**This is a copy from the Recording Instruments Forum. I do not know if it is allowed to duplicate but I figured that I may get more accurate responses here. Mods, feel free to delete if you take offence to this - thanks. :)

Hi there! I'm pretty new to audio recording...So new that I have no gear. I currently have a great fast iMac with [="http://www.apple.com/logicstudio Logic[/]="http://www.apple.co… Logic[/] Pro 9 installed. I will be recording a lot of bass guitar and most likely using two monitors to practice lightly on in my bedroom. I would like some recommendations. My needs are not drastic as I will most likely just record electric guitars, basses, my double bass (mic'd) and some synth/moog keyboards. I will record one instrument at a time.

My budget for the Audio Interface is $500 dollars. I have been recommended the MOTU 4pre and [[url=http://="http://www.PreSonus… PreSonus[/]="http://www.PreSonus… PreSonus[/] Firestudio Mobile. Any thoughts between these two or are there better options? I like the LOOK of the MOTU better, it's more expensive but the PreSonus seems more functional. It has midi in/out (I have no idea what that would be useful for) and it also has the inputs through the front. I however cannot find out what the signal to noise ratio is for either unit.

In terms of monitors, I think that two 8" should be okay to record a double bass and bass guitars on with the possibility of using them as practice/reference monitors? My budget for 2 monitors is 1200 inclusive. Any advice?

Thanks in advance!