I am currently using a TB Santa Cruz to record on my WinXP system. The recordings have been gradually getting noisier, so time to upgrade.
I'd like to get a USB external audio device so I can use it with either the desktop or laptop (IBM Thinkpad T40). It doesn't need MIDI as I have a separate USB device for that. 2 channels of analogue line in/out would be sufficient (I typically record one stereo track at a time and mix in software or for live, mix to stereo on my analogue mixer).
Software I use for audio: CoolEdit Pro (editing, mixing); TotalRecorder (recording)
Budget of around $200.
Musician's Friend lists these:
Griffin Technology iMic USB Audio Interface
Complete plug-and-play functionality with no required software. Plugs into the USB port. Supports multiple audio formats such as...
$34.99
M-Audio Sonica USB Audio Output
24-bit/96kHz audio for laptop and desktop computers. Ultra-clean, hi-res audio output from your USB port. High-fidelity analog...
$59.99
Edirol UA-1X USB Audio Interface
The UA-1X is a simple USB audio interface designed to offer component-quality audio signals to and from your computer. It...
$79.99
Edirol UA-1A USB Audio Interface
Sixteen-bit/44.1kHz A/D/A converter is powered through the USB connection to your computer. Stereo RCA plugs in and out. Works...
$84.99
M-Audio Sonica Theater USB Surround Interface
Sonica Theater is the ultimate audio upgrade for your desktop or laptop. Play DVDs and all your music in surround sound, make...
$99.99
Terratec Aureon 5.1 USB
It delivers genuine 5.1 surround sound with 6 analog outputs plus line and mic inputs, optical digital S/PDIF I/O, a headphone...
$119.99
Audio Trak MAYA 44 USB
MAYA 44 USB is a versatile external USB audio interface for your notebook or desktop computer. It instantly adds 4 - 1/8" analog...
$129.99
M-Audio MobilePre USB
It's the preamp with a built-in audio interface designed for your laptop's needs. 3 kinds of audio inputs and outputs provide...
$149.99
Edirol UA-20 24-Bit USB Digital Audio and MIDI Interface
Brings portable 24-bit quality to your Mac or PC applications. Powered by your computer through the USB bus, and flexible!...
$179.99
M-Audio USB 2496 Audiophile Computer Recording Interface
This USB version of the Audiophile 2496 PCI card delivers pro quality with great dynamic range and S/N ratio. Includes 2 1/4"...
$199.99
Tascam US-122 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Fully Mac and Windows compatible, it features 2 XLR phantom-powered mic inputs with inserts, 2 line-level ins switchable to...
$199.99
any thoughts?
is 24/96 capability important?
I'd like to get a USB external audio device so I can use it with either the desktop or laptop (IBM Thinkpad T40). It doesn't need MIDI as I have a separate USB device for that. 2 channels of analogue line in/out would be sufficient (I typically record one stereo track at a time and mix in software or for live, mix to stereo on my analogue mixer).
Software I use for audio: CoolEdit Pro (editing, mixing); TotalRecorder (recording)
Budget of around $200.
Musician's Friend lists these:
Griffin Technology iMic USB Audio Interface
Complete plug-and-play functionality with no required software. Plugs into the USB port. Supports multiple audio formats such as...
$34.99
M-Audio Sonica USB Audio Output
24-bit/96kHz audio for laptop and desktop computers. Ultra-clean, hi-res audio output from your USB port. High-fidelity analog...
$59.99
Edirol UA-1X USB Audio Interface
The UA-1X is a simple USB audio interface designed to offer component-quality audio signals to and from your computer. It...
$79.99
Edirol UA-1A USB Audio Interface
Sixteen-bit/44.1kHz A/D/A converter is powered through the USB connection to your computer. Stereo RCA plugs in and out. Works...
$84.99
M-Audio Sonica Theater USB Surround Interface
Sonica Theater is the ultimate audio upgrade for your desktop or laptop. Play DVDs and all your music in surround sound, make...
$99.99
Terratec Aureon 5.1 USB
It delivers genuine 5.1 surround sound with 6 analog outputs plus line and mic inputs, optical digital S/PDIF I/O, a headphone...
$119.99
Audio Trak MAYA 44 USB
MAYA 44 USB is a versatile external USB audio interface for your notebook or desktop computer. It instantly adds 4 - 1/8" analog...
$129.99
M-Audio MobilePre USB
It's the preamp with a built-in audio interface designed for your laptop's needs. 3 kinds of audio inputs and outputs provide...
$149.99
Edirol UA-20 24-Bit USB Digital Audio and MIDI Interface
Brings portable 24-bit quality to your Mac or PC applications. Powered by your computer through the USB bus, and flexible!...
$179.99
M-Audio USB 2496 Audiophile Computer Recording Interface
This USB version of the Audiophile 2496 PCI card delivers pro quality with great dynamic range and S/N ratio. Includes 2 1/4"...
$199.99
Tascam US-122 USB Audio/MIDI Interface
Fully Mac and Windows compatible, it features 2 XLR phantom-powered mic inputs with inserts, 2 line-level ins switchable to...
$199.99
any thoughts?
is 24/96 capability important?