Following on from last week’s top 5 Bass heads (for a reasonable price), this week we’re looking at USB and Firewire Audio Interfaces that are perfect for home recording (without breaking your bank).

This article isn’t a top 5/10 (pick a number) list of interfaces. We’re just looking at portable and reliable options for musicians who need to record their basic set-up (Guitar, Bass, Vocal, possibly drums).

The first thing we need to discuss is the dreaded USB vs Firewire conversation. For anyone who doesn’t know the difference, a USB (Universal Serial Bus) is what allows us to connect our interface (in this example) to our computer (whether that’s a Mac or PC).

We could get lost in this for months (maybe even years) but lets just keep it simple and relevant here.

USB connectors have two types of connections, a type A and type B at each end of the cable with their male and female counterparts producing a four connection (type A male and female and type B male and female). This allows high-speed data transfer, with USB 2.0 and 3.0 being the best for audio interfaces due to the high-speed transfer (best sound quality and zero latency).

Firewire cabling is similar to USB as it allows for data transfer between an external source (audio interface) and your computer (Mac or PC). Firewire is normally preferred for audio transfer and recording as the quality and speed are greater than the USB 2.0 system. However with the introduction of the USB 3.0, the USB 3.0 has greater speed capability over the Firewire cabling, although USB 3.0 is used for many interfaces.  

The main thing to remember as a recording musician or engineer is: that your computer is compatible with the connection system and make sure you run nothing below USB 2.0 as you will experience latency and sound quality degradation.

In this case, more is more not less. Now, we can finally move on to the interfaces.

We aren’t short on selection as most companies produce a wide range of products ranging from 2in/2out (2 inputs, 2 outputs) to 6 and above. Each has its own signature look and is usually sold in association with further plug-in products to increase their potential production.

I will mention now that any users of Pro Tools (any version) should check what hardware is compatible. With earlier releases such as Pro Tools LE, you are limited to Avid and Digidesign hardware (interfaces). 

Although Pro Tools 9 advertised that any hardware is compatible, there can still be problems due to the buffering size of the program. So please check before buying anything if you plan to use Pro Tools.

For all other DAW (Digital Audio Workstation), you are limitless to your choices on interfaces. 

The focusrite Scarlett 2i2 is perfect for guitar; bass and vocal work as the interface is: portable, easy to use, has high D/A A/D conversion (digital to analogue, analogue to digital), supports USB 2.0, allows phantom power (48 volts for powered microphones) and more.

If you’re looking for something more portable but still with the high quality focusrite pre-amp, the Forte would be a popular choice. 

This device has external inputs, which are connected via a breakout cable to reduce the size of the unit. The outputs can be found on the unit itself but the four ins are through the breakout cable (2 XLR and 2 TRS (tip/ring/sleeve) instrument connections).

This unit has all the positives of the 2i2 with a little variation to the size and design. 

A good old classic (for guitar and bass players) is of course the Line 6 production line. With the POD unit, you used to have a sole guitar and bass unit, which allowed great variation in tone, effects and amp simulation. With The POD studio UX2 you have two XLR and two instrument inputs, similar to the Focusrite Forte.  

The additional POD farm plug-in (which comes with the unit) allows for all of the variation found in the original POD units (both guitar and bass effects and amp simulation). For one self-contained unit (interface and POD farm), you have direct access to great tones instantly.

The two Focusrite interfaces don’t have that versatility, but do offer other plug-ins. Additional plug-ins can be purchased from the Internet or company websites, which will offer great tonal variation for all recordings purposes.

The first firewire interface for this article but also the first interface to feature a few ground breaking features. These features are incorporated on to the unit to give you the best sound instantly before recording.

The unit allows you to add compression and reverb at the monitoring stage so no further plug-ins have to be loaded from the DAW while recording. This allows for a more natural sounding recording from the initial stages, which makes postproduction so much easier.

This won’t break the bank and with 8 analogue XLR/instrument inputs (on the back) and 2 front panel channels, this is the perfect interface for recording drums.

The two front panel channels are equipped for XLR or instrument inputs and feature a limiter, drive and gain makeup control alongside the standard gain knob giving great versatility and tone for an instrument pre-amplifier or for vocal/drum recordings.

This unit has all the high quality components of the other interfaces, including the firewire connection but has 10 outputs for monitors and other devices.

Of course it is the most expensive but you have 10 channels of audio, great on-board controls to tailor two channels with great detail (for an interface). The Firestudio Tube is the most versatile interface alongside the TC electronics Impact Twin (reverb and compression on-board controls for two channels and 4 analogue TRS and 10 digital ins/outs).

Whatever you decide to record at home, there are interfaces for all purposes. Portable and robust for the travelling musician, high amount of inputs for drum recordings and interfaces which include plug-ins or on-board controls to give vocalists or guitarists that little extra enhancement.

One final warning. If you are recording drums or vocals, please consider the microphones being used, the room you are recording in and your DAW.

I hope you enjoyed reading my article and if you have any feedback please don’t hesitate to get in touch!! 

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Steven Swift