How to improve your PC's sound with an audio interface

  • Audio interfaces improve sound quality and offer more options than integrated sound cards.
  • They are essential for musicians, podcasters and content creators who prioritize audio quality.
  • They allow the conversion of analog signals to digital and vice versa, improving sound latency and clarity.
  • They incorporate multiple inputs and outputs, such as XLR, USB, TRS and MIDI, to connect various devices.
Daniel Terrasa

5 minutes

audio interface

Depending on the use we are going to give to our computer, it may be interesting to add a PC audio interface. With this we will not only be able to have a better sound quality, but we will also be able to have more options and new possibilities. In this post we explain How to improve your PC sound with an audio interface.

We are talking about a physical device that allows you to connect different elements to a computer such as microphones, studio monitors and even musical instruments. The main difference between this and an integrated sound card is that it has greater capacity and offers better audio quality.

Which Windows user profile needs to use an audio interface? We could say that anyone who works on any project where sound quality is a priority. For example, musicians who record their creations (voices and sounds), those who are professionally engaged in audio editing, podcasters, content creators for streaming platforms, etc.

Main functions of an audio interface

Perhaps the best way to understand the advantages that these devices offer us when working with audio is to review their main functions and features. They are the following:

  • Signal conversion capacity: The analog audio signal generated by musical instruments or picked up by microphones is transformed into a digital signal so that it can be processed by the computer. It also works in the opposite direction.
  • Improving sound quality in different aspectsFor example, it reduces latency (the time between when sound is transmitted and when it is played back through speakers or headphones) and provides cleaner sound with less background noise thanks to the use of higher-quality components.
  • Multiple inputs and outputs. These devices have numerous connections, both input (microphones, electric guitars, etc.) and output (monitor headphones, etc.). As for the types of connection, most models include the following:
    • XLR for professional microphones.
    • USB/Thunderbolt for connection to the computer.
    • TRS (also known as 1/4″ jack) used to connect instruments such as guitars or keyboards.
    • MIDI for controller or synthesizer connections.

To choose the best model for our needs and not make mistakes, it is necessary to consider all these aspects and, above all, be clear about what use we are going to give it.

Using an audio interface step by step

audio interface

No matter what the quality or price of the chosen model, the way to use this type of device is very similar. We briefly summarize the steps to follow for normal use of an audio interface:

First: Connection and configuration

To connect the audio interface to our computer we can use a USB, USB-C, or Thunderbolt connection, depending on the model. Then, we have to download and install the latest drivers, which we will usually find on the manufacturer's website. In this way we ensure that the best communication is established between the PC and the interface.

Second: Select the interface as the default device

The next step is to configure it as the default device, both for input and output. To do this in Windows we do the following:

  1. First of all, let's go to taskbar sound icon and we right click to open the sound settings.
  2. There we go to the section Departure from, where we select our interface as the default output device.
  3. Finally, we will Entry and there we select the interface for the audio input of microphones or instruments.

Third: Settings

Finally, we adjust the tool so that it perfectly adapts to the characteristics of our team and our needs and preferences:

  • Latency, from the software of the interface itself.
  • Sampling rateA setting of 24-bit/48 kHz or 24-bit/96 kHz is usually sufficient.
  • Equalization, or balance of low, mid and high frequencies.

Some tips for use

To get the most out of this wonderful tool, you have to seek advice from sound experts. One of the things they usually recommend is use output equipment that has a minimum quality, such as studio monitors or monitoring headphones, among others.

Another good tip is to use TRS or XLR cables in our connections, to reduce noise and interference as much as possible.

It is also important, if we are going to use the audio interface for professional purposes, it is Use good audio production or editing softwareo. Some programs like Ableton Live o Pro Tools They are especially recommended, as they offer us the opportunity to squeeze out all the possibilities and characteristics of the sound, from the recording phase to the subsequent mixing and editing work.