Help needed with deciding on audio interface setup

[lucas303]

I want to be able to (1) play DI bass and use up to one mic (sometimes phantom power) simultaneously into the computer (either for recording or taking music lessons remotely); and (2) play along through headphones with music that's playing on my (Windows) computer. I think what I need is a two-channel audio interface that can do at least one channel of phantom power. First, am I correct that I just need an audio interface to accomplish both of these things? Second, any recommendations for specific interfaces? I don't necessarily need pro studio level gear, but at the same time I want reasonably good quality. I'd like to spend less than $300. (I already have headphones, mics, and cables. I just need the interface, if that is in fact the right tool for the job.)

 

[Hummergeist]

Yes a two channel interface with phantom power will do this. In that price range the Focusrite Scarletts are hard to beat, tho recently I've been using an Audient EVO 8 which is very nice.

 

[silky smoove]

In that price range the Focusrite Scarletts are hard to beat

100%

Scarletts are basically the standard for good quality entry level interfaces.

 

[Basslice]

100%

Scarletts are basically the standard for good quality entry level interfaces.

+1. $120 gets you into the game.

 

[lucas303]

Thanks all. Even though I don't know for sure that I'll need two mic preamps, I think I'll go for the Scarlett 2i2 because it's got more flexibility with the inputs than the Solo has.

 

[Hummergeist]

Thanks all. Even though I don't know for sure that I'll need two mic preamps, I think I'll go for the Scarlett 2i2 because it's got more flexibility with the inputs than the Solo has.

You never know, you might need that down the line - it never hurts to have spare inputs

 

[DirkP]

If you want to play along to music that runs on your computer while recording both your playing and the music to a DAW, you need an interface with a loop-back feature like the new small Motu interfaces. I'm not sure if the Focusrites have it.

 

[lucas303]

If you want to play along to music that runs on your computer while recording both your playing and the music to a DAW, you need an interface with a loop-back feature like the new small Motu interfaces. I'm not sure if the Focusrites have it.

Good to know, but I don't need that functionality anytime soon. With an audience of zero my recording needs are pretty limited

 

[Lovep]

MOTU M4

 

[tom-g]

If you want to play along to music that runs on your computer while recording both your playing and the music to a DAW, you need an interface with a loop-back feature like the new small Motu interfaces. I'm not sure if the Focusrites have it.

You could also first import the music into the DAW and then record your track while the DAW plays back the music.

 

[Acoustic356]

I would recommend something like the Yamaha AG03. Although I have an interface, I use this when I teach online lessons. It's also a 2 channel interface. It lets me connect my headphones/mic easily, plus you have the option from the mixer to blend you vocals and bass to a blended stereo track or have your bass on the right channel and Vox on the left channel (which is the default with most interfaces, unless you're running your lessons through a DAW).

Finally, there is a switch and separate control to mix in the audio from your computer. So you can choose when to stream the audio from your computer and adjust the volume appropriately.

 

[Lovep]

I would recommend something like the Yamaha AG03. Although I have an interface, I use this when I teach online lessons. It's also a 2 channel interface. It lets me connect my headphones/mic easily, plus you have the option from the mixer to blend you vocals and bass to a blended stereo track or have your bass on the right channel and Vox on the left channel (which is the default with most interfaces, unless you're running your lessons through a DAW).

Finally, there is a switch and separate control to mix in the audio from your computer. So you can choose when to stream the audio from your computer and adjust the volume appropriately.

I love the blending features...the MOTU M4 does this as well.