External Sound Card Recommendations

I have an iMac Core Duo and I've been trying to find an external sound card that will expand my computer's recording capabilities. Anyone have any recommendations?

I am mainly looking for two things: something with a audio in jack and that will let me record what is coming out of my speakers. Multiple audio inputs would be cool but definitely not essential.

M-Audio Firewire Solo

It works great with my macbook, and it is an amazing sound card. The sound quality is really good for the money. Hooks up to PCs or macs via firewire easily, and the software/drivers included work well with both.

You will not be disappointed. Great product. I tried putting my sound card back into my pc so i could use it only with my new macbook, but going back to my supposed high end sound blaster card, but i couldnt handle the horrible sound quality. So now it just goes back and forth between the two which isnt so bad because its just a firewire cable. Anyways, the difference i heard was amazing.

M-Audio MobilePre USB.

We use this for our podcast-- it adds two XLR jacks as well as external mic and audio inputs.

caribiner23 said:

M-Audio MobilePre USB.

We use this for our podcast-- it adds two XLR jacks as well as external mic and audio inputs.

Click to expand...

i was under the impression that USB wasnt good for audio.. is this BS?

farnzy said:

i was under the impression that USB wasnt good for audio.. is this BS?

Click to expand...

It's perfect for audio if you have a good D/A converter pumping it over USB. The limitation is the number of channels you can simultaneously record over USB, in which case Firewire becomes more appropriate.

--Chris

I've used the MobilePreUSB for over a year and a half to record our podcast as well as convert various other audio sources. It works perfectly.

I have no experience with the Firewire version of this type of hardware, but I imagine it would work perfectly as well.

Firewire is better if you can afford it.

I have an Audiofire 12 which I've not used properly on the Mac yet but it worked fine on the PC.

Echo also are very active in terms of driver development etc.., the support is good.

M-Audio are alright but I had trouble getting one of their MIDI controllers to work via USB once. I gave up and used a MIDI lead.

Audiofire 2 or 4 would be good for the casual user.

http://www.echoaudio.com/

motu ultralite

Check out M-Audio mobile recording interfaces. Affordable and easy to use.

I've read lots of good things about the EMU 0404. Im going to invest soon. It also ships with tons of lite editions of software which you can upgrade to full versions for a fraction of the normal price.

Check it out here-
http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?category=610&subcategory=611&product=15185