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USB interface recommendations

R

ramack

Oct 10, 2021
6
5
#1
Hi,

First post here on TB. Basically looking for suggestions/recommendations for a entry level, low end USB interface that my son can run into his Windows 10 desktop.

My high school senior son has been playing bass for a couple years, getting pretty good. I bought him an entry level Peavey and a Fender Frontman practice amp to get him started. My desk is right below his room, so it's cool to hear him when he's playing/practicing.

He's interested in doing some very basic recording, so I'm helping him get set up. Really just looking for an interface at this point, I'll probably have him use Audacity initially, then on to Reaper later. Looks like Reaper is what most of you use for recording and editing.

Amazon has many USB interfaces for $30 or so. Are these good enough to get him going for now? Any to stay away from?

I'm thinking something like a Behringer UCS102 Interface, $35 from Guitar City

Thanks.
 

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#2
I’d recommend something with a mic line too, in case he wants to get into vocals and/or acoustic instruments. Obviously that requires a mic down the road, but more room to grow with that one feature

Ive had a Maudio Mtrack that I’ve used for many years; but looks like behringer makes one not much more than your example
Behringer U-Phoria UM2 USB Audio Interface
 
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#3
One of these, sounds great, easy to use, small and portable, great phone support, USB powered. I have this and some larger models for when I need more inputs. But, this one gets the most use because it's so practical. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6Z5ZCW129TSVA0DS2P68?psc=1

And one of these for when he's collaborating or you want to listen in. Its high quality without a bunch of hiss.
PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Compact Headphone Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002D0QDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_48NNJS1FXVQ84KKNAB5D?psc=1
 
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#4
If you invest a little more, it'll carry him a lot further and cost less in the medium term. Something like the Scarlett Solo that @tshapiro suggested, maybe their 2i2, or a Presonus Audiobox. I'm personally still a fan of Mackie's Producer interfaces, too.

This is one case where I recommend going for the well-known brands and models, because they're proven to work and easy to get help with.
 
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#7
There’s a general correlation between price and channel count in the audio interface world. More channels, higher price more or less.

In the ~$100 level, you’re getting two channels and one headphone out and a pair of line outs for speakers. Most brands have similar offerings. Where things potentially differ is the quality of the preamps. At the super low end (<$50), you’re often not going to get decent preamps - meaning lower gain and potentially noisy.

in the smaller form factor interface world, the Focusrite Scarlett stuff is well-regarded. 2i2 for example.

The UA volt looks interesting but doesn’t really fall into “small budget” territory.

I have had nothing but good experience with the SSL 2+. I also had a Focuseitw 6i6 but didn’t care for form factor or the way the front panel was laid out.

Granted, preamps, gain, noise and form factor may not be your primary decision criteria….
 
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#11
I used a regular iRig for years that I plugged through the headphone jack of my iPhone/iPad and also worked with my MacBook. You can find them for under $10 on eBay now. I upgraded to the iRig HD2 which is around $100 and it’s compatible with a lot of various devices but super easy and basic.
 
#14
roccobladr said:
I used a regular iRig for years that I plugged through the headphone jack of my iPhone/iPad and also worked with my MacBook. You can find them for under $10 on eBay now.
Click to expand...
That would be my move for under $100 -- go as cheap as humanly possible. He can monitor through his PC's hardware, which will be more reliable and likely sound better than the cheapest Behringer product... My Behringer headphone amp is easily the noisiest and least durable headphone amp I have ever used.

Reaper is my favorite DAW. It's got a steep learning curve, especially for someone new to DAWs, but the Kenny Gioia videos will get him recording in under an hour if he takes notes.
 
#15
Welcome to Talk Bass.

And I said:
I would plan to spend more than $35 bucks... he already got an amp that he will outgrow as soon aa he stars to play with other people. Get a quality audio interface that will last years. Tascam is a good brand that I've had a great track record with. Also i'd advise against starting with Audacity. Just get Reaper.
Click to expand...

I agree. Just start with Reaper. Inexpensive, and easy to use. For sure Tascam is a trusted name and seems to be very reliable. Myself, I bought a Steinberg about six or seven years ago and love it. I would suggest more than one channel, just handy in case a friend is over and what to track more than one instrument/vocals at same time.
 
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#17
tshapiro said:
One of these, sounds great, easy to use, small and portable, great phone support, USB powered. I have this and some larger models for when I need more inputs. But, this one gets the most use because it's so practical. Focusrite Scarlett Solo (3rd Gen) USB Audio Interface with Pro Tools | First https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QR6Z1JB/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_6Z5ZCW129TSVA0DS2P68?psc=1

And one of these for when he's collaborating or you want to listen in. Its high quality without a bunch of hiss.
PreSonus HP4 4-Channel Compact Headphone Amplifier https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002D0QDQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_48NNJS1FXVQ84KKNAB5D?psc=1
Click to expand...
I'd second the recommendation for the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Gen3 audio interface. Had a Behringer UMC202HD until it fell off the top of my 'puter tower, missed the desk and hit the floor. Power connection cracked or broke. Hole the cord in the right place it works, let go if it and it doesn't. Checked on getting it fixed and it was almost as much as a new one. So bought the Focusrite Scarlett instead. The Scarlett sounds better than the Behringer one does too, which is a little unusual because Behringer touts there use of "Midas" preamps, which are well known and top quality mic preamps. My Bass and my mic both sound better in the Focusrite Scarlett.

It's also easy to tell when you are about to clip the signal because the halo-ring around the level adjustment turns amber before it turns red. Turning red is not a disaster if you're just practicing, but anytime you see red when recording, you have just recorded noticeable distortion. Behringer's interface doesn't have that. It's either green or "you just distorted everything" red.

The connectors are multi-purpose and can be used for either an instrument 1/4" plug, or a microphone's XLR (3-prong balanced) connector. It works great and gives you links to download some Digital Audio Workshops (DAW's) to record with it. I like having two inputs because I can record bass and vocal at the same time, or record bass and guitar or keys if I have someone playing with me. You can also do sound-on-sound with this or "Direct Monitor" as it's referred to now. That means you can play with what you are listening to and it will be in perfect sync with the tracks you're listening to. Just keep adding channels for as many layers as you need to do to complete your recording. It's very versatile!
 
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#18
tshapiro said:
Focusrite Scarlett Solo
Click to expand...
I have one. It's easy to grab and connect to USB. Especially useful if you have a PC with an "everything' audio socket. My 1/8" jack is either heaphone or microphone. You gotta switch it in windows, or use your DAW to essentially do the same thing. Having the hardware interface lets you independently have either-or. - Or you can record with the interface and and monitor with the windows headphone connection. Point is, you get options.
I don't do anything remotely close to pro, just scratch recordings demos for church so I can put try different arrangement ideas.
One other option you might like; I had a very reliable Mackie Onyx 4 channel mixer that bit the dust last month. I replaced it with the USB version, or at least a version that was pretty close. For what I do, a very few channels is all I need.
Onyx Series Premium Analog Mixers with Multitrack USB | Mackie
I have recorded a few little things with it, and for my purposes it's just as good as the scarlet. Helped me eliminate few cables, and one piece of hardware off my desk, so have been very pleased with that. Wish the chassis was metal like my Non-USB Onyx mixer, but not that big of a deal. I considered not mentioning it...
 
#19
Good advice above. My add is that you should mentally prepare yourself for digging in if you want to get any kind of results. Pick a DAW and learn it. It is amazing what you can do with a simple set up if you know how to use it. It is also easy to get frustrated and quit (like I did when I got my first Scarlett 2i4 10 years ago). Now I am pretty proficient, but it took a lot of work.
 

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