Knowing basically nothing about recording/producing i need an interface....

[lidl e]

For a USB Interface, Behringer makes a few that are a lot less expensive that the Focusrite:
I have one of these and it works great:
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface

here's one designed just for guitar- same price, but a bit simpler:
Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Audio Interface

(I know there's a lot of anti-Behringer bias out there, and I understand that. I own a number of their products and they're all great, worth way more than they cost)

As for software, Reaper is indeed great (I use it myself - well worth $60), but may be overkill for what you're wanting to do. Audacity is simpler and free:
Download

i do suffer from that anti-behringer bias, i must admit! i understand they often punch above their weight, but i can't help see them as a budget brand.

 

[lidl e]

For a USB Interface, Behringer makes a few that are a lot less expensive that the Focusrite:
I have one of these and it works great:
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface

here's one designed just for guitar- same price, but a bit simpler:
Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Audio Interface

And it doesn't get any cheaper or simpler than this:
Behringer Line2USB Stereo 1/4 inch Line to USB Audio Interface

(I know there's a lot of anti-Behringer bias out there, and I understand that. I own a number of their products and they're all great, worth way more than they cost)

As for software, Reaper is indeed great (I use it myself - well worth $60), but may be overkill for what you're wanting to do. Audacity is simpler and free:
Download

although those do look like what i was initally asking about.

I have bad gear FOMO. if i get a behringer, i'll always be wondering if i should have gotten the focusrite or prosonus! i don't think the same will apply if i get the focusrite.

 

[Bass-ball]

And i wouldn't need a DI or any poweramp between my instrument and the interface?

You might, but probably not. Try it first. If you need additional juice to get your signal to play nice with your audio interface (esp. if it's a Focusrite), you might need a Spark pedal, but honestly for what you sound like you want to do, you probably won't. Just keep that in the back of your mind just in case.

 

[Bolsyo]

I really like Audient and the included Cubase LE 12:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/audient_id4_mkii.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/audient_id14_mkii.htm

 

[Gyver]

For a USB Interface, Behringer makes a few that are a lot less expensive that the Focusrite:
I have one of these and it works great:
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface

here's one designed just for guitar- same price, but a bit simpler:
Behringer Guitar Link UCG102 USB Audio Interface

And it doesn't get any cheaper or simpler than this:
Behringer Line2USB Stereo 1/4 inch Line to USB Audio Interface

(I know there's a lot of anti-Behringer bias out there, and I understand that. I own a number of their products and they're all great, worth way more than they cost)

As for software, Reaper is indeed great (I use it myself - well worth $60), but may be overkill for what you're wanting to do. Audacity is simpler and free:
Download

I have the Behringer UMC 1820 and love it. Great sound and has worked flawlessly for a few years now. The 1820 has 8 inputs, but they make smaller versions as well. Excellent value for the price.

 

[lidl e]

i'm ready to pull the trigger, but i can't decide between these two!

https://www.thomann.de/ie/focusrite_scarlett_solo_3rd_gen.htm
https://www.thomann.de/ie/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm

On the solo, i can only record an instrument in and a microphone in at the same time, but the 2i2 i can do two of anything, line, instrument or mic?

Or on the solo can you only record one thing at a time.

 

[lidl e]

I really like Audient and the included Cubase LE 12:
https://www.thomann.de/gb/audient_id4_mkii.htm
https://www.thomann.de/gb/audient_id14_mkii.htm

No! I can't take more choices!

Actually, looking at that audient EVO i think that might be what my guy uses.

 

[SoulReflection]

i'm ready to pull the trigger, but i can't decide between these two!

https://www.thomann.de/ie/focusrite_scarlett_solo_3rd_gen.htm
https://www.thomann.de/ie/focusrite_scarlett_2i2_3rd_gen.htm

On the solo, i can only record an instrument in and a microphone in at the same time, but the 2i2 i can do two of anything, line, instrument or mic?

Or on the solo can you only record one thing at a time.

Go for the 212...it has flexibility for what may come down the road for you IMHO.

 

[lidl e]

Go for the 212...it has flexibility for what may come down the road for you IMHO.

Damn you, SoulReflection! You got me again.

Yeah, again i do have the gear FOMO so i think i'll go for the 2i2

 

[lidl e]

Go for the 212...it has flexibility for what may come down the road for you IMHO.

In your sig, i see in your DAW line you say b15 plugin. Is that some amp modelling plugin to make your tone like it's coming through a fliptop?

SOunds good? I've never taken to amp modelling in any pedals, but i'd guess a plugin works much better?

 

[SoulReflection]

In your sig, i see in your DAW line you say b15 plugin. Is that some amp modelling plugin to make your tone like it's coming through a fliptop?

SOunds good? I've never taken to amp modelling in any pedals, but i'd guess a plugin works much better?

Yes, it is an add on plugin you can add to Reaper. It it models the '64 and '66 B15, has many options of EQ, different cab emulations and sounds great. It is quite often discounted to $20 - $40. I am currently working on a comparison between it, an actual B15 and my Ampeg PF20T. I am awaiting some other goodies to arrive to try it with a PF350 and a tube pedal.

 

[SoulReflection]

Damn you, SoulReflection! You got me again.

Yeah, again i do have the gear FOMO so i think i'll go for the 2i2

I chose the 212 because I may want to record with another musician or blend a mic'd cab with a direct line from the amp.

 

[Zak TMD]

Something stupidly easy i can use to record ideas and collaborate with someone.

Something without tone coluring right?

I suppose ideally I'd like something i can use both with a bass directly (passive and active basses) and using the line or direct out from an amp head. Is that a thing?

Id prefer a quality bit of kit, but under 200 quid.

Any recommendations? I do have a countryman DI if that needs to be in the mix.

Focusrite is stupid easy. And the Scarlett sounds good, regardless of what the internet says.

I'm in the process of doing a little Home* recording of some covers with my band that we're going to release for free, and having done this before, I'm confident in the quality of the recording. For your uses, I think it will be great and transparent enough.

*While I'm not a professional, I do have a lot of pro level plugins and a good amount of $$$ in mics that I've been learning for the past few years.

 

[SoulReflection]

Focusrite is stupid easy. And the Scarlett sounds good, regardless of what the internet says.

I'm in the process of doing a little Home* recording of some covers with my band that we're going to release for free, and having done this before, I'm confident in the quality of the recording. For your uses, I think it will be great and transparent enough.

*While I'm not a professional, I do have a lot of pro level plugins and a good amount of $$$ in mics that I've been learning for the past few years.

I am sure it will be transparent and hope you share some of your covers with us .

 

[scott sinner]

Thanks again!

I found a interface comparison table in the focusrite website. Thanks for pointing me in the right direction!

And i wouldn't need a DI or any poweramp between my instrument and the interface? I l know the answer is no, but just making sure.

I saw a good but not complete answer to this above. As noted above, no you dont need a DI, these have DIs built in. But note, you will see an ‘inst’ button the the Focusrites. That is the instrument button, turns that into a di. Otherwise, it is looking for line level quarter inch input, e.g. like from many synthesizers. It would work anyway, but will be a low signal and be noisier.

I also wanted to note, based on the above, I have collaborated woh people from Reaper to Ableton and vice versa. We had no problems doing so but you do need to have some care to set things up the right way. Mainly, youll want to zero the track up precisely. Simply, you just need to have the renders starting at the same time. That’s nothing to do with Reaper or Ableton, just noting that basic thing since you said youre new.

 

[Engle]

And $60 won't break the bank and all of the many updates are free.

It’s well worth $60 USD. I would prefer a written manual but there are YouTube videos explaining pretty much everything you need to know.

 

[lidl e]

i just pulled the trigger on the focusrite 2i2.

Thanks for your help everyone @SoulReflection

 

[Engle]

I saw a good but not complete answer to this above. As noted above, no you dont need a DI, these have DIs built in. But note, you will see an ‘inst’ button the the Focusrites. That is the instrument button, turns that into a di. Otherwise, it is looking for line level quarter inch input, e.g. like from many synthesizers. It would work anyway, but will be a low signal and be noisier.

I also wanted to note, based on the above, I have collaborated woh people from Reaper to Ableton and vice versa. We had no problems doing so but you do need to have some care to set things up the right way. Mainly, youll want to zero the track up precisely. Simply, you just need to have the renders starting at the same time. That’s nothing to do with Reaper or Ableton, just noting that basic thing since you said youre new.

I find it helpful to insert a bar or two of click at the beginning of the file.

 

[Rib 13]

(I know there's a lot of anti-Behringer bias out there, and I understand that. I own a number of their products and they're all great, worth way more than they cost)

Behringer makes great stuff, especially guitar pedals.....Most peoples complaints about them (including mine) is about their durability: a lot of their gear can go haywire just transporting it around with very slight unintentional abuse......I think its safe to say that a USB Interface is a fairly stationary object.

 

[Zak TMD]

i just pulled the trigger on the focusrite 2i2.

Thanks for your help everyone @SoulReflection

I have the solo at home and a 18i20 in our space. The 2i2 is the right call.