Looking for a digital audio interface

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Hey guys, I'm kind of new to this whole home recording world so treat me nice:p

Right now I'm trying to pick my gear toward home recording and also live usage. I'm a solo artist, a one man band, mostly doing electronic/post rock. If some of you are a little into that genre, then World's End Girlfriend is a good example for my inspiration.

Long story short, I need an audio interface to plug my guitar into before going through the laptop. I did some homework and so far I came up with Digidesign Mbox 2, E-MU 1616, and Native Instruments Audio Kontrol 1. I'm really not familiar with all these sort of things so I haven't a clue what to pick. Could any of you please suggest me a good audio interface? My budget is about 500$, though I'd love to spend less if possible.

I will be plugging this device into a Macbook, using Ableton Live 7, if it matters. I believe I only need one DI or 1/4" input (I won't be using a microphone), plus possibly an RCA input for Kaoss Pad (in case I do use one, do I plug it into the interface or does it go elsewhere?)

Thx!

edit: not quite sure where this thread suppose to go, so move if necessary
 
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I recently purchased an MBox Mini for a little less than $300 new. Comes with ProTools software.

I've been out of the recording scene for many years, so by far am no expert. But for what it's worth:

The MBox Mini very small / portable, perfect for me since I relocate every few years for work. Only 2 inputs, which, again, is fine for me---like you, I'm a "one man band".

Just plug the box into your puter via USB, connect your instrument to the box, and you're good to go.

I'm still getting used to the ProTools----seems more "professional" (that is, complicated) than I really need, but not overly so----had it a week or so and am making progress. Lot's of processing effects / capabilitly in the software.
 
Why do you want a USB interface? Get firewire, it's faster and there's a much wider selection of great units. Plus firewire takes some computing load off of your CPU, decreasing the likelihood of unwanted recording glitches.

This is a very well regarded unit for less money:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-DMP3-2Channel-Mic-PreDirect-Box?sku=241101

This unit would be even better, for a little more money, but still well within your budget:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Echo-AudioFire4-6-Channel-Firewire-Audio-Interface?sku=245641

And if you want to spend the entire wad, you could think about this unit:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Apogee-Duet-Firewire-Interface?sku=234444
The apogee is made for macs.

There's also a huge thread over on "The Rack" about budget interfaces, and a lot of responses from very experienced people who know what they're talking about (unlike me). You might look over there for some more feedback before you plop down your hard earned cash.
 
guitar zero said:
Why do you want a USB interface? Get firewire, it's faster and there's a much wider selection of great units. Plus firewire takes some computing load off of your CPU, decreasing the likelihood of unwanted recording glitches.

This is a very well regarded unit for less money:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MAudio-DMP3-2Channel-Mic-PreDirect-Box?sku=241101

This unit would be even better, for a little more money, but still well within your budget:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Echo-AudioFire4-6-Channel-Firewire-Audio-Interface?sku=245641

And if you want to spend the entire wad, you could think about this unit:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Apogee-Duet-Firewire-Interface?sku=234444
The apogee is made for macs.

There's also a huge thread over on "The Rack" about budget interfaces, and a lot of responses from very experienced people who know what they're talking about (unlike me). You might look over there for some more feedback before you plop down your hard earned cash.
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Correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe the first one you linked was just a mic pre not a interface. I would go with the second because is also has xlr which you might need in the future.
 
i'd go for the echo, good conversion, good customer service.
 
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