Audio Interface

http://blog.cakewalk.com/daw-best-practices-how-to-pick-the-right-interface/
 

I record similarly as you - guitar, vocals, MIDI controller - which are pretty simple needs. A few things to bear in mind is 1) if your computer has a FireWire port (which opens options versus USB alone) and 2) if your controller requires MIDI cables (probably not, as most are USB).
 
I personally went with the Focusrite Saffire PRO 24 DSP which is FireWire (FW). My decision was based on having an unused FW port on my machine and initial worry of possible USB conflicts (the Scarlett line is the USB equivalent). My MIDI controller connects via USB, so the MIDI ports on the interface are not required. This unit comes with Virtual Reference Monitoring (VRM) built-in (the only unit in the Saffire line which does), which allows for simulation of speakers in a room that you are hearing via headphones (I rarely use this, but a VRM box is something people buy separately). I also prefer controlling the interface via physical gain knobs, and this unit is built like a steel brick.
 
A couple pleasant surprises I did not discover until after purchase are:

1. It has true ASIO aggregation, meaning that any program assigned to it can use it simultaneously without issues (I have stress tested this feature and had 4 programs playing different things through it at the same time - X3, Melodyne stand-alone, Adobe Audition, and Windows Media Player). This is not specifically listed as a feature, but when I happened upon it, I was in heaven (my previous interface gave me a BSOD whenever I accidentally did this).
2. The MixControl software allows for "what you hear" recording (without physical loopback cabling), which I recently discovered and subsequently found is not in the Scarlett (USB) line. This feature will get much use in the days to come.

I also posted a thread specifically about this interface before purchase and got numerous responses of the 24/40 units being "rock solid for years." That, coupled with I rarely see threads with Focusrite driver issues and many people have them listed in their signature, turned me toward Focusrite.
 
With all of this said, it still boils very much down to your needs and preferences. There are many great brands in that price range, and I cannot speak to other interfaces since I do not have them; but there are people with similar recording needs using other brands that are just as in love with their interface as I am.
 
Be sure to read up on models, narrow your search, and feel free to post a thread of "What are the main differences between interface X and interface Y?" There are some very helpful folks here who have probably used both (very important) who can give you that assessment.
 
Edit: Side note - FW has had several discussions of fading away, but seems more prevalent with laptops in the near term. A FW interface does run that risk of having a "limited life span," but seems it will be a part of desktops for some time.

can't go wrong with M-audio or Cakewalk/Roland interface

 
Steinberg UR-22
Anything by Focusrite
While over your budget an RME Babyface is top notch. 
 
Caution
M-Audio- not the best driver support.
Tascam - too many great products become legacy in a short time.

Hi Guys,
 
Hope it's OK to resurrect an old thread, but the content is appropriate to what I'm about to ask.
 
I'm a hobbyist music maker, trying to get back into the game after a couple of years out and am facing the eternal problem of which audio interface to buy.
 
I've read the details on the Cakewalk Blog about how to choose an interface (posted in one of the responses above) but the advice seems to be weighted towards users who intend to record live instruments.
 
My requirements are much simpler.  All of my creative efforts will revolve around the use of virtual instruments on multiple tracks.  I'd like to be able to record a virtual instrument track using my Korg Microkey2 MIDI Controller with no perceptible input lag/latency and then be able to play the entire multi-track virtual instrument composition back.
 
I may at some point want to record, say, a single guitar track so I'm guessing I'll need at least one input.
 
In the past I've had internal PCI sound cards (EMU 0404) and have always steered clear of USB/Firewire as I'm rightly or wrongly under the impression that the recording latencies are higher with external interfaces.  Is this still the case?
 
The Focusrite series of USB/Firewire interfaces looks interesting (although the Firewire option may have problems running on my system due to the VIA 1394 IEEE chipset and Windows 10 problems mentioned on the Focusrite website).
 
So, any advice on an interface that will allow me to accomplish the above?  Budget is up to £200.  System Specs as follows:
 
Intel I7 950
ASUS P6X58D-E (with on-board VIA 1394 Firewire chipset)
8GB RAM
2 x 1TB 7200RPM WD Hardrives
Windows 10
Sonar X3 Producer
 
Advice would be much appreciated.
 
Thanks.

phil_mayne
Hi Guys,
 
Hope it's OK to resurrect an old thread, but the content is appropriate to what I'm about to ask.
 
I'm a hobbyist music maker, trying to get back into the game after a couple of years out and am facing the eternal problem of which audio interface to buy.
 
I've read the details on the Cakewalk Blog about how to choose an interface (posted in one of the responses above) but the advice seems to be weighted towards users who intend to record live instruments.
 
My requirements are much simpler.  All of my creative efforts will revolve around the use of virtual instruments on multiple tracks.  I'd like to be able to record a virtual instrument track using my Korg Microkey2 MIDI Controller with no perceptible input lag/latency and then be able to play the entire multi-track virtual instrument composition back.
 
I may at some point want to record, say, a single guitar track so I'm guessing I'll need at least one input.
 
In the past I've had internal PCI sound cards (EMU 0404) and have always steered clear of USB/Firewire as I'm rightly or wrongly under the impression that the recording latencies are higher with external interfaces.  Is this still the case?
 
The Focusrite series of USB/Firewire interfaces looks interesting (although the Firewire option may have problems running on my system due to the VIA 1394 IEEE chipset and Windows 10 problems mentioned on the Focusrite website).
 
So, any advice on an interface that will allow me to accomplish the above?  Budget is up to £200.  System Specs as follows:
 
Intel I7 950
ASUS P6X58D-E (with on-board VIA 1394 Firewire chipset)
8GB RAM
2 x 1TB 7200RPM WD Hardrives
Windows 10
Sonar X3 Producer
 
Advice would be much appreciated.
 
Thanks.

Focusrite has a simple, 1-mic input USB interface, which yes, you'll want if you ever want to record vocals or guitar. Thing is, you'll be hard pressed to find an interface without a mic input. On my i5 desktop, I can get latency down to 1ms if I want with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i4. So USB is fine for what you are doing. In fact, more virtual instruments in your session is more taxing on your CPU than many audio tracks.