An audio interface allows you to connect instruments and mics to your computer via firewire of USB. These usually contain the a/d converters and eliminates the need for a sound card because the processing is done within the interface itself. Interfaces come in a variety of styles and sizes depending on what exactly you need. Personally I run the MBox 2 Mini. It has two 1/4" inputs and an XLR input as well as coming with Pro Tools LE.
Interfaces eliminate the need for a mixing console because all of your mixing can then be done within your computer. Personally I like being able to move faders and things like that, but for the price, I can live with just clicking and dragging. It makes editing incredibly simple.
An audio interface is basically the device that allows the computer to send and receive audio data to and from the outside world. Audio in the computer is digital, and music coming from a synth or mic is analogue. The audio interface "converts" those analogue signals coming in to digital code (a bunch of numbers that the computer can read as a certain sound). Then it can do the same in reverse. The audio interface is the mediator between the analogue (outside) and digital (computer) worlds.
One could purchase an audio interface at a store that specializes in the sale of guitars. There are different types of audio interfaces and the price will vary on what type one decides to purchase.
HDMI
Audio User Interface
the BMW auxiliary input interface was not available until 2008 models, but this is something you can add to the factory audio system, just purchase the interface and plug it into the external CD changer wiring do a search for BMW Audio Input Interface
A SPDIF interface is a connection that is found on a variety of electronic audio devices, from computer sound cards, minidisk players, home theatre surround amplifiers and many more. SPDIF is short for Sony Phillips Digital InterFace and it is used to transmit audio digitally from one device to another. The digital audio formats supported by this interface are many and include standard 2 channel audio up to 5.1 Dolby Digital channels at high sample rates.
Plug the left and right audio outputs into your audio interface.
Yes, you can. I am using it with M-Audio Profire interface. Version 7 and 8 requires you to use M-Powered, Versions 9 and newer require full versions
HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a compact audio/video interface for transmitting uncompressed digital data
Check Audio Setup under Options. Page 17 in the user manual has the details on how to set up your audio interface.
My guess is an audio interface. I recommend the PreSonus Firepod Interface. It has 8 inputs, each with a volume control, a headphone volume control, a main audio out volume control, and it's only $400, you won't find an interface that good for any cheaper. Also, get some good mics. Just sayin'. For vocals and guitars, Audio Technica at2020.
Yes. I operate Pro Tools M-Powered 7.4.2 with an M-Audio fast track pro which is a USB interface.