Recording method & Best USB Audio Interface

[sixsinisters]

Hi guys, I need some inputs for a decent usb interface on a budget (brand & model, preferably under $300) for my laptop with win7 OS 64bit . It will be used to record my synths, guitar, bass and also vocal. I've heard many of them have lots of prob, which I didn't really get it other than compatibility.

And also for recording, is it possible to direct all of the instruments down to the mixer --> mixer to the audio interface --> laptop? This way I don't have to screw around with connections. With this config, where should the monitors plugged in to? the interface or the mixer?

Or should i plug & re-plug different instruments one at a time to do the recording to the interface?

What's the best method to get the best audio quality?
Or is it better to get the mixer with usb instead and would that affect the sound quality and latency?

Please give me some suggestion on how you guys do it with diagrams if possible. I have the S400 port on the laptop (don't know what's it used for), should I get the Expresscard firewire card to get firewire ports for my laptop instead to open wider options on the interface? Would it be stable?

I'm very sorry for this long questions, 'cos I've been researching for weeks and still have no dependable clue.

Oh for the reference, I'm using FL9 and Adobe Audition.

Thanks so much!

[Clive]

In my opinion, the Apogee One is the best USB interface for under $300.