Want to hook up your guitar to a computer and make digital recordings or add flavour to your guitar sound without having to buy any effect pedals? Guitar interfaces are the neatest solution going. Using one of these compact and versatile audio interfaces, you can plug a guitar or a bass guitar into your computer - or even your phone, and gain access to the full digital toolbox.
Why Go for a Guitar Interface?
With a guitar interface, you can easily make professional-sounding recordings, even at home. Whether you're a songwriter, metal-head or session musician, a guitar interface is able to translate the analogue sound of your instrument into a digital track, all with minimal latency and with maximum audio quality. All popular DAW recording software titles support these interfaces, including Logic Pro, Ableton, and GarageBand, so you can effortlessly build your own starter-studio.
Essential Features
If you just want to experiment with guitar recordings, then you won't need to spend too much time poring over the specifications, since all you need is an interface with one jack input and the right kind of USB cable to connect the interface to your computer or phone. A lot of interfaces also come bundled up with free software that already includes virtual amplifiers and effects. If you're more ambitious, then you'll want to check specifications like the sample rate, bit-depth and the connection options so you won't need to upgrade later. And maybe you want to do a bit more by getting a model with an input that combines a microphone and guitar port in one.
Frequently Asked Questions About Guitar Interfaces
What's a guitar interface?
A guitar interface is basically an audio interface for guitars that takes the analogue sound of your instrument and converts it into a digital signal that can be recorded, edited and played back on a computer or mobile device.
How do you connect up a guitar interface?
The interface is connected up to your computer or phone using a USB cable, while your guitar is connected up to the interface using a normal jack lead.
What kind of software do I need to record my guitar with an interface?
Any audio interface with a guitar input will work with pretty much any DAW recording software. A lot of interfaces actually come including some free software, like Ableton Live Lite or a virtual amplifier and effects package.
Can I use effects with a guitar interface?
Using software like AmpliTube or Guitar Rig, you can put the sound of your guitar through countless virtual amplifiers and effect pedals.
