interfaces and laptops for non-music recording

[kingofold]

I've been reading through the posts about laptop recording. It does seem like a headache.

If I decide go this route it would be for independent film production.

I haven't decided on a specific laptop, will in a month or so.

Right now I'm just trying to figure out what are the options as far as a sound card goes.

It seems like people have a hard time with the usb soundcards. Is this generally with music recording. Would I be plagued with the same problems when I am recording 1 or 2 tracks of dialogue/sfx.

If I had to pick one today I would probably go with the tascam122, I may be able to do better though depending on how much cash I can put together.

Are the problems with the usb cards mainly because of complicated mixs, and multi track recordings or do they just suck.

At what price point do we get into something thats better than usb. Are there sound cards you can get for a laptop?

I need at least two XLR inputs and 48v phantom power, headphone input, has to be powered by the laptop, no ac cord or anything. I don't think I need anything else feature wise in these for dialogue recording. Thanks.

 

[TimOBrien]

Sound is sound; recording is recording... it doesn't matter if its for music or anything else, the principles are all the same.

Have you looked into a Firewire interface? There is the M-Audio Delta410 2-channel for $400 that would probably fit your needs perfectly. Or Presonus and Motu have 8-channel setups starting around $700.

If you are into film you should be looking at magazines like "DV- digital video" and see whats revieweds and advertised there.

 

[kingofold]

thanks for the input.