Hi all. I have succumbed to peer pressure and frustration and I'm replacing my Sound Blaster with something better. I'd like to stay under $100, and I have no need to record lots of external instruments. I just want low latency and the ability to play and record keyboards, ASIO capability and easy compatibility with Sonar. I'm looking at the Focusrite Scarlett Solo, which is just under $100; any reason not to get one of those? Anything you think is better? Would appreciate any recommendations.
 
Cheers
 
Alex

I'll just say: in almost any category, the "best" will generally give you more satisfaction longer than the "cheapest".   If you have $100, you probably could have $200.  If you have $200 you probably could have $800. 

alexwoods
I just want low latency and the ability to play and record keyboards, ASIO capability and easy compatibility with Sonar.

Alex, I don't see how you can record keyboads with this if they're stereo.  You only get on mic channel and one instrument channel.
 
Low latency is a function of price.
 

What about second hand? Ebay ect.?

Thanks all. Not crazy about second hand because I might have to return it, as I'm doing with the Sound Blaster. And by keyboards I meant midi and VST. I guess I should have listed my gear. Dell desktop with i7, 16g RAM, Casio Privia digital piano, M-Audio monitors. The issue right now is if I set everything for the lowest possible latency, there is still some lag with the keyboards, and playback is just a poppy mess so there's no way to play along with anything. Surely the Scarlett would be fine for this?
 
Thanks again
 
Alex

The Scarlet would do just fine

There are many interfaces between $100-200.  Focusrite is fine and would be my buy at this end of the market.  There seem to be a lot of satisfied users here.  The other thing is the new Tascam units, but those list mostly at retail prices so far.
 
@

The Scarlett it is! Thanks team. 

Maybe a stupid point , but do you not need a midi interface rather than just audio?
Ric

eric.birchall
Maybe a stupid point , but do you not need a midi interface rather than just audio?
Ric

Actually a good point and the 2i4 should suit Alex's needs very well (for around $150):

Front panel

• 2 line/mic/instrument combination inputs - high quality XLR/ ¼ “ TRS Jack Combo
• 2 line/inst switches
• 2 illuminating “PAD” buttons
• 2 Gain knobs
• 2 Gain halo signal indicators
• 48V Phantom power switch
• MIDI activity LED indicator
• USB connection LED indicator
• “DIRECT MONITOR” control
• “STEREO/MONO” switch for direct monitor
• Large monitor level dial (controls headphone and line level outputs)
• Headphone output - ¼” TRS Jack
• Headphone level knob
• “HEADPHONE SOURCE” switch

 

Rear panel

• 2 balanced monitor outputs – TRS (channels 1-2)
• 4 unbalanced outputs – RCA Phono (channels 1-4)
• MIDI IO
• USB 2.0 Port
• Kensington Lock slot

 
http://us.focusrite.com/usb-audio-interfaces/scarlett-2i4