New to recording - cheap interface?

[taparoo]

So I don't really know anything about recording and I've been looking to get started recording mostly my acoustic. I know I need some kind of mixer/preamp to record to my computer. I'm wondering what mixer/preamp/interface some of you would recommend for under $150? I'm obviously not concerned about top-of-the line sound quality/features at that price - I'm more interested in just getting things down on track and possibly upgrading later.

I've been looking at this: Behringer Eurorack UB802 Mixer
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=631238

Would this suffice? Would I just go into the line-in of my comp with that?

[Kahn]

I use an M-Audio MobilePre. I got it for $150 about 4 years ago, so I imagine you can get the equivalent with firewire for about the same price these days. Plus, its compatible with Pro Tools. I don't use Pro Tools, but I know a lot of people who do, so its good to have in case.

FWIW, I've heard bad things about Behringer

[SimsUK]

Behringer BUHHHHHHHH--LOWS.

For recording a guitar, you should look for a stereo interface. You want to be able to mic the guitar with two mics at once (and then mix/eq/add effects to your liking in post).

A stereo interface is also nice for recording a quick vocal and guitar demo or a scratch track.

PreSonus makes really solid stuff and http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AudioBoxUSB/ would be a good fit for what you need.

Curiosity/recording dork questions:
What software are you using and what's in your mic collection? Software is obviously infoable, but good mics are, generally worth their prices.

[taparoo]

I just have Audacity, and I was looking to get a couple Shure SM57s (those seem to be one of the best mics you can get for the price)

And thanks for the response, Sims. That's exactly the kind of thing I'm looking for.

[SimsUK]

SM57s are solid, solid mics.

BUT

I don't know if I'd recommend them first as your primary recording mics. They require tons tons tons of clean gain to get a recordable signal out of, which this preamp simply won't provide you. Condenser mics will require less gain and probably serve you better.

This set would be a nice, nice one to start with, at less cost than you'll pick up even two used SM57s. http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/AT2041sp/

I have always found AT's mics to be significantly better than their price point, and with that combo you'd get a large and a small diaphragm mic, which will continue to serve you as your recording needs go.

Another possibility, for instance, is going with a pair of these.
http://www.sweetwater.com/store/detail/Percep120/

[Kahn]

If it helps you decide, I use SM57s to record my guitar. I dunno if you've listened to any of my recordings though