Hi all, I am new here so this subject might have been covered already. I am re-entering the world of software recording after years of using other methods. I'm getting ready to jump into Sonar X1 Producer - after using Pro Audio years ago. What are the best interfaces to use? Here's what I need: 1. minimum of 4 inputs 2. USB 2.0 or 3.0 connection 3. Rack-mount capability or adapter 4. And I'd like to stay in the $300 range or so or less (so I'd be willing to go used) thanks for the help! -ryan

M-Audio Delta 1010's are great for a budget...I think you can get them for around $200 now...give or take...I had great success with them when I first started out. Happy hunting and good luck... David

focusrite saffire 6 or scarlett

I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 18i6 for $300 and it's awesome. You get way more for your money than other interfaces and their support is great. You get two multi ins with really nice mic pres and and an additional 6 line ins. 1 MIDI in/out. 1 SPDIF in out and an optical connector that you can use to connect extra inputs devices to. If you are using 44.1khz the optical connector provides 8 additional inputs and 4 inputs for sample rates higher than that. It also has a monitor level knob which is super handy (no need to have an external monitor/headphone controller) as well as a really nice headphone output. The only thing I's say it is lacking is extra outputs. It only has two outs (left/right) but that's not really a big deal with a modern recording set up and I doubt you'll be able to find an interface with much more than that in that price range. You also get a bunch of Focusrite plug ins and a copy of Ableton Live Light. It is USB 2.0 and uses a separate wall adapter for power so you aren't drawing power VIA USB which I've heard can sometimes cause problems. I don't think it's rackmountable but it is small enough that you could toss it in between two other units in a rack and it'll fit.

Oh and it's not an ULTRA low latency device like others on the market but if you have a decent computer you should be fine. I've got mine set to the lowest latency and I'm getting around 7ms roundtrip so that's not 2ms like some other devices will provide but it's more than usable and it isn't noticeable at all (to my ears anyway). The units that DO provide those crazy low latency numbers are usually more expensive with less features too. Also the 18i6 has a direct monitoring feature so if you are just tracking stuff like vocals, guitar (you can't use internal effects plugs when using DM), drums, etc... you can track with zero latency. That doesn't work for soft synths though.

sweetwater is selling the saffire 6 (focusrite) for $130 on what they call a labor day sale.  Unless I needed more inputs that'd be my choice if money was the limiting reagent.  A lot of value for the gelt there.

  I'd like to get at least 4 inputs, preferably 6 or 8. I'm looking at the Tascam US1800, or the US800. Do either one of those work with well with Sonar? Again, I'm new at this so thanks for all the info you can provide. :)

I'd like to get at least 4 inputs, preferably 6 or 8. I'm looking at the Tascam US1800, or the US800. Do either one of those work with well with Sonar? Again, I'm new at this so thanks for all the info you can provide. :)

FWIW, I'd avoid Tascam USB audio interfaces.
Very high round-trip latency...

I'd point you to the new Audiobox VSL interfaces from Presonus.
Great features for the price... and low round-trip latency.

Be WARNED with 1010's and MAudio in general if you are going 64bit...Their drivers suck satans balls and cause nothing but issues. How do I know? ...I have one and struggle with the Win7 64 bit drivers.....

I say better off with some MOTU gear...

Frostysnake


M-Audio Delta 1010's are great for a budget...I think you can get them for around $200 now...give or take...I had great success with them when I first started out. Happy hunting and good luck... David

The Saffire 6 only has 2 inputs.