Reddit reviews Focusrite Scarlett Solo Compact (1st GENERATION) USB Audio Interface
We found 47 Reddit comments about Focusrite Scarlett Solo Compact (1st GENERATION) USB Audio Interface. Here are the top ones, ranked by their Reddit score.
CHECK OUT THE NEW 2ND GENERATION MODEL BELOWPrecision digital converters capture performance with studio-quality 24-bit resolution at sample rates of up to 96kHz with an exceptional dynamic range of over 105dBGuitars plug straight into a crystal clear DI that minimizes the risk of distortionPowered via USB, no need need for a bulky power supplyIncludes an authorization code for Ableton Live Lite, Scarlett Plug-in Suite (RTAS/AU/VST), Red 2 & Red 3 Plug-in Suite (AAX/AU/VST), the Softube Time and Tone Bundle, Novation Bass Station, and 1GB of Loopmasters samples
The best way to get some great recordings without breaking the bank is to grab a recording interface like this. There are a ton of options on the market, but this is known to be a good quality interface.
Next you'll need a DAW (Digital Audio Workstation). This is basically a digital recording studio and they range from simple (like Garage Band) to professional quality like Logic Pro X or ProTools. At the core they all basically do the same thing. You record tracks to create a mix and you make adjustments to these tracks so they sound good together. For example, you don't want everything going 'up the middle', some sounds you want panned toward the left, some toward the right, some in the center, etc. You'll also adjust the volume of each track individually so everything sounds cohesive.
Higher-end DAWs allow you much more power and flexibility. They will allow you to do things like compress audio signals, apply complex EQing techniques, perform automation (real-time knob turning, basically), route signals between tracks, apply various effects, many are bundled with a bunch of software instruments, and MUCH more, but don't let it all daunt you right now. Some of my favorite mixes I've done are very simple where I did nothing more than adjust the tracks' volume/panning and did some simple EQing.
Most recording interfaces come with a basic DAW. The interface linked above comes with Ableton Live, but you can use any DAW you want. Reaper is a popular choice for Windows users on a budget. It has a free trial that never cripples the software (you just get the occasional nag screen), but if you like it you should support the devs and pay the $60, it's a very powerful DAW for the price.
*One awesome resource is the recording revolution YouTube channel. I'm not affiliated in any way, I just find this channel to be tremendously helpful. There are a ton of videos for all skill levels.
Scarlett is known for making pretty good mic pre-amps for a reasonable price. I've used their 2i2 interface before, but the solo would solve your needs as well: http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG
>don't see a guitar input
There's a 1/4" mono input in the centre of the XLR.
That behringer unit is prettly limited, especially getting the audio back out of the PC to your monitors. Line OR USB, instead of line and USB.
In your price range, better choices would be M-Audio MTrack Plus, or MTrack 2, Focusrite Scarlett or Presonus Audiobox
They all come with some form of 'Lite' DAW software as well.
Happy Cake Day duder! Here are my suggestions!
Under 100$
[Lexicon Alpha](http://www.amazon.com/Lexicon-Alpha-Desktop-Recording-Studio/dp/B000HVXMNE/ref=sr_1_1?
ie=UTF8&qid=1412270622&sr=8-1&keywords=lexicon+alpha)
Scarlett Solo
Tascam US-32
Over 100
Scarlett 2i2
M Audio M Track Plus
Steinberg UR22
Personally, I use the UR22, mainly because I need the Midi in/out for my outboard synths, and the d-pre amps are quite nice for basic mics. I work for a music shop, and our best seller is the UR22. However, any of these interfaces would work well with FL Studio, and you would not be displeased with any of them. Let me know which one you get, dude! Cheers!
Ninja Edit - Stay away from Behringer, Gemsound, Pyle, and Pyramid. They are low cost, but have poor quality builds, poor converters, latency issues, and a myriad of other problems. Also, if you need multiple inputs and mixing capabilities down the line, I suggest these;
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-MG10XU-10-Input-Stereo-Mixer/dp/B00IBIVL42/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412271070&sr=8-1&keywords=yamaha+mixer
http://www.amazon.com/Yamaha-Audiogram-6-audio-interface/dp/B001F1WNAS/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1412271058&sr=8-1&keywords=yamaha+interface
Not OP but I can help you out here. Let's break this down by component:
Hope this helps. Higher quality audio equipment can be confusing and daunting, what with all the technical details, wide price ranges, parsing through all the marketing bullshit and the sometimes snobby attitudes of some "audiophiles". I wish you luck and feel free to ask me if you have any questions.
It's a bit more but I'm finding my Scarlett Solo does the job.
It really depends on how much you want to spend and what you're planning to do with your setup.
I personally use a Rode NT2-A with a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 interface (or you could get the Solo and save 50 bucks, but I needed two input ports) and I am pretty satisfied with my setup - I've been using both of them for a whole bunch of paid audiobooks I've done over the years, so they've paid for themselves many times over.
I started out with a Blue Yeti myself, but I decided to change it as soon as I started getting more work. It's not a bad mic, but it's not stellar. When it comes to cheaper USB mics though I'd recommend the Rode NT-USB - my NT2-A broke down over the summer and I was supposed to be recording an audiobook, so I needed a decent replacement until my main mic got repaired. It's slightly more expensive than a Blue Yeti (goes for around $170, while the Yeti is around $100), but I think it's a better quality mic. I still keep my NT-USB at home to use for smaller work that doesn't require going to the studio.
The Rode podcaster is a REALLY great mic. However, it is also a dynamic mic which has a low sensitivity. It is meant to be used a few inches from your mouth and probably would not be very well suited for picking up multiple people.
The best way to mic multiple people on a single recording is to get several XLR dynamic mics and feed them into a mixing board or preamp. The Akai EIE is great for this because you can have multiple audio streams output to your computer. However, a Behringer Xenyx 1202USB or a Tascam 1200 would work well too. Pair that with a few
If you want to do mic multiple people with one mic then you're looking at a condenser mic. For the price of your podcaster($230) I have a few suggestions. I would still look at getting an XLR setup, because they are much better IMO.
Pair one of those mics with the Behringer Zenyz Q802 USB ($80), Focusrite Scarlett 2i2, ($150), Focusrite Scarlett Solo ($100), Presonus AudioBox 2x2 ($100), or Presonus AudioBox iOne ($70). For future-proofing I suggest gettign at least a 2 channel audio interface, in case you want to add more mics later. That's up to you. Make sure you factor in the price of a mic stand.
If you have any questions let me know! You could always go with a USB mic, like the Blue Yeti or the AT2020USB, but I think you'd have more luck with the XLR setup. Up to you.
Definitely understand being new to the game, took me a while to figure out what I needed for live use.
Here's my 2 cents:
I haven't used this mixer, but I've had good luck with Alesis mixers in the past. Using these interfaces would require you to run cables from the outs of the interface to the ins of the PA's mixing board.
If you've got the money to spend, a better-than-lowest-rung USB interface might be a good investment. I bought the Focusrite Scarlett 8i6 for home recording a year or so ago and LOVE it . . . you can find smaller/cheaper interfaces in that range and they're all great - it just depends on the number of ins/outs you need: http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_4?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1421427916&sr=1-4&keywords=usb+interface&pebp=1421427921645&peasin=B00MTXU2DG
You could check out AudioTool: http://www.audiotool.com/
It's a browser-based music studio with bass synths, key synths, samplers, sequencers, drum machines, etc. I believe it'll let you connect an outside MIDI controller keyboard and play the synth modules.
Hope this helps!
> The Razer Seiren features a versatile multi-pattern USB digital connection capable of four different recording pattern configurations with three custom-tuned 14 mm condenser capsules. This makes the Razer Seiren digital microphone ideal for the needs of professional musicians
Yeah... no. Not without an XLR jack. Microphone preamps are as important (some say more important) than the mic itself.
These USB microphones are fine for streamers, but not at this price. Think about it, this is what you are getting:
Between say, $60 and $200, you really wont see "studio quality," for "professional musicians."
Besides that, condenser mics would not be my first advice for streaming. They excel at picking up transients and room noise (clicky keyboards, anyone?) and will sound horrendous when they clip. If you want to step up your gear, buy a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and a Shure sm57 for a bit more money. Or if you really want a condenser, you can get an MXL 770. If you truly want broadcast quality, get a Shure sm7.
My friend has a yeti, it's fine, i have heard streamers with the Blue snowball mic, yeah it sounds fine. But don't charge $180 and call it studio grade. It's like HP passing off a $300 prebuilt desktop as a gaming machine.
EDIT: Or a great option is the Sennheiser broadcast mics. The HMD280 is an HD280 with a mic slapped on it, and this is stepping into the realm of actual broadcast-quality gear. It will sound awesome, will pick nothing up but your voice, will not clip, and hey you get a $100 pair of headphones to boot. You'll still need the preamp though.
Well, I like your list. I don't know that Rode mic in particular but Lefty had two different Rode mics during PKA and they both sounded great.
I'd personally point you toward the RE20. I love mine and you don't have to be right on top of it to sound great. I also love my Shure SM7B but more than one person has mentioned to me that they can hear me breathe so I'm either going to switch back to the giant foam pop filter or to the RE20.
This package is $500 but it comes with the mic, shock mount, cable, boom, etc. http://www.amazon.com/Electro-Voice-Microphone-Shockmount-Two-Section-Broadcast/dp/B00U1S4YY4/ref=sr_1_2?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1457378551&sr=1-2&keywords=re20
I don't like your audio interface. In particular it's analog and in my experience if you turn up the gain on an analog mixer you get a hiss. It's not a subtle hiss you think you hear either, it's a real problem. (Or maybe the one I had was just extra bad?)
Anything in the scarlet focusrite series will do, this one is $100: http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1457378874&sr=8-3&keywords=focusrite
For $150 you can get two inputs: http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-2i2-USB-Recording-Interface/dp/B005OZE9SA/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1457378874&sr=8-1&keywords=focusrite
Let me know how to sound wedges do. I typically just count on curtains, shag carpet, oil painting and furniture to break up the sound.
For that mic, or any XLR mic, you will need an external preamp. That's why you can't use your motherboard's sound card and you need a USB sound card - just not like the one you linked. As you noted, the $5 one won't help you here.
They are more commonly called "audio interfaces," and here is a cheap example.
Alternatively, you can get a combination device - a microphone with USB out, which has a preamp built in, like this one.
More information on these basics can be found in the sidebar over there -->
I have a Scarlett 6i6 but I started with a Scarlett Solo. http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00MTXU2DG/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687562&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B005OZE9SA&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=12Q6J7G6SP9P07ZC0HNZ . The Scarlett line seems to be the go-to interface for anyone not looking to spend $1k+.
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG
These are really nice for the price.
Focusrite Scarlett solo and Reaper has a free trial that is really good.
I've personally never used that interface, so you'll have to rely on the Amazon reviews (or hopefully someone here has had experience with it). The preamp (what you plug the mic into), and the mic you use, determines the sound you're going to get. Again, you're gonna have to read the reviews. You're just starting off, so I wouldn't stress it too much. You'll get a better sound than just plugging a USB mic into your computer.
If I were in your position, with a small budget, I'd save up a bit more and buy this:
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1452061607&sr=1-1&keywords=scarlett+solo
The Scarlett series, in my opinion, is the best in terms of budget audio interfaces. Their preamps, and the system, overall, is of great quality.
When you're ready for that mic - put enough together to buy sayyyy this:
http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK/ref=sr_1_1?s=musical-instruments&ie=UTF8&qid=1452061954&sr=1-1&keywords=Audio+Technica+AT2020
...and you got a good little startup.
The mic stand should fit pretty much any mic. It has both the clip, and a part to screw in the mic's shock mount (look up "shock mount").
I always recommend that you get warranty with your equipment, cause, you know...shit happens, so you should check if there're any music stores around that sell whatever you're interested in, and offer the warranty, as well.
yes! you want an USB audio interface rather than a mixer (a very common mistake people are making here)
affordable mixers have pretty cheap mic preamps in them, resulting a lot of unwanted noise. this is because mixers are used for live sound where it doesn't matter if there is lots of unwanted noise because there will be humming guitar amps and stuff overpowering the noise floor.
If using a mic at home rather than a bar, you want an interface, not a mixer. Let me know if you have more questions. here is a visual summary of the audio path (but you would just need the mic and interface, not that other fancy stuff).
none of them need mic capability.
just plugging the mic in to the mic jack on the computer is fine.
unless you have a nice mic, which you would get a usb interface for.
the audio thru a mic input, is more based on the mic quality rather than the sound card quality.
usb interface: scarlet solo + mic: at2020 or usb mic at2500usb
If you enjoy acoustic style playing, I feel it can be beneficial to developing a better playing style as you branch out to electric. Acoustic guitars require a little more attention to finger placement and fretting technique. Mistakes are more noticeable and you can fix those problems early before they become bad habits. Electric guitars tend to "cover" those mistakes more easily with all the effects and distortion (once playing at a high level they become more noticeable again). Things like hitting extra strings, fretting a note that is dead, etc.
I definitely regret not learning more on an acoustic first. I jumped straight into electric and never really looked back.
As for gear and making the transition to electric, it depends on what you want to do with your guitar playing.
If you are going to just play and practice by yourself at home, I recommend at least researching amp simulator software for use on a PC and getting an affordable audio interface.
I recently bought a brand new Jackson 7-string guitar for $180 (it's actually not bad either was on sale), an audio interface for ~$75 (included free DAW software, was on sale as well), and purchased a large amp/cab/effects bundle on Revalver 4 for $100. I already had headphones and a PC. I also bought studio monitors but that's neither here nor there.
I know that's over your budget but you can try most amp sim software packages for free and you can buy the amps, cabs, and effects a la carte for pretty cheap prices (a few $ each). It unlocks a huge range of sounds and possibilities and you can learn the types of amps and sounds you like. If you ever want to buy a real amp/cab, then you have a direction you would like to go.
Just for comparison, by the time you buy a guitar, some floor pedals (can range from $50-100 each), and a practice amp (which may or may not sound good at this price level), you are probably over your $300 anyway. With the software/interface option, you can have like 15 amps, probably like 25 cabs, lots of microphone sims, and tons of effect pedals inside the software for like $350.
I'm into metal as well and I've found the high gain amps and sounds in Revalver to be pretty good. Different amp sims do certain things better than others.
Good luck on your journey
First, I'd like to point out that in your situation it would be redundant to run your mic through the mixer and then through another interface (unless your mixer has incredibly awesome pre-amps, which is something I'd argue most Behringer products lack).
If I were you, I'd ditch the $10 mic for a used SM58, and the Behringer usb mixer for a decent cheap interface like the PreSonus Audiobox, or if your budget permits, something from the Focusrite family.
That said, you may be able to increase your sound quality 10 fold just by upgrading the mic and leaving the XENYX. I don't have any experience with either of those products, but they are by brands I would warn any newcomer to steer clear from. Good luck!
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FOCUSRITE-SCARLETT-SOLO-Audio-interfaces/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_cc_3?s=aps&ie=UTF8&qid=1414323206&sr=1-3-catcorr&keywords=focusrite
this is an interface that does both digital to analog and analog to digital, but it is half the cost of the D1 and will sound as good. behringer dont make anything worth owning.
https://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-GENERATION-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG
this what i got- good starting point- watch the vid on the side- it's easy/portable.
Gotcha, so an interface like this one is the way to go, and then I can just focus on a guitar that makes me happy.
I wish the nearest store wasn't two hours away.
I have a condenser XLR connected to an audio interface (Focusrite Scarlett 2i2). I have not used the Shure adapter but seeing that it has phantom power for a condenser mic, mic gain control, and volume control I don't foresee you having any issues since you'll be able to adjust the gain and volume going into your computer.
If the Shure adapter doesn't work or doesn't increase the gain/volume enough, then I'd recommend a Focusrite Scarlett. It'll boost your mic up to 105dB and is the same price as the Shure adapter. I have had no issues with increasing the volume on my condenser with it.
first thing that comes to mind is a focusrite 2i2, which is like $99. But do some research for a digital-audio-converter. Most will have an output for headphones and an input for a mic jack (and a 1/4 inch in and out for guitars or headphones or whatever)
edit:
focusrite 2i2 (was on sale for $99, might drop down to that price again soon)
focusrite solo
phantom power supply
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG
$100 seems like a lot, but this thing is some of the best bang for your buck you'll get out of a recording interface, and it's got the added capability of doing a microphone as well, should you ever want to record an acoustic guitar or vocals.
Sure thing. Musicians have a lot to learn from each other. You can get a guitar USB interface for pretty cheap these days eg: http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453972513&sr=8-2&keywords=guitar+interface
I have a more expensive one:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B005OZE9SA/ref=s9_hps_bw_g267_i1
Great to have because it opens the door to using your computer as effects pedals and amplifier too. A lot of the software for that is free! :)
I see the one suggested is not much but no oe had reviewed it...I would look for well reviewed and do a little research...I only know people like the focusrite...this one is in your budget...http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_6?ie=UTF8&qid=1452914044&sr=8-6&keywords=audio+interface
What's the difference between a Focusrite Scarlett Solo and, say, a Behringer UM2 other than $72 and the combo XLR/quarter inch input on the CHEAPER one? Something isn't adding up here.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/FOCUSRITE-SCARLETT-SOLO-Audio-interfaces/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453043184&sr=8-2&keywords=focusrite
Maybe.
a computer with music software, a USB audio interface, microphones, a mixer, studio monitors, headphones, cables... lots of cables.., and instruments, amps... you could also go oldschool style and use an 8track
I removed your post, read the sidebar.
But, I'll answer some of your questions.
First off, how much money do you want to spend? Up until ~$2000 a vocals setup scales very well with price, with $400-600 being a really sweet spot if you're only recording one voice at a time but don't want to spend a lot.
You have a very mediocre 4 channel interface, you can either keep it, upgrade to an Apogee Duet for ~$650, or crossgrade to something else cheaper and spend the difference on your other gear.
If you sold that, you should be able to get ~$250 at least.
If you're going to spend less than $300 and never upgrade, get the Presonus Studio kit and then an SM58 with stand combo, then throw in any old pop filter.
If you're going to spend a bit more, the same kit with an SM7b is a more serious option.
If you're going to spend more than that, I'll need more details to give a suggestion.
Another option would be a Focusrite Solo (slightly better interface) and an AKG 214. Or any of the other multitude of condenser microphones.
Audio Interfaces like Focusrite's Scarlett series all have line outs, headphone out, and volume control.
The Scarlett Solo is the cheapest in the series.
Ah ok! Do you think this would work the same as the interface you mentioned? Sorry for the noob question!
Stupid question, but would this work?
I hope I'm posting this in the right place.
I'm looking for a low-end solution for recording vocals, connected to a PC.
I have absolutely no experience whatsoever with audio hardware. My wife loves to sing - and though I am of course biased, I think she's pretty good at it - and so I want to get her a gift of some recording equipment.
I'm not looking for anything high-end; I'd like for it to be "decent", but it doesn't have to be professional level hardware. I'd like to be able to get everything for somewhere between $300-400 if possible. So, specifically, I'm looking for...
I assume there might need to be an amp in there somewhere? I don't know, I don't know anything about this stuff.
Would anyone please be willing to give me some recommendations on parts, and what specifically I will need? Thank you.
Edit: Okay, what about this?
AT-2020 Mic
Scarlett Solo USB Interface
Mic Stand
Pop Filter
XLR Cable
Seinnheser HD280 Headphones
Right, Reddit is full of people from all over the world, so when talking about currency, please don't just type "100". We have no idea if you mean Yen, Dollars, Pounds or chickens. Let's go ahead and assume you're American. This is the audio interface I would recommend within your budget. http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_8?ie=UTF8&qid=1414184459&sr=8-8&keywords=audio+interface
I'd skip all the injecting phantom and 3.5mm USB device malarkey and get a Scarlett Solo (https://smile.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-GENERATION-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG?sa-no-redirect=1) or similar. It's a bit more money, but it'll save you some headaches. Even the Behringer U...phoria? Sheesh that's a silly name... would be less work and more versatile.
I have an AT2020USB sitting on the floor (next to a Rode Podcaster). Good mic. Sounds good. Still a condenser and still sensitive. Still better choices to be found that'll work for most and sound better.
I generally avoid everything Alesis and Behringer because they're cheap. Not just in price, but in components, quality, reliability, and sound... generally speaking. That said, I have no experience with that particular audio interface. The Focusrite Scarlett Solo comes well reviewed at around the same price (I think?). Steinberg also has an interface around the same price. If you're looking more for a mixer (that's what the Alesis is), then I'd suggest looking at a Mackie or Yamaha mixer. Chances are, you're going to be looking a lot more money than the Alesis, but you're getting superior preamps and overall better hardware and reliability. Just be careful to get one that's USB unless you want to go analog everything (if you're not an audio engineer with a high end sound card, don't).
Whether you need a mixer or an audio interface comes down to what you're going to be doing. The mixer can be helpful for effects, additional EQ, monitoring, multiple inputs, etc., but it's not necessary in most instances. For most, an audio interface with one or two inputs is sufficient--you can always upgrade later and sell the interface on Ebay (or some such) because they're always in demand.
Regarding stands, I use a Rode PSA1 and have no qualms recommending it, but it's somewhat pricey. If you need cheaper, the Neewer arm has good reviews, but I have no feedback regarding it. Pretty sure several people here use and like the Neewer arm.
For a pop filter, anything, really, is fine. Don't worry about metal ones or filters made of exotic materials--any cheap nylon screen works as well as anything else. You likely won't need a windsock, but you can find plenty of those on the cheap as well. (I suppose you could go with just windsock or just filter, but either should be fine--I just prefer a pop filter to a sock.) For the XLR cable, meh... not Monster? I use these--they're nothing special, just cables. Work/sound fine.
It's easy to spend a lot of money on this stuff, but if you have patience and time, you can save a lot by buying used. Most of my mics are used and they work perfectly well--generally speaking, people take care of those (and it's obvious when they don't).
> I have 2000 dollars maximum for my computer build. I don't have any play over that. That being said if I need an amplifier for my interface I am cool with buying that in the future when I can get the money for it. If you can fit it in that's great!
Hm. Well, not entirely sure you'll need it - sadly, interfaces provide almost no specs for their headphone outs, so it could be 5Vrms into 100 ohm or it could be .5Vrms. Guess the thing to do would be to listen, then determine if it's working properly for you and getting loud enough without distortion - if so, you're good. If not, amp time.
>The room is dedicated to this computer. And I'm getting the micke from ikea for a desk. I wouldn't exactly feel comfortable moding it to mount the mic. Perhaps a stand would better better for my needs?
Looks to me like the Micke would support a mic arm just fine without modding. Of course, you could also put it on your desk, but I've found that tends toward very loud keyboard noise.
So, with all the information you've given me, I think I've got a pitch for you:
For an interface: a [Focusrite Scarlett Solo] (http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG) which will run you around $100 new (a bit harsh - I got a 2i2, which is the same or better in all regards for around the same), or $80 or less used (though I sadly don't see many used ones from respectable retailers at the moment, so you'd need to go eBay spelunking). It will accept an instrument line in for recording, allow live monitoring via the headphone out of all inputs, and has a mic input with phantom as a bonus.
For a headphone: [AKG K7XX] (https://www.massdrop.com/buy/akg-x-massdrop-k7xx-limited-edition-ruby-red), which is one of my favourite recommendations in moderately-priced headphones. The K7XX is a comfortable, detailed headphone with excellent positional audio, and an easy-to-like sound signature which slightly boosts the bass but without the ludicrous bass boosts of some "lifestyle" headphones. At $200, it's already compelling value, and you can find it used on Head-Fi, eBay, or /r/AVExchange for $170 or less typically. The wrinkle here is that the K7XX takes a fair bit of juice to drive, and I'm legitimately not sure the Solo has enough. It might, some interfaces surely do, but Focusrite publishes no specs here, so all you'd be able to do is listen and see for yourself.
For a mic: [Audio-Technica's AT2020] (http://www.amazon.com/Audio-Technica-AT2020-Cardioid-Condenser-Microphone/dp/B0006H92QK) is a very clear, detailed mic for its price (which is around $80 new, less used) if you have the 48v phantom it craves (which, as a Solo owner, you would). It will pick up keyboard and room noise pretty easily, though, so you'll want to use push-to-talk with it for VOIP IMO, though a shock mount and positioning it well could also work, I suppose.
There's probably enough slack in the budget to fit additional gear if needed - particularly if you buy used - so if you need an arm to mount the mic (since you're a musician, you might see if you can get one from a friend for cheap/free first, though) or an amp for the K7XX, it can be provisioned for.
ART TubeMP Tube Microphone Preamp https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002GZZNY/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_Qu75wbV1GSNRW
Focusrite Scarlett Solo Compact USB Audio Interface https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_awd_bw75wbSST22MK
Scartlett Solo from Focusrite.
http://www.amazon.com/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo-Compact-Interface/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1459350011&sr=8-1&keywords=scarlett+solo
Consider looking at the AT2100 dynamic mic. It's currently at $58 (with retail at $80).
This is a very nice starting mic for a few reasons:
tl;dr: I don't know why more people don't recommend dynamic mics, and the AT2100 is a great starter.
I dunno. I don't want to sound like I have high authority in this area. I am reasonably new to recording. But this https://www.amazon.co.uk/FOCUSRITE-SCARLETT-SOLO-Audio-interfaces/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1463169240&sr=8-1&keywords=scarlet+solo (sorry for the long link) has opened a lot of doors for ma and allows you to record one or two inputs simultaneously.
But yeah I am a 'bedroom' music maker. Maybe wait for more replies from more informed/experienced producers. But in my opinion an audio interface and a good quality mike will allow you to record pretty much whatever you like track by track.
Just make sure your recording music for the right reasons!
I think that would do what you need it to do, but it looks like it's made of cheap plastic so I'd be concerned about the reliability. Also, there is no XLR input which you may need if you're ever going to use a mic. This one is better, and not that much more expensive:
http://www.amazon.in/Focusrite-Scarlett-Solo/dp/B00MTXU2DG/ref=pd_sim_sbs_267_1?ie=UTF8&dpID=417iR4TN3eL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1G9DV800T3VX33YWSS20
Are you buying the interface for recording??
Personally I have a Scarlett Solo USB interface (even though it's USB it has super low latency, great for recording and hearing effects like reverb etc in realtime) with a CAD M179 mic. Basically any pattern you could want, toggle for higher/lower sensitivity, and a built-in high-pass filter. Also it sounds fucking incredible. If I could afford another + a Scarlett 2i2 I'd definitely buy for better acoustic guitar recording.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00MTXU2DG?psc=1&smid=A2UPVLUE7LUM25
Would that work? I use my computer for gaming and the likes, etc. so would I have to keep unplugging and plugging in my headphones to different ports just to be able to hear everything?