Comparison PreSonus AudioBox USB96 vs Focusrite iTrack Solo

The number of preamplifiers in the design of an audio interface, designed to work with a weak signal - which directly comes from a microphone, pickup, etc. Each preamp corresponds to one low-level input channel. For example, if an audio interface has four preamps, it can simultaneously process signals from four microphones or other devices connected to those preamps. Professional studio audio interfaces are often equipped with a large number of preamps to provide flexibility and the ability to record from a large number of sources simultaneously.

— 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).

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.

- 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).

Connectors used to connect musical instruments (acoustic or bass guitars, keyboards, etc.). Most often they are made in the form of 6.35 mm Jack format sockets, but there are other options (see below). The audio signal from pickups has its own specific characteristics, so the instrument input typically features a higher input level and special impedance matching to ensure optimal sound quality.

— Jack (6.35 mm). Jack sockets (6.35 mm) are most widely used as instrument audio input. They are very large in size, thereby ensuring tighter contact, and support a balanced connection (for transmitting a high-quality signal without interference over fairly long wires). The number of Jack connectors (6.5 mm) usually corresponds to the number of tools that can be simultaneously connected to the device.

- XLR. A characteristic round connector, often combined with a Jack interface (6.5 mm). XLR is equipped with a locking lock and three contacts (there are other options in terms of quantity, but they are practically not found). The connector is used to transmit an analog signal through a balanced connection, which provides high immunity to interference - sufficient for professional use.

Input for connecting MIDI devices: keyboards, turntables and other controllers. The MIDI stream does not represent sound, but service information for virtual musical instruments. Therefore, data received via MIDI In is not processed by the device, but is simply transmitted to a computer, tablet or specialized equipment via USB type B, MIDI output or other similar connector.

— Total audio outputs Jack / XLR. The total number of analog audio outputs 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 the Main output and the linear output. 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) output for two stereo channels, as well as as an output for connecting headphones (see the corresponding paragraphs).

Through the Main outputs it is supposed to transmit signals from the audio interface to external devices for playing and recording sound. In everyday use, there are models with one type of Main connector, as well as with several varieties (for example, Jack (6.35 mm), XLR, RCA, or Jack (6.35 mm) / RCA, or Jack (6.35 mm) / XLR).

— Jack (6.35 mm). Output for transmitting analog audio signal. Structurally similar to the popular mini-Jack, but differs from it in its larger dimensions. As a result, Jack type plugs (6.35 mm) are used primarily in high-end stationary audio equipment. Outputs of this type usually operate on a “one channel per connector” principle (i.e., to transmit stereo sound you will need to use two Jack sockets). Also, this interface often provides a balanced connection - a connection in a special format that allows the use of long wires without compromising the signal quality (due to the suppression of interference in the wire itself). However, the Jack connection (6.35 mm) may also be unbalanced.

- XLR. Another type of output for transmitting an analog signal using a balanced connection. It allows the use of long cable lengths without compromising the quality of data exchange - external interference is absorbed directly in the cable. Often the connector is combined with a Jack interface (6.5 mm). The XLR is equipped with a locking lock and three contacts. A single three-pin an...alog cable can only carry one channel of audio, so a standard XLR output typically consists of two jacks, stereo left and right.

- RCA. Jacks for coaxial cables with characteristic plugs, popularly known as “tulips”. One cable in analog format can transmit one channel of audio. The standard output of this type consists of two connectors - for the left and right stereo channels. On the other hand, RCA does not provide the possibility of a balanced connection, which is why it is inferior to other options in noise immunity, has noticeable limitations on cable length and is poorly suitable for professional use. Nevertheless, “tulips” have become very widespread in entry-level and mid-level stationary audio equipment.

The type of line output provided in the audio interface design. It outputs a line-level analog audio signal. This interface is mainly used for connecting recording devices, outputting a signal to playback equipment or to an external amplifier. And the types of connectors used for linear output can be as follows:

— mini-Jack (3.5 mm). A standard socket for the popular mini-Jack plug (3.5 mm), used as a line output. This connector is mainly used to connect some models of active speakers, while two stereo channels are usually output through one mini-Jack (3.5 mm). Note that headphone outputs, which also use a mini-Jack, are considered separately - see the corresponding paragraph.

— Jack (6.35 mm). A larger analogue of the mini-Jack connector (3.5 mm) for outputting an analog stereo signal. The Jack output provides a more reliable and noise-free connection, making it ideal for professional applications. Effective protection against interference is possible with a balanced connection method. To save space, the 6.35 mm output can be combined with an XLR connector (see the corresponding paragraph). The disadvantage of this design is the impossibility of using both interfaces simultaneously. Jack line outputs (6.35 mm) adhere to the “one channel per connector” principle.

- XLR. A round three-pin connector for outputting a line-level analog audio signal, oft...en with a balanced connection type. Transmission is carried out over three wires instead of two, and during it the noise induced on the wire is eliminated. This allows the use of fairly long cables without compromising the “purity” of the signal, making this type of connection excellent for professional audio equipment. XLR is also considered a professional interface, both due to the ability to work with a balanced signal and due to increased reliability: such connectors are often equipped with locks to secure the plugs.

- RCA. Analog linear audio output using RCA connectors - so-called “tulips” (due to the characteristic shape of the plugs). The standard output of this type consists of two connectors - for the left and right stereo channels. Also note that RCA connectors can be used in other output interfaces, but they have their own names.

The number of pairs of RCA output connectors(see above) in the audio interface design. By “pair” in this context we mean two RCA connectors, usually intended for stereo audio - left (Left) and right (Right) channels.