Yamaha has launched a USB break-out box/interface designed to make music recording and production a little more hassle-free.
The UW500 Personal Studio hooks up to your computer with a single, high-speed USB cable. Then, 'simply plug your guitar or microphone into the front panel and record!' says the company. It's just as easy as using a tape recorder, claims Yamaha: 'yet, because it's digital, it gives you enormous editing flexibility, arranging power, and exceptionally high-quality sound.'
The UW500 is, then, an all-in-one solution for MIDI and audio recording. It has comprehensive analog inputs, digital in/out, and multi-port MIDI capability - plus software for sequencing, editing, and tone generation. In fact, everything you need to lay down MIDI and audio tracks - and turn your computer into a fully equipped home studio.
Check this out for more: http://www.yamahasynth.com/pro/uw500/index.html