|
Log in to post
|
Print Thread |
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
Hi Everyone,
I don't post often, but do read a lot of your posts.
I'm ready to buy a decent interface to replace my old POD X3. All I need is two channels, phantom power, AND MIDI like the Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. I was hoping some of you could recommend some under $250 street. I just want to record voice and guitar along with MIDI from an old Proteus 1 (stop laughing). Interface should be user friendly - I'm not really MIDI literate. I want to use BBW and some MIDI backing tracks. I don't mind reading a manual, but should be novice friendly.
Thanks for reading, and any suggestions.
Bob
Ft. Lauderdale
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,962
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 5,962 |
Why not just get the 2i4? Price on that is under your $250 limit, $180 or so.
I'm running the 2i4 here, great little unit.
Last edited by BlueAttitude; 11/11/17 03:14 AM.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
That's certainly an option. Just checking other options so I don't "wish I had known about this other one." I like doing comparisons...
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,342
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 24,342 |
Bob, google/bing audio interfaces with MIDI and you will find a number of them for under $250 USD.
Sorry but I can not suggest anything in that price range. My only advice is to buy a little more than what you think you need, because you may need more in the future.
Good luck.
I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
She said she can't remember what she ever saw in me!
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
When you say you want to record midi from an old proteus clarify that a little more. I think you might mean you want to record the audio from the proteus playing back midi data. If that is the case the 2i4 may not have enough audio input channels for you to do voice and guitar and proteus simultaneously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
Yes. You are correct. You totally nailed it. I want to record the Proteus playing MIDI tracks into Real Band or Power Tracks. The Proteus rear panel has mono, stereo, and/or four individual sub-outputs. I guess I could go stereo, or two tracks at a time to save money. But, I'd probably be happier with at least four inputs on the audio interface. I didn't plan on recording vocals and guitar along with the MIDI simultaneously. Just lay down the Proteus tracks and build from there. And, someday I might want to play MIDI tracks live in a band or solo setting as backing tracks, etc. Two seperate scenarios. Although, I think if I were to use the Proteus for backing tracks, I would do all the work at home and save it as a .wav or .mp3 file and play that to avoid a "overly complicated, prone to possible failure" situation. Thanks for your input. I'll have to raise my price range for sure. Any other insights? When you say you want to record midi from an old proteus clarify that a little more. I think you might mean you want to record the audio from the proteus playing back midi data. If that is the case the 2i4 may not have enough audio input channels for you to do voice and guitar and proteus simultaneously.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 457
Journeyman
|
|
Journeyman
Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 457 |
For your needs then, the Scarlett 6i6 might be just the ticket. Well under $250 street, and just as great a unit as the 2i4. Next up is the 18i8, but it's street price is above your $250 ceiling.
I own a 2i4, which is all I need. It's a great little unit.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
|
|
Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Yes. You are correct. You totally nailed it. I want to record the Proteus playing MIDI tracks into Real Band or Power Tracks. The Proteus rear panel has mono, stereo, and/or four individual sub-outputs. I guess I could go stereo, or two tracks at a time to save money. But, I'd probably be happier with at least four inputs on the audio interface. I didn't plan on recording vocals and guitar along with the MIDI simultaneously. Just lay down the Proteus tracks and build from there.
And, someday I might want to play MIDI tracks live in a band or solo setting as backing tracks, etc. Two seperate scenarios. Although, I think if I were to use the Proteus for backing tracks, I would do all the work at home and save it as a .wav or .mp3 file and play that to avoid a "overly complicated, prone to possible failure" situation.
Thanks for your input. I'll have to raise my price range for sure. Any other insights?
For the live playing, a mixer is more apropos than a multi channel I/O device. For recording, two tracks at a time is all I can usually manage. I have an 18i8 mostly for convenience of not having to have a mixer or patchbay in my signal chain. I’ve never recorded more than two channels at a time at home. I don’t regret buying the 18i8.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
|
|
OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
Thanks everyone 
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
|
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8
Newbie
|
|
Newbie
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8 |
Hey Bob have you seen these ?
https://www.ebay.com/itm/BRAND-NEW-Behringer-XENYX-302USB-5-Input-Compact-Mixer-and-USB-Interface/172968701630?epid=2255534904&hash=item2845bceebe:g:9nkAAO
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Behringer-Xenyx-Q802USB-8-Input-2-Bus-Analog-Mixer-3-Band-EQ-USB-Audio-Interface/252497179619?epid=1111109214&hash=item3aca0133e3:g:stcAA
I was fortunate ended up with a high end unit but if I am reading what you desire for recording they may do the job have some comparable reviews to Focusrite. I never laugh at any equipment !!!
Although my first Checkmate guitar with the strings 1/2" off the neck didn't make learning how to play a walk in the park it still brings a smile to my face ,wish I had a picture of it.
It did teach me at a certain point there are guitars and then there are real instruments and at a certain stage price does matter. Just thought you might like to check them out. Sweetwater and a lot of the online stores have them I am actually selling my 302 they cannot be beat for the price IMNSHO ?. Happy and Safe Holidays to every one !!! Keep on rockin !!!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
ChatPG's knowledge base includes the full Band-in-a-Box User Manual and sales information from the website.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Band-in-a-Box 2026 for Windows Special Offers End Tomorrow (January 15th, 2026) at 11:59 PM PST!
Time really is running out! Save up to 50% on Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® upgrades and receive a FREE Bonus PAK—only when you order by 11:59 PM PST on Thursday, January 15, 2026!
We've added many major new features and new content in a redesigned Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
Version 2026 introduces a modernized GUI redesign across the program, with updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, and a new Dark Mode option. There’s also a new side toolbar for quicker access to commonly used windows, and the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, making it easier to customize your workspace.
Another exciting new addition is the new AI-Notes feature, which can transcribe polyphonic audio into MIDI. You can view the results in notation or play them back as MIDI, and choose whether to process an entire track or focus on specific parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
Upgrade your Band-in-a-Box for Windows to save up to 50% on most Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade packages!
Plus, when you order your Band-in-a-Box® 2026 upgrade during our special, you'll receive a Free Bonus PAK of exciting new add-ons.
If you need any help deciding which package is the best option for you, just let us know. We are here to help!
Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® Special Offers Extended Until January 15, 2026!
Good news! You still have time to upgrade to the latest version of Band-in-a-Box® for Windows® and save. Our Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® special now runs through January 15, 2025!
We've packed Band-in-a-Box® 2026 with major new features, enhancements, and an incredible lineup of new content! The program now sports a sleek, modern GUI redesign across the entire interface, including updated toolbars, refreshed windows, smoother workflows, a new dark mode option, and more. The brand-new side toolbar provides quicker access to key windows, while the new Multi-View feature lets you arrange multiple windows as layered panels without overlap, creating a flexible, clutter-free workspace. We have an amazing new “AI-Notes” feature. This transcribes polyphonic audio into MIDI so you can view it in notation or play it back as MIDI. You can process an entire track (all pitched instruments and drums) or focus on individual parts like drums, bass, guitars/piano, or vocals. There's an amazing collection of new content too, including 202 RealTracks, new RealStyles, MIDI SuperTracks, Instrumental Studies, “Songs with Vocals” Artist Performance Sets, Playable RealTracks Set 5, two RealDrums Stems sets, XPro Styles PAK 10, Xtra Styles PAK 21, and much more!
There are over 100 new features in Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®.
When you order purchase Band-in-a-Box® 2026 before 11:59 PM PST on January 15th, you'll also receive a Free Bonus PAK packed with exciting new add-ons.
Upgrade to Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows® today! Check out the Band-in-a-Box® packages page for all the purchase options available.
Happy New Year!
Thank you for being part of the Band-in-a-Box® community.
Wishing you and yours a very happy 2026—Happy New Year from all of us at PG Music!
Season's Greetings!
Wishing everyone a happy, healthy holiday season—thanks for being part of our community!
The office will be closed for Christmas Day, but we will be back on Boxing Day (Dec 26th) at 6:00am PST.
Team PG
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: The Newly Designed Piano Roll Window
In this video, we explore the updated Piano Roll, complete with a modernized look and exciting new features. You’ll see new filtering options that make it easy to focus on specific note groups, smoother and more intuitive note entry and editing, and enhanced options for zooming, looping, and more.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Band-in-a-Box 2026 Video: AI Stems & Notes - split polyphonic audio into instruments and transcribe
This video demonstrates how to use the new AI-Notes feature together with the AI-Stems splitter, allowing you to select an audio file and have it separated into individual stems while transcribing each one to its own MIDI track. AI-Notes converts polyphonic audio—either full mixes or individual instruments—into MIDI that you can view in notation or play back instantly.
Watch the video.
You can see all the 2026 videos on our forum!
Bonus PAK and 49-PAK for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®
With your version 2026 for Windows Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, Audiophile Edition or PlusPAK purchase, we'll include a Bonus PAK full of great new Add-ons for FREE! Or upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for only $49 to receive even more NEW Add-ons including 20 additional RealTracks!
These PAKs are loaded with additional add-ons to supercharge your Band-in-a-Box®!
This Free Bonus PAK includes:
- The 2026 RealCombos Booster PAK:
-For Pro customers, this includes 27 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For MegaPAK customers, this includes 25 new RealTracks and 23 new RealStyles.
-For UltraPAK customers, this includes 12 new RealStyles.
- MIDI Styles Set 92: Look Ma! More MIDI 15: Latin Jazz
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 46: Piano & Organ
- Instrumental Studies Set 24: Groovin' Blues Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 19: Songs with Vocals 9
- Playable RealTracks Set 5
- RealDrums Stems Set 9: Cool Brushes
- SynthMaster Sounds Set 1 (with audio demos)
- Android Band-in-a-Box® App (included)
Looking for more great add-ons, then upgrade to the 2026 49-PAK for just $49 and you'll get:
- 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums with 20 RealStyle.
- FLAC Files (lossless audio files) for the 20 Bonus Unreleased RealTracks and RealDrums
- MIDI Styles Set 93: Look Ma! More MIDI 16: SynthMaster
- MIDI SuperTracks Set 47: More SynthMaster
- Instrumental Studies 25 - Soul Jazz Guitar Soloing
- Artist Performance Set 20: Songs with Vocals 10
- RealDrums Stems Set 10: Groovin' Sticks
- SynthMaster Sounds & Styles Set 2 (sounds & styles with audio demos)
Learn more about the Bonus PAKs for Band-in-a-Box® 2026 for Windows®!
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Forums57
Topics85,814
Posts796,527
Members39,965
| |
Most Online25,754
Jan 24th, 2025
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
Dansk
Deutsch - Windows
Español
Français - Windows
Italiano - Windows
Nederlands
Polski
Português
Svenskt
русский
Japanese
Simplified Chinese
Traditional Chinese
Korean