Advise on interface/pre-amp for laptop

[mikep]

I need advise regarding a small, easily "bringable" interface/preamp to a laptop computer.  What I need is one capable of two (2) mic inputs with phantom (one mic input with 48 volts would be ok also but prefer two), and USB connection as output.  I was told M-Audio or M-Box would have such models?  A friend suggested Sound Devices, but it seems pricey.  Any other reco would be appreciated.  I would be using this to gather impulse responses of rooms or spaces for acoustical analysis.

Thanks for all the help.

[jefisipbata]

i used to have one of these sir, chassis is very durable as evidenced by the "car" test video

http://www.presonus.com/products/Detail.aspx?ProductId=53

bought it at musiciansfriend for $149 last year. i'm not sure how much they sell locally

[jamming_papu]

sir mike, i suggest the Line 6 UX2.

http://line6.com/podstudioux2/specifications.html

- 2 XLR with phantom power and very portable. its also compatible to most DAW . plus i think i just saw a unit for sale at the classified section. I used this one in one of my friends recording setup and its really straightforward to use.

[KitC]

What kind of laptop, Mike? Windows or mac?

[mikep]

Kit, I will be using Windows PC.

BTW, thanks for all the suggestions.  I will look into each one and see what fits my needs best.  Of course, the price is a factor as well.  Regards,

[skyjammer]

Kit, I will be using Windows PC.

BTW, thanks for all the suggestions.  I will look into each one and see what fits my needs best.  Of course, the price is a factor as well.  Regards,

Where was that SynAudCon you attended held? If it was in the US then you missed this: http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/ART-USB-Dual-Pre-TwoChannel-PreamplifierComputer-Interface?sku=703092

[KitC]

skyjammer's suggestion on the ART is a good one, Mike. The M-audio MobilePre MkII USB is also a good alternative. E-mu makes the Tracker Pre which is a USB 2.0 interface with very good specs, and you don't have to deal with their daunting control panel. Finally, there's Mackie's Onyx Blackjack Premium which offers Cirrus Logic converters.

All of these offer 2 mic preamps and are under $200. The Mackie is new to me but knowing the brand, it must be built like a tank.

[mikep]

@Skyjammer - no, the last SynAudCon seminar on pro sound system design was he4ld last week in Infocom Asia, Hongkong.  I did not have a chance of going around even though I was there for more than a week.  The seminar starts at 9 and ends at 5.  You really get drained.  Plus, there was a lot to read.

I will look into your suggestion, thank you very much.

@ KitC - thanks for the suggestion. I know I would get good recos from the group.  I will definitely look into your suggestions as well as the others.  Thanks so much.  Regards,

[rocketboy]

Check out Edirol UA-25.  Solid drivers and build.  Win, Mac & Linux compatible

[skin]

http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/product/Tascam-US144MKII-USB-2.0-4channel-AudioMIDI-Interface?sku=583089



I've heard good reviews of the Tascam and have used Tascam US-122 and Tascam US-428.  Both are USB 1.1.

[jtaruki]

http://www.sounddevices.com/products/usbpremaster.htm

it rocks, been using for 2 years, live sound and post prod.


does not operate in Windows 64-bit operating systems, including XP-64, Vista-64, and 7-64.

[proud07christian]

skyjammer's suggestion on the ART is a good one, Mike. The M-audio MobilePre MkII USB is also a good alternative. E-mu makes the Tracker Pre which is a USB 2.0 interface with very good specs, and you don't have to deal with their daunting control panel. Finally, there's Mackie's Onyx Blackjack Premium which offers Cirrus Logic converters.

All of these offer 2 mic preamps and are under $200. The Mackie is new to me but knowing the brand, it must be built like a tank.

Criteria? The Art's attracting my wallet. Any advantages and disadvantages? Compatible programs? Comments? HAHA.


Edited: Check out the video.

I LOLed when I saw the m-audio fast track. haha