Recommended by VoiceActing.com

This self-contained USB interface is ideal for a portable studio and is our recommended interface for both desktop and laptop configurations.

M-Audio MobilePre USB Portable Audio Interface

The M-Audio MobilePre USB is the preamp with a built-in audio interface designed for your laptop's needs. 3 kinds of audio inputs and outputs provide maximum flexibility, including 2 onboard microphone/instrument preamps and high impedance instrument inputs ideal for connecting guitars and basses. It's completely bus-powered, allowing you to record and play music anywhere, including field recording and sampling expeditions with your laptop. Zero-latency monitoring provides you with a streamlined professional recording experience. 2x2 16-bit/48kHz analog I/O. 2 XLR mic inputs, 1/8" stereo mic input, 2 - 1/4" hi-impedance intrument/line inputs, 2 - 1/4" -10dBV line outputs, and 1/8" stereo line output.

Recommended by VoiceActing.com

This gives you the benefits of an analog mixer with a built-in USB interface for about the same price as the M-Audio MobilPre.

Alesis MultiMix 8USB Mixer with USB and DSP

The Alesis MultiMix 8USB Mixer with USB and DSP is a compact 8-channel desk. It combines studio-quality components and effects processing with solid construction and a sweet price. USB port adds computer connectivity for plug-and-play Mac and PC operation. Equipped with 4 high-gain mic/line (XLR and 1/4" balanced) inputs with phantom power, 2 stereo balanced 1/4" line inputs, plus 100 onboard preset effects including reverbs, delays, chorus, flanging, pitch, and multi-effects. A USB port facilitates allows direct computer connection. Other I/Os include 2 aux sends (Aux 1 is pre/post switchable, Aux 2 is post and can send to onboard or external effects), 2 stereo aux returns, 2-track stereo RCA I/O, separate 1/4" balanced main and monitor and headphone outs,. Other features include separate pan/balance, listen/solo in place, mute/bus, and 3-band EQ per channel with high/low shelving and mid bandpass/reject.The MultiMix 8USB ships with Cubase LE for powerful audio/MIDI recording and VST hosting.

TASCAM US-144 USB2.0 4X4 Audio Midi Computer Interface

Designed alongside the US-122L, the TASCAM US-144 USB 2.0 Audio/MIDI Interface adds S/PDIF digital I/O while maintaining the same easy functionality. It lets you record two tracks at a time with zero-latency monitoring, high-quality mic inputs, better-than-CD-quality 24-bit/96kHz recording, and MIDI I/O. It also has a headphone jack with level control and a redesigned aluminum case.

Although it is the standard of major recording studios, ProTools has a steep learning curve and is generally "overkill" for basic voice recording.

Digidesign Mbox 2 USB Audio/MIDI Pro Tools LE Interface

The Digidesign Mbox 2 updates the popular Mbox by melding its legendary ProTools LE performance with MIDI I/O to make it the ultimate USB audio/MIDI interface. This next-generation LE interface has 2 channels, each featuring an XLR mic input with preamp, 1/4" instrument jack, and a TRS line-level jack. There are also S/PDIF I/O, monitor L/R 1/4" outs, and a USB out. Compact and versatile, the Mbox 2 is a go-anywhere interface with truly professional audio capabilities, thanks to 24-bit/48kHz A/D/A and seamless ProTools functionality. It also includes the Pro Tools Ignition Pack, featuring powerful plug-ins, applications, and additional tools to help you professionally produce your music.The Ignition Pack: Reason Adapted 3, Ableton Live Lite 4 Digidesign Edition, SampleTank2 SE, Amplitube LE, TrackS EQ, BFD Lite, Melodyne Uno Essential, Pro Tools Method One instructional DVD, a free trade magazine subscription, 1-year membership to Broadjam.com, and a Rex File CD from Bunker 8.ATTENTION POWER MAC QUAD OWNERS Digidesign Pro Tools LE 7.0cs2 is a free update for Pro Tools LE 7 customers that introduces compatibility for Pro Tools LE 7 software and the Digi 002, Digi 002 Rack, Mbox, and Mbox hardware interfaces on the Apple Power Mac G5 QUAD. Customers can download the update at: http://www.digidesign.com/download/cs.

If you already have an analog mixer, this inexpensive adaptor will allow you connect it to your computer through a USB port.

Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202 USB-Audio Interface

With the ultra-compact, bus-powered Behringer U-CONTROL USA202 interface, you can link your Windows or Mac computer with any audio gear. There is no setup or special driver needed. Simply plug the interface into an available USB port on your computer and get into the groove. The UCA202 provides 2 analog inputs and outputs, as well as an additional S/PDIF optical output for direct digital conversion. The stereo headphone output with dedicated level control lets you monitor both input and output. And the cherry on top is that the U-CONTROL download area offers a huge software package for recording and editing.