Ableton is a very powerful, and very popular DAW. People use it for all kinds of music genres and across many different computer platforms. One thing that’s not always clear is how you actually get sounds into it in the first place. For instance, do you need an audio interface for Ableton, or will the standard inputs on your computer be just fine? Let’s take a look at how best to answer that question.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
An audio interface is recommended when recording external audio. Some would even say it’s a vital component. But, Ableton doesn\u2019t really require one. It should work fine with your device\u2019s built-in inputs and drivers. However, you\u2019ll undoubtedly have better results with a good audio interface. <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Yes, this does lead us to the age-old answer, “it depends.” I think the main factors in determining whether or not you need an audio interface with Ableton is what kind of music you’ll be making, and for what purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n An audio interface will usually provide better input and output connections than your computer or laptop are likely to provide. Also, it’ll generally give you better sound conversion (from analog to digital for instance) than your computer will.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The basic function of an audio interface is rather simple. It’s responsible for transferring audio into and out of your computer system. The typical connection to your computer will be over USB. These days, prices on audio interfaces vary from under $100 to over a thousand dollars. Unless you’re a professional or someone aspiring to produce music at a very high level, you’ll find that the lower-end devices give you more than satisfactory results.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But, how do you know when you need one?<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n For instance, if you’re recording acoustic instruments<\/a> for high-quality end results you’ll absolutely need an audio interface of some kind. But, if you’re already at this stage, chances are you already know this and have a decent setup going. For musicians stepping into recording for the first time or who want to upgrade a basic setup, the question is more important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, keep in mind that the audio interface is usually responsible for routing audio back out to your studio monitors or headphones<\/a>. So, if you need a device that sends high-quality sound back out while you’re recording, mixing, or mastering, a good audio interface becomes more important in your home studio.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Start by asking yourself a couple of questions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’re answering yes to any of these questions, you most likely need an audio interface with Ableton. Actually, you’ll probably need one no matter what DAW you end up using. An interface, even a cheap one, will solve the above problems pretty easily. If you want to record with several musicians, you’re probably better off with an interface and a mixer as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There are times when you may not need an audio interface with Ableton. For instance, if you know that you’ll only be making music with samples, loops, or VST plugins, you may not have a lot of use for one. If you’re making electronic music with a built-in sampler, your sounds will all be generated by your computer and your DAW.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Also, if you’re making intentionally low-fi music, whether it’s lofi hip-hop or garage rock, you may not mind a dirtier-sounding recording. It may actually enhance the aesthetic of your music. In that case, plugging directly into your computer with the use of adapters might be your best bet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You may still want an interface to power a good set of studio monitors. But, if you’re running headphones most or all of the time, you might not even need better outputs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you’d rather not use an interface or you can’t afford one just yet, you could simply use your computer or laptop’s built-in microphone if it has one. This won’t get you very clean results in terms of sound. But, if you’re making music that doesn’t depend on pristine instrument recordings, it might be fine for a while.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You could also opt for an inexpensive USB microphone to send a signal to your DAW. There are some decent models available online for much less than a cheap interface will cost. However, if you want to use XLR microphones and speakers or monitors, you’re going to have to make the investment and purchase an interface.\u00a0 <\/p>\n\n\n\n Some other benefits to using an audio interface are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n But keep in mind, you want your final product to sound as crisp and clean as humanly (or technologically) possible. The fact of the matter is that your onboard sound quality, in most cases, is just not going to match up to that of a decent audio interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Latency refers to the time it takes to get a sound from the instrument you’re playing back into your ears. Latency is bad. You want to minimize the latency level as much as you can. Trying to play on time into a DAW with lots of latency is a nightmare. You’ll never be able to keep time with the drums, and you’ll go mad starting over and over trying to come in at the beginning of the bar. Without an audio interface, the latency you’ll experience can be quite significant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Latency tends to be a problem more with Bluetooth devices and very slow computers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Something else to consider is DSP-powered plug-ins. Your native plug-ins are powered solely by your onboard CPU. If you’re utilizing a large number of them, you may experience extreme levels of latency or even reach a point where the DAW crashes<\/a> or freezes completely.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to deciding whether or not you need an audio interface, there are some key points that you need to consider, apart from the ones listed above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n And if you really want to get into the nitty-gritty think about the following too:<\/p>\n\n\n\n This last list is usually applicable to higher-end audio interfaces. If you need all of these bells and whistles, don’t skimp on a cheap device.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the end of the day, the decision is yours to make. But, we have seen that it is indeed possible to produce music in Ableton without using an audio interface. Your onboard sound components should be able to get the job done, but to what level of precision and proficiency?<\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking at the fact that you can pick one up for less than $100, it would seem foolish not to make the short-term investment for the long-term benefits if it’s in your budget. You’re only going to reap better quality work if you go with the option of purchasing and using an external audio interface.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So, overall, we would recommend using an audio interface when you can. But even if you can’t, grab some adapters, get plugged in, and make some music!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"What does an audio interface do for you?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
So, do you need an audio interface for Ableton?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
When won’t I need an audio interface?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Are there other options?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
What is latency, and why should I care?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
If you’re considering purchasing an interface<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Conclusion: So, do you need an audio interface with Ableton?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n