I like Presonus because StudioOne is just about as robust as protools, but is easier to figure out. Really though, everything records individual stems which you can then mix and add plugins to…it’s not super important. Apollo is REALLY nice…but also really expensive.
yeah the Steinberg is absolutly perfect for me. the converters are excellent, 2 channels with XLR/Jack, a gain control for each preamp, and even a pot to mix the signal from the USB (computer) and the signal from the inputs, that’s really useful to do your own mix while recording. it supports USB3 and it even has its own DSP with a few amp models, it’s not very useful for me but the models doesn’t sound bad actually.
also I have absolutly zero latency problem, zero noise.
What really decided me between the Steinberg and a Focusrite is that the Steinberg has MIDI in/out. very useful to me as it is the only way to communicate with the old pre-USB PODs.
I started with a Behringer UM2. This had two advantages:
Dirt cheap
It works
Even with my total lack of recording experience the limitations of the UM2 quickly became apparent, so I have recently upgraded to a Behringer UMC204HD.
This has a bunch of advantages over the UM2:
24 bit/192 kHz
Metal case
Separate headphone volume control
4 outputs including balanced
Midi in/out
-20 dB pads on both inputs (great for an active bass)
It’s not that I picked it as a bass DAI originally. It was part of a precision acoustic measurement test rig that’s been repurposed. Otherwise, there’s no need to spend that much.
Just got my first DAI two or three days ago: a Behringer UMC22. Nothing special I guess, but it seems to do the job. Now I’m looking for the right DAW to use with it. Talk about your rabbit hole…
Yeah, I know. It’s a problem, too much to choose from. I’m currently trying Cakewalk based on a couple of YouTube reviews. Supposedly it’s good for total beginners.