Is an audio interface really necessary?

Audio interface question?

• I am looking at buying any audio interface. My questions are what are the input and output jacks on the interface for? Can I have to head phones connected to the interface so that I can hear the recording and the person in the booth or do I have to have one in the computer and on in the interface? I would be just recording voices like in hip hop or rap and the audio interfaces I would be buying would either be: http://www.zzounds.com/item--LEXALPHA or http://www.bestbuy.com/site/Avid+-+M-Audio+MobilePre+USB+Audio+Interface/1053836.p?id=1218215100284&skuId=1053836 if this helps.

• Answer:

  The inputs jacks are for connecting a mic or instrument outputs to. The output jacks are for connecting to monitor speakers or whatever. You will connect your headphones to the interface - that way you hear yourself in real time. If you use the computer headphone jack, there will be an annoying delay. Once you buy it, it will come with instructions - they are very easy to use. I owned the Lexicon Alpha it is a good unit but remember that condenser mics will not work with it because it does not have phantom power.