Interface for Vocals and Direct Recording

[arvoitus]

Me and my girlfriend want to buy an audio interface to record some songs.

I have the following points:
- USB or Firewire doesn't matter. (USB would be easier so it can be used with a notebook).
- My girlfriend has a SM58 to record with.
- I have several guitars with passive and active pickups.
- Budget not more then 200 euro (interface + DI)

I have selected the next interface as a possible candidate:
- Tascam US-122MKII (http://www.thomann.de/nl/tascam_us122mk2.htm)

I really dont know if the HI-Z on the Tascam is good enough to record some good DI tracks suitable for re-amping, any thoughts on this?

Other possible interfaces (pretty much enough):
- M-audio, Presonus, Alesis ...

Possible DI's ???:
http://www.thomann.de/nl/millenium_dia_active_di_box.htm
http://www.thomann.de/nl/palmer_pan_02.htm

 

[arv_foh]

read

http://www.ultimatemetal.com/forum/equipment/513601-getting-audiointerface-faq.html

 

[arvoitus]

Yeah, i've read that sticky like 5 times. There are 3 people who asked similar questions but they were ignored.

The Presonus Firebox is way over my budget, i could get it second-hand but then i still need money for a (decent) DI.

 

[HeadCrusher]

I asume you are not going to pirate Software so here are three options within your budget that will do their job well enough and come with a DAW already.

In case you want Cubase:
http://www.thomann.de/at/steinberg_ci2.htm

In case you want Pro Tools:
http://www.thomann.de/at/digidesign_mbox_2_mini_bstock.htm

In case you want that new Presonus DAW:
http://www.thomann.de/at/presonus_audiobox_usb.htm

Btw I don't think you need an extra DI-Box. Lots of guys on here have used their Hi-Z inputs from their interfaces to record DIs with great results. Just make sure your digital input doesn't clip while keeping a healthy signal level.
Personally I would stay away from the Tascam stuff as it looks kinda toyish to me. The three options I've given above each come from companies with great reputations and I'm sure either one will satisfy your needs.

 

[arvoitus]

I'm currently using Reaper. Im familiar with Cubase, so a interface that includes Cubase LE4 would be no problem.

The Presonus firebox has a Instrument Input of 1 Mega Ohm and the Presonus USB box has a unbalanced TRS input of 0.5 M Ω

The firebox should be better due to the higher input impedance, am i right?

 

[alan1990]

I decided on getting a focusrite saffire 24 it has the same high quality converters and preamps as the bigger models as well as having spdif and adat so i can add another 8 mic ins if i need to in the future. not really sure how that would fit in your budget though

 

[arvoitus]

That focusrite looks nice, but also over my budget.

Ok, i'm currently focused on the Presonus Audio Box. Will that Instrument Input of 0,5M be good enough for direct recording?

What do you guys think about second-hand or used Interfaces? I'm kinda worried with those cheap interfaces ...

 

[DanLights]

I would go with a Saffire LE (if you're not recording drums I guess the limited inputs would be enough for you), the instrument input (DI) is pretty good IMO, I've only used it for recording bass DIs and they turn out awesome, can't say for guitars, but I've heard good stuff about them. For such a short budget I would advise you get it.

Can't find the LE version on thomann, I think it's a bit cheaper than this one http://www.thomann.de/nl/focusrite_saffire_firewire_audiointerface.htm

 

[HeadCrusher]

Well I guess if it says that it's Hi-Z it will be capable of recording a Guitar/Bass DI. Some guys here could probably give better comments on the technical aspect of resistance though. I wouldn't worry to much. The Presonus Audio Box fits your budget and has MIDI so I'd say grab a new one. I'm sure it's worth the dime. Besides I doubt you're gonna find many used interfaces in that prize range.