If you're looking for a bare bones audio interface to use with your iPad or laptop that won't be too rough on your bank account, check out the Focusrite iTrack Solo. There are no hidden tricks to the iTrack Solo and no special knowledge is required; you simply plug straight in and record your tunes. Easy interface with GarageBand, Ableton, and tons of other DAWs on both Mac and PC give the iTrack Solo a special kind of usability, and its small size makes it portable as well.