The purpose of an i/o interface

[crying1986]

You're assuming everyone has a working console in front of them...That is not the case.

[narcoman]

Originally Posted by Art K

I just wanted to ask if someone could explain to me the point in buying a $2500+ audio I/O interface, as i'm just curious, is it purely for organization because surely all analog outboard gear and such could be routed into your mixing desk. Maybe i'm missing something.
If I am please explain to me what you use your I/O for and how it works

I couldn't seem to find a clear explanation, maybe its because its a stupid question but hey, no people will be able to see this thread if they're wondering.

Better quality and/or more facilities.

[Lotus 7]

Re: $2500 interfaces:

Actual improved performance,

Perceived better performance (i.e.: Emperor's new clothes syndrome),

Features or specifications you really need,

Features or specifications you think you need because artist, engineer, or producer X said that's what he/she used on his/her last Grammy winner.

Reliability,

Appearance: It looks good in the equipment rack even if you don't know what half the knobs, buttons and lights are for,

Ego massage, (I only use _________ equipment in my studio!) [insert high-priced brand name],

and bragging rights (Mine cost more than yours so obviously it's better).

Or possibly all of the above because we're Gearslutz and can't help ourselves!

[Frodebro]

Well, there's interfaces, and then there's $2500 interfaces... Basic interfaces start at about $100, and there's a ton of 'em in the $150-$500 range, which is where most of the home recording people go.

An interface is basically used for converting audio signals (such as guitars and microphones) into digital signals that your DAW then works with, and then converting that digital information back into audio signals that you can then monitor through headphones or monitors.

That's the short & dirty explanation.

[TimOBrienFlorida]

A mixing desk (if you have one, how 20th century...) won't get stuff into and out of your computer.

As to price.... $2500? As with any hobby or profession, a basic unit will get you 80-90% of the way there, it's that last 10% or so that makes the prize zoom astronomically.

[Art K]

Thanks for all the helpful replies guys, by the way when i said $2500 dollars i talking in the price range of these Apogee Symphony I/O with 8x8 Analog I/O + 8x8 AES/Optical I/O Module | Sweetwater.com as i had seen a thread or two on GS saying how great Avids i/os' were and i wasn't sure what they were able to add for that price :P

[savyurrecords]

I would say that cost also comes with how many I/O that you are using too.

Orchestral facilities need quite a few inputs to record simultaneously. Also if they are mixing through a standard mixing board than they would need more outputs.

But if you are talking about a single A/D or D/A. Then the best way to explain is by the law of diminishing returns. You get something for $100 and it works fine. You upgrade to $1000 it is pretty good. Now to get great you need to be at $10000. Of course these numbers are just for illustration to show that upgrading is an exponential curve not linear. This applies to almost everything that you buy.