Mixer, audio interface, or microphone?

[yamahaguy]

I am new to computer recording. I've checked out forums on this site and others.

Right now I am recording guitar into Mixcraft 5 using a Digitech RP 250 and it's working ok for my needs. I'm only looking to do this as a hobby and not produce anything truly professional.

However, I also want to record vocals. I have a regular Sony microphone with a 1/8" input into the soundcard and that's just not going to do. It works, but even for a hobby, the sound is not very good.

I am considering the Behringer Xenyx 502. I think this will accomplish what I am after. It will allow me to plug in an XLR microphone and / or a guitar. I'm also considering a TASCAM audio interface.

I'm struggling with the difference between a mixer and an audio interface like the M audio interfaces with regards to computer recording.

Questions:

1. Is the Behringer mixer, or any mixer, an acceptable way to input guitar and vocals into Mixcraft or any other DAW?

2. Or - is it necessary to use an audio interface like TASCAM or an M-Audio?

3. Since I can record guitar with a Digitech, would it make sense to just get a USB microphone for vocals?

As you can tell, I'm trying to keep costs way down.

Thanks!

 

[TetraFish]

1. Is the Behringer mixer, or any mixer, an acceptable way to input guitar and vocals into Mixcraft or any other DAW?

2. Or - is it necessary to use an audio interface like TASCAM or an M-Audio?

3. Since I can record guitar with a Digitech, would it make sense to just get a USB microphone for vocals?

1) I don't think that mixer works as an audio interface so I don't think that's what you want.

2) I think this is the way to go. For $200 you can get a Presonus or M-Audio 2 channel interface that would do what you need. They probably both come with a fairly capable DAW program.

3) You could do this but I think you'll run into limitations right away. If you go the interface route you can buy a proper mic that will last for years. I don't know how much you have to spend. If you can swing $250 go with the interface.