Fantastic interface for home recording
938951
Works absolutely wonderfully. I use this with a MacBook Pro and GarageBand, to great success! I don't know how to access the included music software, but GarageBand works great for me so it's not an issue. Definitely get yourself a .25 to .5 adapter for headphones if you want to monitor your playing, or some studio headphones. The build in pad for electric guitars is a huge blessing, no worrying about playing to hard. Haven't had an opportunity to use the outputs, but overall, this has completely pushed my recordings to a new level of quality.
3921399
Initially, I was very, very critical of this DI system because I didn't understand the set-up/ideal uses. Because of that, I want to offer some help for people that plan on starting recording with this device.

#1: Most recording software is a pain to learn on. Mixcraft 7 is intuitive and exceedingly helpful.

#2: First thing you should do is download the Line 6 Monkey and download the updated driver for this. From there, get your account registered to activate POD Farm. This sounds like common knowledge, but when I bought this initially, I had no idea of how useful Line 6 Monkey is for ensuring the best performance.

#3: Unless you have gear that's over $1,000 or is modded for a very specific sound, this is a direct input interface. Basically, that means you want to run a clean signal (as in no pedals/amps) into it and create your tone in Pod Farm. DI encourages re-amping, which is a very professional and excellent way of retouching during mixing if you're a perfectionist.

Now, for the bang for the buck...Pod Farm is hailed by 'djent' guitarists, but its uses go far beyond that, and the various pedals included are generally excellent quality for tone shaping. I like to use external delays, but the screamer pedal in particular gets a lot of use. The audio quality is very good as well at 24 bits and 44.1 Khz recording quality.

Excellent price with a lot of versatility when you understand how to use it for ideal line-in recording. It's very portable, just be sure to use a clean instrument input and you'll get great results!

As a last note, there are a lot of softwares out there claiming to recreate the analog hiss that's out there...with this system, you can get that cleanness without having to fix up a recording room (unless you're doing vocals/drums through it.) Just add a touch of reverb and you get the best of both worlds!
2397967
This recorder is packed full of the good stuff! It has onboard storage and expandable storage.
3.5mm Microphone jack, Line In jack and headphone jack.
You can monitor audio as you make it! It has a display that's pretty thorough in the information that it shows.
You'll see record level, volume and battery levels, what folder you're recording in, audio levels, which are adjustable on the fly.
It also has a hold feature to lock down the recorder during recording.
A tripod screw hole for mounting to a tripod or mic stand.
The onboard microphones are stereo and record clean.
You can select you microphone type stereo or mono on the side of the recorder.
The recorder has nearly every feature that you'd want for recording video audio or music or voice recording.
You can record in .MP3 or .WAV at selectable bit rates and audio compression.
Connecting and transferring to a computer is easy with the supplied USB cable. (Comes with earbuds, too)
The unit can even powered by USB. Works on Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, 32 and 64 bit operating systems.
I haven't tried Apple Systems. I rated it 4 stars because the body of the unit feels slightly plasticky.
Just a little. I'll be careful with it. Wish it was more sturdy.
Overall, So far, I'm impressed. The audio quality is good.
The features I want are there. It's easy to use.
It compares to the Tascam and Zooms out there and it's less expensive.
Pyle appears to be much better than it's beginnings and I got my money's worth.
3912109
Using it on a Linux machine no compatibility issuesthe recordings are perfect. This isn't studio quality but its fantastic for a amateur or beginning artist or a band looking to cut a demo for a website. I'm very happy with it
178551
This mic is great for anyone wanting to get a foot in the door of home studio recording! The USB connectivity makes setting up the microphone super easy!
85027
After years of PC recording I finally got myself a Mac. But since I still got plenty of PC only software I started looking for an audio interface that would work with both platforms. After trying several other gadgets - including Digi MBox 2 Mini which despite high quality gave me trouble both with Vista and Snow Leopard - I got my hands on this one. I have to tell you: this little box is everything I was looking for! It may not have a particularly sexy look with its solid military-like rugged body style but it sure delivers! My initial concerns were noise level and ease of use. I didn't want to have to install a truckload of drivers that often end up cluttering your hard drive and are hard to get rid of. So, here's how it went down. On my 10.6 iMac it installed like a breeze; on my Vista HP laptop it was pretty easy too. I plugged in my good old Shure 58 into input 1 and electric guitar into input 2. Voila! Five minutes later I was recording my test session with Garageband! Then I simply pulled the USB plug out of Mac and popped it into my Vista laptop! My Mixcraft 5 recognized it immediately and I was recording on a PC without skipping a beat! It's solid, it's quiet and it rocks!
1083780
I bought a Mac mini a couple months ago to archive my tapes & photos (among other things). To convert my tapes to CD/MP3 I had to have some sort of USB or Firewire input device. Most pro Audio interfaces are over $100 and I figured what the heck, I'll try the iMic and even if it is a dog, I'll only be out $30 or so. Well, this little device provides great simultaneous 2 way stereo sound (i.e. recording/monitoring simultaneously) and I love it. The A to D converters on this thing are very good and I am totally pleased with the quality of the audio. My only gripe is that the line level/mic switch on the iMic seems to be labeled backwards as line level is with the switch towards the Mic icon. Griffin, why this one little flaw???

I plan to do some guitar/vocals thru the iMic via my Behringer mixer. But that is in the future. For $30 you can't go wrong. If I had paid $100 I would be saying the same thing. The only problem I have had recording is the 4200 RPM Mac Mini hard drive is apparently too slow (even with iMic plugged directly into computer and with audio buffers at various settings) to keep up with realtime recording and this causes severe audio stuttering.

The solution was to buy an external Firewire hard drive. Recording to an external firewire drive has totally solved my audio problems and so far I have converted about 15 audio/voice cassettes to CD and into my iTunes library as MP3s. All flawless and clean.  I listen to my old cassettes on my iPod shuffle now. I use Bias Peak LE and Bias Soundsoap to record/clean up the audio and let me just say that my little audio rig with the iMic as the front end....is AWESOME!!! You can't go wrong with this little jewel. I am one satisfied customer.
2189286
I installed this I/F card in a high end digital audio workstation after disabling it's internal VIA based FW I/F. I decided to use the SIIG TI based interface after reading compatibility information from Focusrite (Saffire Pro 14). I am happy to report that the installation and integration with the Saffire PRO 14 went flawlessly. The interface together with the PRO 14 significantly outperform the similar USB type interface that I was using (M-Audio C400). I can now set my buffer sizes larger (1024 byte), and have less latency than I experienced with smaller (512 byte) buffer sizes on the C400. The DAW CPU utilization is lower, so now I have nearly unlimited polyphony using sample intensive soft synths with Ableton Live 8.
1193119
The Alesis Multimix is the highest quality usb interface you can buy at its price. I bought one for my dorm room attached to the 50-wpc AudioSource 100 Amp. The two deliver clean sound with virtually no noise. I was originally attracted to this product because of its low price, but since learned it delivers better quality output and recording than many mixers for $100+. I've been completely satisfied recording tracks and playing music with this unit in my stereo setup.
4968140
I added the Big Knob to my small home-based studio. This was perfect for my multi-use, PC-based setup. While I have a TEAC TM-D1000 16 channel mixer for input duties, I was lacking in a simple method to switch between two different monitoring sets (Mackie HR824 mkII and a small set of bookshelf speakers to hear what mixes would sound played over a typical small home stereo) and different audio sources. The Big Knob allowed me to consolidate the "output" side of my workstation and have up-front, easy-to-reach controls for volume, signal routing and level indications. The two channel headphone amps/outputs are very welcome. The unbalanced signal paths and low-noise internal amplifiers keep the signal clean and true, adding no noisy artifacts or frequency response aberrations. Every input and output have level controls for normalizing signal levels. With the gain wide open and no signal, the internal preamps are dead silent. The Big Knob includes a phono input with built-in RIAA equalization and amplification for MM phono cartridges. There is a set up shorting plugs for the phono preamp input to use when this feature is not used; when the phono input is selected with nothing connected to it, the phono pre will produce a significant amount of white noise, this goes away when the turntable or the shorting plugs are connected.

The system is very solidly constructed, just like all Mackie products of this type. There is sufficient weight to ensure the thing will not slide around on the table, and won't get tugged about even with a full load of cables connected to the myriad rear panel jacks. The unit is supplied with two line cords, for USA and EU installations, and these cords are very generous in length. A built-in talkback mic is included to allow the engineer to talk with the performers on the other side of the glass either through the studio monitors or a separate headphone mix for the performers. Finally, as the central feature of the unit, the large volume knob is nicely weighted and operates a high-grade potentiometer allowing fine control of monitor speaker levels without any unbalanced audio levels at the lowest setting. The stereo mix comes up evenly from both channels from the zero setting on up. With most computer-based recording and playback systems, adjusting monitor levels is often done with onscreen controls. Being able to reach for a prominent physical knob for those times when the mix is too loud or inaudible rather than fumbling with the mouse is most welcome. Buttons around the knob allow for instant mute, a "dim" of the sound level to allow for discussions while the music is still audible in the background, and a hardwired mono function, the latter very useful for discovering out-of-phase stereo mixes or excessive phase shifts between channels. Your mix might sound fine in stereo, but it might get totally whacked when played back in mono. A quick press of the mono button lets you know in an instant.

I've been in need of something exactly like this for years, and the Big Knob fit the bill perfectly.
400476
I bought this mic for simple recording of acoustic guitar & vocals straight into a PC.  The sound is smooth, rich, and full on both the intrument interface....and the mic.  Remember, because of the interface capability, you will have to tie the two mono tracks to a stereo bus in your DAW software.  Otherwise the instrument will be on one side, and the vocals on the other during playback, (during recording, the headset monitoring "from the mic" is in stereo which of course you need).  Even if you're just using the mic, you still have to tie the track to a stereo bus as it only comes through on the left.  You also have to crank the mic gain up pretty high to achieve good recording levels for voice/vocals which can lead to some noise depending on your set-up, soundcard,and power quality.  So a nice USB pre-amp to go with this mic might be a big plus again depending on your set-up.  I've been very happy with this mic without a pre-amp, and I'm fairly certain you would be too.

P.S. This is a VERY sensitive, supercardioid mic!  The SP04 shock mount is a must!!!  A pop filter is HIGHLY recommended, and depending on the room...you may even want to use a wind screen to avoid air movement rumble.
2889842
I've had about 10 different usb and FireWire Audio Interfaces. Anything from MBox to Focusrite... The UR-242 is the best I've had by far. I couldn't be happier. I record a lot of vocals and The most important thing to me is the Latency-Free monitoring when recording. I want to point out that this is not a low latency system it is actually latency free in which you can hear yourself in real time and you don't have to worry about setting up your software in order to get lower latency. It is simply latency free and for someone like me this is a must have in any recording session mostly when recording vocals. The sound quality is simply outstanding and then mic pre-amps are absolutely clean and the higher quality... Simply brilliant. Is recommend this unit inn a heart bit. At this point I feel it will take a long time until I consider switching to another audio interface for the price the quality and its features.
2419723
Loving this thing! Upgraded from an MBox 2 mini so this was a huge improvement as far as number of inputs/overall sound. Preamps sound great on the front two channels. And the cables! You could go spending a lot of money on high-end cables but it was great to be able to take this out of the box and go. An extra set of headphones can't really go amiss, even if they're on the cheap side. I am so happy I found this bundle instead of paying the same price just for the interface itself.

I am using this interface with PT10 and have had minimal issues with latency/sample rate etc. Just make sure you download all the current drivers. If you have trouble with playback you have likely just encountered a discrepancy with sample rate and you can go into the Scarlett software and easily view/adjust what the interface settings.
559083
This is a sweet little piece of tech. I got a few drivers from the website, then I was recording guitar and vocals within minutes on Windows 10. I've had a few other audio interfaces that were all a challenge to get running correctly, but this Tascam was basically plug and play.

I've yet to try the bundled software, will edit this review if I have anything to say. Reaper has worked fine so far.

12/30/16 Update: Am still more than happy w/ this interface. The Ableton Live software and VSTs it came w/ are quality software and I get the best sound output possible when plugging headphones into it. So I'm now routing most of the music I listen to out through this box.
160779
I purchased this for recording footage from my various gaming consoles, and paired with a cheap radio-station audio mixer and a Shure P58, it's doing the job handily. I can't speak to the cable TV functions, but my direct recordings are all excellent. I've tried numerous similar products over the years and found both the hardware and software to be lacking: this is the first that actually performs as-advertised.

Possibly my only complaint is that the eyeTV software included doesn't seem to detect my webcam, so I don't have a PnP option for mixing webcam + tv source that would be ideal for console gaming videos, but that's not really what the device is marketed towards. It does support television PnP, so I'm holding out hope the software eventually extends to support webcams.

I should mention that I have a fairly high-powered setup: a 27" imac with a 3.4ghz quad-core i7, 16gb of RAM, a solid-state drive. While I'm sure it's overkill, I'd recommend you give the thing a chance by not running it on an old 5400 RPM drive.

Another review mentions "I should have bought this years ago," and I agree with that assessment. If you're frustrated with other products in this market, or simply nervous about where to start, you can do much, much, MUCH worse.
2029561
After much research, the Focusrite Scarlett consistently was a favorite among reviewers for a good affordable/amateur interface.  Very few articles I read picked something else. So after much debate I decided to pull the trigger.  Friend of mine went to school for audio engineering and in his opinion Focusrite is the best budget interface.  (he is also loves their high end interfaces) Is it professional/studio level sound quality?  Probably not, but it's also not hundreds or thousands of dollars.  I think it's plenty good enough to release an EP or album for an aspiring musician. For home studio work, it's perfect.

Excellent interface, completely satisfied with it. I went for the 2i4. Huge upgrade over an iRig HD (first gen).  Irig HD is surprisingly good for what it is, but this definitely has a much better sound quality and way more adjustability/capability.

I've heard people complain about popping sometimes, the only time that's been an issue for me is if I have monitoring set on multiple tracks at once.  By turning on monitoring only for the track I'm currently recording it fixed that issue (Currently using Garageband).

It works awesome with Macs, no need to locate or fool with any drivers.  Plug and play.

Has a lot of adjustability for the inputs and sound output.  I love being able to easily switch between my headphones and monitors.  Very good sound quality with guitars, haven't really tried anything else.

Very very very rarely do I have any noticeable latency.  (Macbook mid 2012 pro with I5 and 16GB of RAM) The rare time it occurs, it is solved by unplugging and replugging the interface in.  I attribute that more to the DAW bugging out than the interface. The direct monitoring feature is nice to have, but I never use it as again, no noticeable latency.

Overall, I highly recommend this interface.  I paired it with some JBL LSR305s and now I have a very nice set up for very little money.  I think I'll outgrow instruments and DAWs and things of that nature long before this interface is the weak link in the chain.  Easy to use, affordable, great quality, will definitely purchase from Focusrite in the future.
315413
As a DJ, audio engineer and archivist, I'm always working with music in one way or another.  Until now, I've never heard an audio interface of any kind that sounds as clean, crisp and accurate as this one.  Recording and playback are both absolutely pristine quality using the ASIO driver and provided download of Ableton Lite.  It is perfect for anyone archiving vinyl or tapes to digital formats.  All of this, and it's running fine in Windows 10 technical preview build 10130.