Best REALLY cheap recording hardware

[kludge]

Originally Posted by ethyn408

Hey,
All I want is a simple device that will be able to record my keyboard and possibly bass to my computer, using Reaper (14 inch to USB). I did some researching and found this :
Amazon.com: Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface: Musical Instruments
I was wondering if this would be okay to record songs, because I noticed many of the people in the comments were just converting vinyl to MP3. If it isn't, could someone help me find a device that will do what I want? I only need one 1/4 inch slot because I'm going to be recording each song one instrument at a time.
Thanks in advance.

If you want "REALLY cheap", stop worrying about "best". Surfing the net for reviews and advice on the cheapest possible gear is a disease that prevents recording.

Do you need a mic input? Does it have one?

[ethyn408]

Originally Posted by kludge

If you want "REALLY cheap", stop worrying about "best". Surfing the net for reviews and advice on the cheapest possible gear is a disease that prevents recording.

Do you need a mic input? Does it have one?

I don't need a mic input, as I won't be singing. I was just wondering if someone has had some experience with good, cheap gear that's maybe $30-60 and can recommend this or another product.

[RoadToNever]

I will probably be fine, from what I've read it performs admirably for the price. You'll need a buffer/DI for you bass though but if you have any pedals they could do the job in bypass mode(not true-bypass). Have you though about MIDI connectivity?

[RickFuimo]

Originally Posted by ethyn408

Hey,
All I want is a simple device that will be able to record my keyboard and possibly bass to my computer, using Reaper (14 inch to USB). I did some researching and found this :
Amazon.com: Behringer UCA202 Audio Interface: Musical Instruments
I was wondering if this would be okay to record songs, because I noticed many of the people in the comments were just converting vinyl to MP3. If it isn't, could someone help me find a device that will do what I want? I only need one 1/4 inch slot because I'm going to be recording each song one instrument at a time.
Thanks in advance.

That interface doesnt have a 1/4" input, just rca...so you could purchase that as well as a cheap behringer mixer (a xenyx) and have the stereo output of the mixer going into that interface...then into your computer.

[mattjew24]

I did the Xenyx route myself for a new taste and you can achieve a lot with a mixer and a stereo input.

[NEWTON IN ORBIT]

Hard to beat this for your budget.
EMU 0404 USB 2.0 PROFESSIONAL AUDIO RECORDING PLAYBACK DEVICE | eBay

The quality will surprise you.

Pretty sure you CAN run this with win 7, disregard the info in the auction. Still, do a search and see if others are doing it.

EDIT: Here is the win 7 BETA driver:
http://support.creative.com/Downloads/welcome.aspx

Funny, the bid is up to a whopping $9.00.

Unbelievable how cheap this stuff is getting.

Good luck,
john

[Melvin III]

eBay is your best friend

[stuartb]

I have that behringer interface and i have to say it does a mighty fine job for what it is. personally i found the lack of mic input restrictive, but like you i needed a very cheap way to get stereo in/out, and i've never been keen on using built in soundcards.

I must have had it for 7/8 years now, and its still going strong. My mate has had it for the last few years, but im thinking of getting it back to setup my old macbook with my TV/home cinema system for watching Iplayer etc.

Cant compare it to other devices that cheap, but it did a good job for me at the time.

[piper]

If you can get your bass to line level, you can plug it into the built in sound on your PC. The quality isn't great, but it's super cheap. I was in a pawn shop the other day and saw a bin of sound cards, some of which would be superior to the built in sound.

[2manyrocks]

I keep the UCA202 in my laptop bag. You'd just need the right cables to connect your instruments to the rca inputs, and then set your level settings with the controls on your instruments. When I bought mine, the cheapest place was Amazon, and I think it was $29 new. I downloaded the drivers off Behringer's website to make sure I had the lastest drivers. Never had any issues.