Re: quest for an audio interface for laptop music applications

["Kris Hartung" <khartung@cableone.net>]

Yeah, that's why I mentioned MIDI Mate. And there are some special programs
now that integrate with mBox/Protools, such as Live, Amplitube, Reason,
where you can interface with MIDI, etc.

Here's the LE bundle:


      1. Digidesign MBox with Pro Tools LE software. more info...

      2. M-Audio Oxygen 8 Midi Keyboard controller with USB Midi interface.
more info...

      3. REASON software. more info...

      4. Amplitube Live software. more info...

      5. M-Audio BX-5 Powered speakers. more info...



But still, mBox wouldn't be on the top of my list of what Rainer wants to
do...just a possibility to explore.

Kris

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Travis Hartnett" <travishartnett@gmail.com>
To: <Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com>
Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 10:29 AM
Subject: Re: quest for an audio interface for laptop music applications


> The Mbox also doesn't have a MIDI interface, so you'd have to add that
> separately.
>
> TravisH
>
> On 10/22/05, Kris Hartung <khartung@cableone.net> wrote:
> > Actually, your first set of requirements map pretty close to the
DigiDesign
> > mBox system, which is really for recording rather than performance. But
you
> > could use it to perform live...and the cool thing is that you can buy a
> > conversion program that will convert free VST effects into ProTools
ready
> > effects - VST to RTAS
> > (http://www.fxpansion.com/product-rtasadapter-main.php. Something to
think
> > about at least.  I've never tried to conrol my VST effects via MIDI
while
> > using ProTool/mBox though.
> >
> > kris
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Rainer Thelonius Balthasar Straschill" <rs@moinlabs.de>
> > To: "Looper's Delight Mailing List"
<Loopers-Delight@loopers-delight.com>
> > Sent: Saturday, October 22, 2005 9:57 AM
> > Subject: quest for an audio interface for laptop music applications
> >
> >
> > I've decided to go laptop. At least to compile one setup that is
> > entirely laptop. Now I need an USB audio interface - my Phase26 
>wouldn't
> > do here. I'm looking for a laptop-based system with maximum 
>portability.
> >
> > My requriements:
> >
> > Hard requirements:
> > (1) at least one phantom-powered mic in and one Hi-Z in or two
> > phantom-powered mic ins
> > (2) two analogue 1/4 or XLR outs
> > (3) headphone out
> > (4) USB
> >
> > Would-be-nice:
> > (5) a pair of SPDI/F connectors
> > (6) a MIDI pair
> > (7) possibility to create an effect send/return
> > (8) no wallwart necessary
> > (9) bus-powered
> > (A) symmetrical outs
> > (B) USB2
> > (C) ADAT connectors
> > (D) 24/96
> >
> > I've come up with a few devices:
> >
> > M-Audio Fast Track Pro
> > Edirol UA-25
> > Mackie Spike
> > Lexicon Omega
> > Alesis IO/2
> > Tascam US-122
> > Behringer BCA2000
> > The requirements tracking matrix looks like this:
> >
> > 1 2 3 4 5
> > 6 7 8 9 A B C D Price
> > M-Audio Fast Track Pro X X X X X
> > X X X X X X 229
> > Edirol UA-25 X X X X X
> > X X X X X X 225
> > Mackie Spike X X X X X
> > X X X 229
> > Lexicon Omega X X X X X
> > X X 278
> > Alesis IO/2 X X X X X
> > X X X X X X 159
> > Tascam US-122 X X X X
> > X X X 208
> > Behringer BCA2000 X X X X X
> > X X X X X X 195
> >
> >
> > Ok, so what is the conclusion? The price is a standard in the 200-230€
> > range - the only exceptions being the Alesis and the Lexicon. The
> > Behringer does win the flexibility price, with its lots of outputs, its
> > 1in-2out-MIDI interface and its ADAT connector. Plus it's the only
> > device with USB2, hence it can transmit in 24/96 both ways (if that's
> > what you need). And it's the only device where you could create an
> > external effects send/return (e.g. to put your favourite
> > outboard/stompbox stuff into the setup). And it's cheaper than all
> > competitors safe for the Alesis. The Alesis on the other hand is the
> > cheapest, and that without standing behind the Edirol/M-Audio/Tascam
> > competitors that much. Finally, the Lexicon looks the most
> > "professional", with the most powerful included mixer and micpres that
> > at least have a fairly "pro" (sic!) name. But you can't power it via 
>the
> > bus AND it uses a wallwart...
> >
> > So, I'm as wise as before. Any suggestions? Any experiences with the
> > three devices I mentioned in the last paragraph? Any words on the other
> > devices (Edirol, Tascam, Mackie, M-Audio) that should make me
> > reconsider? Any other products I didn't even think about?
> >
> >
> > Thanks,
> >
> > Rainer
> >
> >
> >
> >
>