Can you record vocals without an audio interface?

Yes, you can record without an audio interface. Instead, try recording with an adaptor plugged directly into your computer, a USB microphone, virtual instruments, or a tape recorder. While these methods don’t require an audio interface, they typically result in lower sound quality.

Do I really need an audio interface?

Answer: Yes, you need an audio interface, even when you make beats or electronic music. The main reason is because of the audio quality which is needed for professional music production. This quality is lacking in most sound cards shipped in laptop and desktop computers.

Does a USB mic need an interface?

You can’t connect a USB mic to an audio interface or mixer, as there are currently none on the market with USB audio inputs. Also, USB mics strictly use digital inputs and outputs. There are XLR/USB mics out there, which, when using the XLR jack, can be connected to a mixer that’s connected to the computer.

Can you use mixer as audio interface?

As I mentioned at the beginning, a lot of mixers now have USB outputs, meaning the mixer can double as an audio interface and send audio via USB into your computer. For some people, having that flexibility to work at or away from the computer is ideal.

What can damage a microphone?

It is almost impossible to physically damage a dynamic microphone at any achievable sound level. Classical ribbon microphones that use an aluminum ribbon can be damaged not by sound pressure but by a puff of air. A blast of air could physically push the ribbon out of its magnetic gap far enough to stretch it.

Do condenser mics need to warm up?

Condenser Microphones do not need to warm up. It does make a difference if you let phantom power “excite” the capsule for at least a minute before you start using it. This is because you want the 48v to get the entire circuit going.