USB interface: question.

  • Thread starter Thread starter Oudis
  • Start date Start date
O

Oudis

New member
Hello everybody,

First of all I’d like to say hi to everyone here; this is my first posting.

I’m new to home recording. Perhaps in a year (or less if I’m lucky) I’ll have turned a spare room I have into “my studio”, and will need more... sophisticated equipment. However, in the meantime I’d like to buy some very basic home recording equipment.

What I need is an inexpensive USB interface, something I can connect to my PC to make very simple recordings of the songs I’m composing, both to work on them and to practice in order to tackle more complex projects in the future. I plan to record my guitar and my voice, many times (but not always) at the same time; then add very basic percussion (congas, for instance) and maybe a keyboard. I’m thinking of the final product merely as “musical memos”.

I don’t need anything fancy, just an interface that allows me to plug one microphone (either condenser or dynamic) or maybe two at the same time; and later perhaps something else. I’m thinking of something from U$D 75 to U$D 150 (I don’t want to spend much money now since this year I’ll have to invest a lot in my studio).

I’d appreciate any suggestions.

Oudis
 
Welcome Oudis. You will find everything you need here. Search the forum for tons of info. :)

Jimmy
 
Hey, and welcome.

Why a USB interface? I'd suggest a firewire audio interface. To start out, you might wanna concider something like the Focusrite Saffire PRO 14, M-Audio ProFire 610, TC electronic Desktop Konnekt 6 or basically any others. There are plenty to choose from. And of course. It depends what you need. Like how many inns and outs. If you're going to record drums, bass, keyboard, vocals and guitar, I wouldn't recommend you to go below 8 line/mic inputs. But 8 or more works perfectly fine for that. I doubt you will need as many as 8 now, for your use.

If you want some more help, you can PM me. Or just check out other threads. I'm not a professional at all, but I sure know enough to get started.

For a microphone I'd highly recommend a Shure SM-57. This is a great all-around microphone.

Mads
 
I acctually think a usb interface is a better decision to start with. It gives a broader range of computers to work with. many laptops do not have firewire. If you are strictly working with a computer with firewire, then I agree.. I think the best starter set up is the presonus firestudio mobile. It comes with Studio One Daw, And works fantastic, and very simple to use. Check the computer requirements for the software before buying. A cheap 100.00 studio projects condenser mic. (in my opinion sounds like a 500.00 mic) And of course the shure sm57.
 
usb mixers are cool if u only need a couple tracks. u can leave everything plugged in and not swap cables around every time u change instruments.
 
usb2 is perfectly fine for up to 16 channels.
(make SURE your usb ports are usb2 and not usb1 tho)

Starter guide HERE
Be sure to bookmark and read through all the guide....
 
Craigslist can be your friend!

I just bought an M-Audio Fast Track II, no software, for $35. Works great though, not QUITE as plug and play as it's advertised but, it is pretty simple to setup and sounds great.......to my green ears anyway!
 
Definitely check out craigslist and the used market. I found a 16 channel firewire interface for 70. Cant beat that price anywhere unless it's free.
 
Back
Top