Decent Recording Interface

[ExD]

Hello good people, I'm currently searching for a cheap but reliable recording interface that's compatible for recording guitar, bass and vocals. I've no idea what makes an interface good or bad, so I need some help. Thanks

 

[Doc Labyrinth]

Alesis IO14. Decent preamps, four analog inputs, cross platform, cheap. I have the IO26 and it works wonders.

 

[derrenleepoole]

I've just bought the Tapco Link USB, Tapco is a brand of Mackie. £67 in the UK, about $130 in the US. Comes complete with Tracktion 2 software. Worth the price just for that alone. Features 2 inputs that are line/xlr with phantom power, mix, monitor and headphone levels too. All powered from the usb 'bus' so perfect for laptops. No driver installation at all for OS X and Windows too I believe. Ideal for me recording single bass ideas, might be a bit small for yourself with more instruments, but certainly worth a look.

 

[stranger0]

stand alone or using a computer?

 

[hunta]

Questions to ask when buying a recording interface:

1) How many inputs do you need? What type (1/4", XLR, MIDI, etc)?

2) What platform are you recording on? Mac, PC, Linux?

3) What make/model computer do you have?

4) What are you recording? Guitar, drums, bass, vocals, horns, etc? How many things are you recording at the same time?

5) What sequencer are you using? Pro Tools, Cubase, Sonar, Logic, Reaper?

6) What is your goal for your recordings? Post on myspace? Make a CD? Youtube vids? Just for fun? (ie, how important is sound quality)

7) What other recording equipment do you have, if any? (mics, DI boxes, preamps, whatever)

8) How much are you willing to spend?