You're splitting hairs... for the sake of the kids question, he's just trying to get his head wrapped around the difference between a MIDI Interface vs. an Audio Interface to plug into his laptop. Simple beginners stuff you're making needlessly over complicated.
Jon
--- In AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com, "db00451" <db0451@...> wrote:
>
> --- In AN1x-list@yahoogroups.com, "jondl_2000" <jondl_2000@> wrote:
> > As pointed out in the previous - a soundcard is an audio interface - they are one and the same.
>
> Yes and no. On some technical level, these terms are equivalent. But, as we should all know, the evolution of words and their resulting connotations are often more important than their initial denotations. "Audio interface" typically connotes an outboard, dedicated unit for guaranteed (one hopes) high-quality recording and playback. "Soundcard" generally connotes a card plugged into the inside of the computer or simple embedded as an intrinsic part of its motherboard.
>
> > If you want to record the audio output of your AN1x to your laptop then yes - you will need an audio interface of some kind.
>
> Not necessarily. Most laptops include an onboard soundcard like those I just described.
>
> Whether the OP feels that will meet their needs is a question that depends upon their purposes and their preferences. For many people, certain onboard soundcards might well provide sufficient quality. Having to buy an outboard interface is not always a necessity.
>