Choosing the right soundcard for a laptop

djp · Post by **djp** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 6:26 pm

I know its prob a really common question on these boards, but i am still so unclear on the whole thing so i thought i would ask again. Appreciate any help you guys can offer.

I am basically looking to get a new soundcard for my laptop so that i can link ableton to the DJM-800 through midi. I will also want it for producing with. After spending ages reading about all the different choices I have narrowed it down to a few that seemed to keep appearing.

1)E-MU 1616M CardBus Digital Audio System

This is currently my fave choice, i like the fact it uses the pcmcia slot (is that a good thing?) and offers both the ability to run as a standalone soundcard (great for taking to gigs and using ableton on any mixer) and also with the external box plugged in for midi support (connecting to the djm-800). I have however heard that its prone to problems e.g. sound cutting out, hard to use software etc. Is this a good card for what i want?

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop ... ct_id/5610

2) M-Audio FW 410

This seems to be a really common choice amonst the djs. Is this whole unit standalone? i.e. is this a soundcard as well as an external box, or do i need to get a soundcard to go with it. (soz if thats a really dumb question, i am still so new to this)

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop ... ct_id/3013

3) Echo Indigo DJ

This seems to be just the soundcard, what box would be good to buy alongside this? Is this worth getting?

http://www.dolphinmusic.co.uk/page/shop ... ct_id/3244

Are there any other options available? My budget is around the £350 mark. I guess what i am after is something that other djs use and swear by, something stable that does the job

Soz for all the questions, all this is pretty daunting to a newbie and i want to make my first choice the right one:-)

DJ VAKIS · Post by **DJ VAKIS** » Wed Dec 06, 2006 6:37 pm

For Dj work get the echoindigo dj.
If you want to record then you will need an audio card with inputs.
I would say to look for the audiofire2 or 4 from echo.You can use them for dj and for recording.The audiofire2 has 2inputs but not mic 48Volt.The audiofire4 has also mic48volt input.

djp · Post by **djp** » Thu Dec 07, 2006 12:12 pm

thanks, apparently the motu ultralight is good as well

http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite/