What interface should I buy?

[twinjet]

Hi all,

Currently I am recording stuff using a junk interface that barely gets the job done. Of the two inputs, only one works. My wife is asking what I want for Christmas, so I started thinking.

My main goal is to record my acoustic duo, which consists of myself on electric bass and my friend who sings and plays guitar.

Assuming everything were plugged in, I'd use three channels, however I could get away with two.

• $150-300 range. I am looking for something entry-level/a step above entry level. I don't want expensive as I'm trying to keep it budget friendly for my wife, but I also don't have the technical know-how or hardware capabilities to run high-end stuff.
• At least two, up to four channels.
• MIDI channel not required.
• USB 2.0.
• Windows 10 compatible.

So far, the Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 Studio is what I have come up with. If anyone has any experience with it, please share!

Thanks and enjoy the holidays.

 

[stevenA800]

I've found the 2i2 interface to be easy to use and give good results, it doesn't have three channels though. Used they seem to go for $80 -$100. I haven't used the other products in the "studio" package.

 

[GKon]

Funny because I was just having this conversation with a friend and he gave the 2i2 a glowing review.
You can get them for $99.99 on Amazon as opposed to $149 at Sweetwater.

It only has one mic input and one instrument in put, though.

The 2i4 has 2 instrument inputs.

 

[beans-on-toast]

Focusrite products are very good and offer a lot of bang for the buck. You can find some good Christmas deals.

You can never have enough plugins. Waves are giving away plugins and credit notes every day.

10 Days of Holiday Plugin Giveaways | Waves

 

[twinjet]

Thanks all for your suggestions. I found a factory resealed Alesis Multimix 8 FX for $119 on zZounds. Hopefully this is a good buy!

 

[rulefuzz]

I've been using Roland UA-22 for about 3 years and I think it fits your requirements
(not sure if it's Window 10 compatible though)

 

[JayAmel]

I'm too late. I was about to suggest you an Audient ID-4 interface. Very impressed by the tonal quality of the preamps.

 

[Bodeeni]

Focusrite and Presonis are both solid product, there are several others. Just make sure you have at least mic/line 4 inputs, if you want to record everything live. Although. I would probably record the guitars direct first with ghost vocals, and do the vocals separate for better isolation. Then you could be fine with any of the 2 input units. Seems to be a difference of about $100.
Make sure the unit is a newer one that is Windows 10 compatible. I had to upgrade for that reason.