Many people curious about audio recording ask me about my setup. I am not an expert, but my preferred method on input to my computer is via preamp and audio interface.

The interface is (or can be) the point at which sound is converted to digital signal. I have used 3 interfaces – 2 by Echo Audio and one by MOTU, which I would not recommend. I currently use the AudioFire 12 (which is a successor to to the old Layla24 I had) and couldn’t be happier with the results. The one thing you want more than bells and whistles is something that works consistently and for long periods of time. You also want hi fidelity and as many inputs as you can get (since that gives you room to expand).

I like this piece of gear since it is central to everything I do audio-wise. Interestingly enough, it is the type of gear that will change the most (mics and preamps all working in the unchanging analog realm) as new computers and inputs will no doubt change the conversion parameters. If that day comes, I’m sure I will look again to Echo Audio.