What to choose? usb interface 4 guitar rec.

USB interface



I'm going to make a couple of suggestions that aren't an "all-in-one" solution.



M-Audio's version would be the Audiophile Pre that has 2 channels of mic pres plus an instrument input. http://www.m-audio.com



If you think you might be using microphones at all in the future (acoustic guitar maybe?) I would suggest that you take a look at the Edirol UA-25. It's a 2-channel USB 1.1 interface with a Hi-Z guitar input. It's had quite a few good reviews and Edirol is going to start bundling the new Sonar LE with it in June. The UA-25 can be powered by the USB port on your lap-top if that's important to you. http://www.edirol.com/products/info/ua25.html



Something a bit more involved would be the Lexicon Omega system that comes bundled with Cubase LE. It also has an instrument-in plus more channels than the Edirol and it sports DBX mic preamps. It's a pretty neat machine. I looked at it seriously myself before I got my Edirol DA-2496



http://www.lexiconpro.com/Omega/features.asp



For the keyboard (playing soft synths?) why not just get an inexpensive USB MIDI interface and a used keyboard controller. I have an older 49-key Roland PC-200 that I've used for years and it is my keyboard for my rackmount synths. I've seen some go for very inexpensive prices on Ebay etc. A 16 or 32 channel MIDI interface and then you're in business.



I can understand the allure of the "all-in-one" interface / preamp / controllers but you are limited by the keyboard size and the additional shift functions or editing to get at higher and lower notes. I think you can put something together cheaper with just as much flexibility and better quality for the same or less $$ if you choose separate components. USB MIDI interfaces are under $70 now and vocals are usually required at some time or another which is why I recommend something with mic pres in it.



I guess it depends if portability is important or not. There, now you have even more to consider !!