Best sub-$100 USB recording interface.

[GardenoftheDead]

Get the scarlett and you'll get two really high quality and SUPER useful plugins. I use the Red 2 and Red 3 on pretty much everything I record.

[waltdogg]

i'd considering going all out tbh now that i've given this some more thought. regardless of budget, an 8 input interface in the $300-$500 range is what you really want to get started on. start with a two input interface and pretty soon you'll need two more inputs, then two more, then another two. it always happens.

[askashrub]

i'd considering going all out tbh now that i've given this some more thought. regardless of budget, an 8 input interface in the $300-$500 range is what you really want to get started on. start with a two input interface and pretty soon you'll need two more inputs, then two more, then another two. it always happens.

As someone who followed that same advice, I have to disagree. I've had an 8-channel interface for about 3-4 years and I've never used more than a few at a time.

It really just depends on what you're up to.
Some need 'em, some don't.

I'd say it's better to start with what you need and expand if those needs change.

[UglyCasanova]

I...I never use more than one...

[waltdogg]

word. as always YMMV. i started with a 4 input interface and never had enough inputs, borrowed an 8 channel interface and was almost always using all 8 channels. even now my smallest sessions are at least 4 to 6 channels. but i do lots of live sessions and that usually requires all 8 inputs.

[neonblack]

Yeah it's mostly just me recording a single track for demo/online collab purposes.

[spacelordmother]

CHEAPS AND CUTES



http://www.amazon.com/Behringer-302USB- ... B005EHILV4



http://www.amazon.com/Mackie-Onyx-Black ... B003VZG550

[Bartimaeus]

Another cutie is the Shure X2U XLR-to-USB Signal Adapter. It colors the signal in an interesting way, and is extremely portable.

I'd like to start getting into interfaces myself. Anyone using a Scarlett SM57 combo?

This is my go-to for just about anything. Get a pair of 57's and you can record stuff in stereo or just blend different mic positions+distances.

(If you're going to buy a 57, I would highly recommend that you buy them new from somewhere like Sweetwater. The fakes are getting incredibly similar in appearance, and it can be really hard to tell if an eBay used 57 is legit until you have it.)

I also have a $300 Heil PR40, and the SM57 stands up to it remarkably well. It's just a difference in color – the Heil is a little brighter in a very pleasant way, but not always I way that I want.