Need an audio interface for a laptop -- USB2 or Firewire?

[babahi]

I'm setting up a basic recording setup for a friend. Since he only has a laptop, he needs something that runs through USB2 or Firewire. I guess PCMCIA card is also an option. Unfortunately, I don't know that class of stuff, so I'm asking for suggestions...

It would be great to find something with XLR inputs, phono inputs and perhaps a MIDI plug as well.

I would have gone for the Aardvark DirectPro 24/96 if he had a computer with PCI slots, since it has MIDI, XLR, phono plugs, a headphone jack, the works. Anybody know of anything similar?

[Two hands31]

Maybe a Digidesign Digi002 or something like that?

[darren wilson]

Digidesign MBOX should do everything you need. You might also consider the M-Audio FireWire Audiophile.

One important question to ask is how many simultaneous audio I/O channels do you want/need? That will determine whether you should go with USB or FireWire. USB is fine if you're looking at 2 in/2 out. If you need more, FireWire would probably handle it better. I don't know if anyone is doing high-speed USB 2.0 interfaces at all.

[babahi]

I looked at the Edirol UA-25 and it seems to have everything in one, the MIDI, XLR, TRS, the works.

Only thing I wonder about is with the USB connection -- can it really handle 24/96?

[Soup Kitchen Studios]

A used MOTU 828 mkI could be had for the price of a new mbox and you're get a lot more I/O options as well as a better box, imo.

If he has more money to spent look at the Metric Halo UNL-2, Apogee Mini-Me, MOTU Traveler

[babahi]

Good tip, I remember having looked at that a couple of years ago. It is a bit big for my friend's tiny home studio, though.

The Digi002 is unfortunately way too expensive for him.

One good find is the M-Audio FireWire 410. I prefer using FireWire to USB for bandwidth reasons, plus the advantage of this unit over the Edirol is that there is a volume control on the front of the unit for both the monitors and the headphones. We all know how it is when you hit play and the speakers start to blast -- it's a great panic switch to have a knob right in front of you, as opposed to having to dig for it in the software. According to my experience, that is.

[anuj]

firewire über alles.

i use a motu828mkII .. it's incredible (even serves as a mixer in a pinch). check out the new motu traveler. bus powered, and has 4 neutriks instead of two, and does 192kHz as well.

~A

[babahi]

UPDATE:

I decided on the M-Audio FireWire 410. Much better features than the Edirol, plus it's FireWire! Can also be powered off the FireWire bus...

[Polaris20]

the new M Audio Firewire Solo is also a neat little box, especially for $200.