Looking for an inexpensive computer/recording interface?

[vi5]

I use a few different programs on my computer to record music but I currently go through just the mic input on my computer's sound card. I'm looking for an acceptable but inexpensive usb or firewire interface with an input for patch cords to run through the interface and into the computer via usb or firewire. But I need it to work with different programs and not be tied to one piece of software.

[billyskank]

1. I'd have thought your option is a USB sound card then

But your existing sound card is not "tied to one piece of software" at all. Why do you say that?

[vi5]

2. Huh?

I'm not sure what you're asking. I just wasn't sure if something was a USB or firewire connect rather than through a sound card if it would be tied to a particular piece of software. I've never used on so I don't know.

[billyskank]

3. Oh, right

A USB sound card shouldn't be tied to any piece of software. Recording through such a device won't really be different to what you do now, though.

[asthmaticeog]

4. I think you're asking after something like the Line6 TonePort?

http://line6.com/toneport/

[B3Nut]

5. M-Audio makes good interfaces

Here is a link to their USB and FireWire interfaces. I use one of their internal cards, I'd expect the external interfaces to have the same good-sounding converters as my Audiophile 2496 has. They work with any standard audio software, and also work with ProTools M-Powered as well.

http://www.m-audio.com/index.php?do=products.list&ID=mobileinterfaces

A great place to look for this gear is Sweetwater, their staff knows this stuff inside out.

http://www.sweetwater.com

Todd in Beerbratistan