New Soundcard

Hi

After about a years hiatus, I'm about to embark on some music making.

However I've fragged some kit so I want to get a new soundcard. I'm looking at USB options and can't decide which of these to go for.

The Tascam US144 MK2, the M-audio fastrack PRO or the EMU 0404 USB.

I'me looking at USB2 options for overall compatibility otherwise I'd go for firewire.

Can anybody shed any light on the quality of these cards.

Regards

Rob

if you got a firewire port buy an alesis Io26 8 channel interface, after using it for lots of different situations for a few years, Its pretty fucking effective. The way you can route 4 different master outs for separate mixes, performance with 8 channels @ 96khz 24bit is pretty wicked, "I like it ah lohhhh"

I use the fast track pro (8 channel). I'm VERY happy with it. I can record eight channels at once without any glitches, all while playing back over four channels (I've never had occasion to try playing out of all eight at once).

Before that I used an Emu 1616m.

It's hard to say which sounds 'better' because my recording/mixing has improved since I've had the fast track.

what do you want to do with it? what software do you use? how much do you have to spend?

  On 12/2/2009 at 11:55 PM, A/D said:

what do you want to do with it? what software do you use? how much do you have to spend?

I want to produce electronic music in Cubase with VST synths triggered by a simple midi keyboard. I also want to include some live vox, bass and guitar. I have about £150 to spend. I used to do all of this using an m-audio 1010 but its fragged. Now I am looking for a cheaper alternative.

  On 12/3/2009 at 11:21 AM, locum76 said:

  On 12/2/2009 at 11:55 PM, A/D said:

what do you want to do with it? what software do you use? how much do you have to spend?

 

I want to produce electronic music in Cubase with VST synths triggered by a simple midi keyboard. I also want to include some live vox, bass and guitar. I have about £150 to spend. I used to do all of this using an m-audio 1010 but its fragged. Now I am looking for a cheaper alternative.

line 6 Ux2

Line6 has no midi input port.

  On 12/3/2009 at 1:46 PM, locum76 said:

Line6 has no midi input port.

arent midi to usb adapters really cheap? if you want to record vocals, guitar and bass, you know the UX2 basically has almost all the amp, pre amp, effects of a X3 for a 3rd of the price?

I retract my suggestion now that I know what you want to do. The fast track is probably not for you.

i recommend the audiofire 4 (or the 2 if you already have a preamp and a DI box)

http://echoaudio.com/Products/FireWire/AudioFire4/index.php

i have the 8 and it has been solid. an excellent investment.

edit: sorry that is a firewire option. however i'm using it with a PC card->FW adapter and it works very well.

I used the M-Audio Fast Track Pro for a short while before realizing that I hated the A/D converters on the thing... (particularily on guitar) It's like the thing sucked out my creativity...

I seriously recomment getting an Apogee Duet (I know it's Firewire) but it has the best A/D converters you will ever find for a decent price.

I am currently in Professional Recording Arts school, I've asked a lot of people in the industry what to use... They all pretty much worship Apogee.