Topic: USB interface replacement for Sony m10

[TimSmith]

Hi all!

I've been recording guitar at home with m10 + Church Audio CA14 mics. I'm quite pleased with results so far, but now I want to record directly to PC. The budget is $100-200.
The question is what USB sound card should I buy in order not to lose in sound quality? I don't want to end up with anything that will make recordings more noisy. And I want to spend as little as possible.
And yes, I still will be using CA14 for now and I have a battery box for them.

Thanks.

[vanark]

I have a Behringer UCA222 that I use as my USB sound interface. It has RCA inputs, so I assume you could use a mini > RCA cable for direct input into your computer. $28.99 on Amazon, B&H, and just about everywhere else.

[TimSmith]

I have a Behringer UCA222 that I use as my USB sound interface. It has RCA inputs, so I assume you could use a mini > RCA cable for direct input into your computer. $28.99 on Amazon, B&H, and just about everywhere else.

Would not I need an external mic preamp for this?

[vanark]

Not sure, I've never done that exactly. I could probably test it out later this week as I have CA-11s and a battery box. Or if someone else has experience, they can chime in.

[vanark]

Not sure, I've never done that exactly. I could probably test it out later this week as I have CA-11s and a battery box. Or if someone else has experience, they can chime in.

I tested this morning -
CA-11 > UBB > USB Audio device = no signal on computer
CA-11 > UBB > M-10 > headphone out > USB Audio device = signal on computer

So, I think you are correct - you need a preamp of some sort to use the UCA222 device.

[TimSmith]

So, I think you are correct - you need a preamp of some sort to use the UCA222 device.

Thanks a lot, appreciate it! I will aim for something more advanced.

[goodcooker]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

USB and sounds surprisingly clear for home recording in an untreated room. Don't expect a miracle but it's nice for a low budget interface.