Help with audio interface :)

[Deji]

Hi, sorry for being a total newb, I know next to nothing about recording stuff despite reading through some of the material here

Anyhow, I need an audio interface for my PC for "home studio" purposes, i.e. I want to record myself at home. I have a guitar, synth and plan on getting a microphone.

So I would really like an audio interface to replace my onboard audio, the interface should have at minimum the option of recording singing and either guitar or the keyboard at once, plus midi would be really nice.

I tried using the Soundcard Wizard supplied on the site, which reccomended me EMU 0404 USB, which is the same model one of my friends reccomended.

My problem here is I don't even know how many inputs I need: I use a guitar workstation (GNX3000), which has 2 XLR outputs - left and right. My logic says that I need at least 3 inputs to record from the mic and the workstation at once. Or should I forget the XLR outputs and just run the signal through a single 1/4" output? (The workstation has a 2 XLR outputs: L&R, 2 1/4" outputs: L&R and a single headphones 1/4" output, which I currently use to run the signal to the amp)

Are there any advantages to having both left and right channel for the guitar signal or should I just forget about these nuances at my price range (100-200EUR) and get the 0404?

It also suggested the Mackie Onyx 400F, which is 600EUR, but seems to be a notch above the Emu. Maybe I should just save up for a year or so and get a more professional interface?

Thanks in ahead

[brandondrury]

My problem here is I don't even know how many inputs I need: I use a guitar workstation (GNX3000), which has 2 XLR outputs - left and right. My logic says that I need at least 3 inputs to record from the mic and the workstation at once. Or should I forget the XLR outputs and just run the signal through a single 1/4" output? (The workstation has a 2 XLR outputs: L&R, 2 1/4" outputs: L&R and a single headphones 1/4" output, which I currently use to run the signal to the amp)

In this case, it sounds like you want 3.

Are there any advantages to having both left and right channel for the guitar signal or should I just forget about these nuances at my price range (100-200EUR) and get the 0404?

I use real amps and seldom track with more than a single mic, so when I record guitars I only record a mono signal. If you are adding stereo effects and such of you emulator box, you'll obviously loose those if you only record in mono. With that said, I don't put too much stock in the stereo effects most of the time. Unless it's a crucial part to the creativity of the song, I'd just add the effects later anyway. So, long story short, mono is generally fine.

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Brandon