Once you’ve decided how much analog and digital I/O you need, you should consider which connectivity option to use—USB, FireWire, or PCI. Each format presents unique advantages and disadvantages. It all depends on what works best for your system.

USB 1.1
The vast majority of computers today come with USB ports, making USB audio interfaces an attractive option for musicians and producers. USB 1.1 is a good choice for working with two channels at once and creating CD-quality tracks.

USB 2.0
When you want to record at higher sample rates and/or capture multiple channels at once, you need the increased data transfer speed offered by USB 2.0. USB 2.0 devices have become more common in recent years, and provide a stable, reliable solution for working with high‑fidelity audio. To use a high-speed USB 2.0 recording device, all you need is a computer that supports USB 2.0.

FireWire
Like USB 2.0, FireWire offers the bandwidth necessary to record multiple tracks at high sample rates. But unlike USB 2.0, which transmits data in “packets,” FireWire provides a continuous flow of data—allowing FireWire interfaces to process audio more efficiently. FireWire can be an especially attractive choice for Mac users, since many Apple computers come standard with the necessary port. Many PC manufacturers also include FireWire ports on their latest machines. If your PC doesn’t support FireWire, you can always purchase and install a third-party card.

FireWire comes in two flavors—FireWire 400 and FireWire 800. FireWire 400 is the industry standard for audio interface technology, while FireWire 800 offers increased data transfer rates and is typically used for external hard drive enclosures. If your computer only has a FireWire 800 port, don’t worry—all M-Audio® FireWire interfaces are fully compatible with both 400 and 800 ports. All you need is the proper cable and you’re good to go.

PCI
The third most common type of audio interface consists of a PCI hardware card placed directly into a slot on the motherboard. Some units feature audio connections on the card itself, while others offer a separate breakout box with analog and digital I/O. These interfaces provide tight integration with the host computer, which results in low latency and excellent MIDI timing. However, PCI-based interfaces must be installed inside a computer tower, so they’re inherently less mobile.

For more information on choosing an audio interface, download Overdub Volume 2.