Ableton Forum

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:-)

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.

thanks, apparently the motu ultralight is good as well

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