External Audio Devices Opinions ...

[drpietrzak]

I have a Dell 8600 Inspiron laptop and I and am considering using it for some recording. I have heard some things postive about the following exteral audio devices. I use Cakewalk HS 2004XL. I have heard that USB is not a good option here so I was thinking of firewire. But, if that is incorrect I am more than willing to reconsider. I was wondering if anyone has used any of the following and if so what were your opinions.

1.) M-Audio Firewire 410
2.) M-Audio Firewire Audiophile
3.) Presonus Firebox

A new one on the market appears to be

4.) Focusrite Saffire

I record guitar (electric and acoustic), vocals, bass and use a drum sampler for drums (or midid for drums or bass). So I would like to use this in this situation as well. I record right and left at the same time (2 tracks) but nothing more sophisticated. I do need to play back midi in HS 2004 (drums or bass) and record at the same time. I have a couple mixers and external speakers fI use for live monitoring.

Certainly anything better in that $400 or less market would be of interest.

Dale

 

[drpietrzak]

No thoughts?

 

[ssscientist]

As my sainted Mother used to say, 'have you no patience?'

IMHO, you'd do well with either the Firebox or the Saffire. They're both within your budget and if I had to pick today I'd go with the Firebox only because I've read three good reviews of it in the last week.

The Saffire is more or less brand new and looks kinda like the Lexicon Omega which looked good at first but sank without a trace due to (I think) overreaching on Lexicon's part.

 

[Joseph Hanna]

All of your choices great and are as capable as you make them.....and then some.

JH

 

[drpietrzak]

Thanks! I would have to agree, I am not as patient as I could be at times! But, I am old. I do not have too much time left! Well. Ok. Maybe not that old. But, past youth. Thanks God!

Thanks for the great ideas. I may have to avoid the 410. The Dell folks appear to feel it has trouble with their laptops at times. No one seems to be sure why. This was dissappointing to find out.

Dale