Skip to [ Story Content and jump story attachments ]
|
Skip to [ End of Music Player Network web site links ]
|
GuitarPlayer.com >> This Month >> Budget Usb Recording Interfaces
60-Second Buyer’s Guide
Budget USB Recording Interfaces
| January, 2006
These five ultra-portable, USB-powered recording interfaces enable you to get audio—and in some cases MIDI—into and out of your USB-equipped Mac or PC for less than $300. Some offer special features such as USB 2.0 compatibility, digital I/O, 24-bit/96kHz operation, and bundled music production software, but all provide 48-volt phantom-powered microphone inputs and high-impedance guitar inputs. Which is best for you will, of course, depend on your needs and applications, and most manufacturers offer several models, so visit their Web sites for additional information.
Tascam US122
Sporting two XLR mic inputs with inserts, two line-level/guitar inputs, 16 channels of MIDI I/O, and headphone and dual line outputs, the two-pound US122 handles 48kHz/24-bit recording. Bundled with Steinberg Cubase LE. $269 retail/$199 street. www.tascam.com
M-Audio Mobilepre USB
With its twin XLR mic inputs, dual guitar inputs, stereo line and headphone outputs, and stereo 1/8" I/O, this 16-bit interface supports sampling rates up to 48kHz. Includes Ableton Live Lite 4. $179 retail/$149 street. www.m-audio.com
Edirol UA25 USB
The 24-bit UA25 gives you balanced combo mic/guitar, S/PDIF optical, RCA, MIDI, and other input and output options, along with a headphone jack, built-in limiter, professional +4dB outputs, and up to a 96kHz sampling rate. $279 retail/$239 street. www.rolandus.com
Line 6 Tone Port UX2
The UX2—which combines a hardware audio interface with proprietary Line 6 modeling software—provides dual mic inputs, dual 1/4" instrument and 1/4" monitor inputs, stereo line I/O, and headphone and RCA digital outputs, and features 16/24-bit operation at up to a 96kHz sampling rate. Includes Ableton Live/Line 6 edition. $269 retail/$199 street. www.line6.com
Alesis IO2
The diminutive IO2 delivers 24-bit recording at up to a 96kHz sampling rate, as well as MIDI I/O. It features a pair of mic inputs with inserts, two 1" guitar inputs, and both 1/4" TRS and headphone outputs. Bundled with Steinberg Cubase LE. $299 retail/$199 street. www.alesis.com
LESSONS
Whether you're a novice or an expert we've got tutorials from some top pros that are guarnteed to improve your technique.
GEAR
Get in depth views and reviews from our expert testers on a massive range of gear from all the top manufacturers
Guitar Player Merch
Drape yourself in the finest T shirts, hoodies and caps a musician can wear. Check out the Guitar Player online merch store for clothing and more, all done up with the hot GP logo