Looking For Home Recording Help, Best solution to start recording? Options

[TacoMan]

I've done some extensive searching and reading in regards to the best USB interface/software solution and can't seem to figure out the best path.

I have been playing acoustic guitar (primarily rhythm) for 15+ years. I am looking for an interface that will allow me to lay down guitar and vocal tracks -- and then perhaps add other tracks such as percussion. I have absolutely no experience recording so a lot of the info that I've read regarding features and specs goes over my head. Since this is new to me, I prefer to spend only a modest amount of cash.

Should I go with an interface such as the Edirol UA-25 or Tascam US122 (or other) and then add free/inexpensive recording software (e.g. Audacity)? If so, which interface and software?

Or, should I invest a little more and get a more complete package such as Lexicon Omega, Mackie Spike, MBox, etc? Are f these products more than I will need for my purposes?

Thanks in advance for your advice and recommendations.
Taco

P.S. I will most likely be recording in Windows on a PC.

[zrobert]

Hi TacoMan! I’m an eighty year old retired, amateur, week-end, “acoustic” piano player, trying to learn computers and MIDI sequencing. I have both “platforms”. I recently bought a Headband microphone and accessories from a helpful sales rep, so I asked the same question you did about an Interface. He said the Alesis Multimix 8 USB mixer would be perfect for I wanted to do. That is, play piano or a synthesizer with a rhythm machine and sing, while recording into the computer. I’m in the process of hooking the mixer up now. I’m waiting for support@alesis.com to answer a couple questions, so I don’t blow something out before I get started! I’ve already had that misfortune on the front panel MIC IN jack on one PC. I plugged in the rhythm machine, which I believe did the damage. The Alesis Multimix 8 USB mixer comes bundled with Cubase LE Multitrack Recording Software. Everything is compatible with both the PC and Mac. I’ve installed the Cubase LE on both the MAC OS X 10.3 and the PC XP Pro. That’s it! I’ve just installed them. I’ve yet to learn how to use them. I saved the best part for last. $150 for the mixer and the bundle! Check it out. It might be what you’re looking for. If I can be any further help…robert.anderson91@verizon.net.