DAC
Characteristics of the built-in DAC - a digital-to-analog converter for converting digital audio into line-level analog audio, usually in stereo format.
— Bit depth. Bit size of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) used in the device. In this case, the meaning of this parameter is as follows: the bit depth of the DAC must be no lower than the bit depth of the audio signal with which the converter is planned to be used, otherwise the device will not be able to effectively cope with the conversion. As for specific values, the standard options in modern audio interfaces are
16 bit,
24 bit and
32 bit.
- Sampling frequency. The sampling rate of the digital-to-analog converter (DAC) installed in the audio interface. Let us recall that such a converter is responsible for converting digital audio into an analog audio signal. The paragraph usually indicates the maximum value of the sampling frequency, for which one of the standard values corresponding to a certain sound quality is used (
48 kHz,
96 kHz,
192 kHz).
Total Jack / XLR audio inputs
— Total audio inputs Jack / XLR. The total number of analog audio inputs such as Jack (6.35 mm) and/or XLR (this interface can be combined with a “jack”). Note that such connectors can play the role of both a line input and a microphone or instrument input. For more details, see the relevant paragraphs.
— mini-Jack. The standard 3.5 mm mini-Jack is usually used in audio interfaces as an analog (line) input for two stereo channels, as well as as a microphone audio input (see the corresponding paragraphs).
Microphone
An input jack used to record audio from a microphone, which may transmit low signal levels and requires amplification. It often includes a microphone preamplifier - it amplifies a weak signal to a level that is suitable for recording or processing in an audio interface. The most common types of microphone inputs are:
—
mini-Jack (3.5 mm). The standard mini-Jack audio connector (3.5 mm) provides average signal quality, which is why it is poorly suited for professional tasks such as studio recording. As a result, the “purely microphone” variety of the 3.5 mm jack is relatively rare, but still has a right to exist. It is also worth considering that microphones can use mini-Jack plugs for different numbers of contacts (from 2 to 4).
—
Jack (6.35 mm). The shape and arrangement of contacts of Jack sockets (6.35 mm) are similar to the corresponding varieties of the 3.5 mm standard, but they are larger in size. Due to the larger contact area and less tendency to interference, plugs of this format are found in microphones of all price categories. In addition, a balanced connection is often made through the 6.35 mm jack - a special type of connection used in professional audio equipment that allows signal transmission even over fairly long wires without interference.
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XLR. In audio equipment, three-pin XLR connectors are most often used to connect a micropho
...ne. XLR provides a reliable and tight connection, and the interface sockets often have locks to secure the plugs. Connection through this connector is also carried out in a balanced way - using three wires instead of two. The peculiarity of this signal transmission is that external interference is filtered, in fact, by the wire itself, which allows you to transmit a high-quality audio signal even with long cable lengths. Often the XLR connector can be combined with Jack (6.35 mm).Line
The type of line input provided in the device. Uses the line input to feed audio from an external source to the audio interface.
The following types of connectors can be used for line input:
—
mini-Jack (3.5 mm). A socket for a standard mini-Jack plug (3.5 mm). The connector serves as an audio input for two stereo channels. It is designed primarily for portable electronics such as smartphones, pocket players, etc. In stationary devices, Jack (6.35 mm), XLR and RCA are more popular.
—
Jack (6.35 mm). A common audio connector for transmitting an analog signal. In design, this type of socket is as similar as possible to a mini-Jack (3.5 mm), but differs in size. Jack connector (6.5 mm) provides tight contact and is less susceptible to interference. It also supports a balanced connection - high-quality transmission of audio signals over fairly long wires with effective protection against interference.
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XLR. The XLR standard is considered professional - not only because of the high quality of signal transmission, but also because of its fairly large size and the presence of locks for securely securing the plugs. However, only one channel of audio can be transmitted over one cable, so XLR outputs are usually installed in pairs - based on stereo sound. Also note that these connectors can be combined with Jack sockets (6.35 mm). They also allow y
...ou to implement a connection in a balanced format with a high degree of noise immunity and the use of fairly long wires without affecting the frequency of the analog signal.
- RCA. Connector for coaxial cable with tulip type plug. The standard RCA input consists of two jacks - for stereo sound, left and right channel. One analog RCA connector can only transmit one channel of audio, so the number of such connectors corresponds to the number of channels supported by the device.
