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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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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
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103
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Joined: Nov 2007
Posts: 6,103 |
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 04:14 AM.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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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...
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 25,065
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Joined: Dec 2003
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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.
Life is short so make sure you spend as much time as possible on the Internet arguing with strangers.
64 bit Win 10 Pro, the latest BiaB/RB, Roland Octa-Capture audio interface, a ton of software/hardware
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2002
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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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Dec 2011
Posts: 457
Journeyman
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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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
Veteran
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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.
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49
Enthusiast
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OP
Enthusiast
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 49 |
Thanks everyone 
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Recording, Mixing, Performance and Production
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Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 8
Newbie
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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 !!!
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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.
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Windows Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
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Introducing XPro Styles PAK 11 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
XPro Styles PAK 11 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box® version 2026 (and higher) is here with 100 brand new RealStyles, plus 31 RealTracks/RealDrums!
Guess who’s back again? That’s right! It’s our XPro Styles PAK’s triumphant return with the 11th edition in this series! 100 new styles are coming your way spread across the rock & pop, jazz, and country genres. And this edition's wildcard genre explores the immense and far-reaching catalogue of electronic music! The included 31 RealTracks and RealDrums can be used with any Band-in-a-Box® 2026 (and higher) package.
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the XPro Styles PAKs 1-11 are on sale for only $29 ea (Reg. $49 ea), or get them all in the XPro Styles PAK Bundle for only $149 (reg. $299)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of XPro Styles PAKs.
Video: XPro Styles PAK 11 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
XPro Styles PAKs require Band-in-a-Box® 2026 or higher and are compatible with ANY package, including the Pro, MegaPAK, UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, and Audiophile Edition.
Introducing Xtra Styles PAK 22 – Now Available for Mac Band-in-a-Box 2026 and Higher!
Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Mac & Windows Band-in-a-Box version 2026 (and higher) is here with 200 brand new RealStyles!
It’s time to celebrate! Xtra Styles PAK 22 for Band-in-a-Box® is here, and we've got 200 brand-new styles coming your way!
No Xtra Styles PAK is complete without the classic rock & pop, jazz, and country volumes you know and love, and we’ve got plenty to share, with 150 styles spread across too many genres to list! Of course, it also wouldn’t be complete with our special wildcard volume to add a little spice and pizzazz to the mix. This year, because we loved it so much the first time, we’ve decided to make the second iteration of our SynthMaster volume, full of new sounds, interesting genres, and 50 engaging styles, all making use of the diverse SynthMaster plugin! Here you can find genres such as airy yacht rock, sultry electrotango, and even some synth soca funk. Don’t wait, pickup up Xtra Styles PAK 22 today!
In this PAK you can find: dulcet folk ballads, funky gospel country, Brazilian jazz fusion, upbeat 1980s pop, classic Americana, a plethora of breezy bossa novas, indie singer-songwriter, scintillating synthwave, exuberant electronica, and many, many more!
Special offers available until August 31st, 2026!
All the Xtra Styles PAKs 1-22 are on special for only $29 each (reg $49), or get all 22 PAKs for $199 (reg $399)! Order now!
Learn more and listen to demos of the Xtra Styles PAK 22.
Video: Xtra Styles PAK 22 Overview & Styles Demos: Watch now!
Note: The Xtra Styles require the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition of Band-in-a-Box®. (Xtra Styles PAK 22 requires the 2026 or higher UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition. They will not work with the Pro or MegaPAK version because they need the RealTracks from the UltraPAK, UltraPAK+, or Audiophile Edition.
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Special thanks to the team at zplane for their continued support.
Check out the full interview here: https://products.zplane.de/blog/peter-gannon-interview-pg-music
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