See also: iPhoto. GIMP also now runs natively on OS X, without requiring any additional dependencies like it used to. Just like Photoshop, GIMP has full support for layers, a customizable interface that you can mold to suit your current task, and a rich set of photo editing tools. Free image editing programs for mac. While it can take some getting used to, particularly if you’re used to the way Adobe does things, professionals and enthusiasts alike swear by its ability to get the job done. Probably just as well-known as Photoshop at this stage, GIMP has built a name for itself (and a loyal following) for being the web’s favorite open source fully-featured image editor.

The Novation AudioHub 2×4 is an interesting audio interface that lets you connect & power all your USB devices – while offering super low latencies and loud audio output.

So you’re looking to solidify your studio with the best audio interface? To us, this is one of the most important parts of making music and we consider it to be the star on top of the Christmas tree. Without an audio interface, you simply can’t record optimally. Your gear is essentially missing half of its power and capabilities without one of these in your studio.

The best audio interfaces help us with sound quality, phantom power and amplification, more overall control of our gear, organization of all of our inputs outputs into one device, and lastly make the pesky concept of latency disappear. Today we highlight our top 10 audio interface picks available in the market and give you some info to help ease your shopping adventures. What is an audio interface? An audio interface is a device which connects your various to your computer (,,, etc). Some have even called them “external sound cards” since the components built into computers can’t make the cut (for good reason — they’re typically too expensive or aren’t big enough). In terms of capabilities (and it really depends on which model you go with), they can provide phantom power to amplify your microphones, hook up any instrument or controller you’ve got via MIDI in out, and use XLR ports for microphones. Audio interfaces convert the analog information into digital signals for your or to recognize and lay down into your songs.

Ultimately, it helps get you that studio-quality sound that helps separate you from the newbies. Relying on consumer-grade sound cards in your PC or Mac isn’t ideal as it often gives us interference and delays in sounds — and to their credit, merely can’t fit powerful interfaces inside their computers.

Audio interfaces are the standard sound card for any type of studio. Once I hooked up my audio interface to my setup, the headache immediately went away because I was not only more organized (rid a lot of cable clutter) but was able to record in a quicker, versatile and realistic manner. When, my workload decreased, my songs sounded better and my overall creativity shot through the roof since my process was more efficient. Lastly and most importantly, the quality of my recording tracks increased dramatically – microphones were more clear, guitars crisp, and the overall sound I heard was better for mixing and mastering later on in my DAW. How to choose your audio interface When it comes to the best audio interface, it really depends on a few factors. We’d love to give you a straight answer, but it is too dependent on a lot of elements you must take into consideration when shopping for the device.

It depends on what you need. • What is your budget? Most of these are relatively affordable, but you can always go higher for some powerful features.

We’ve seen audio interfaces go within price ranges from $30 to $2,000. We tried to grab a few from each price-point to give you options in your search.

• What type of connectivity? You can either go the more popular USB route, FireWire or even advanced Thunderbolt. The more advanced you go away from USB, typically the more money you’ll have to drop; however, it may be worth the investment if you have the cash.

• How many inputs and outputs will you need? This is something to really take into consideration not only for now but the future as well.