Portable USB Solution

[Dr_Sbaitso]

Hey Guys.

Im looking for a portable USB interface to plug into a laptop. Im just getting into location sound recording and rather than going to a DAT system, Ive been thinking of using a laptop. Im looking for a USB interface that will give me 2 Balanced inputs that doesn;t require its own power source(Im fairly sure most USB systems dont...) it doesn't need to be 24 bit, but it would be an advantage. Any suggestions?

Thanks,
Dr_S.

 

[M.Brane]

Have you looked at the M Box?

 

[Chris Shaeffer]

Yup, to the best of my knowledge the M-box from Digidesign is the only USB device that is powered through the USB port.

Pretty sweet, too, in that it gives you phantom power, as well. I almost got it myself, but I went with the Digi 002 instead. 18 inputs instead of 2.

One significant item: it comes with Pro Tools LE (a good program) but won't work with anything else. You're stuck with Pro Tools. Now I like Pro Tools, but upgrading it and buying plugins is expen$ive. Even though the Mbox is aimed at "prosumers" anthing else you might buy for Pro Tools systems is not.

Street price for it is around $500 and I've seen it pretty reliably availble on e-bay for $400 new.

Take care,
Chris

 

[overseas]

Edirol UA-20
24-bit USB
2 unbalanced inputs (maybe not what you want, but...)
2 RCA outputs
MIDI outs
Digital outs
$179.00

Mine works like a charm with my Sony VAIO notebook.