24i/o soundcard for usb or firewire??

[AndyB]

Hey all...
I'm looking to buy a 24i/o interface for my laptop, really like the motu 2408 - BUT, it's set up to run with a pci card, which isn't an option on this!! I have 4usb ports, and one firewire port.

Any recommendations? Midi i/o would be a must-have too.

 

[TimOBrien]

Midi on USB is no problem. I've used a MidisportUSB2x2 on all my daws with zero problems.

But you won't get 24 channels over USB. No way, no how. Just not enough bandwidth there.

3 Motu8Pres will do it for $1700. These can be daisy-chained.
Or if you don't need preamps you can use any combination of Motu interfaces to get up to 60 i/os.


(Been using an 828mkII for a year with my XP laptop with ZERO problems - will be expanding it with an 8Pre when I can)

 

[TexRoadkill]

The RME stuff is pretty cool. You could use 3 Firefaces.

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/firewire/ff800.htm

 

[bigwillz24]

or 2 echo audiofire 12's

 

[AndyB]

Thanks for your replies guys..
Is there much difference in audio quality between the Motu, RME and Echo units?

And would they run better, with less latency, the less units you run? (ie would two echos run with less latency than say three motus?)