Beginner interface recommendations?

guitargeek62

I'm looking for something that I can use to record some basic sketches in GarageBand (probably) with, and likely leverage an unused copy of HX Native that I have too, as well as a bunch of virtual synths etc. Mostly I'm looking for:

• USB-C based
• ¼ input(s) for guitar / bass
• MIDI input(s) would be handy too so that I can add a keyboard controller at a later date.
• Budget is <£200, anything more feels like utter overkill for my needs and skill-set!

I haven't decided on monitors yet, but will likely go back down the Yamaha HS-5/7 path as I was happy with them alongside a HX Floor system a few years back and they're easy to get hold of and a fair price.

Suggestions please, and thanks in advance!


p.s. I'm also considering a Line 6 POD Express / BOSS IR-2  / Katana Go as a practice tool & interface in one, but recognise the limitations of that route if so

Chris.B

I've been using an M-Audio  Air 192/6 for about a year without any problems  Instrument, MIDI and line level inputs all work well. 

I don't remember the exact price, but it was less than £200.

duotone

Axe_meister

You really can't go wrong with the Behringer UMC interfaces. You can get a 4 in 4 out (+2 monitor outs), with midi for £135.
The Midas pre-amps are really quite good.
Noise/latency, etc are up their with interfaces in the high end region. Saw a review recently and it beats the popular focusrite interfaces in most categories.
Cheapest version with midi, is the UMC204 HD, with 2 inputs and 4 outputs + Midi at £85

Heartfeltdawn

guitargeek62 said:

I'm looking for something that I can use to record some basic sketches in GarageBand (probably) with, and likely leverage an unused copy of HX Native that I have too, as well as a bunch of virtual synths etc. Mostly I'm looking for:

• USB-C based
• ¼ input(s) for guitar / bass
• MIDI input(s) would be handy too so that I can add a keyboard controller at a later date.
• Budget is <£200, anything more feels like utter overkill for my needs and skill-set!

I haven't decided on monitors yet, but will likely go back down the Yamaha HS-5/7 path as I was happy with them alongside a HX Floor system a few years back and they're easy to get hold of and a fair price.

Suggestions please, and thanks in advance!

I took the IK Axe Solo overseas with me and it performed really well. The DI on it is a step up from the budget interfaces I've owned. If you can handle it not being USB-C, the inputs are great, it has MIDI, and I had no problems with latency at all on a fairly low spec Lenovo Ideapad 3 Ryzen 3 laptop. Is it beating my RME UCXII? No. Is it very good for the money? Yes.

The Axe One does most of this and is USB-C.