Independant sound recording interfaces

[3nigma]

Hey. I'm looking to buy the best audio recording interface for my budget. I've sorta been eyeing these... Tell me your opinions. I'm running Windows XP SP2 by the way.

http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--LEXALPHA - $80
http://www.m-audio.com/products/en_us/FastTrackPro.html - $250
http://www.gigasonic.com/Lexicon-Omega.html - $200

My goal is basically to record the crispest, clearest vocals with a Shure SM58 microphone, without using my soundcard at all. I want it all finished on the separate audio recorder, then plug it in to my laptop with USB and transfer it over in uncompressed high quality .wav or whatever for mixing in some program like Cubase. I will also use a guitar later on, doing the same as with the vocals.

Recommend me some for all of you that really know your stuff. I know it's all opinions on what is the "BEST" but still, I want some advice. I really don't want to spend ALOT. I'm willing to go $200 - $300, but only if I know the device is REALLY going to last me. Like, for the whole of my home recording career, 5+ years or so.

 

[circle x]

None of the interfaces you mentioned are "standalone" recorders. Hence the name, "interface." They will process your analog input (guitar, vocals) convert them to digital, then send them to your computer via USB. It is up to your Digital Audio Workstation to capture the data on the system hard drive or storage device. The interface and your computer work in tandem. Think of the interface like a complex sound card that will produce high-quality sound capture compared to any on-board computer sound card. It is still up to you and your Digital Audio Workstation software to create a mix, add effects, and export a final product. The audio transfer happens almost instantly when you hit the "record" button on your computer. The audio is captured in near real time on your hard disk or storage device and saved as a "track" in your DAW. With that out of the way, the M-Audio is a very good entry level interface capable of turning out good quality sound and really good options given the price rang. The dual channel mic pre will come in handy as they have 48v phantom power in case you want to use a condenser mic. The SM58 is dynamic and doesn't require the phantom power, however, it is always nice to have the option. Also, the M-Audio has good monitoring and will probably last longer than you will need. They are a reputable company and have a nice software bundle to get you started. I hope this helps!

 

[Outlaws]

My goal is basically to record the crispest, clearest vocals with a Shure SM58 microphone, without using my soundcard at all.

Using an audio interface like those take your current soundcard out of the equation because those become your soundcard. So even though you are recording on your computer, you won't be getting the same sound you are probably getting now with a SoundBlaster.(?)

 

[omtayslick]

3nigma,
I replied to your thread in the guitar/bass forum. You seemed to also be interested in recording guitar direct-in to an interface.

This interface will do well covering both bases for you:
http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--LINPSUX2

It has good software for tweaking guitars, it will replace your current soundcard and thus upgrade your sound, and there are 2 onboard preamps with phantom power for your vocals, and anything else recorded with a mic. My father has one of these and they're pretty good.

And since it is usb, you can use it directly with your laptop.

 

[circle x]

I use a UX1 and it is very very much worth the little money you spend. I have recorded, mixed, and mastered songs using the UX1 as my interface. I will tell you the gearbox software is very fun and the sounds can be tweaked to sound pretty real.

If you want to hear what the GearBox guitar effects sound like check these out on my web:

Vested

"Unprotected"
"Where You Belong"
"Flutter"