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davestem
Aug-05-2004, 10:38am
I took the advice of Benignus and martinjonas and tried out Audacity. #Unfortunately, I still get the same warbling sound quality when recording with Audacity. #I guess recording through the mic input just ain't gonna cut it, and there's no line input. #So, with an aching wallet, I ask if any of you could recommend a good external USB sound card to use with my laptop. #Thanks very much.

Mark Normand
Aug-05-2004, 10:50am
Here at work on a strong PC I'm using an external Creative Extigy box. I like it, many options to do different hookups etc, but I just hooked it up to USB and using basic functions.

davestem
Aug-05-2004, 10:53am
How much does it cost? (Important consideration I should have mentioned earlier.)

Mteresko
Aug-05-2004, 11:06am
I've had good results with the Aardvark Direct Mix USB3. Very easy to use and excellent sound quality.

mandomayer
Aug-06-2004, 12:16pm
A friend recently purchased M-Audio's MobilePre USB for $129, and he is very happy with it. I ordered one today from B&H Photo Video (http://www.bhphotovideo.com). You have to email them for the lower price (it lists for somewhere around $170).

The MobilePre is a USB preamp with a built-in audio interface designed for laptop recording. It has inputs for 2 mikes, or if you prefer, 2 1/4" jacks. I did a quick test of it - easy to install, easy to use, and the recording quality is very clean. More about it on the M-Audio Website (http://www.m-audio.com)

I'm going to try it out for the mandolin project, and with any luck, I'll be posting the results soon.

Regards,

mandomayer

Mark Normand
Aug-06-2004, 2:20pm
davestem, a quick check on Ebay shows one for $79 buy-it-now. Check around if you decide on that. And check www.creative.com for all the specs.

Mark

Mteresko
Aug-06-2004, 2:38pm
Check this Ebay listing for the Aardvark USB3 (also a USB bus powered unit):USB3 (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41784&item=3739955435&rd=1&ssPageName=WDVW)

It has less than 2 days left and is currently under $10. I paid something like $200 for mine.

madog99
Aug-20-2004, 2:05pm
Very interesting !! I have tried many demo recording programs only to find that the sound card in my HP pavillion can not handle record and playback at the same time! I get bad breakup . One track is fine but that's it. anything out there that would solve that problem and give me say 4 inputs?
thanks