Picking the right audio interface for my laptop and instruments, PLEASE HELP

[irace]

Alright, here's my scenerio:

I have a Dell Laptop with only a Mic In Jack and Headphone Out Jack. Obviously, my only way to record currently is through the Mic In Jack, and I'm sure you all have an idea of how shitty that sounds. So, what I want to do is buy a (USB 2.0 or PCMCIA) audio interface that would allow me to do the following: Record from a MIDI keyboard, an electric guitar, and vocals. I do not need any of these things simultaneously, it would be nice to maybe be able to do two simultaneously but it's not important. I believe the guitar and mic would both go into the same input jack on the audio interface, but the keyboard (since it's midi) needs a seperate jack. I would like something that already has a preamp for the vocals. So really, in short, I need something that can record one audio track at a time (needs to be able to handle vocals OR guitar directly though) and a MIDI keyboard, i guess that's 1 line in jack and 1 MIDI jack.

My second question is how sound cards work. I have a set of Creative speakers that I have plugged into my headphone jack in my laptop. If I got another soundcard, would I need to plug my speakers into THAT card for them to still work, or could I keep them plugged into the laptop's microphone jack still? Likewise, when I use headphones (which is often), I plug them into the speakers' wired remote. Would I still be able to do this if I had another sound card installed? What I don't really understand is if I was recording through one sound card, would I have to have my speakers plugged into that one to hear what I'm recording?

I don't really want to spend more that $150, but would be willing too if it's really worth it. Since all i really want to be able to do is record one track at a time (either vocals, guitar, or midi keyboard), I think this is a realistic budget.

PLEASE HELP ME, and thanks in advance so much.

 

[Springo]

Hi I am in sort of the same boat, at least as far as the controller. See my thread in the "midi mania" section.
http://www.homerecording.com/bbs/showthread.php?t=159306
I myself don't need the interface so much, but if I wanted an "all in one" with controller, keyboard, and interface I would be looking at the M-Audio Ozone and Ozonic. I still might buy one anyway, the Ozonic. It's a bit more than I wanted to spend but has an awful lot of features. But the Ozone will do what you want and it costs around $200 or less. It's a midi controller, keyboard, and audio interface all in one small unit. They both connect to your laptop with USB. The Ozonic is like it but much larger and with more features, and it has sliders where the Ozone does not. But it's all about your price range, what you need, and the size of the unit that you want. Between the two of those you can get what you want. Believe me - I've been heavily researching these things over the past couple of days and I know.

As for the sound cards, you can only use one at a time. You will have to use whichever connections are available from whatever sound card you use. The OS will not support two sound cards and you will get conflicts and problems if you try.

 

[EizingerIsGod]

I use a Tascam US-122. I think thats probably a good choice for you...it has all the inputs you would need plus it runs into your computer via USB 2.0. I've had mine for two or three weeks now and I'm happy with how it performs. Check it out.

 

[Riverdog]

As for which plug goes where...

The "input / output" configurations you're talking about really depend on the audio interface you want to buy...

I assume that if you get something like "EizingerIsGod's" Tascam - There will be inputs and outputs on that device to control your speakers and other items...
The quality will be better when you use that device instead of the internal Dell hardware - Once the Tascam is hooked up - you'll check the control panel or the panel of the device (through some kind of software) to determine "how" you want to route your sound... Ie: instead of using the Dell Audio there should be a selection to "input and output" to the Tascam....

Hope this helps...

 

[Springo]

Yes if he needs an interface only, those would work. And after re-reading his post, it lookes like he only needs an interface. So there is no need for him to spend the extra dough on the all in one package.

Another thing to look at is a Line6 Guitar Port. I have one and it is great. That takes care of the guitar in, or a mic, or anything using a standard instrument cable. And there are some other jacks on the back of the unit - I did not pay attention to them because I was not planning on learning midi at the time that I purchased mine; but there is something to do with MIDI on the back of the Guitar Port. I'll have to take a look. It's also inexpensive at $99.

Also consider an Audigy 2 Platinum sound card with the Audigy drive - that would provide many inputs for you and can be purchased inexpensively these days at under $100.

For myself, I want a MIDI controller and a basic keyboard in addition to an interface (actually an interface is lowest on my list of needs0, so I am looking at other options. I will probably be buying a Novation X Station 25 - much more expensive at $499 than my original plans called for, but it is a very impressive piece and opens up all sorts of possibilities for me.

 

[edzo]

if you have firewire

you can't beat an ozonic firewire board

I have it down to 1ms latency and [5ms latency max],
and it is awesome. you need firewire. it is 599 retail
but I got mine off ebay for 380 shipping included.

it is worth it

flstudio, reason, and acid pro is what I have it driving
and it is great.