Audio Interface Suggestions

[Skip Ellis]

I'll be getting an L-05 next Tuesday and I want to start getting set up to do some recording of my fingerstyle stuff. In the past, I've just used a Samson USB mic straight in to the USB port on my desktop using Audacity software but I'd like to up my game a little (low budget!) and go to a pair of small condenser mics (probably Behringer) and a USB interface that supports two mics and provides phantom power. Any suggestions? Total budget probably under $200. I'd like to stick with Audacity because it's free and I pretty much know how to operate it.

[unclrob]

You might want to see if you can find a pair of MXL mic's.They were sold by GC a while back and run used for about $50,Best set I ever bought for next to nothin.

[jpmist]

For a USB audio interface I'd recommend the one I ended up with after trying 3 other brands, Behringer UMC404HD

https://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/Computer-Audio/Audio-Interfaces/UMC404HD/p/P0BK1

4 channel, phantom power, I use it on a Mac with Garageband and it works great. Same price as most other brand's 2 channel models.

I also got a set of Behringer C2 condensor mics when I first started getting into recording and they sounded good to me. The Amazon reviews are pretty good as well.  The USB interface and mics are well within your budget.

https://www.music-group.com/Categories/Behringer/Microphones/Condenser-Microphones/C-2/p/P0263

Mark Knopfler song I recorded with the 2 Behringer mics using a Line 6 Pod Studio UX2, LSV-11 & Strat   http://soundclick.com/share.cfm?id=9282514  Maybe not audiophile perfect & my singing sux, but I think it's ok.

[rockstar_not]

To up your DAW software to a proper multi track software you can use Tracktion 5 for free. Proper latency compensation and real plugin support.

[mike in lytle]

 
Skip,
Previously mentioned by John, I also have a couple of Behringer C-2 mics (small diaphragm), inexpensive and I get good results with them.
Mic placement is an ongoing experiment.
Also have a couple MXL V63M (large diaphragm), inexpensive but I am still working with those.
Don't know about DAW interface cause I am recording on an older Alesis hard drive recorder.
Mike