Looking for a device to suit my needs, spec quality

[Phogi]

I'm sure you guys hear this all the time, but, I have a few questions.

1) Seems to me that audio quality is something that can be quantitatively measured. I looked at the documentation for several low end USB audio interfaces, and they have some specs in the back. I take it these actually tell you the quality of the D/A converters, preamps, etc... Which numbers are the important ones? Which ones determine quality?

2) I want to be able to record MIDI data, and record 2 audio tracks all at the same time. Studio level quality is not what I need, I'll just go to a studio for that. But I do need high enough quality that I can play the tracks on my stereo without being distracted by poor audio quality.

3) I've got about 150$ I'm willing to spend. I'm looking at the Alesis io 2, but certainly would consider other options.

Software wise, I'm planning on Reaper.

 

[TetraFish]

Of course this is just my own opinion but I would go with...

This one https://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductID=53

or This one M-AUDIO - Fast Track Pro - 4 x 4 Mobile USB Audio/MIDI Interface with Preamps

Both are under $200.

As far as a number that tells you how good a pre amp is I doubt that there is one.

 

[Phogi]

Would I be able to record midi data and two audio tracks at the same time? For some reason they don't address this in any of the promo material.

 

[TetraFish]

I'm 99.9% sure you can but to be safe you could always send them a quick e-mail. I've never dealt with m-audio support but I know Presonus is really good.

 

[TimOBrien]

Would I be able to record midi data and two audio tracks at the same time? For some reason they don't address this in any of the promo material.

Yes.

All you do is arm each individual track to the port you want to record.

 

[bdenton]

Seems to me that audio quality is something that can be quantitatively measured.

I'm afraid you are wrong...

Quality is a subjective value; in the eye of the beholder.

You might find equipment with a particular set of specifications that provide what you define as "quality", and look for other equipment with the same specifications which might provide what you define as "quality", but it is quite possible that it would not meet someone elses idea of "quality".

You can say gear "A" has better specs than gear "B", but it is also possible that neither piece of gear would meet anyones idea of high quality.

Best idea? Get stuff for a place where you can return it. Plug it in, try it out, see if you like it. If you don't, return it...