Super cool. So I was planning on at some point doing a mega-review of the major USB recording interfaces out there (boxes you plug into your computer that let you record from a mic or other source) but this awesome deal came up so let me pass it on now.

FYI this one would have been the winner of my roundup versus the Line 6 and Alesis models in the same price range.

It’s the Tascam US-122. Right now zZounds is offering this interface with a bundle deal for just $130 (and free shipping) that includes the US-122, Cubase recording software, and Tascam headphones and a microphone. This is everything you need for live acoustic demos, or full band demos if you are not multi-tracking everything. You can also use it for rough recordings of practices to help you know if a part is working or not.

I highly recommend it! Here’s why:

• Stable hardware and drivers. Tascam has been doing the USB interface longer than most and you won’t get a lot of the quirks and crashes with the US-122 that you will with other newer interfaces.
• Great price. It still includes everything you need to begin recording with your laptop or computer for just over $100.
• 16 channels of MIDI I/O. This is something, for instance, that the Line 6 POD studio interfaces don’t offer.
• Analog inserts. These are also unique to the US-122. They allow you to easily insert effects like compression into your recording chain which is a necessity for tracking vocals.

Zzounds.com is running a special on gear: free shipping and no sales tax.

Oh wait! They always do that!

There is an excellent article over at Build !nternet outlining current trends in Myspace design. Definitely read this if you have a myspace profile for your band!

Once you’ve finished reading the article don’t miss out on the discussion beneath. I have personally been coming to the same conclusion recently that a band should have their own .com as well as a myspace. It’s definitely something to consider since with your own website you are freed up to do a lot more with your online presence. In addition, and this is the thing I am really liking about having my own band website, I can see stats of who is visiting and downloading music.

Here is the article:

http://buildinternet.com/2009/02/battle-of-the-bands-myspace-music-profile-trends-roundup/#more-1645

I know. That is a bold claim isn’t it? The “right way?” Well whether it is or isn’t, I know my method of adding friends on myspace has been and continues to be successful for my band, so I have written it all up in an easy to print PDF for you to download. This tutorial includes plenty of screen shots and I hope it is helpful!

Adding Friends on Myspace