Need help choosing a USB interface.

[scsm]

I've got the Pod Studio GX for around that much, and I really like it, so far.

I looked at that one a while ago but it doesn't have XLR for a mic.

 

[cnltb]

i think thats the apogee ONE, haven't heard any reports on that yet, I don't think there is a USB version of the duet at the moment!

I just saw ONE...you may just be right there.

 

[ldthomas]

I was planning on running the XLR out on my amp into the XLR jack of the interface. At the risk of sounding stupid, the balanced amp signal should work, right?

 

[Charling]

yeah, probably, but its not so much whether its balanced or unbalanced thats important to know, more what level the signal is.
I would imagine the xlr out is a DI out, either very low level or possibly line level. both these will work fine going into the xlr in on your interface, which I assume is a mic pre amp, however if it is a line level signal it will be very loud and may overload the pre amp.

most DI outs are instrument level unless specifially stated. if its not a DI but a speaker out (which is unlikely, but possible) you should definately NOT plug it into your interface, speaker level is a much higher voltage signal that could cause damage.

so it will more-than-likely work, but its worth a quick check of the amps manual to find out if the xlr out is a DI (it'll probably be labelled next to the socket anyway!)