I currently have a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 but it has developed a bit of a hum and also doesn't have enough inputs for my current setup.

I do not record instruments, but may want to record guitars and vocals in the future. However, I do own an Access Virus and a Novation Nova,both hardware synths, and want to feed a stereo signal into my interface. Currently I'm having to switch over cables as the 2i2 only has one stereo input.

I'm looking for something as cheap as possible, but needs to be decent, have at least 2 stereo (4 mono) inputs, or ideally more if there is something out there that's cheap and good.

If itwas up to you, what would you buy, without saying PrismSound or UAD

 

Well it depends, size of budget? !

 

As cheap as possible, but looking at the £100-150 pre owned tops mark really as I have seen the odd bargain in that range like Mackie Onyx 400F, MOTU 828 Mk2, Lexicon I-ONIX U82S etc. Therefore, thinking I should be able to get something pretty good pre owned in that price bracket.

It is also to run on a Windows 10 machine, using Ableton 9 and Reason 8.

 

I have a pro 40 fire wire. I have had it for about 2 yrs now no problems and it has plenty of inputs and outputs for me.

 

Among those in the Art tube preamp line, this is the two-channel one I own and cherish:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audio/art-tube-mp-project-series-tube-microphone-instrument-preamp?rNtt=art tube preamp&index=3

The whole family, from low end to high:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/sear...profileCountryCode=US&profileCurrencyCode=USD

The model I own has a compressor/limiter that colors the sound somewhat, but it's sometimes desirable. Low-end cut, gain boost, switchable phantom power, stereo/mono . . .

 

i've been using NI traktor audio 10 for a 5 years or more and it's quite good

 

http://www.steinberg.net/en/products/audio_interfaces/ur_series/models/ur28m.html


what I use... never once had an issue with it in 3+ years.

 

Check this out, new, within budget :

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Steinberg-U...028424?hash=item1ea8eb8dc8:g:4rIAAOSw~bFWMAi7

 

try this, no asio driver are needed

 

http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/UMC404HD heard good things from my store rep on these

 

This really has a lots of ins and outs for the price. I'd recommend this one, too!
Maybe you can get it used.

 

10 mono/5 stereo in and out, would have been even nicer if the outputs could be changed to inputs through software. but for the rest it's a great card with great sound that actually is made to sound solid in a big ass club. people just dont take these into account caus they think they're just for dj'ing

 

An audio interface is probably the most critical part of any music production setup. I would think of a budget and then add to it, even if it meant waiting a bit longer before I purchased one.

I would also take sound quality over switching cables every day of the week.

But you can check this out, they will part-ex your Focusrite Scarlett for £149 ...

https://www.absolutemusic.co.uk/cat...adtid14trade&gclid=CMmWysnQjcsCFQQewwodX34Apw

 

Last edited: Feb 23, 2016

The interface doesn't have mic preamps and differential inputs, I think that's a drawback in a recording situation. It kinda limits its use. But obviously, there are people it's the perfect choice for

 

very true, for me it's ideal as i dont use mics and all my gear has line output

 

This is good for a DJ setup, but don't fancy converting balanced 1/4" TRS to phono for the inputs.

 

This only has 2 mono/1 stereo input for 1/4" so virtually same as my current 2i2.

 

Still yet to see anything to rival the old M-Audio Fastrack Ultra for the amount of ins/outs and latency and s/h price. Been doing a sterling job for me for over 5 yrs plus, runs like a dream under win10. Also recommend the Roland Quad capture and Studio capture which are excellent.

 

I was actually very close to buying one of these on fleabay last night, the 8R version:

http://www.musicradar.com/reviews/tech/m-audio-fast-track-ultra-8r-166705

 

Yamaha AG06. Mic / Guitar, one more Stereo Line In, Headset Connectors and for me as i Stream Live into Second Life i'm very happy with the Loopback function :D D-Pre Preamps, Padswitches, +48v and Comp/EQ and some small Guitar Effects. Around 150 Bucks. Purrfect