Which external interface/sound card works nice with laptop?

[balonny]

I'm thinking of new interface, and would like to hear your suggestions..
Need it for work with MIDI keyboard, but hey any idea is welcome..just warming up

[Szuumm]

You'll probably need to be more specific - budget, preferred connection to laptop, number of in/out needed, if you need mic pre-amps...

[ljd2002]

While some indiciation of your budget would help, you can't really go wrong with Focusrite, who do some great interfaces.

[balonny]

You're right, well let me write some more info:
- the budget say up to 500 US $ for pair, no need for mic pre-amps, USB connection preferred, and I guess not too many in/outs (i.e. to hook up a midi keyboard and eventually some Live controller in due time, most probably Akai APC40)..

[MarksBasementRecords.com]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... te-audio-6
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... top-studio
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pro-audi ... ed-edition


Here are a few cheaper ones with MIDI - to be honest any brand name that you recognize is probably just as good for MIDI interfacing. (someone correct me if I'm wrong)

You're not likely to find a decent sound card with MIDI in and out that doesn't have at least two inputs or onboard preamps. Maybe focus on a low price point VS. MIDI and Outputs. Extra inputs/outputs might come in handy some day, so if the box is the same size... just choose wisely

The good thing is, You will definitely find what you need for less than $500

[ljd2002]

out of those 3 boxes suggested - Id say go with the last one (the PreSonus. I've got a couple of their boxes and they're really well made). I'd agree that for 500 dollars you'll certainly find what you are looking for.
The only other thing I'd suggest is that you make sure you really don't need any preamps before buying. Sounds coming in from a mic really add to the atmosphere of a track in my opinion. Just a thought. L.

[login]

Stretech out and get a RME babyface, you will never need to buy another interface again.