Honestly, the conversion isn't the problem on most devices these days. It is the analog circuitry leading to and from the conversion. What is your max budget? Below a certain pricepoint pick what makes you happy. The cheapest interface I recommend is the TC Electronics Impact Twin. Anything less than that is whatever you like.

TheJackAttack, post: 358494 wrote: Honestly, the conversion isn't the problem on most devices these days. It is the analog circuitry leading to and from the conversion. What is your max budget? Below a certain pricepoint pick what makes you happy. The cheapest interface I recommend is the TC Electronics Impact Twin. Anything less than that is whatever you like.

my budget for the converter would be under $350. I was looking at this one:

[[url=http://[/URL]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]Buy Cakewalk UA-25EX USB Audio Interface | Audio Interfaces | Musician's Friend[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]Buy Cakewalk UA-25EX USB Audio Interface | Audio Interfaces | Musician's Friend[/]

can it only be used with cakewalk or can I use it with other programs as well? Could you recommend a good one around this price point? My main desire is high quality sound and two mic inputs, it doesnt have to have a ton of features

The ad you linked to gave you the answer. Halfway down....compatible with all major DAW's.....

TheJackAttack, post: 358505 wrote: The ad you linked to gave you the answer. Halfway down....compatible with all major DAW's.....

Hahah, I see that now. I like the look of that Impact Twin that you recommended. I don't really understand the difference between Firewire and USB though. I have both so it isn't a worry, what are advantages/disadvantages of each though?

With properly written drivers and USB 2 (vice usb1), then for under 6 tracks the differences are small. How the drivers are for that particular device I have no idea. I suspect a Cakewalk device to be decent enough.