USB Microphone or simple Audio Interface for a total newbie?

[tea for two]

Whilst I agree some AIs rip you off for just a name ("88" I shall say no more!)

M2 might well be my next interface.
I would like a Clarett+ 2Pre but that's like 2x price of M2.
Also Studio 26c after what Sonics said.

I've used all of those interfaces, and the PreSonus has the cleanest preamps IME. It's a good unit that doesn't get talked about a lot.

The PreSonus also comes with a copy of Studio One Artist, worth $99. Excellent software (my DAW of choice).

[sonics]

I have a MOTU M4 on my radar since I'm looking for a bus-powered option. It'll be interesting to compare it with others.

I do like the Clarett range, though. No complaints there.

[tea for two]

I have a MOTU M4 on my radar since I'm looking for a bus-powered option. It'll be interesting to compare it with others.

I do like the Clarett range, though. No complaints there.

If you get M4 would be brilliant if you did a user review (dawg lol) comparing it to the Clarett.
Then I for one would then know what I'm missing out on or not with regards to the Clarett.

[ef37a]

I have a MOTU M4 on my radar since I'm looking for a bus-powered option. It'll be interesting to compare it with others.

I do like the Clarett range, though. No complaints there.

I do have great respect for the Focusrite product but I do feel you are paying a bit more for the name?

The M4 does not, AFAICT have a direct competitor in the Clarett range? I.e. two mic/line/inst inputs, two TRS line inputs, four outputs, MIDI I/O,the very handy loopthru' (YMMV) and bus power. Plus! those super meters!

That I/O setup seems ideal to me for the home bod since you have two excellent mic pres' plus the ability to plug in an external pre amp/synth/mixer and expand to four discrete tracks. If you wanted 4 mics and two H/P outputs there is now the M6 (though I think they missed a trick not giving it ADAT in at least but, WDIK!). The near equivalent F'rite is rather more expensive.

The M4 is also 'bus powered' and although some have criticized that as a technical limitation I don't see it as such? The specifications of the M4 are really quite close to state of art. OK, it cannot deliver +24dBu* of output but then very few AIs can, rat powered or nay! The average home recording bod would not know what to DO with +24dBu.

*Although that limitation is not directly related to bus powering. "Volts" is easy, just resistors.

Dave.