A recording studio’s efficiency depends entirely on the sound output. If the recording sounds artificial or unclear, it is useless. For example, if you are recording audio with a choir and many musicians, each sound needs to have proper interference and bass. One overpowering sound can ruin the whole audio track.
You can notice the difference between a good sound card and a cheap one by comparing between a professionally recorded sound and an amateur’s recording. Professionals rely on a specialized instrument called the interface or sound card. If you are looking for a guide for the best sound card, we have covered it for you!
Here is a list of features that you should look in a sound card:
- Connectivity: The whole purpose of a recording studio is combining different sound sources. When you are buying a sound card, look for the connectivity options. It should instantly connect with the PC or Mac. Also, there should be no issue in connecting it to the microphone or musical instruments. Minimum connectivity time leads to a faster recording.
- Preamplifiers: Their primary function is to amplify the input signal to a line level. In layman’s terms, it converts weak audio signals into loud and recordable audio signals. In an audio recording, different instruments have varying levels of signals. Additionally, the microphone also requires amplification. Overall, there is about 20-20db of amplification in the whole recording. So, when you are buying a sound card, ensure that the preamp comes with at least 4 input ports, additional USB ports, MIDI connectivity and is compatible with different input-output tools.
- Output: The result of the recording is gathered from the output port. So, ensure that the sound card has at least 2 output ports. It will help in amplifying and mixing different sounds. It is especially helpful when you are recording multiple voices at one-go.
- Software compatibility: A musician needs to process the sound input with various software like Fourier transform software. Many use it to analyze the music as well. So, your next point to note should be the compatibility of the sound card to various musical software. The more it supports, the better it is for the recording studio. Pro tools allow the recording studio to get seamless, clutter-free music.
- Processing engines: We have already mentioned that in a recording studio, the recorded sound is processed before being released. The music is recorded from various sources. Preamplifiers process is to bring the dB level in sync with one another. The processing engine converts sound from multi-stream sources to a theatrical surround sound. Also, with the presence of multiple processing engines, you can have Dolby digital sound output and DTS Connect Encoding. So, always opt for a sound card that features multiple processing engines.
- Affordability: Sound card should be well within your budget. However, we must mention here that you should not compromise on quality. The whole quality of the recording studio depends on the sound card. So, it is always better to go for the best system