Cheap Audio Interface

[john]

I am after something to put down ideas with in Audacity. If I plug into the mic input when I try to multi track I get lag. Would something like this be all I need?
http://www.trademe.co.nz/music-instruments/instruments/guitar-bass/effects-units/auction-444935756.htm
I does not need to sound good, I just don't want lag,(if that is the right word)

[timi]

Check your buffer settings, you might be able to get the built in mic input to have usable latency...

For $30 that interface will probably suck and due to crappy drivers it may not give you any benefit over the built in input. I'd say don't bother unless you can get an entry level M-Audio/Focusrite (or similar) interface, at a guess they start around $200.

[zero]

Keep an eye on Trademe - I once got an M-Audio USB interface for $50.

[john]

Check your buffer settings, you might be able to get the built in mic input to have usable latency...

For $30 that interface will probably suck and due to crappy drivers it may not give you any benefit over the built in input. I'd say don't bother unless you can get an entry level M-Audio/Focusrite (or similar) interface, at a guess they start around $200.

I am not sure what you mean by check my buffer settings? And I am using a lap top (pc). That would mean I wouldn't be able to get a mic input?

And I had a feeling $30 dollars seemed to good to be what I needed.

Keep an eye on Trademe - I once got an M-Audio USB interface for $50.

I might just do that.

[timi]

Your recording program will have a buffer setting in it somewhere, usually measured in samples. Lower value means lower latency, but it pushes the computer much harder. You might be able to run the built in input at a low buffer but it might freak out, in theory a proper interface should be more stable at lower buffers, but you are still at the mercy of your CPU power.

[john]

Thanks for the replies guys. I might keep an eye on trade me for a while. Looks like the M-Audio fast track are going for around $80