Looking at getting set up with DAI/DAW. Considering my budget, thinking of Ffine’s PC Audio Mixer and Tracktion’s Waveform. Thoughts?
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Never used the interface but I would recommend going with the Reaper free trial rather than Tracktion, and then if you like it, you can pay the $60 for Reaper later when you’re sure you like it - it never ends the free period, just nicely asks you to pay. Alternatively, any of the “Lite” DAW offerings that come with most interfaces would suit your needs, at least early on. Or, if on Mac, GarageBand.
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I agree with @howard on Reaper. I started using Reaper in v4. It’s now in v7. It is extremely capable. The personal use $60 registration fee covers the current major version, plus the next. There are dozens of feature updates in each major version. Each lasts 2 years or more. I bought a v4/v5 license that lasted over 5 years. I reupped again for v6/v7. The main developer is the guy who created WinAmp and made his money when he sold it to AOL. That gave him time to start Reaper…and the rest is history.
Reaper has some of the best free tutorial videos around. Kenny Gioia is amazing. Here’s a current series he’s just released.
Here’s his YouTube channel. Subscribe!
Here’s the Reaper download page.
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I don’t think the FiFine audio mixer is what you want. You should consider an audio interface with an ASIO driver to work with a DAW. Considering your budget, I would recommend looking at the entry level PreSonus interfaces. I’ve owned two in the past. Check out the AudioBox GO and the AudioBox USB 96. With any interface, you’ll also need headphones at a minimum or a pair of powered monitors.
They’re both on sale in the U.S. (but not here in France) at the moment.
I took a look and yeah I agree. It is in fact quite bad in terms of noise and dynamic range compared to other interfaces. Their SC1 is slightly better but even it is not good.
In the same price range I would recommend something like the Zoom AMS22 or the Behringer UMC202, or yeah the PreSonus ones. None are great but all are quite a bit better than the FiFine and just fine for recording bass.
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I ended up with the Audiobox GO for now – works great! With Studio One.
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Happy to hear it!
Nooooooooooooooo! i had the AudioBox USB 96. It absolutely s#cks!
I’d rather spend more money and get something proper.
Personally I am totally in love with the Zoom AMS-24 - which I use mainly outside, but it’s great otherwise. My main DAI is, of course the presonus Quantum ES4 … which is rather expensive.
EDIT Ah, qhoward recommends the AMS-22. The AMS 24 might be a little better - it can be used with virtually every device. And has (additional) battery option and two headphone outs.
EDIT2 Just see - it’s an old thread. I hope the AudioBox GO is better than the AudioBox USB 96
I recently bought one myself. I recommend watching the tutorial videos on their site, I found them very helpful to get started. It’s fun to record myself, until I play it back 
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