What is a line input on an audio interface? What does this mean and how do I set up my interface to use this feature? These are very important questions and often people do not fully understand what they are asking for. If you need help with any of these questions then it will be worth your while searching the internet for some good sound advice. If you still have no idea what a line input on your interface is, here is a quick run down.
An input is a device which can transfer a signal between its source and output. It is used on audio interfaces to connect a line input to its corresponding output. This allows the user to control their signal if they so desire using a mixer or equalizer. This input device can also provide additional functionality such as monitoring levels, fader control and even a clock input which will run your music cd backwards!
This is just another device which can transfer a signal from its input to its output. In this case, we are reversing the function of the input signal. The output of the input changes depending on whether the signal requires one leg of the signal to be amplified (lines) or one leg of the signal to be ground (pulse-shaping).
In this case, we are referring to the fact that the microphone itself is connected to the input and it controls the sound that you hear through your computer. This is a very popular method for inputting signals as it allows the user to input a recording into their computer and then play it back at their desired volume! The only thing to keep in mind is the fact that you may require a high-quality microphone in order to get a quality output. However, most computer software out there will allow for this anyway.
This is where your computer connects to your audio interface and captures the signal that comes out of your speaker or headphones. Once captured, the information is then sent to the input device that will change the signal in order to send it either through one of the 16 available signal processing channels or into another device. Note: if you are using multiple devices, each device will send its signal onto a different channel.
A line input is used to capture a signal on one or more audio interfaces. This can include a microphone input, audio device input (such as a microphone or guitar effect plug-in), digital input (analog audio signal which may come from your computer’s USB port), or an output device which sends the signal to a speaker or headphones. Line inputs are especially useful when you want to connect a mixer, midi controller, or other control signal to an input of the audio interface.
