Digital Audio Interface

From DCWiki

Digitial Audio Interfaces

Presonus Firebox

I just bought the presonus firebox and am loving it so far. Haven't used the preamps tho - I'm still plugging directly into the preamps on my Mackie vlz 1402.

Tascam 122 USB

I don't have first hand experience, but a friend uses a Tascam 122 USB interface, and is very happy with it. It has a mic-preamp. When I looked into getting an interface, I got the impression the Tascam has better user reviews than the M-audio stuff, but then I never got around to purchasing it myself.

M-Audio

The M-audio has an attractive price. Most complaints I've seen about these interfaces are configuration and installation problems. If you have any tech savvy I'm sure either would suffice.
I use the M-Audio Ozone. It's got a soundcard built in the midi controller and is ideal for mobility users. It also allows you to have separation from your computer (i.e. use any computer). I use it mostly with recording via Cakewalk for direct line instruments on PC or Logic Express/Garage Band on my mac (OS X).

Edirol

For bang for the buck and trying to get your bass/guitar/vocals into the computer, the Edirol UA-25 is a killer unit. You can also get preamp upgrades through oade if you want them.

Software

For tracking software, you want something that handles VST plugins. Personally, I use Cubase and I like it. I've used Pro Tools, Cakewalk, and Sonar. There is a pretty loyal Logic following and it has some great features but I don't know what platform you're on and as of last year, they no longer support PC, only Mac. Sonar is PC only. Cubase is agnostic and so is Pro Tools. They all pretty much do similar things. Go with the cheapest.

Pro Tools

Well I'd recommend Pro Tools LE even though I don't have it myself. My friend has it and we've used to record once in a while.

Reason

However, what I CAN answer for you is software for drum tracks. Try Propellerheads' Reason. Its the easiest tool I've used for creating drum tracks. They recreate a studio rack, so you can add as many virtual devices you want. They have a range of synthesizers, drum machines, loopers, etc. For f/x etc you'd still want to rely on something like ProTools etc, but for basic drum track creation this is awesome. I think they copied one of the roland drum machine designs.
I use propellerhead's reason 3 on both platforms. I haven't had any problems with it and love it! You do have to be patient as the number of octaves is limited (versus a full midi controller).
Reason doesn't have all the features one would want, but I think its the best you get without having to go into something professional, Ideally I think, it might be easier and more effective buying a drum machine and finding samples... In the end it probably requires lesser effort to record this way.

Acid

If you're ok with using sampled drum loops and are on a PC, I'd highly recommend checking out Acid. I'm pretty sure you can record live tracks to it, and for sheer ease of use in manipulating cut up samples or arranging your original parts, it can't be beat. Basically it's the thing that Garage band was based off of (but then went further with the addition of the softsynths it comes bundled with).

You can do a whole heckuva lot with drum loops, btw.

Stylus RMX

For rhythm software, do yourself a favour and look into Stylus RMX. It kicks...

Adobe Audition

If simplicity is what you're looking for and you're really just doing audio tracks, I would look into Adobe Audition. It used to be Syntrillium CoolEdit Pro until Adobe picked it up but it was always a great little app. You can get it for less than $300 and it will do everything you need and is easy to use. Plus, it uses VST plugins so you can add just about anything on the market too it. It is Windows only however.

Samplitude

Another great app is Samplitude, also in the < $300 range. Also, highly recommended and much cheaper than the full blown studio apps.