Do I even need an audio interface these days?

Endvogue · 2025-03-26T04:41:43+00:00

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Hi all!

I am running a MacBook Pro M4 chip with 48GB of memory. If I do not plan on recording anything or even going out to monitors, do I even need to bother with an audio IO / sound card? I forget if sound cards have any meaningful benefit outside of recording and monitoring.

If I get a midi controller such as the Kontrol S49 do I need an audio interface for that?

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maniacintosh81

You don‘t need an external audio interface if you are fine with your MacBook speakers or headphones connected to your MacBook.

LostInFoundation

You don’t NEED it. But audio interfaces DO have benefits (like better quality, latency,…).

That said… if how you are working now is satisfying you, it means you don’t need it. If you really NEED something, you would notice it ☺️

Endvogue

Thanks guys.

I ended up getting the Focusrite 2i2 vocal bundle just to have the ability to record scratch and go out to speakers. That being said, when I am not recording or going out to speakers, should I still be monitoring my headphones via the Focusrite? Is there benefit in this?

When im at my desk it probably makes sense to monitor via the Focusrite but I often move my laptop about to make beats. Will I need to continually change my IO in Ableton, or perhaps just the stereo bus out? Will the program automatically switch when the Focusrite is not detected? Trying to get a gauge on how agile I can be with this new sound card added.

PK The DJ

IMO it's up to you. I personally don't think it'll make much difference, and if it's more convenient then go ahead.

Most of the time here, I use my onboard audio connected to a pair of small Creative Labs "computer speakers". Doesn't matter if I'm watching a movie, YouTube, streaming from Spotify or messing around in Maschine or Ableton Live.

The key is, I know what these speakers sound like. If I'm balancing a multitrack mix, I can do it and it will sound OK because of the familiarity.

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