audio interface question

[matthews1492]

I'm interested in doing some solo recordings with my Imac G5 and garageband2. It would be simultaneous vocal and guitar. I have a couple mics and a mixer board that can output upto four channels.

I've used RCA -> 1/8 inch cables into the computer before and found the sound quality to be not great. So being in the market for an audio interface, would it be better to get a cheap RCA -> USB or another one like the M-audio fastrack usb. In garage band will it let you input two simultaneous channels?

If I wanted to do overdubs (one or two) would one help avoid any latency issues? If you monitor from the usb interface is the sound sync'd up better?

Thanks!

 

[Mr. Monsieur]

from what i can tell GB2 allows up to 8 tracks...as for input devices...i decided to go with a firewire interface so as to reduce the possibility of latency issues...the m-audio solo firewire may suffice for you...i went with the presonus firebox, which has tended to have better reviews...but it's not exactly cheap...
however...*if* you want to get MIDI into the iBook as well, then the firebox or the m-audio 410 may be better options, as they include MIDI in/out...once you've added a MIDI interface to the firewire solo, you're pretty close to the price of the firebox or 410 (check for great deals on eBay!)...plus, you have a lot of room for expansion in the future (this was my reasoning anyway).