Simple sound card for home studio

[Zippy78]

Hi,

I'm moving from a desktop to a laptop for my music production. For the first time, I need an external sound card as I've always installed an internal one.

My audio comes out of a small mixing desk, so all I need is a stereo audio in and stereo audio out (I currently use phono, but I'm open to suggestions here). I don't suffer from noise at the moment and I'd like to keep it that way!

The unit also needs to have midi in and out (one of each would be plenty!). I've never suffered from latency issues and, again, I'm quite keen to keep it this way!

Do you have any suggestions for what I could get? I don't need and whistles or bells - for example, input volume is already taken care of with the mixer, so no knobs are needed to do this.

Thanks in advance!

Matt

 

[thently]

Ok Well not sure exactly what your looking for I myself would go digital SPDIF or Opti but here are a few options I will start cheap as I don't know your budget.

http://www.sourcingmap.com/external-usb-sound-audio-box-card-adapter-orange-p-24384.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=froogle&utm_campaign=usfroogle&gclid=CI6NnYHwoq4CFQ8yhwodCzvZSw

Simple USB but you get what you pay for

I like this one but many people are biased against Sound Blaster It is funtional and looks good too.

http://accessories.us.dell.com/sna/productdetail.aspx?c=us&l=en&s=dhs&cs=19&sku=A4156416&SMCID=703&CAWELAID=623629876&dgc=SS&cid=27530&lid=627063

Thent

 

[Zippy78]

Thanks for those suggestions.

Ideally, I'd like to spend less than £100 (or $150). Also, MIDI is essential. These 2 don't seem to have MIDI in and out, so they're not really what I'm looking for. Thanks all the same!

Matt

 

[thently]

Ohhh Ya I just skipped right over that let me cook up some more options. This one looks nice can't say Ive used it though and you did say dont need knobs and such but it does give you dirrect in for Mic and guitar ect. plus Phanton power for mic...

http://www.djdeals.com/alesisIO2.htm

well here is another sorry the midi part seems to be putting the price a little over what you want to spend might be worth it though if this is really something you enjoy/make money with.

http://www.buy.com/retail/product.asp?sku=205730847&listingid=191736344

Thent

 

[Zippy78]

Really like the look of the Fast Track Pro. My current internal sound card is a M Audio and it's always been fantastic. I'll have a look round for some reviews of that unit and I might be making a purchase.

Thanks again,

Matt

 

[thently]

Good Luck and happy recording

Thent