Audio Interface

Hello...new to the world of DAW...Just installed Sonar 8.5 Sudio after 4 years of using Boss BR-900.  So far it's great, alot to learn, but I love the challenge.  My question is what kind of audio interface should I be using.  I'll be needing to play guitar or bass, mic  and sometimes using a Kaossilator.  Where do I begin? I'd like to keep it under $500 if possible.  I'm working off a Dell 64-bit, Windows 7.  Any direction would be greatly appreciated.
 
Cheers!
Vicki
 

Nothing is future proof, although USB looks to be the best for longevity.  Still, even if your computer doesn't have Firewire, they'll be making pci/pcie cards w/ it for a long while. 

If you only need a couple of inputs there are lots of options.  It would be best to get something w/ ADAT that you can expand @ a later date in 8 channel increments.  Many of the lower priced models don't have that, tho.

I'm partial to TC electronic stuff since I've got a TC Konnekt 48 and I'm happy w/ it.  For $200 they have a stereo in unit w/ one preamp and a nice big vol. control on it.  Sound on Sound called it the best sounding unit for under $500 (tho this was a couple of years ago).

At $500 you can get 8x8 i/o with extras like ADAT expandablity.  TC, Focusrite, MAudio, Echo all make good units.  For a little more ($700 or so) you can get the Steinberg MR816, which is made by Yamaha and is supposed to be the cream of the crop of 8 in/out expandable units.  Or if quality is the game, a lynx unit for about that much but only 2x2 on a pci card.

Decide what you need and how much you want to spend.  It sounds like you don't need more than 2x2 i/o at this point, but realize at some point you may want to record a band which takes 8 or more inputs.  Note that some units will let you stack more than one - Echo, TC, etc.

Pick your model from a dealer that will let you exchange the unit.  Despite reading that this unit or that one works great or sux it mostly depends upon your system.  Unless you want to get into tech support more than recording, at this price point it is just better to switch than fight w/ a unit's drivers.  Send that sucker back and get one from column B.

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