What would be the best recording gear for me to purchase?

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Kjazzw

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First thing's first, I'm starting a new project up with my friend where we are looking to record two separate guitar parts over songs, covering them.

To be honest, I didn't think I was asking for much; 2-track recording, good tone, guitar input but as simple as it sounds, I've purchased a couple of basic home studio recording kits and I've come across a lot more problems than I expected; the outcome for both was greatly disappointing:-

Lexicon Alpha: Received without an 'elicenser number' (and no, this is NOT the serial number) and so, installation wasn't possible; customer service was poor (in fact, I still haven't received a reply from the 5 places I've asked for help) and was forced to return. Steinberg gear is a no-go after this.

Line6 Studio GX: A tad better for twice the amount; passed installation, but preset tones weren't ideal for recording, sound was latent and 'blocky', so now I'm in the process of a refund on this one, too.

All I'm looking for is something easily adaptable to my laptop that can record a minimum of 2-tracks, hopefully with included software that isn't too painful to set up (I already have Audacity and Ableton, but I prefer Cubase or Pro Tools - that's what I'm using at college!)

Something around the £300 mark tops for all the bits and bobs, although, if there are decent home-studio kits for £300+ I may put that into consideration.

I've come to the decision that I want to go through a guitar mic as opposed to simulators.

I'm not all hi-tech with my gear right now, I am only just starting out with this thing if you haven't been able to tell already. I have a decent set up instrument-wise (Gibson Les Paul, Blackstar Head, Pedal board, 10 years playing experience) but I'm only just entering myself into the technical and engineering side of it all and so I don't own things like Monitors and Microphones etc. just yet.

I don't really know what else I can put really. Basically, I'm looking around for a definite purchase for myself and if anyone has any recommended suggestions for anything I can buy where I won't get assfucked, it would be greatly appreciated. Bear in mind I am a beginner at this, so if anyone has any tips to set me off in the right direction, I'll seriously appreciate anything!

I've since been told that I'll get a better sound and satisfaction if I record the guitars through a microphone as opposed to playing through simulators and I've bookmarked a reasonably decent priced SM58 microphone bundle (lead and stand inc.).

All I'm really looking for now is a reasonably decent interface that can perform well, not cost too much, latency-free and won't cause me too much hassle during installation (preferably equipped with either Pro-Tools or Cubase, but this isn't a huge issue if not). I've been recommended a couple so far:-

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - looked reasonably good, good reviews and build for a good price, but caused latency for guitars.
M-Audio MobilePre - Apparently this has had issues with Windows 7 in the past? I aren't willing to go down that road..
PreSonus Audio Box - Similar issues for Windows 7 apparently?

Anyway, as I've already said, if anyone can help me out with a reasonably decent interface that won't take a huge chunk out of my savings, it'll be greatly appreciated! Thankyou!
 
I've found a good deal on the 58, so I'll just stick with that, but thanks anyway!
As for the Scarlett, do you use it to record guitar? Because that's all I'll be using it for and I don't want to buy it if there's going to be latency issues like every review has mentioned there will be..
 
I've found a good deal on the 58, so I'll just stick with that, but thanks anyway!
As for the Scarlett, do you use it to record guitar? Because that's all I'll be using it for and I don't want to buy it if there's going to be latency issues like every review has mentioned there will be..

Focusrite Saffire over the Scarlett hands down.
The SM57 is a better mic for recording guitar amps than the SM58.
This suggestion list is over budget but a nice little starter studio to work towards.
BG
Focusrite Saffire 6 USB | Sweetwater.com
OR FIREWIRE FOR $50 MORE
Focusrite Saffire PRO 14 | Sweetwater.com

M-Audio BX5 D2 | Sweetwater.com
sE Electronics X1 | Sweetwater.com
Shure SM57 | Sweetwater.com
On-Stage Stands MS7920B | Sweetwater.com
On-Stage Stands MS7701B (Single Stand) | Sweetwater.com
 
Focusrite Saffire over the Scarlett hands down. The SM57 is a better mic for recording guitar amps than the SM58..


I had myself settled on the Scarlett 2i4 until everyone in two separate threads started saying the Saffire (mainly, the Saffire6) was miles better, 'hands down', haha!
At least I've got it narrowed down now! I'll try find a decent deal/cheap price on a 57 in that case!

Thankyou!
 
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