Hardware Software Options.

[_fire]

A couple of questions.

Are there External Tabletop Interfaces with both XLR and 1/4 inch I/O?

Would it better to settle with the the first option or should I get a decent PCIe card and run instruments through a Mixer?

What are the best Internal sound cards I should look for? Cheapest and Highest priced, if money was no object.

I (obviously) have never had an audio set up before. I've been a musician and sound romantic for a long time, so I know good sound and I have a spare PC just begging to be used for Audio.

FYI, for the moment I'll be recording voice and guitar.

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Typically most Low cost DAW/Audio interfaces are USB2 connected... the I/O's very per product and price but two channel inputs/outputs, XLR and Line level inputs/outputs are common... Some might offer a direct guitar (impedance) inputs too... this helps when you want to Record late at night with just headphones and when other people are sleeping. Also some guitar AMPs offer a "Line level out" too for this purpose... it's important to have the "Impedance" of your Audio connections correctly connected, AND planned for the best audio recording and signal to noise input.

These units can also be used/seen as a "Sound Card" in your Windows OS too, and are self/internally "hardware" processed VS a MB "Software" chip that needs to use the CPU as the processor. This means faster and better performance Audio than using a "Sound card". Also you need ASIO communications/driver for the BEST audio use... and Most Sound cards/MB's don't offer this Fast I/O feature.

I typically record my "Wav files" at 48000 24 bit's and find this a Good reproduction of my audio work... so look at the reviews, specs and see what units have to offer with recording capabilities. Software wise a lot of Units will have a free version of something... but most anything you prefer to Run/Use will work these units... every software has a different work flow and eye/ear candy to them.

Typically buying a "PRO" version software will offer free extra "plug-ins" for effects... But there are a lot of free and buy-able "Plug in's" that help to create the sound/tone you want... these "plug in's" will work with most any of the software you choose to use. B )

Basically I would suggest Looking/learning what's out there first and determining your needs and use.
https/ehomerecordingstudio.com/best-audio-interfaces/
http/ledgernote.com/columns/gear-reviews/best-audio-interface/
http/www.wirerealm.com/guides/top-10-best-audio-interfaces
http/www.musicradar.com/news/tech/the-best-budget-usb-audio-interfaces-in-the-world-today-570850

 

[_fire]

As for software, I was planning on using Pro Tools. Can I use any hardware with it or is it locked to Avid's hardware?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... Pro Tools?... Good question and I would suggest posting that too. B ) ...I can't tell you anything about that, basically back when I was starting out "ProTools" was a higher $$$$ entry point, as well of using/buying a APPLE computer system.

I went with Windows OS, Cakewalk (Sonar), and Personus for my first DAW system. Like I said every Software will have it's advantage or Disadvantage in work flow... basically you need to know that you are recording "WAV" files and this audio format is Standard across all Software... so basically you can import/export/copy/paste your Audio files across multiple Software needs/use... Your recordings are not LOCKed to any "ONE" software used. B )

 

[_fire]

Are DAWs equipped with sound cards, or do I have to purchase that separately?

 

[Ironsounds]

Hello... https/en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Digital_audio_workstation Typically most DAW interfaces are "Sound cards" and will come with a OS driver and some basic or Lower tier version of Software to get you started. They are "Super Sound Cards" self contained AD and DA converters and Fast I/O communications with your Computer system.

Your USB interface will be self contained with hardware chips (sound card), and with the OS ASIO driver... all you will need to do is connect/plug it in... The OS will see it as another "Sound, video and game controllers" in your Device manager. Then just open up your preferred Software and configure it for your interface I/O's and then your ready to start a "New project".

 

[_fire]

Thanks. Much appreciated.