Preamp, Audio Interface and A/D Converter - What's the Difference?!

Subscriber requested! There's a lot of confusion about these different devices and how to make the best buying decisions for your studio. Let's discuss the key aspects of the preamp, audio interface, channel strip, DAC converter, headphone amplifier and how each plays a vital role in how you record and monitor audio.

My Interface / Preamps:

🎛 Mixing Presets & DAW Templates

🎹 Synth Presets & Drum Samples

🎓 Video Training Courses

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🔈 My Studio Gear

💬 Let's Connect

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[hde]

Meanwhile the consumer listens to the songs through a pair of $10 dollar earbuds.

[Nascarthelastcornerbender]

I need some help with this entire subject.

[newgunguy]

Is it possible to set up a modular system using a mic pre > ad converter > pc?

[trevor]

This video has me wondering how i can be this far in and be such a noob about certain things 😪

[BMOZoedajit]

Yo this is the first video to actually explain simply what a ad converter is and if you need one 👏

[evanbumphrey]

Something that we all needed an explanation on!! Great vid! It would be way sweet if you did a mixing series with just the izotope neutron plugin!! Love your channel man

[dspoet]

I was closee to selling my RME UXC II today until I saw this video.

[fedorvoronovcomposer]

I left a like and a comment, because this was the video I was looking for, and the suggested topics are interesting as well

[africanrevolution]

Dope videos as always!!!! love this channel and how mixing is explained!!!!
Had a question, how do you connect your external preamp to your interface and how do you bypass the preamp of your interface to only use the external preamp?

[adebolasegun]

Your lecture is super dope ... is it just for record? Can I use it for sending my mix and send back for printing a full song ?

[KeithMarvK]

Thank you! NOBODY seems to want to talk about the A/D converters.
I'm producing and mixing in the box. Seldom do I have use for mic pres. But I like having my mic and instruments ready on demand when it's time. Mostly I'm ITB. What interface has the best converters <$500?

[CICK]

I’m just starting out. I am a DJ and produce hip hop beats but I don’t know whether to get a mixer or an audio interface? This is my current setup:

Mac Mini 2018 (16 gb ram)
Ableton 11 (learning)
MPC X
Arturia Keylab 61
2 Technics SL 1210s
Pioneer DJM-S11
Serato DJ Pro

The Mackie Onyx24 coming out soon looks nice. Should I go for it or get an audio interface? How many channels is recommended? I also know a really good drummer and would like to incorporate live drums eventually. Any input is greatly appreciated.

[hamricmike]

So if I want to hook up my tube preamp to a Scarlett 2i2 interface, will it bypass the Scarlett's preamp or will it just be pre-amping the pre-amp (i.e. stacking preamps)?? Hope that makes sense.

[howischris_]

SEAN! I just purchased a lightly used AVALON 737 Preamp. I'm currently hooking it up to my Apollo Twin X and I'm running into some confusion about getting it to read on my channel strip. I have in Line" instead of Mic" just trying to understand the workflow on UAD interface. Hope to hear back soon. There isn't a good video out there that shows beginners how to set up a preamp through UAD interface on Console.


- Best,

[joonajks]

Is there a huge difference quality sound between a old presonus firestudio audio interface and the latest presonus studio 24C mic preamps in your opinion?

Just something for voice over dialogue recording!

[arachi]

Hello Sean, can you please do a tutorial on how to set up settings and send final mix from Logic to External Ad DA Converter

[junkaction]

For me, a very important thing is the type of chip that is used in an audio interface, even UAD Apollo uses some old nothing-special chips, so I rather invest in pro AD/DA chip because I am always working in the box and I don't record external things at all but I want my signal to be as transparent as possible coming out from the computer as a digital signal. What is your opinion about the importance of a good clock?

[cuttingedge]

Can I plug a synth directly to a converter ? with a 25 sub cable thank you

[danielkang]

Hey sean, quick question.
So if I had a converter, whats the right signal orders? Does everything stays the same but a converter comes in right before the audio interface?
Correct me if im wrong,
Mic - preamp - converter - interface - monitors?
Thanks

[jitendrasinhthakor]

I just bought Aphex 230 on Reverb but have some issue to connect behind that Preamp. The seller promised me to help me but now he avoided to reply. would you please help me to connect Aphex with my Focusrite 6i6 2nd Generation Interface. I had hooked up Microphone with Aphex but do not know about other features back side of Aphex. I have all 3/4 inch cable connected with Focusrite Interface. Thanks.