I'm looking for recommendations. I want to get an inexpensive and simple recording interface for my PC. I'm just an amateur player and looking for something that is fun and easy to use.

My amp is a SpiderJam which has some good drum tracks and backing tracks built in and has some basic recording functions, but I would like to expand to multiple tracks. My amp also features RCA direct out jacks which I might like to plug into the interface to use the drum tracks. I would also like to be able to record jams with my friends.

So to all you knowledgeable forumites, what are you using and what would be a good starting point for me? I have about $250 that I'd like to spend and I'm a PC guy (no mac).

Looking forward to some great input as always.

Thanks
~Kong

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I'd suggest a small mixer, tascam interface and audacity (free) software.
Total cost approx = $200.

Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

I have ACID Sony Music Studio 8.0. It0s great.

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I ordered a recording package the SHOULD work on my computer:

Vista Home Premium
AMD 64 x 2 Dual Core 2.6 GHz
2 GB RAM
32 BIT

Here is the package I bought - seems like a good deal for $200:

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Behringer-Podcastudio-Bundle-with-FireWire-Interface-?sku=240559

I checked the Behringer website for compatibility and it said Vista was supported. I'll be sure to post a review when I get it and hopefully a song or two.

I'm going to try the bundled software with the unit and I'll also see if it is compatible with Audacity.

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Behringer's not known for quality equipment, just cheap knockoff's of higher quality stuff. Personally I would go with one of the 4 or 8 track recorders from Tascam, Zoom etc. over the Behringer stuff.

Read the 2nd review about non-compatible with Vista comment. If it works for you, it looks like a great starter's package. Good luck!

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

Thanks for the tip Mike -
I did see that, but I noticed that the comment was a year old. I went to Behriger's website I did see that the Vista driver was download-able and they listed Vista as a supported OS.

Nice thing about Musician's Friend is that I have 45 days to send it back if it doesn't work. I really do hope it works though.

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Give it a try, if by chance it doesn't work, you can download ASIO4ALL for no charge and it might even work with that?

http://fileforum.betanews.com/detail/AS ... 80068068/1

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Being able to play and enjoy music is a gift that's often taken for granted.

Don't leave home without it!

i use a line 6 ux2 which comes with amp and effects modelling software called pod farm. check out my page on myspace if you want to hear what I have done with it. Hope this helps a bit. http://www.myspace.com/eccentric0