Looking for recommendations for Audio/MIDI USB Interface and DAW

[Pat C.]

I've done a search on TB, in addition to doing a bunch of research elsewhere on the web, and have come up with a few ideas, but I wanted to get some specific recommendations if possible.

The gear that I've got:

• I'm on a Dell Inspiron laptop running Wiindows 7 64 bit with: Intel Core I5 M460 @ 2.53Ghz, 6GB RAM, 640GB hard drive, (3) USB 2.0 ports
• Basses
• Preamps, mics and DIs
• Quality studio headphones

What I want:

• To record my bass (obviously). I'd likely be using the DI out of my pre-amp, or a direct box. Although I want decent quality sound, I'm not looking to create high-end productions here.
• Use a keyboard controller to record keys and other parts via MIDI. I don't yet have a keyboard.
• Really only going to be recording on track at a time...but the option for recording from two audio sources at one would be nice for future collaborations.

The gear I think I need:

• A small scale audio to USB interface and a MIDI to USB interface, or a unit that has both combined.
• A keyboard controller. I'd prefer a 49+ key, but a 25 key unit may cut it.
• Recording software - I've never used any before, so I'm starting from scratch. I see that there are programs available for free (Audacity) to inexpensive (Reaper, Mixcraft 5), so I'd probably go that route. Although I also see that many interfaces come bundled with software (Pro Tools, Sonar, Cubase, etc.) but usually the versions are limited in some way. Not sure how much of an issue that would be for me.
• I'll also need a sound/instrument library of some kind that I can control with the keyboard. As you can probably tell, I'm completely ignorant on how this works, or what is available. I've seen that sometimes there is a whole lot included with the recording software and there are some things freely available we well. I just don't know what exactly what I need, or what will be compatible with the gear I've got already.

I'd also like to put this all together for no more than a few hundred bucks.

Something like this Tascam seems like it should work, and it seems to have both audio and MIDI inputs. Or go with this M-audio unit that's bundled with Pro Tools SE. With that I'd still need a midi interface. Plus, I have no idea of the compatibility of these or any other units with my system.

Any input is appreciated.

[jkramer5]

I'm give a recommendation for the audio interface or kybd controller brand, but if you get just about any modern keyboard controller, you can connect it to the computer via USB. Most of them send midi over the USB and then also have standard midi connectors on em if you need them

[Hellbastard]

Audio Interfaces:


Audiobox $149
Comes with StudioOne Artist
Loop Library
FX and Virtual Instruments

Fast Track Pro
I own this one, it is a good unit. I got it as a present, I would change it for a presonus anytime. The drivers are worthless.
Comes with ableton Live lite (which sucks because you can only use 4 tracks)
This unit will work with any DAW and also has the advantage of working with the M-audio version of pro-tools.

Mbox Mini

Very Small, and has less features as the two other I listed. No MIDI, and only one Mic preamp.
Comes with protools LE, which won't launch if you don't have the hardware connected to the Computer, this could be very annoying if you plan to work on the road.
It also comes bundled with a lot of FX and Virtual instruments.

I can't recommend keybpard controllers since I don't have much experience with them.

[peledog]

I have the Tascam US-144MKII http://tascam.com/product/us-144mkii/

So far so good. Installation was easy. Just download the latest drivers and you'll be set. I also have Windows 7 64bit on my Dell laptop (specs are nearly identical, except I have an i-3 processor).

Live monitoring works well - the problem I'm having is that during playback, the track I just recorded is 1/2 late - still trying to figure that out.

I use Audacity on my laptop, as both ProTools and Acid Pro reside on my desktop.

[Pat C.]

Thanks for the suggestions guys. The Presonus looks pretty good, I'd be a little nervous about the reports of too-hot inputs, to the point of being unusable. I guess you (hellbastard) have not had that issue?

The Tascam also looks good, there are a few models with different input/output configurations in that price range that all seem pretty good, actually.

After doing some more research I think I want to be sure I'm getting the best quality signal into the computer. In particular, I want to be sure that the full dynamic range of my playing is translated well onto the tracks I'm laying down. So I think that means having a unit with decent mic pre-amps, a high bit and sample rate (higher than 16k/44.1 if possible) and a USB 2.0 versus a 1.1 port, and possibly having an external power supply versus bus-supplied power. It's difficult to find all of these things in one unit, however, at least in my price range. Also, I may be off base in thinking all these things are requirements for what I think my needs are at this point.

Another issue that makes me hesitate on a purchase is that pretty much every model in this basic $100 to 250 price range has a not insignificant number of bad reviews. And although a big chunk of that is probably user error, it's likely that I would be one of those guys who can't figure out how to get the hardware to work with the software and would be posting bad reviews. It's also the fact that not every interface works with all computer configurations.

I'm just trying to avoid that scenario, and be as certain as I can that all the pieces play well together.

[uhdinator]

Recording interfaces specs