Affordable External Audio Interfaces + Laptops

[TheRev]

So I just found out that Dell is running a scorching deal on some of their laptops.

http://www1.us.dell.com/content/products/features.aspx/value_inspn?c=us&cs=19&l=en&s=dhs

$750 off!!!!

So I'm thinkin of whippin out the credit card and jumping on this so I can finally have a unit to do some Live PA's with.

Before I take the plunge I'd need to know two things that maybe you folk can help me with:

1) Are any of these suited for production work?

2) What are the good affordable options for Audio Interfaces? I'd probably go with an M-Audio since I have connections to get really good deals on them. Are they good?

Your input is greatly appreciated!

[stempelkissen]

I can't speak for all of the different interfaces but I would advise stearing well clear of the M-Audio Quattro. There was a forum running a few years ago with so many people suffering from all sorts of probs with this unit. Its very incompatiable with certain makes of PC laptops. I wish 'd found the forum before I bought the unit. Before you buy an interface type 'problem with (Interface name)' or '(Interface name) driver errors' as research.

My advice when getting a laptop for audio use is to check how audio plays through it before you buy. I guess this might be difficult with a company like dell but I strongly advise it.

When I got mine a few years ago there was an issue where the standard headphone output gave out loads of digital nastiness when the laptop was plugged in to the mains. I could have used an eternal I/O to solve the problem but thats not always convenient. My research when I was trying to sort this out revealed that this problem is quite random, some makes of laptop have it, others don't. Some have completely different problems. I eventually used a mixer with a ground-lift do sort it but this isn't ideal.

Anyway, thats a couple of issues I'd recommend looking out for based on my experiences. I'm a dedicated hardware fan nowadays. Be careful.

[Komplex]

how many ins/outs do you need?

and stay away from usb, make sure your laptop has firewire so you can use firewire sound...

2 cheap firewire interfaces you can try are:

M-audio 410 - 2 ins 8 outs + 1 midi in/out

Terratec phase 24 - 2 ins 2 or 4 outs (all balanced) 1 midi in/out. You can also use the headphone outs as a second pair of outs giving you 4 channels. They even provide you with a 1/4 splitter cable to split the signal...

I use both and haven't had any problems on a PC. I understand they both have issues with Mac however...

[TheRev]

Yeh I hear you on the noise issue.

I actually heard a rumor that Dell has issues with noise, so that's given me a bit of pause before ordering from them. I also found out Dell does these "deals" all the time.

Someone reccomended the Edirol F-66 to me. Anyone have any experience?

[Patrick DSP]

get these...

7200 rpm 2.5" laptop harddrive...http://www.mp3car.com/store/images/harddrive/60gighd.gif
http://www.notebookdrivesoutlet.com/neforspreabh.html

at least 1GB of ram... http://static.howstuffworks.com/gif/ram-ch.jpg

a laptop with a seperate/non-shared video card (64mb at least)

and the $0.50 solution to bad grounding wiring/noise found on most laptops...http://www.musicianassist.com/htf/cheater.gif
a cheater/ground-lift plug, most electricians will tell you this is a big no no. grounding pins are found to save your life from electrical shock, laptops don't have enough power to do this, just try not to spill your drink on your laptop.

www.asio4all.com for on the road producing. can give you about 2ms latency with your onboard soundcard. :)

and buy an external harddrive for you to back up your data whenever possible, because laptops are fragile. and it would be a shame for you to lose all your work.http://www.hardware.de-a1.de/hardware/images/943ZSB9.jpg


after all that, go buy whatever soundcard you heart desires.

[Barely Human]

Yeh I hear you on the noise issue.

I actually heard a rumor that Dell has issues with noise, so that's given me a bit of pause before ordering from them. I also found out Dell does these "deals" all the time.

Someone reccomended the Edirol F-66 to me. Anyone have any experience?

I have a dell, and its a spot on laptop. The noise issue happens with most laptops nowerdays, its actually an earth loop through the power supply. You can stop the noise by -

a) Unplugging your laptop

b) Take a 3 way extension lead, and remove the earth lead from the plug. (do this at your own risk)

Please be aware that removing the earth lead on the plug will only mean that your laptop isnt protected against your case becoming live, so you could theretically eletricute yourself, but if a fault occurs that may damage your laptop, the breakers in your house will trip and protect it. There shouldn't be enough power going through your laptop to eletricute you anyway. Ive had mine like this for years, and never had a problem. Just dont go pluging any amps or anything into that 3 way or you could get a shock...