THE AUDIO INTERFACE CHOICE

Here, some options to choose the audio interface. These are the simplest, yet not so bad, the difference with more expensive is the number of inputs and outputs and a few additional features. I personally use an M-Audio FastTrackPro. The recording quality depends on a good choice for this device.

Behringer UCA202

This audio interface allows you to connect your instruments, mixer and other audio equipment to your computer for simple recording and playback. High-resolution 48kHz converters ensure quality sound. Behringer U-CONTROL Ultralow-Latency 2-In/2-Out USB/Audio Interface

From our expanded online assortment; not available in all Best Buy stores

Allows you to connect most instruments, mixers and other audio equipment
To your computer for easy recording and playback. PC and Mac compatible for wide-ranging use.

High-resolution 48kHz converters
Ensure high-end sound quality.

Stereo headphone output
With dedicated level control lets you easily monitor the input and the output.

S/PDIF optical output
Allows direct analog-to-digital conversion.

Powered via USB
For use without an additional external power supply.

Cakewalk UA-25EX

This audio interface is designed to give you low-noise and high-sensitivity recording and features USB connectivity for compatibility with most major DAWs and portable use. Direct-box functionality allows noise-free live stage use.

Compatible with most major DAWs
For wide-ranging use with both PC and Mac systems.

Analog compressor
Features variable attack time and threshold control for smooth vocal and instrumental recording. Analog limiter prevents input clipping for clear, crisp audio.

Direct-box functionality
Allows noise-free live stage use.

USB interface
For simple connectivity.

Aluminum chassis
Provides durability and shields against high-frequency interference.

Compact size
For easy portability.

96kHz/24-bit audio capture
For rich sound.

Production Plus Pack software
Includes SONAR LE, Project 5 LE and Dimension LE for PC-based recording. ASIO, WDM and MME drivers included for Windows XP and Vista (32-bit). Also includes CoreAudio for Mac OS X recording.

2 premium XLR/TRS jacks
With professional-grade microphone amps and 48V phantom power for clear audio recordings.

MIDI in/out ports
For MIDI recording, sequencing, control and playback.

M-Audio MobilePre

Turn your PC or Mac into a recording studio with this USB audio interface that includes ProTools SE software with more than 100 virtual instruments for creative sounds. Four top-panel knobs let you adjust input and output levels and headphone volume.

Compatible with PC and Mac
Also compatible with select drivers, including ASIO 2, WDM and Mac OS X Core Audio for wide-ranging use.

ProTools SE software
Features more than 100 virtual instruments for creative sounds.

Built-in composing features
Including MIDI sequencing and score editing. Integrated learning tools make it easy to create music.

Powerful effects
Include reverb, EQ and guitar amplifier/distortion. Features 3GB of built-in audio loops to quickly construct songs.

48V phantom power switch
To power studio-quality condenser microphones (not included).

4 top-panel knobs
Let you adjust input and output levels and headphone volume. The direct monitor button lets you monitor your recording without distracting latency.

USB port
For smooth connection.

Inputs
Include 2 rear-panel line for recording line-level sources, such as keyboards, drum machines and synthesizers.

Outputs
Include rear-panel line for connecting studio monitors and 2 front-panel XLR/TS combination jacks for recording microphones and instruments simultaneously.

M-Audio FastTrackPro

Now you can be the band all by yourself. This instrument hub lets you connect your instruments and MIDI devices to your computer to work with audio creation applications.

24-bit/96kHz audio interface

2 front-panel microphone/instrument preamp inputs with gain controls and signal/peak lights

2 balanced 1/4" TRS outputs and 4 unbalanced outputs

Input/playback mix control for near zero-latency hardware direct monitoring

USB connectivity for plug-and-play operation

MIDI input/output with activity LEDs

Powered by USB

System requirements: PC: Intel® Pentium® 3 800MHz processor, Windows XP SP1 or SP2, 256MB RAM, DirectX 9.0c

System requirements: Mac: Macintosh G3 800/G4 733MHz (G3/G4 accelerator cards not supported), OS X 10.3.9 or higher, native FireWire ports, 256MB RAM

Focusrite - Saffire Pro 24

This FireWire interface features a VST/AU plug-in suite that includes reverb, gating and EQ plug-ins for easy connectivity. The Xcite+ software bundle features loops and samples, soft synth and Abelton Live Lite 8 software to customize your sound.

Compatible with PC and Mac
For use with your existing computer.

Metal case
Provides durability.

24-bit/96kHz FireWire interface
Features enhanced A-D/D-A conversion and JetPLL jitter elimination technology for clear audio and reliable synchronization.

MixControl ultralow-latency DSP mixer/router
For routing flexibility and one-touch mixing configurations.

Dedicated front-panel headphone bus
Provides a customizable monitor mix with tactile level control for simple operation.

5-LED metering
Located on the front panel for monitoring the level of each analog input.

Xcite+ software bundle
Features loops and samples, soft synth and Abelton Live Lite 8 software to customize your sound.

2 Focusrite preamps
For a high-quality sounding interface.

VST/AU plug-in suite
Includes compression, reverb, gating and EQ VST/AU plug-ins.

16 inputs and 8 outputs
Allow easy connectivity. Loopback facility allows for routing audio from the software to the interface.