A Talk on Recommended Audio Interfaces - Not Amps! - for Beginner Guitar Players

Hello, I'm Mushi Koi, a technical college student who is devoting his youth to creating computer music!
What kind of things do you buy when you start playing guitar? I think most people buy a guitar, a shield, a stand and other accessories, and an amp. Many people think that they will buy an audio interface when they get better and want to record. However, I recommend for beginners to buy an audio interface just as much as I would recommend an amp.
In this article, I will introduce the advantages and disadvantages of buying an audio interface instead of an amp for beginners, with the perspective as someone who actually bought an audio interface instead of an amp when I was a beginner.

What exactly is an audio interface?

Before introducing the advantages and disadvantages, I would like to briefly explain what an audio interface is for those who are not familiar with it.
A very simple explanation of an audio interface is that it is a device for capturing sound cleanly into a computer or other device. For example, when you want to record an electric guitar on a computer, you cannot plug a shielded cable directly into the computer. This is where an audio interface comes in. By inserting this device between the guitar and the computer, you can record the sound of the guitar.

This is the audio interface.

An audio interface is also necessary for using a microphone like the ones used by gamers and musicians on YouTube.

What can I do with an audio interface?

An audio interface only has the function of capturing sound and checking the sound in real time. However, by connecting it to a computer or other device, it shows its true value.

Using an Amp Simulator

Have you ever heard of an amp simulator? This is software or equipment that reproduces the sound of an amplifier. By using an audio interface, it is possible to reproduce the sound of an amplifier on a computer or other device. These days, amp simulators are sometimes included on DAWs and other software. Therefore, if you buy an audio interface and it comes with a DAW, and that DAW has an amp simulator attached to it, you can kill two birds with one stone, so to speak.

BIAS FX2, a leading amp simulator

Ability to Record

By using an audio interface, you can record with a DAW. Of course, you can also record by using an amp, but it requires a lot of annoying prep work, such as preparing a microphone and muffling environmental sounds. With an audio interface, recording can be done simply by plugging in a shield. Furthermore, you can easily use an amp simulator to change the type of amp afterwards.

Now that you have a brief understanding of audio interfaces, let's move on to the main topic.

Advantages

Increasing the number of sounds for about the same price

This is the biggest reason. For example, here is the lowest priced amp from Sound House’s original brand, PLAYTECH.

PLAYTECH / JAMMER Jr. Guitar Amp

Prices vary depending on sales and other reasons, but you can usually buy one for around 5,000 yen.
As another option, here is the cheapest audio interface at Sound House.

M-AUDIO / M-Track Solo

This is M-AUDIO's M-Track solo. This product comes with an amp simulator.
The amp simulator comes with several types of amps and effects pedals (devices that change the sound). This is great because it costs a lot of money to have a large number of effects pedals.
In addition to the included amp simulator, there are many free amp simulators available on the Internet, so you will never run out of options for sounds.

Effortlessly play along with music

There are times when you want to practice guitar while playing your favorite songs on YouTube or other sites. With an audio interface, you can do this by simply connecting it to your PC.

Recording videos of yourself playing is a cinch

As mentioned above, you can easily record videos of your own performances. Even if you don't post them on the Internet, they are useful for reviewing your own playing.

Disadvantages

Inconvenient when you want to play quickly

This may be the biggest disadvantage. With a normal amp, you can just turn on the amp and start playing, but with an audio interface, you have to turn on the computer, start the amp simulator, and so on, which is inconvenient.
Especially if your computer has low specs, it will take a long time to start up, which is inconvenient.

Troublesome to set up at live performances, etc.

When using an amp simulator effector at a live concert, you will need to bring a computer and audio interface. The wiring is messy and you will have to lug in a lot of stuff, so it is better not to say, “Let's use an amp simulator at a live performance!’

Recommended Audio Interfaces

Now that I have shown you the advantages and disadvantages, I would like to introduce some of my recommended audio interfaces.

I want it cheaper!

If you are looking for a cheap audio interface, I recommend the M-Track Solo by M-Audio.

M-AUDIO / M-Track Solo

If you want to buy an audio interface but don't want to buy a used one, this is the one for you. This one has had sudden price drops that makes you wonder if you should buy a brand new audio interface. “I want to buy an audio interface but I absolutely do not want a used one!” I recommend this product to those who want to buy an audio interface, but don't want to buy a used one!
Just because it is inexpensive does not mean it is bad; it can record at 16bit/48kHz.
However, it does not have a loopback function (a function that allows the sound coming from the PC to be used as a microphone input), so it is not suitable for those who want to stream music compositions or guitar playing. It is only for those who want to play or record guitar.
An amp simulator is also included.

I want to livestream my guitar playing!

“I want to livestream my guitar playing and my compositions!” I recommend that you buy an audio interface with a loopback function.
My recommendation is the Studio 24c from PRESONUS.

PRESONUS / Studio 24c audio interface

I personally own this product.
It has a 2-channel combo jack and MIDI in/out jack. It also comes with a loopback function and an amp simulator for a DAW that normally costs around 10,000 yen. It is also capable of 24bit/96kHz recording, so it is beyond reproach. If you have any doubts, you should definitely buy this one. I predict that this will be a steel plate model from now on.
It has a loopback function (Windows only), so you can easily distribute your guitar and compositions!

Things to Take Caution With

There is one thing to keep in mind when buying an audio interface other than the ones mentioned here. I won't go into the details of the HI-Z jack, but to put it simply, it is a jack that allows you to record clean sounds such as guitar and bass. If the product page says “HI-Z” or “instrument input,” it is OK. You can also record using the normal LINE input, but if you want to record beautifully, I recommend a model that supports HI-Z input.
Also, headphones are not included, so you will need to purchase headphones separately, or use your own earphones with a conversion cable.

↓ Recommended headphones

CLASSIC PRO / CPH7000 sealed monitor headphones

↓ Conversion cable is here

CLASSIC PRO / ASN221

Headphones, etc. together

To Summarize

Thank you for your patience! There are many advantages to buying an audio interface instead of an amp. In fact, even though I am broke, I am able to save money by using the effects in the amp simulator instead of buying effects pedals. You don’t even need to buy a tuner if you don’t want to. If you start playing guitar now, I highly recommend you to get an amp simulator.
That's all for now. Thank you for reading “A Talk on Recommended Audio Interfaces (Not Amps!) for Beginner Guitar Players”!

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