Need Advice On New Audio Interface

[60bass]

Hello

I need some recommendations on a good audio interface to use here at home. Been looking at some units online and can't decide as the reviews are all over the place for just about everything out there. Here's what I'd like to have.

Minimum of two xlr's 1/4" combo inputs.
USB.
48v Phantom power.
no preference for software but something easy for a newbie to computer recording to use.
Up to $200 maximum price

Most important, I'm running Vista Home Premium 64 bit and the unit must be able to work without driver hassles.

My system is an HP Pavilion AMD Athlon X2 5050e 8 gigs ram

Any suggestions?

TIA

Keep Low

 

[thereturnfc]

Tascam us 200 or us600

They just release , new driver work fine with win7 64 bit

I brought it , happy...but they are not most pro equipment... That is for the price... Us200 goes for 150$ in Canada

 

[seamonkey]

Many choices but don't expect stability with Vista
Think about an Upgrade to Win7. It's simple.

Lexicon Omega works windows and Mac, and even iPad, and has a good starter software package.

Line 6 UX2 comes with Pod Farm which is better than you'd believe for the cost.

Too many choices and you can hardly go wrong.

 

[g13b9b5]

you can get a USB output on your bass. check out iGuitarWorkshop.com

their USB solution is class compliant so no drivers needed.

 

[Hellbastard]

M-audio Fast Track pro
Presonus Audio Box

The only problem I have with usb powered units is that the phantom power is not enough to really power a condenser mic, you risk losing headroom due to the lack of power from the unit.

 

[60bass]

M-audio Fast Track pro
Presonus Audio Box

The only problem I have with usb powered units is that the phantom power is not enough to really power a condenser mic, you risk losing headroom due to the lack of power from the unit.

Thanks. I never considered the phantom power issue. Most times I'll be going straight in with my guitar and bass, or running from the DI on the amp.

My condenser mic is just a basic Samson C01. Nothing special but for vocals it's decent enough. Specs for power are anything from 36 to 52 volts. I'll just have to try and see if it's OK.

 

[Hellbastard]

If you decide to go with the Fast Track make sure you buy also an external power supply. It semms to increase the voltage of the preamps a bit and add more headroom plus it helps with the phantom power issue.

I have one and recently I experienced dropout problems. It seems to be that the USB port in my laptop have been having conflicts with the FT and that causes the dropouts. I bought a power supply and haven't had any dropouts since.