Audio Interfaces: The Best of the Cheap
PCI Interfaces
(add a mixer with preamps or separate preamps). The Mixer
MAudio
Audiophile 2496
M Audio's Audiophile 2496 card
is the latest addition to its highly successful Delta family of
soundcards. The Audiophile 2496 is an all-in-one high fidelity soundcard
solution for a wide variety of applications, ranging from multi-track
recording to computer-based home theatre. Tweak: Add a mixer, Good budget card.
A decent Mixer for this card it the
Behringer
Xenyx 1204USB Has the alt3-4 bus you need. Avoid mixers without this
bus! (i.e., don't go cheaper.. you may regret it). If you have to stay
under 200 for both then instead go look at the Tascam USB 2.0 interfaces that
don't need a mixer.
M-Audio Delta 1010LT 24-Bit 96kHz PCI Card
The 1010-LT offers the professional performance
required by today's most popular software programs, and provides you
with features like 24-bit 96 kHz recording, zero latency monitoring,
and digital mixing. Tweak:
When you need more i/o and will add a mixer with lots of busses,
direct outs, or sends, this is a super value. A good mixer for
this card is the
Mackie
1642VLZ3 or equivalent. Great for a person with a couple of keyboards,
a few mics, guitars.
M-Audio
Delta 66 Audio Interface
The Delta
66 was designed for the person requiring an audio card with professional
features and performance, but with a price tag well below that of typical pro
gear. Tweak: A good Mixer is the
Mackie
802VLZ3 Good system for the songwriter composer. Also good for
Jammin' with a friend
See my PCI interface chart
http://www.tweakheadz.com/audio_interface_fw_comparison_chart.htm
Firewire Interfaces typically will work fine without a
mixer
PreSonus
FireStudio Mobile FireWire Audio Interface
Finally, a new-generation,
studio-quality FireWire interface that you can use anywhere! The PreSonus
FireStudio(TM) Mobile combines the superior analog-circuit design and advanced
platform technology of our acclaimed FireStudio rack-mount interfaces with the
ability to run on bus power in field applications. Now you can have enhanced
audio performance for music recording and creation anywhere you can lug your
laptop! Tweak: Highly recommended-Mac
or PC. Lots of inputs!
Focusrite
Saffire Pro 24 FireWire Audio Interface
The Focusrite Saffire PRO
24 is the latest in Focusrite's new generation of FireWire audio interfaces. As
with all Focusrite interfaces, Saffire PRO 24 is the best sounding interface in
its class, attentively designed with recording musicians and the modern home
studio in mind. Tweak: The newest of the batch
shown here.
Apogee Duet
FireWire Audio Interface (Macintosh)
Duet is a portable audio
interface that features the amazing sound quality that made Apogee Electronics
famous. With control functions built directly into Apple's Logic Pro, Soundtrack
Pro and GarageBand software, Duet empowers you to create professional recordings
effortlessly. Tweak: Mac Only!
Made for Logic!
Digidesign
Mbox 2 Pro FireWire Audio/MIDI Interface
The Mbox 2 Pro is a
portable, high-definition audio/MIDI production system that delivers truly
professional sound quality. Packing an impressive variety of connection options
into a compact interface, Mbox 2 Pro puts powerful multitrack recording and
mixing capabilities into your hands, so you can create wherever inspiration
strikes. Mbox 2 Pro also includes award-winning, industry-standard Pro Tools LE
software and a huge collection of pro effects and instrument plug-ins to get you
started creating right away. Tweak: A good way to
start with Pro Tools LE Excellent for the DJ PTLE rig.
See my Firewire chart
http://www.tweakheadz.com/audio_interface_fw_comparison_chart.htm
USB 2.0
Some of these are very good values. Really inexpensive
too! Good for plugging in and recording 1 track at a time
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Tascam US100 USB 2.0 Audio Interface
 TASCAM's US-100
breaks the price barrier for great-quality recording into your computer.
The microphone input captures great-sounding performances, or you can
plug in your guitar or bass directly into the instrument-level input.
Stereo line inputs can be switched to RIAA phono level for digitizing
your vinyl collection from your favorite turntable. The USB 2.0
connection guarantees playback without hiccups on your Mac or Windows
computer, and the compact aluminum construction withstands the hazards
of the road, studio or dorm room. Tweak:
I still can't believe they got the price so low!
Tascam US144 MKII USB 2.0 Audio Interface
 The most popular
TASCAM 4-channel USB audio interface has been updated with better audio
specs and a fresh new look for the US-144mkII. The US-144mkII starts
with two great-quality XLR microphone preamps with phantom power for
condenser microphones. There's also a pair of balanced line inputs and a
guitar-level in for direct recording of electric guitar or bass. A pair
of S/PDIF digital inputs and outputs is also included, for a total of
four inputs and outputs at up to 96kHz/24-bit audio quality.
Tweak: Good for the person who likes to
plug in and record, vocals, keys, guitar, bass a track or 2 at a time.
M-Audio Fast Track MKII USB 2.0 Audio Interface
 Turn your computer
into a powerful music production studio with the M-Audio(R) Fast Track
-- the best-selling recording interface in its category. Featuring a
simple "plug-and-play" USB connection, Fast Track is the easiest way to
record guitar, vocals and more with your PC or Mac. Simply plug in your
instruments and you're ready to rock. Fast Track even offers phantom
power so you can use professional-quality studio condenser microphones
like the M-Audio Nova. Tweak: Basic
i/o, no frills. Should I say that again? Basic i/o, no
frills.
M-Audio Fast Track Ultra USB 2.0 Audio Interface
 The M-Audio Fast
Track Ultra 8 x 8 audio/MIDI interface takes M-Audio's acclaimed mobile
recording line to the next level with high-speed USB 2.0 connectivity,
MX Core DSP mixer and four preamps with award-winning Octane technology.
Tweak: 4 preamps and line inputs gives you
flexibilty. I'd rather run Pr Tools M-powered on this than PTLE on
an mbox2
Tascam US1641 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface
 With sixteen
inputs, the TASCAM US-1641 is the ideal choice for musicians to record
the whole band to a computer Tweak:
This one can record the whole band, without a mixer even. Super
low price for all this i/o. One of the best values I've seen,
ever!
see My USB2.0 chart
http://www.tweakheadz.com/audio_interface_usb2_comparison_chart.htm
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