Well it's finally happened... my much loved STAudio DSP24 C-Port needs Windows XP to run, and I am fed up lugging around a full size PC when I can buy a cheap laptop that's got 20x more power and far lighter. I want a new interface. If I'm going to do it, I want to buy something rock solid that will last, and probably outlast the laptop more than once.
I don't care what kind of laptop I use. I've always had Windows, but since the mess that is Windows 10's license agreement, I am considering moving to Linux for my main laptop anyway, or even Mac.
I currently run Windows 7 64bit, 4Gb RAM, 2.6GHz Core2Duo CPU, 512Gb SSD.
My requirements are surprisingly simple, on a budget ideally not more than £500 unless really worth it...
Min 8 analogue inputs (more would be great)
Pre-amps on every channel would be amazing, but I need at least 2.
I need to be able to adjust the input level of each channel.
A level display for each input would be very helpful
Two analogue outputs
USB or Firewire - USB is easier with a laptop, but if FireWire is more stable I can get a FireWire card for the laptop.
I want to record in at least 24bit, 44.1kHz for mixing down to CD - currently I run at 24bit 88.2kHz (this seems better than 96kHz after downsampling).
Units I've identified so far:
Echo AudioFire Pre 8
M-Audio M-Track Eight
Motu 828MK3 (Hybrid)
Roland Octa-Capture UA-1010 USB
Steinberg UR824 USB
I did wonder about replacing it with a Mackie Onyx 1620i, but the lack of on board effects seems to cancel out any extra space saving, because I'd then need an external reverb unit.
Do any of those choices stand out particularly in terms of...
sound quality?
reliability / stability?
Has anyone got one of these that they are pleased with? ...disappointed with?
I don't care what kind of laptop I use. I've always had Windows, but since the mess that is Windows 10's license agreement, I am considering moving to Linux for my main laptop anyway, or even Mac.
I currently run Windows 7 64bit, 4Gb RAM, 2.6GHz Core2Duo CPU, 512Gb SSD.
My requirements are surprisingly simple, on a budget ideally not more than £500 unless really worth it...
Min 8 analogue inputs (more would be great)
Pre-amps on every channel would be amazing, but I need at least 2.
I need to be able to adjust the input level of each channel.
A level display for each input would be very helpful
Two analogue outputs
USB or Firewire - USB is easier with a laptop, but if FireWire is more stable I can get a FireWire card for the laptop.
I want to record in at least 24bit, 44.1kHz for mixing down to CD - currently I run at 24bit 88.2kHz (this seems better than 96kHz after downsampling).
Units I've identified so far:
Echo AudioFire Pre 8
M-Audio M-Track Eight
Motu 828MK3 (Hybrid)
Roland Octa-Capture UA-1010 USB
Steinberg UR824 USB
I did wonder about replacing it with a Mackie Onyx 1620i, but the lack of on board effects seems to cancel out any extra space saving, because I'd then need an external reverb unit.
Do any of those choices stand out particularly in terms of...
sound quality?
reliability / stability?
Has anyone got one of these that they are pleased with? ...disappointed with?