Mbox or focusrite Saffire or M-audio firewire 410

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

I am considering replacing my m-audio firewire 410 mostly because of
this wierd faint buzz noise I get on my monitors whenever the laptop is
not on battery power. I have these active Mackie HR824s that take
balanced/unbalanced inputs and my firewire 410 is all unbalanced
outputs. SO maybe that has something to do with it, maybe not.

The other issue is mobility. I am considering the M-box because I could
work outside or on the bus with it. But then, the Focusrite saffire
caught my eye with its software simulations of the famous compressor.
Both of these have balanced outputs. Any thoughts about which of these
I should choose? Or should I stick with what I have?

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

Have you tried the 410 on another computer or another interface on
yours?
Balanced outputs for not much money can be had on the Terratec Phase24.
I have a brief review here www.themagicofradio.com. I've just got the
X version which is closer to the 410 in spec in that it has two mic
inputs with phantom power, inserts and monitor outputs but no metering.
The inputs and outputs are on balanced quarter inch jacks. Only just
got it but it's nicely made and well behaved so far. I'll get a review
up when I can.

Archived from groups: rec.audio.pro (More info?)

On 12 Sep 2005 11:19:10 -0700, "sane54" <witzgall@swbell.net> wrote:

>I am considering replacing my m-audio firewire 410 mostly because of
>this wierd faint buzz noise I get on my monitors whenever the laptop is
>not on battery power. I have these active Mackie HR824s that take
>balanced/unbalanced inputs and my firewire 410 is all unbalanced
>outputs. SO maybe that has something to do with it, maybe not.
>
>The other issue is mobility. I am considering the M-box because I could
>work outside or on the bus with it. But then, the Focusrite saffire
>caught my eye with its software simulations of the famous compressor.
>Both of these have balanced outputs. Any thoughts about which of these
>I should choose? Or should I stick with what I have?

I think the ac plug-in thingy that comes with most laptops is going to
be too noisey no matter what you buy for a sound card. You can make a
quieter, brute force ps of your own or just run the laptop off a car
battery. My pc laptop says it runs off 12-20 volts. I hacked the wires
up and ran it off a car battery for a night. dead silent. good luck,
s.

buy pin adapters for your monitor power supply i.e. your monitor power cord has three pins - go to wallmart and buy those adapters that convert them to two pins - theyre a buc a piece and it'll get rid of that noise