I've pretty much decided on the interface, but it doesn't have any preamps. How much does one have to spend for a decent preamp? Any suggestions on particular models?
Well, the 1212M is about $150, so I'm thinking that there must be a preamp of similar style - not expensive, but not a piece of junk. I don't actually HAVE a budget as such.
For a nice two channel clean pre, I'd recommend the M-audio DMP3. It'll run you about $150 (USD). Will give decent results for vox and perhaps guitar. Are you going to mic your amp, or record the guitar direct? What kind of mic(s) do you have?
Guitar: both amp and direct, mostly amp. I currently own only one mic, an old AKG D 320 B. I hope to use real live guitar, you might say, and synth, midi, the electronic stuff,
for as much of the rest of it as possible. Jeff Beck meets the Pet Shop Boys.
OK, the DMP3 looks very good. That would take me to $300 and a little bit. Maybe there is a $300 interface with preamps, making the DMP3 unnecessary................ or is it a really useful tool?