Looking for a cheap, but good, audio interface.

[Elektronisch]

Also, im thinking of, possibly, instead of getting an Audio Interface, of getting a Mixer.

Getting decent audio interface and good monitors like Dynaudio or Genelecs would be a wise decision. Do that instead of getting deep mind and a mixer (you dont need a mixer now).

Look kid you will be doing music now and not in the future. Dont be silly and dont start from the backward end.

You are talking like anybody starting to learn something should get what only an experienced person will appreciate.
- a mike - yeah, get a Neumann
- a preamp - yeah, get a neve

When starting off - you don't even need monitors - phones will be fine.
When you've done enough mixes and getting tired of that it does not sound that good in various devices - then you can worry about monitors or better phones. Having to redo mixes a dozen times before getting there - then you want monitors, or a little bit earlier to remain sane.

A hardware synth like DM is way to go - and some audio interface from a brand that maintain their drivers.

There is endless fun in exploring a synth - as well as having a keyboard to use with computer for free. Ability to play without starting up computers and software as first level to even start playing a bit.

Mouseclicking fest is not what anybody want from a musical interest.

Im talking because i started making music when i was a little bit older then the kid is now and after a year or two it became a job i have been making a living out of music since then. So i have my share of expierience.

P.s. and i also had bought a mixer lol

Lfm dont mix up making music fun with just playing 1 sound or sound designing fun. They are 2 connected but at the same time different things.

[fedexnman]

I'd STAY in the BOX 1st ( computer ) to get you started . this is SUPER EASY to do .....
1. NI Komplete Audio 1 or 2 , keep you $100 - $129 or a bit over kill the Komplete Audio 6 for $250 ( audio interface)
2. Sennheiser 280 pro (headphones) $99
3. Novation Launchkey mini mk3 ... 25 key 16 drumpads $109 ...
4. This is the hardest choice I picked out 3 synth type DAWs for you ..... 1. Reason 11 the $99 version 2. Mulab MuTools . 3. Tracktion Waveform .

[lfm]

Im talking because i started making music when i was a little bit older then the kid is now and after a year or two it became a job i have been making a living out of music since then. So i have my share of expierience.

But it's a process, wouldn't you say?
And it does not become a profession for most of us.

We have to spend some education money along the way - and that is not waisted money at all. You know a lot more of what you want next purchase you make.

I know some people have the workflow of writing songs in the computer - in the daw on timeline even. But I find it much quicker job in computer if you know what you want to do - like having played around with an instrument without computer and have at least a chord progression or something first. There are so many options in computer - that is a hurdle to climb alone.

You can program chords on DM, so that helps out too. One key make a chord for you, if two handed is hard at first. A wizard to set it up.

32-step sequencer is something to have fun with too - before doing computer stuff.

Or activate hold - and just take a chord - and it runs for you while fiddling with the faders and buttons to adjust sound a bit.

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

I don't entirely have a budget yet, I'll have to discuss one with my dad.

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

I'm mainly just trying to find something good before November 30 (My birthday, I'll be 15), as my parents are really asking for a list.

I'm not trying to drain all their money for me, on music-related stuff/things, but I do want at least some decent quality things.

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

I'd STAY in the BOX 1st ( computer ) to get you started . this is SUPER EASY to do .....
1. NI Komplete Audio 1 or 2 , keep you $100 - $129 or a bit over kill the Komplete Audio 6 for $250 ( audio interface)
2. Sennheiser 280 pro (headphones) $99
3. Novation Launchkey mini mk3 ... 25 key 16 drumpads $109 ...
4. This is the hardest choice I picked out 3 synth type DAWs for you ..... 1. Reason 11 the $99 version 2. Mulab MuTools . 3. Tracktion Waveform .

Thanks, I already have a DAW, FL Studio (trial/demo), and Ableton Live Lite 10.1.
I also already have a MIDI Controller, the Alesis V25 MIDI Keyboard. As I've said before, I'm tired of just messing around with a mouse with all the knobs on VSTs, and I seem to have found all of the good free VSTs I can find, and I'm getting tired of them.
I want something physical, I want a synthesizer.


Also, I've picked out these Superlux HD668B Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones. How would you recommend them?

[Unaspected]

I'm not trying to drain all their money for me, on music-related stuff/things, but I do want at least some decent quality things.

This is the best attitude to have, no matter where the money is coming from. Holding out for better gear is worth it. Audio gear isn't cheap but it doesn't have to be top of the range.

I haven't read all the replies but the room you place monitor speakers in makes a big difference. There will be a point of diminishing returns beyond which, more money spent will no longer reward with expected results.

So for now - whilst you're still getting used to things over a couple of years - "good enough" will be a sensible level to aim for.

Read as much as you can about the technical aspects of audio engineering and train your ears the best you can.

It might be that no one has mentioned this yet and it might seem like a boring and very simple thing but learning how to "gain stage" is a really important fundamental to getting the best out of your gear - both hardware and software.

Try and be objective. Ask lots of questions - like you're doing here. Stay interested and you'll stay interesting.

Most of all. Have fun!

As for an audio interface, do as you have been doing: Work out what your needs are - what you want to do with it - and then find something that can satisfy those specifications. There are plenty of good, low priced audio interfaces around these days.

Another thing that will help is if you look at the spec sheets of these interfaces and then research so that you understand how to read them. This will be one of your best methods to compare hardware - allowing you to create a shortlist from which you can then work out which has better drivers, reliability, etc. by visiting forums like this. Don't trust magazine reviews as they're mostly paid adverts - Tape Op Magazine maybe being an exception.

That's probably enough for now.

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

I'm not trying to drain all their money for me, on music-related stuff/things, but I do want at least some decent quality things.

This is the best attitude to have, no matter where the money is coming from. Holding out for better gear is worth it. Audio gear isn't cheap but it doesn't have to be top of the range.

I haven't read all the replies but the room you place monitor speakers in makes a big difference. There will be a point of diminishing returns beyond which, more money spent will no longer reward with expected results.

So for now - whilst you're still getting used to things over a couple of years - "good enough" will be a sensible level to aim for.

Read as much as you can about the technical aspects of audio engineering and train your ears the best you can.

It might be that no one has mentioned this yet and it might seem like a boring and very simple thing but learning how to "gain stage" is a really important fundamental to getting the best out of your gear - both hardware and software.

Try and be objective. Ask lots of questions - like you're doing here. Stay interested and you'll stay interesting.

Most of all. Have fun!

As for an audio interface, do as you have been doing: Work out what your needs are - what you want to do with it - and then find something that can satisfy those specifications. There are plenty of good, low priced audio interfaces around these days.

Another thing that will help is if you look at the spec sheets of these interfaces and then research so that you understand how to read them. This will be one of your best methods to compare hardware - allowing you to create a shortlist from which you can then work out which has better drivers, reliability, etc. by visiting forums like this. Don't trust magazine reviews as they're mostly paid adverts - Tape Op Magazine maybe being an exception.

That's probably enough for now.

Thank you!

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

I think I've possibly found a good one, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface.

[Passing Bye]

Also, I've picked out these Superlux HD668B Dynamic Semi-Open Headphones. How would you recommend them?

Good choice, Superlux is the way to go, as I already recommended them to you, also Behringer U-Phoria for audio interfaces and Fluid Audio for studio monitors, that's best low budget solutions you can find.

[vurt]

I think I've possibly found a good one, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface.

haven't used it myself, but theres a few folk here have mentioned them. i have a version with more inputs on my shortlist for future upgrade as ive read good things from people here

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

Ok, thanks! I think I've figured just about everything out now, probably! Thanks everyone!

[vurt]

Ok, thanks! I think I've figured just about everything out now, probably! Thanks everyone!

one thing i will say, whatever you choose and receive, have fun! enjoy the ride

[donkey tugger]

I think I've possibly found a good one, the Behringer U-Phoria UMC204HD Audio Interface.

haven't used it myself, but theres a few folk here have mentioned them. i have a version with more inputs on my shortlist for future upgrade as ive read good things from people here

Excellent quality. I've got a 204 and a 404. Really low noise recording, stable, nice monitoring, and built like tanks. Make sure you download and install the current driver from the Behringer site.

[Fox_GAMING_NTF]

The only real final thing I think I need to figure out is what cable I should get. I know I want it to be stereo, that's about it.