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I've been window shopping for a usb interface. I'd like to get one that's decent for studio recording, best bang for my buck, all I need is 1 input for bass and guitar (1-1/4"). any suggestions?

I'm a FireWire fan so I use EchoAudio's AudioFire 4 and also an AudioFire 2. The ASIO drivers are the best for low latency.

If you must go USB, lots of people talk about Line 6 Pods (I don't remember all the names they use) and m-audio's FastTrack Pro. The guy who lays bass tracks for me has an Emu404 or something that ran Reaper really well.

I do have one USB interface but I don't use it as an interface because it's so good on its own.....
ZOOM G2.1u
http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/g21u/index.php
They also have a Bass version
http://www.zoom.co.jp/english/products/b21u/index.php

There is also the G7 and G9 if you wnat more sound features, but for staright in/out USB these are really good ebcause the drivers are solid and the go up to 96kHz and 24bit. Some USB interfaces only go 44 or 48 now that the technology has come down that lots of small companies are putting them into everything like control surfaces and wah pedals. I refer to IK Multimedia's Stealth pedal.
http://www.ikmultimedia.com/stealthpedal/features/
I liek IK Multimedia though. Their Amplitube Fender is amazing.

Cakewalk is also selling this much like IK's StealthPLug:
http://www.cakewalk.com/products/UAUM/UA1G.asp

depends on your budget...i am super broke all the time so i use a behringer usb interface.....uca202

Apogee Duet all the way dude. It has 2 1/4" inputs for guitar or bass, 2 1/4" jacks for your studio monitors and 2 mic inputs as well. Check it out. Best bang, best quality you will ever find. APOGEE!!!! Oh it is around 585 or something...CANADIAN

If you want a professional grade USB interface, check out the Edirol by Roland UA-25EX.
I have one and is awesome !!!

I think the Marcy Playground Gin & Money contest doesn't get too many visits which is a shame because the song is brilliant... I made a remix of it, and naturally, I make music for people to listen to... So if you wanna check it, here's the link.
http://www.indabamusic.com/submissions/show/9744

Can anyone tell me how much of a difference USB 2.0 vs. 1.1 makes when using an interface? This will be my first one...I was looking at the M-Audio FastTrack Pro, until someone told me that being 1.1 might cause latency issues. They recommended either the Tascam US-144 or the M-Audio FastTrack Ultra, which are both 2.0. I've been reading reviews and they're mixed across the board...it seems like there's a chance I could have problems with any one of these interfaces. Any recommendations?

Marc,
Re: USB 2.0 vs. 1.1 - If you are going to record only 2 channels at the time, it makes no difference. I use Edirol UA-4FX (USB1.1) and I achieve 5-11ms latency.

I agree the Apogee Duet is probably the best interface quality wise. If you use Protools or want to, you'd need a interface either by digidesign or maudio. the mbox mini might work well for you if you want to go that route.

Don't overlook the Lightsnake USB cable:
http://www.soundtech.com/products/home-recording/stusbg10/
I use this $40.00 cable more frequently than my USBSpeedio, for sheer convenience. No drivers, shows up in multiple software apps, low latency and very portable.

Like Vimal said, if you want to record with protools you need something like an m-box or a digi 002. If not, apogee duets awesome if you run Logic, its a bit pricey but the quality is great. PreSonus has some nice inerfaces with decent enough preamps for what you're paying. A MOTU is always reliable. If you want to go supernice I'd go Apogee Ensemble, but that's a nice chunk of change.