Originally posted by BrandonAllan:
Do I need an audio interface? Aside from the multiple I/O what is the advantage? I assume the interface replaces the computer's internal sound hardware but are the iMac's sound capabilities good enough? I just want to do some serious music listening and play around in Garageband. I want a fairly clean sound going to my speakers.
Also, is it ok to use studio monitor speakers as everyday "listening" speakers? I have heard some say they weren't designed for that. I'm not really sure how to explain that further, something about them being so clear that they pick up subtle things that you'd rather they didn't. Hopefully someone here knows what I'm talking about.
Various audio interfaces can offer more simultaneous input and output channels, as well as microphone pre-amplification. Some offer control surfaces (faders, knobs, stop/play, equalizer knobs) for remote-controlling music software, while others offer complex monitoring and/or routing possibilities. The chief advantage of using an external audio interface, however, is in better analog/digital and digital/analog conversion. All of these things are reasons why audio interfaces range from $40 for an iMic to tens of thousands of dollars.
To tell the truth:
You don't sound like you're going to need "pro" equipment, so I think you're going to be just fine with the basic setup, using the minijack input/output.
If the speakers sound good to you, use them. Key is that you like them. While high-end monitor speakers may be optimized for different things from standard hi-fi speakers, chances are that anything sub-$1000 is just being labeled "monitor speaker" for sales purposes. There is nothing that distinguishes a monitor speaker from a regular speaker per se. (Though sometimes, monitor speakers sound extra crappy and are used in studios as worst-case scenarios - witness the Yamaha NS series: crap speakers, but if you can make a mix sound good there, it's gonna be okay on most any system.)
If you're going to be doing any work with a microphone, you might want to look into getting an M-Audio two-channel USB thingy with built-in mic pre-amps, since the iMac's minijack line-in probably won't cut it, depending on the mic.
But if you're going to be doing guitar and virtual instrument work, there is no problem with just running with the basic setup if it sounds good to you. You *always* have the option of upgrading later on, if you become dissatisfied for any reason.
Above all: Have fun.
-s*
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