In this article, I will explain the basics of how to make a diy audio interface from a computer sound card. The purpose of doing this is to increase the quality of the sound going into a recording device. Most computers have a microphone input jack and line-level output jacks. These are usually very low-end devices that add noise to the signal they are trying to amplify.
So, why not make your own audio interface? You can get great sound by using a sound card instead of computer speakers or headphones. You have to know how to connect everything.
What do you need to make a diy audio interface?
Table of Contents
- First, you need a sound card.
- Second, you need an audio interface box that will allow you to connect the microphone and the speaker.
- Third, you need to make the connections between the computer sound card and audio interface box (mic & line-in)
- Next, you need to connect the audio interface box output to the recording device input jacks
- Finally, test your connections and your recording device
Computer sound card
A computer sound card is used to record audio into the computer. This will be used to connect the recording device. This is a much better quality sound than you get from the computer speakers or headphones. Some computers have sophisticated sound cards, while others have a simple sound chip.
They will usually be in the back of the computer near where all of the cables come together.
The output of a sound card will be a headphone jack or RCA jacks. You can use either one, but the headphone jack is usually more convenient.
The computer sound card will have a microphone input jack or Mini-Jack. This is usually located on the front of the computer sound card near the headphone jack.
Audio interface box
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Last update on 2023-10-02 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
The audio interface box is used to connect the computer sound card and recorder together. The audio interface box will have separate inputs for the microphone and line-in.
It will also have one audio output that will connect to the recording device.
In some cases, you may want to use a microphone mixer as well. This allows you to control the levels of multiple microphones.
A headphone jack will be included on the interface box so that you can monitor and listen to what you are recording. The audio interface box will also need the power to run the box; most people will use a wall transformer or be powered by a sound card.
How to connect diy audio interface
The first thing you need to do is determine where you want to place your recorder, computer, and interface box. Make sure that you have enough room for everything to fit together easily.
Next, remove the case from the computer sound card. You will need to do this so that you can connect the wires to the sound card correctly.
Now, you need to connect the microphone input (mini-jack) of the sound card to the line in of the audio interface box.
Connect the line out of the audio interface box to the input jack on the recording device. Finally, connect all of the power cables from each device together.
Make sure that you test your connections before beginning to use the interface. You want everything to run smoothly, so testing is a good idea.
Conclusion
Now you have an audio interface to connect your computer sound card and recording device. This will give you a much richer sound because you are using a higher-quality sound card to record the sounds.
So now, you have an audio interface ready for your next recording session. Use the article above as a guide to creating your DIY audio interface.
Michael Ocejo ( Editor-in-chief )
Michael loves audio production. He especially enjoys the technical aspect of making music sound good! Michael also loves spending time with his friends and family and enjoying parties.
