Affordable USB audio interface

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!

MBox mini is perfect.

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.

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

@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.

chas_m said:

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

Click to expand...

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.

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

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

chas_m said:

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

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

Click to expand...

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.