What gear do I need for recording soundclips?

[Mark66]

.....other than a mic?
Seen loads of gadgets, but what do I actually need for reasonable quality without spending a fortune?
Bit of a technophobe, so also grateful for any "how to" advice!
Thanks, Mark

[_tom_]

Simplest is an SM57 > xlr cable > usb or firewire interface (basically an external soundcard which connects via usb or firewire) into some free recording software, I use Reaper. For the interface there are so many to choose from that its hard to pick one, but my Presonus Inspire seems to be ok so far thoug has a few problems with the Vista drivers I think. I might sell it on and get an Edirol, the UA-25 and UA-25EX are interesting me.

[badgermark]

i have a line 6 UX1, a pretty good interface if you just want to record guitar lines. It's modelling, but pretty goo if you like clean and some crunchy tones. I like mine, and plan to knock up some clips this weekend for the players forum.

[kellar]

I recently purchased a Toneport UX1 as well and am quite fond of it.

[Transcend]

Ill give another vote for the toneports.

The GX is basically the same thing as the ux1 but a hell of a lot cheaper with less outputs and inputs

but you can get a jack to xlr convertor if you want to use a mic.