To monitors
Output connectors for connecting monitor speakers or headphones. Connecting monitors to the output of an audio interface allows musicians, sound designers, or sound engineers to monitor audio quality in real time. In audio interfaces,
monitor outputs can be made in various formats, but most often there are various combinations of RCA, XLR and Jack connectors (6.35 mm), less often - the classic mini-Jack (3.5 mm).
Software included
The software included with your audio interface may vary depending on the make and model. The vast majority of it is represented by drivers, utilities for managing the device, software for recording and editing sound, virtual instruments or effects, and all kinds of plugins. It is advisable to clarify separately which specific software components are included in the audio interface package.
Power supply
Power supply methods provided in the device. There are models that combine combined power supply methods - for example, from the mains and USB. For more details, see individual help items.
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From the network. Powered by a regular household power supply of 230 V. Stationary audio equipment uses only this method of power supply, but in compact devices it can be combined with a USB connection, battery power, or the presence of a battery.
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USB. Powered by the same USB connector that connects the device to external equipment. This power supply method allows you to do without unnecessary wires and work independently of sockets, but its power is low, so this option is used only in compact devices. Some models combine USB power with a built-in battery or supplement mains power, providing a backup option in case there are no outlets.
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Battery. The presence of a built-in battery allows the device to operate independently of any external energy sources, however, the period of such operation is limited - at some point you will still have to take a break to charge the battery. In its pure form, this type of power supply is extremely rare - much more often the rechargeable battery is provided as a “backup option” that supplements power from the network or USB (see the corresponding paragraphs).
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Batteries. Powered by
...replaceable elements of a standard size - for example, “finger-type” AA. Note that among such elements there are both disposable batteries and rechargeable batteries. This gives the user a choice: regularly purchase fresh elements or spend money once on batteries and a “charger” for them. However, in any case, power from batteries is associated with additional costs - such power supplies are usually not included in the kit and have to be purchased separately. This option is found mainly among portable models.External power supply
The presence of
an external power supply in the device, which is located outside the case. This design feature is designed to reduce the amount of interference that affects the electronic components of the device and can distort the sound. Also, due to the external power supply, the device becomes more compact and lightweight.
Power consumption
Power in watts consumed by the device during operation.
