Affordable USB audio interface

McNelton · McNelton #1 (**permalink**)

08-01-2011, 01:41 PM

I need a USB powered audio interface, (to use with Garageband). It must have phantom power. I'd like to be able to record vocals and a guitar track simultaneously. It will likely always be me by myself recording so I don't need many inputs. I am also looking for something that is affordable to relatively cheap. I'm on a small budget and don't need big fancy things. Just the basics: USB powered, include phantom power, and at least 1 input each for XLR and 1/4".

Anybody got anything they know of? Any experience? Anything (brands, models, etc) to avoid?

Thanks!

robduckyworth · robduckyworth #2 (**permalink**)

08-01-2011, 01:52 PM

MBox mini is perfect.

ed81 · ed81 #3 (**permalink**)

08-12-2011, 06:57 PM

I did not like the Mbox2 mini from digidesign because it has mono direct monitoring only. ( on the analog inputs) This means if you have a analog stereo device attached to it you'l have to route it into a DAW first and pan it to hear a stereo signal on your speaker/output.

Maybe the avid mbox mini is better now. but I don't like avid because it was m-audio and had bad experience with m-audio.

chas_m · chas_m #4 (**permalink**)

08-12-2011, 10:19 PM

Wouldn't a $40 iMic do the job here?

JUKE179r · JUKE179r #5 (**permalink**)

08-13-2011, 01:11 PM

@McNelton... Ever thought about using a FireWire audio interface?
IMHO... FW is little bit more cost over USB but better for less latency. I've got an older M-Audio FireWire Audiophile for DJing, MIDI connection and using with Logic and Ableton with no problems.

robduckyworth · robduckyworth #6 (**permalink**)

08-13-2011, 05:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas_m

Wouldn't a $40 iMic do the job here?

OP wants an XLR and 1/4" jack - and seeing as he specifies he needs phantom power - he must already have a condensor mic. Most probably a guitar or something aswell, hence the jack input. So, no.

chas_m · chas_m #7 (**permalink**)

08-14-2011, 03:24 AM

Ah, yeah, sorry about that. How about an Apogee Duet then?

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php

robduckyworth · robduckyworth #8 (**permalink**)

08-15-2011, 04:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chas_m

Ah, yeah, sorry about that. How about an Apogee Duet then?

http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php

jeez $595?! thats alot of money for something a Sapphire Pro could do for £140 lol. I suppose the driver support would be pretty good, and seeing as its Apogee, Apple compatibility will be top notch, especially with Logic.

robduckyworth #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 04, 2011 Location: Reading, UK Posts: 2,972 Mac Specs: 15" MBP, 2.5GHz i7, 750GB, 6770M 1GB, iPad 3, iPhone 4, custom PC	08-01-2011, 01:52 PM MBox mini is perfect. If you find a post helpful, don't forget to use the reputation system (top right of post.) Join us in the IRC! How? Add me on Steam, Origin or PSN (Vita): robduckyworth
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chas_m #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 13,705 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	08-12-2011, 10:19 PM Wouldn't a $40 iMic do the job here? Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies
	QUOTE Thanks

JUKE179r #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Nov 01, 2009 Location: DohaLondonVegas Posts: 862 Mac Specs: '07 MBP 256GB SSD/6GB RAM/SL <--DAW!!!	08-13-2011, 01:11 PM @McNelton... Ever thought about using a FireWire audio interface? IMHO... FW is little bit more cost over USB but better for less latency. I've got an older M-Audio FireWire Audiophile for DJing, MIDI connection and using with Logic and Ableton with no problems. '07 MBP 3,1 w/ Vertex 4 SSD \| Logic Pro 9 \| Ableton Live 8 \| Traktor Pro 2 \| AKAI MPC2000XL \| Roland MV-8000, TR-808 & TR-909 \| Ensoniq ASR-10 \| x0xb0x #911 \| Denon DN-MC6000 \| (3) Technics SL-1200MK1 \| 3000+ vinyl records
	QUOTE Thanks

chas_m #7 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 22, 2010 Location: Victoria, BC Posts: 13,705 Mac Specs: 2009 MacBook Pro, Black speakers, Black Benq second monitor, black iPhone 4, Black 2012 iPad, etc.	08-14-2011, 03:24 AM Ah, yeah, sorry about that. How about an Apogee Duet then? http://www.apogeedigital.com/products/duet2.php Cheers, chas_m -- My essay for switchers and newbies
	QUOTE Thanks

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McNelton #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Oct 11, 2010 Posts: 8	08-01-2011, 01:41 PM I need a USB powered audio interface, (to use with Garageband). It must have phantom power. I'd like to be able to record vocals and a guitar track simultaneously. It will likely always be me by myself recording so I don't need many inputs. I am also looking for something that is affordable to relatively cheap. I'm on a small budget and don't need big fancy things. Just the basics: USB powered, include phantom power, and at least 1 input each for XLR and 1/4". Anybody got anything they know of? Any experience? Anything (brands, models, etc) to avoid? Thanks!
	QUOTE Thanks

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