Interface vs Sound Card - Do you know...?

Many musicians beginning their independent music production have to travel down the path of understanding the signal chain: the equipment that gets your sound from the sound source into a recorded media. One of the main parts of the signal chain is the soundcard (when we talk digital music). It has come to my attention that many bedroom musicians still misunderstand the difference between a soundcard and an interface.

The audio interface

Though most will call it a soundcard (for sake of simplicity), an audio interface (or AI) is actually a pre-amp and converter combined into one body. The purpose of an AI is to raise the level of the incoming sound signal from mic level to line level (this is the pre-amp part of the audio interface), and to turn that analog signal into digital bits (this is the converter part of the audio interface). Many audio interfaces also include +48v phantom power (for use with condenser mics) and are usually connected to the computer via USB of Firewire.

The soundcard

A soundcard, on the other hand, is just a converter. It's called a soundcard because that's what it does in a normal household computer: to convert the digital data in the computer to analog sound that comes out the computer speakers. In normal computers, not many people use the soundcard to input sound into the computer, although it can be used for that also.

A converter that sits outside the computer body is often called an external soundcard. But if you explore the various recording equipment available for purchase, you will understand that a converter doesn't always have to be a card (though it often is). High end premium quality converters are often shaped like a box that a recording engineer fits onto his equipment rack.

The difference

By the two explanations above, we can see how a soundcard is different than an audio interface:

1. A soundcard does not have pre-amps. Stand alone converters do one thing: to convert analog to digital data and vice versa.
2. A soundcard is the specialized name for the converter.
3. A soundcard is a converter alone. An audio interface is a converter plus preamps.

I hope this short article can help you better understand the parts of your signal chain.

To your equipment savviness,
Endy

Are You "Solo"?

If you are a solo musician, there are tools that you should know about, and have in your tool box. It is best to be prepared for whatever comes your way in the form of gigs, and musical opportunities. In this article I will go over some of the general things in the form of gear, hardware, and software, that will give you an edge in this competetive, and demanding world.

Keep in mind that these are all suggestions, and it depends on your personal circumstances as to what you are, and are not able to obtain.

I will asume that you already have the musical instrument of your choice, and that you have already spent the thousands of hours that it takes to perfect your talent.

There is no way around it!...You get out of it what you put into it.

If you spend the time to perfect your talent, you will definatly reap the benefits.

So,...Lets get started.

I will list all of the items that I have in mind for this article, and where to obtain them.

In some cases, a brief discription on what to do with them.

1. PA equipment: You will need some kind of PA equipment, preferably something small and compact, but of efficient sound quality

2. Microphone: You will need a microphone for the times when you are showing off that great voice of yours.

You will also need a microphone stand.

3. Speaker Stands: I recommend speaker stands for your speakers, to raise your speakers up above peoples heads when playing in restaurants, and coffee shops, ect...

You dont want to drive people away, or blow anybodys ear drum.

4. Promo Stand: You will need a promo stand that you can use to place your promo material, your CD's, and any of your contact material for people to see, purchase, and take as they come, and go.

This can be something that is portable, small and compact, but looks presentable.

5. Tip Jar: I recommend a tip jar, something that, again, looks presentable.

6. Play-a-Long Library: I recommend a play-a-long library for all musicians, especially for solo musicians.

As I have stated in my previous article, "Tips for the solo musician", you can make a living just playing solo gigs, and targeting small establishments.

7. CD, or, Cassette player: You should have a CD, or cassette player with a pitch control to play your play-a-longs through your PA.

8. Computer: If at all possible, you should have a powerful enough computer to record your own CD's.

You can also make your own Play-a-longs with your own style of music.

9. Recording Software: You will need some kind of recording software for your computer.

I recommend, Cakewalk.

10. Soundcard: You will need, in some cases, a sound card for your computer.

I recommend, Sound Blaster Live.

11. Keyboard: I think all musicians should have some kind of keyboard.

There are hundreds to choose from, according to your budget.

12. CD Burning Software: You should have some kind of CD burning software.

Again, there are hundreds of choices.

Microsoft Media Player is free.

13. Business Card Software: I recommend some kind of business card software for your computer.

"Parabim Business Card Builder", is a very efficient one.

14. Musicians Website: Every musician should have a website.

I recommend, "Host Baby", everything you need in a musicians website is here.

15. Internet Promotion Program: A program to help promote your music, and yourself on the internet.

I recommend, "Musicians Power Promotion System".

These are just some of the things that will help you on your quest to be a successful solo musician.

One thing to remember is,...Always Act...Look...and Dress proffessionally.

That first impression can make, or break you.

Just click on the links provided in this article where indicated, and you will be taken to the particular website, were you can find the item.

Tools of the Trade

Music Production Software is the first thing a new producer is looking for, it allows the producer to create music. The question I hear the most is what Music Production Software is the best? Fruity Loops (FL Studio), Reason, Logic Pro or Protools.

Fruity Loops

Fruity Loops is a great piece of software used from beginner producers to advanced producers. It's rate highly due to the VST's you can add, Fruity Loops doesn't just stay within itself. You can add so many things to it to make it a powerful music production workshop. Most professionals frown at fruity loops but believe me a hit record is produced in fruity loops everyday.

Reason

Reason is properly my favorite because every single sample included in the software is perfect. Reason is normally used by producers that already have an idea of how to make music and advanced producers. The sound quality you can get out of reason is top notch and ready for radio play, it is recommended however you have to stay within reason. You cannot add VST's and Plug-ins, however you can add samples to NNXT and Redrum

Logic Pro

Logic Pro is properly the most used music production software by Apple. It is used in almost every single record studio, it is the music industry standard piece of software. Saying that it is not the easiest to learn and master but the results are amazing. Logic allows you to produce music, add vocals and use VST's and plug ins all within one single session so you don't have to use multiple pieces of software to create a full track.

Pro Tools

Pro Tools is like Logic Pro. Industry standard. Pro Tools is normally used by producers that use instruments and hardware that require live recording to get sounds into the song. Pro Tools allows you to also like Logic do everything within one program, supports almost everything you throw at it. It is the worlds best but it also comes at a price and if you can afford it check it out, however don't buy it for the name and expect to make hits.

Remember to get as many details about the software your going to pick for maximum results.