I personally would suggest that you opt for a 8 input computer audio interface rather than a "box lunch" approach. The bundled software albeit a limited edition version, will provide you with capabilities far exceeding any portable plucker you might be looking at.

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Ms. Remy Ann David

do you have a specific audio interface that can get a professional sound quality out and what kind of Mic would you suggest too? I'm looking for the best quality for both for about 400-500 bucks.

helloworld wrote: do you have a specific audio interface that can get a professional sound quality out and what kind of Mic would you suggest too? I'm looking for the best quality for both for about 400-500 bucks.

Prices vary depending on location. This [="http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/MOTU-8-Pre-Audio-Interface-?sku=240408"]interface[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…-?sku=240408"]interface[/] is a good value imho. The reason being, not only is it a decent interface but it integrates 8 preamps off the bat. Preamps that you would otherwise end up paying for in the long run. There is also the [[url=http://="http://pro-audio.mu…"]Firestudio Project[/]="http://pro-audio.mu…"]Firestudio Project[/]. The bonus with the Firestudio is that it comes with Cubase LE which is plenty good enough for decent demos or even full on CD projects.

As far as Pro quality though. That is entirely dependent on the guy behind the wheel so to speak. You can own a Lamborghini but if you're a bad driver, you're still going to meet a tree head on eventually.

Yeah helloworld I agree with huespeh, MOTU is a great name whose reputation has been earned by offering very good quality gear ALMOST without exception,(avoid the hd96)perhaps the best when speaking "dollar-for-dollar". There is definitely better sounding gear out there, but not at MOTU's pricepoint. At least not in my experience.

For your price range, get a Presonus or MOTU 8-channel interface.
They both let you plug basses/guitars directly in, provide a variety of input/output options, and have decent preamps.
Plus, w/ the eight pres and options to add more inputs, there is room to grow if you decide you want to.

And then get an SM57 or 58 - around $100 or less either way.

I personally have had great experiences w/ the Presonus stuff, while a few engineer friends have had the same w/ MOTU.
There's likely a few other brands out there that others have experience with and will suggest.
Just make sure it provides the functions you need best.

Thanks i'll check out the Motu or the presonus and the sm 57s

How many inputs do you need? If its just you recording solo stuff, you could get an M-Box or something and not have limited software. The MOTU stuff is quite good, but its worthless to spend all of the extra money if you are only going to use 1 input at a time. If thats the case, get a high quality interface with less channels, which will leave you more money for mics, software, etc.

kellenholgate wrote: you could get an M-Box or something and not have limited software. .

ProTools LE is limited. Hence the L(imited) E(dition). Incidentally, I have an MBox 2 running LE8.

hueseph wrote: [quote=kellenholgate]you could get an M-Box or something and not have limited software. .

ProTools LE is limited. Hence the L(imited) E(dition). Incidentally, I have an MBox 2 running LE8.True, but far less limited than the ableton live lite or cubase LE that comes with most interfaces.

PTLE is a pretty full fledged production environment for most people, whereas the other ones are teaser versions of software to get you to buy the full version.

The main limitation with PTLE is that it maxes at 32 tracks, and some syncing stuff, right? I'm a Logic guy, but I've used PTLE in several of my friend's project studios and never ran into anything else.

Thats been my experience at least. Its possible that the lite versions of the other software have improved in the couple years since I've tried them.

Cubase LE is quite a bit better than the cubasis they used to package. No longer crippled. PTLE v8 supports 48 audio tracks now.

kellenholgate wrote: How many inputs do you need? If its just you recording solo stuff, you could get an M-Box or something and not have limited software. The MOTU stuff is quite good, but its worthless to spend all of the extra money if you are only going to use 1 input at a time. If thats the case, get a high quality interface with less channels, which will leave you more money for mics, software, etc.

well i am doing a solo project. I'll probably use some drum machine or some presetted drum wavs but I just need a nice quality interface for vocals, guitar and bass. Any suggestions?

In that case an mbox would be fine for you. ProTools LE comes with BFD lite. A midi/sample based drum program.

Second the MBox... I stand corrected on the software titles.