or portable hard drive) to install software is safer.
    And backup, backup, backup, etc…

    As an aside, PLEASE do not ignore ergonomics.
    I used to use a mouse for 8-12 hours per day on the job and it gave me carpal tunnel. My hands tingle and it can be painful.

    I had a friend that was a computer programmer who ruined his hands from typing. The sad thing was that he played guitar and had to quit and play drums because his hands hurt too much to type or play guitar. Health like safety first!!! But I got off topic.

    And I still find myself wanting to review these courses a second time around or more. Good advice if you listen and be patient.

    Hope this helps someone!

    #85695
    GratuiTous Join Platform!

    To clarify, a USB Audio Interface is only necessary if you want to record vocals, or use reference monitor speakers (or headphones that need a better amp).

    The most important thing is to select an ASIO Driver in FL Studio’s F10 (Audio Settings).

    Please continue to use the questions area as you go along, Alberto!

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