Sorry I am a tad bit confused. I really appreciate all this advice don't get me wrong, but I like the tube sound I can get with the vtb1 and it can also do solid state. I don't really wanna throw that to the wayside. But I would like a no compromise solution. 16 bit sounds good but is there any solution that would give a higher sample rate? Also what cords would I need to plug the vtb1 to the UCA 222. Once again I can not thank you all enough for all your help.
Ok, let's take it a step at a time.
You want to keep the valve pre amp but you need a converter and, if we discount the 222 for the moment that means an interface. That's fine because all the interfaces I am aware of these days have "combo" XLR mic inputs that double up as line inputs on Tip-Ring-Sleeve jacks, so output of pre goes into that needing either an XLR female to TRS jack lead or a TRS-TRS lead.
The cheapest "proper" AI that I have read about is the M-Audio M track and our man Bobbsy here gives it a good reccy for the money. Some interfaces have dedicated extra line inputs, I have a Focusrite 8i6 so endowed, not a current model but there is an equivalent. My personal favourite for 2mics/2line ins is
the Native Instruments Komplete Audio 6 (fair rolls off the tongue don't it!). Naturally a bit more money but the KA6 is easily the best value (and the best AI IMHO) .
BUT! Maybe you can't/don't want to spend another $100-$200+? So back to the 222.
WTGR I think you have "sample rate" and "word length" confused. The 222 can support sample rates of 44.1 and 48kHz and these are entirely good enough. In fact most "pro" studios rarely go higher.
A 16 bit word length simply limits the over all signal to noise level. A good "prosumer" AI such as the KA6 will give a 24bit noise floor a bit over -100dBFS. The 222 comes in at a modest -85 as I said, but! Nothing else in your recording chain is going to be nearly as quiet! 85dB is WAY better than even the best pro tape machines.
You may have read of higher sampling rates, 96kHz+ giving better quality? Most people "in the trade" say this is bunk, there is certainly no objective evidence for it and in any case, even IF 96k was "more linear" than 44.1 your valve has already forked the signal beyond hope cos that's what the nasty archaic things do, distort! 'S'why folks love 'em!
So, bottom line: Best, get an AI but if you are cash strapped or tapped out the Berry box is pretty good (and you will always get 10 bucks for it on The Bay!).
Dave.
I also have the matching CD, Tuner and Cassette deck. I rescued it all from a skip when my neighbour was chucking it all out in 2005. The amp needed a bit of re-soldering on some dry solder to get the left channel working and the other bits just needed a tidy up inside. (Kids had put crap in the CD Player and Cassette Deck. Toast, Hairgrip, Stones.....) One of the speakers needed a new tweeter. It was worth the £40 tweeter repair for all this.