Souncards for PC Laptops

codecks · Post by **codecks** » Sun Jan 28, 2007 2:09 pm

I'm using a Presonus Firebox.

Nice, kompakt, sounding good and not too pricy
The mic/instrument preamps are yummmiee.

Amongst the downsides I should mention:

- installation can be tricky on xp. it seems to be much easier on mac
- no on/off button. when pc is turned on, the card is on
- when I don't use the external power supply I have some more background noise (very little tho)

http://www.presonus.com/firebox.html

Daniel Logikal · Post by **Daniel Logikal** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:28 am

The Konnekt8 looks good, and so do some of the m-audio ones...

Anyone else got ground loop issues with the any of their soundcards?

harass · Post by **harass** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:37 am

Daniel Logikal wrote:The Konnekt8 looks good, and so do some of the m-audio ones...

Anyone else got ground loop issues with the any of their soundcards?

Most people on laptops will experience it when using unbalanced cables, the problems is with the power pack being grounded. The fire pod sound card someone suggested is balanced, also the RME external card is a good choice. I think it's only the Sony’s and Apple laptops that don't experience a major issue.

basically don't get a card that uses RCA plugs, you want 1/4inch TRS. It's not a huge issue anyhow, most people use their laptops without the power pack with playing out. It’s only an issue if you’re using the laptop as your powerhorse.

Marcus Stork · Post by **Marcus Stork** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 10:51 am

Check out ESI Gigaport products. Working good for me!

http://www.esi-pro.com/

m jaco · Post by **m jaco** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 5:19 pm

I use to have the m-audio audiophile..and I would always pick up a weird frequency noise on ableton. Maybe it was just my computer but I wouldn't reccomend getting that one.

skept · Post by **skept** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 6:11 pm

i use the maudio fast track pro for studio and live. it is probably what one of these a$$hole elitists with tons of $$$$ would call a "weekend warrior" toy like i have heard so many times before.

it is cheap. it works. it does midi. everything i need for now. if you have any questions about it pm me.

4am · Post by **4am** » Tue Jan 30, 2007 8:49 pm

http://www.rme-audio.com/english/firewire/ff400.htm

not the cheapest but (for me) the most reliable one
i'm happy with my multiface II, but if i had to buy one now i would go for
a fireface 400 (due to the cardbus on the multiface)

underl_ne · Post by **underl_ne** » Thu Feb 01, 2007 9:48 am

rme is the aston martin of soundcards

fireface 400

word.