Originally Posted By: DEddy
"using some sort of external sound card/interface that runs ASIO"

Any recommendations? Price.

Thanks

DE


Several folks have mentioned Focusrite, M-Audio, Presonus, and a few others. The main thing to be aware of is that some of the cheaper ones and the "multi-function" units tend to use proprietary codecs and don't run native ASIO. Avoid those things like the plague. Be sure it uses the true ASIO driver. And for goodness sake, don't buy an interface that's also a guitar processor or some other combo unit. Get a dedicated interface.

Aside from that, also ensure it has audio preamps, phantom power, and the number of channels you need. Most home recording enthusiasts really only need 2 channels.

Also note..... if the keyboard you use for midi is USB connected, you do not need to spend the money to get an interface that incorporates midi into it. The interface will be able to handle the USB keyboard input just fine using ASIO.

Prices vary but having a budget of around $200 to $300 will ensure you get one that is designed well and will do the job you need it to do.

DO your research, ask others what they are using, visit some music stores that have a recording department, and choose one that fits your needs.

Personally, I like the Focusrite interfaces. I have an older Focusrite Saffire firewire interface. I bought it when firewire was a faster data port than USB was at the time. It's over 10 years old and has never given me any issues. I paid $300 dollars for it at the time. The price dropped to $250 about a year later. Since having it for that long, the price amounts to 8 cents a day to have a top quality interface.

I've always told folks looking for an interface to NOT be afraid to spend a bit more than you think you might need. Cut corners with money if you need to on mics, cords, other things and lava lamps, but don't go cheap on the interface. It's the heart of your studio recording system.


A parting thought.... don't run the interface into a USB hub device. Plug it directly into a USB port on the computer. It's not a given, but there can be some issues if you connect through a hub. Most computers now have 4 or more USB ports. But if you only have 2, give one to the interface and use the hub for printers and mice and other peripheral things.

Last edited by Guitarhacker; 01/03/17 03:02 AM.
You can find my music at:
www.herbhartley.com
Add nothing that adds nothing to the music.
You can make excuses or you can make progress but not both.

The magic you are looking for is in the work you are avoiding.