You want to record guitar on your PC.
When you think that, the first thing you need is an audio interface.
But "I've heard the name, but I don't know what it does."
Many people feel that way.
This article explains the basics and how to choose from a guitarist's point of view.
I've included my own mistakes and tried to make it as clear as I can.
Recommended for
- Anyone who wants to know what an audio interface is in the first place
- Anyone who wants to record guitar or bass at home
- Anyone who wants to choose the one that fits them
What Is an Audio Interface?
An audio interface is gear that brings the sound of a guitar or mic into your PC.
To be more precise, it converts analog sound into digital data.
This conversion is called "AD/DA conversion."
Even if you plug a guitar cable straight into a PC, you can't record a decent sound.
Only by putting this "interpreter" in between can you record clearly.
Note
The fineness of the sound is decided by "sample rate" and "bit depth."
For home recording, choosing 48 kHz / 24 bit is enough.
Don't worry too much about the numbers at first.
Why a Guitarist Needs Dedicated Gear
You may think, "Aren't a smartphone or a USB mic enough?"
In fact, I used simple gear like an iRig in the past too.
What matters here is "Hi-Z input."
Key point
The signal from an electric guitar or bass is weak and has high impedance.
That's why a "Hi-Z (high impedance) input" is needed.
Without Hi-Z, the sound tends to become thin and weak.
When choosing for guitar, this is the most important point.
5 Checkpoints for Choosing as a Guitarist
I've put the tips for choosing into five.
step
1Choose by number of channels
Decide the number of channels by how many sources you record at once.
But the story changes as your uses grow.
If you're unsure, 2-in 2-out is the safe choice.
The price is reasonable and you're unlikely to be stuck later.
step
2Whether it has a Hi-Z input
As mentioned, it's a must for guitar.
Check the product page for "Hi-Z" or "Instrument input."
step
3Check the connection standard
Today's mainstream is USB-C.
It works with both PC and Mac, and the price is reasonable.
Thunderbolt has lower latency and higher speed.
It's for professional setups and multichannel recording.
For a home-recording guitarist, USB-C is enough.
| Item | USB-C | Thunderbolt |
| Speed | Up to 10 GB/s | Up to 40 GB/s |
| Latency | Low enough | Ultra-low latency |
| Compatibility | Both PC and Mac | Mainly Mac and higher-end PCs |
| Price | Reasonable | Higher |
| Best for | Home-recording guitarists | Professionals, multitrack recording |
step
4Latency and drivers
This is extremely important if you use an amp simulator.
If latency (the delay in sound) is large, it becomes hard to play.
On Windows, ASIO support gives peace of mind.
On Mac, Core Audio gives low latency from the start.
Don't forget to check driver stability too.
step
5Bundled software (DAW bundle)
For people just starting out, this is quietly important.
Some models come with Ableton Live Lite or Pro Tools Intro.
You don't need to buy a DAW separately and can start right away.
Recommended Models for Guitarists
For reference, here are some standard models.
Recommendations by type
- A beginner's first one: Audient iD4 MkII (JFET instrument input, simple operation)
- The versatile standard: Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 (4th Gen) (Air mode, easy to use)
- Specialized for guitar/bass: IK Multimedia AXE I/O or Audient iD14 MkII
- If you record vocals too: Universal Audio Volt 1 (vintage-style preamp)
- Professional-minded: RME Babyface Pro FS (rock-solid stability)
Summary: The Order for Choosing
If you think about choosing a guitarist's audio interface in this order, you won't fail.
- 1 channel for guitar only, 2 channels if you record vocals or bass too
- A Hi-Z input is a must
- USB-C is enough for the connection
- If you use amp sims, prioritize latency
- Beginners should check the bundled software too
Start with one.
From there, the world of home recording opens up.
