usb sound card

[J_Dunavin]

I hope that this is the right place to ask, but I'm looking for a usb sound card.
My needs aren't to extream, I need one preferably two outputs. RCA connection would be nice, but i could deal with a 3.5mm jack. And one mic input so I could run my RTA software.
I just wish I could find something simple for my needs that had better sound quality than the headphone out on my laptop.
Thanks for any suggestions.
Joe

[sine143]

2 stereo outs (4 outs) or 2 mono outs (1 stereo out)? theres a lot of options out there, whats your budget?

[Doug Hart]

What about this?
http://pro-audio.musiciansfriend.com/pr ... sku=250003

I've got the UX2 version and I've been very pleased with it.

[sine143]

Only one out, so useless for monitor + main mix usage (dj)

http://www.zzounds.com/item--LEXALPHA

[netwerks]

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_babyface.php

[bzb]

Hmm, the Microphone input might be an issue with a budget one. I can't think of anything great under around $150.

Maybe the M-Audio Fast Track Pro, might be able to find a used one for around $100.

[BrentEvans]

Don't forget that on many of the low end units, the mic input is not phantom powered, so you would need an external phantom power supply or a battery powered mic.

I have the Lexicon Alpha, which fits all of your stated requirements, except for the phantom power. Unfortunately, the mic pre is terrible, so I'd reccomend against this unit.

I give +1 to the RME Babyface.. RME gear is super dependable and sounds great.

[J_Dunavin]

Thanks for the quick response guys!
It would be two stereo outs, preferably. Like I said One would be ok, as long as it sounds good.
I'll look up these ans see what's what.
Thanks

[J_Dunavin]

Either the Lexicon or the M audio Fast Track would do the job.
I'm confused on the Fast track though. Can I output two different audio sources at the same time?

Situation:
Let's say I am using my lap top and running "MIXX"
http://www.mixxx.org/
(I know it's cheesball software, but it's ok for what i do. )
Anyway lets say I'm running that, either on my pc or linux laptop. Could I use the fast track and output two audio tracks?
If not that's ok, either one of those units i'm sure will sound WAY better than the headphone out junk on the laptop.

[BrentEvans]

Either the Lexicon

Let me reiterate... the preamp on the Lexicon is garbage. It clips easily, and has no phantom power. It is quite colored, and is not suitable for measurement mics at all. The outputs aren't great either, and pass my laptop's power supply noise unless I disconnect the power supply. Other units I've used don't do this.

I use the Lexicon very little these days, usually only for scratch recordings with external preamps, or when I need to setup a SAC test rig in my garage (the ASIO drivers are good to 1x128 so it passes audio decently, and noise is a non-issue in this environment).

[J_Dunavin]

AH got it. I'll stick with the M audio then

[sine143]

the fast track works as a dj card, but beware, Maudio has the worst driver support hehe.


You might find this chart interesting

http://www.djtechtools.com/wp-content/u ... specs3.png

[J_Dunavin]

Oh great So it may not work on my linux machine

[James R]

Try this site it's a standalone vst plugin software there's a list of some audio interfaces that work well. http://ifoundasound.com/Forum/forum.asp?FORUM_ID=2

Also I've read in a couple different sites SAC and Gearslutz that the M audio Fast Track Pro is pretty nice

[bgavin]

I use the Edirol UA-25 with TrueRTA on my Dell laptop.

It will provide +48v phantom power for a measurement mic.
Mine is the Superlux equivalent of the Behringer ECM-8000.
They all use the same Panasonic capsule, and can use the same mic correction file available on the 'net.

The UA-25 has controls for monitor out, two XLR mic in, etc, etc.
Very versatile.
These are OOP in favor of a newer version, but you might find a used one reasonable.