Mate needs an entry-level audio interface ... recommendations ?

[stealth]

Looking at < £200 I imagine, just for sequencing, no mic / instrument inputs, etc. 

[Block Party]

The Apogee duet is over budget but has good reviews. £299 currently, but with the Duet 2 just about to come out it will see a price drop. Mac only though I think.

Otherwise M-Audio have a good reputation at the low price range. Alternatively Focusrite do some good interfaces. I've no experience of either though other than my old Delta 66 and a Audiophile PCI card which both were adequate.

[stealth]

The Apogee duet is over budget but has good reviews. £299 currently, but with the Duet 2 just about to come out it will see a price drop. Mac only though I think.

Otherwise M-Audio have a good reputation at the low price range. Alternatively Focusrite do some good interfaces. I've no experience of either though other than my old Delta 66 and a Audiophile PCI card which both were adequate.

Cool, yeah, the Apogee is a bit too much I think, but I might get one if the price drops as I've wanted one for aaaages.

[Block Party]

I expect that the AD quality on the M-audio and Focusrite will be pretty similar, just the bells and whistles, quality of the pre-amps etc that will be different. If he only requires line inputs, I think either manufacturer's lower end models will be fine.

[walker911]

great post !!