It can even run on AA batteries if you’re nowhere near a computer. It’s small enough to easily toss in a backpack (or some large pockets) and gives you 2-inputs wherever you go. If you’re going to be out and about playing gigs or recording at a friends’ house, then you might want something that’s a little more portable like the Zoom H4n Pro. If you’re always on the go, pick up the Zoom H4n Pro
It’s worth noting that audio interfaces vary in terms of how they connect with your computer (USB, thunderbolt, etc). Then there’s usually also a single USB cable that you can plug into the USB port on your computer. Usually, they have two XLR inputs so that you can plug your instrument or mic cables into it. Audio interfaces act like a middleman that can maintain the sound quality of your instrument way better than your computer can, depending on the quality of its preamps. The way this is accomplished is via an audio interface, which is a peripheral that converts analog signals made by microphones and other instruments into digital ones that can be recorded into a computer. Have you ever wondered how people are able to connect instruments to computers? It’s not like laptops have a 1/4″ connector next to the USB input so you can directly plug in your electric guitar.
The Scarlett 2i2 interface is a solid option for anyone not looking to break the bank.