Need advice on computer interface

[biguglyman]

My son has informed me he would like a computer recording interface for Christmas. Seeing as how I am clueless in this department, I figured I would ask my favorite panel of experts...the good people at talkbass. He's a software engineering major so he's probably got the geekness to make anything work. I need recommendations on a decent interface (USB?) for him that won't kill me. Preferably no more than @$250. I need to know what questions to ask too to get him what he needs. Any help or guidance would be appreciated.

 

[bholder]

I love my FocusRite Scarlett 2i4.

 

[seamonkey]

Software on any specific platform interest him?
Mobile platforms are fast moving and highly interesting. What use to take up a desk is now sitting in your pocket. And they can use the same audio interfaces.

If the platform is Apple IOS then iConnectAUDIO 4+ or 2+ are interesting. They do PC, Mac, and IOS. A couple at the same time. Internally the have all kinds of routing options so you can use effects from the iPhone on a PC for example.

 

[Badwater]

For starters try out the Presonus Audiobox USB, it comes with a full DAW called Studio One.

 

[biguglyman]

Software on any specific platform interest him?

He's a PC guy.

 

[seamonkey]

Thunderbolt on PC is an interesting prospect but you'll have to spend double your budget. It should have a longer lifespan and it is a progressing technology that technical people should keep up with.

The USB options people mentioned above are great. USB is not obsolete. It is stable and works great for regular interfaces.

As was mentioned above some interfaces come with DAWs. Usually "lite" versions of DAWs but still useful. The Focusrite people seem to continually give out decent plugins if you own their gear. Every month or so they have some free download. Some are pretty nice.

 

[BluesyCat]

I just switched from Presonus firestudio Mobile to a Focusrite 2i2. Should have done this sooner. Much better interface. Seems to be more stable.

 

[Old Garage-Bander]

Is this going to be surprise gift?
If not, perhaps you should get suggestions from your son.
The more techie (or geeky) a person is, the more they have specific want’s and needs.
At the very least, find out what places he likes to shop and give him a gift certificate if you like doing GCs.

 

[biguglyman]

Is this going to be surprise gift?

No. We're discussing and researching. This forum is just one (highly regarded) resource for information and suggestions. I think he likes the Focusrite unit but doesn't necessarily want to use the included software.

 

[saabfender]

No. We're discussing and researching. This forum is just one (highly regarded) resource for information and suggestions. I think he likes the Focusrite unit but doesn't necessarily want to use the included software.

That’s cool. Reaper is sixty bucks.

 

[DirkP]

Important questions:
1. How many sources does he want to record at the same time?
2. What kind of signals does he want to record? (only synths?, microfones?, a guitar or bass directly plugged in?)
3. Thunderbolt is overrated if you don't want to record 20 channels at once. You shouldn't base your decision on the kind of connection.
4. Is iPhone/iPad connectivity a must? If so, most newer interfaces work, but those with internal software and routing capabilities might not work. You need an interface that can be powered independent from the USB connection to the device.

I have a Motu Ultralite, a SPL Crimson and a budget Zoom U-24. The Zoom offers a lot for the money.

But if one of them meets the requirements and fits into the budget, I would definetely have a look at the offerings from Audient like the ID-4 or ID-14. The ID-22 or ID-44 might be too expensive!
They have very good audio values and latency and very good mic-preamps, even the small ID-14 can be expanded via Adat. Might be very subjective, but if I would get one as a gift, an Audient interface would be something special for me. Zoom or Focusrite: I'd buy them for myself when I'm on a budget and wanted a lot for the money and still acceptable quality.