Need an external soundcard/device

[Hamster]

Something is wrong with either my PCI soundcard (m-audio 2496) or motherboard and I get constant rumbling and a lot of RFI type noise through the speakers when moving the mouse, hard drives are being accessed and pretty much any activity from my pc. I've tried various fixes but cannot find a way to cure the problem.

Hence I'm looking for a decent quality external card/device to attach to my amplifier.

Ideally I would like superb sound quality, optical in/out, coaxial would be a bonus and my budget is around £300 max, any less would be a bonus. I do plan to get back into sound recording so a decent mic input is also required as is midi in/out and low latency. I also need a headphone input that will make my Grado headphones sing. Most important thing is that I get a clear sound without interference as I'm experiencing with the 2496.

Also I'm a bit unsure whether to go for USB or firewire and what the benefits of either would be over the other apart from being able to use a USB device with the netbook and laptop which both lack firewire connections.

Any advice is welcome

 

[Hamster]

Personally I would do some more testing on the existing card before replacing it. Replacing parts without knowing the root cause might mean you spend your cash and still have the same problem.

I would try the soundcard in a different computer if possible. If you dont have a second PC or a mate who can help you out then I would definitely at least try it in a different PCI slot or just remove it from the PC and reseat it back into it's space firmly.

Thanks I've not actually tried doing that yet. I will install it in another PC and see whether it's a problem.

M-Audio Firewire Solo?

I have one and was recording some acoustic guitar with it the other day. I know the room, microphone and instrument very well (been using the same combo for 5 years) and was surprised at the sonic quality of the audio interface.

By no means as good as my Audient/RME gear but for the money it's a steal. The quality on the main stereo output is superb too!

Tom

Thanks Tom I've heard very good things about the Firewire Solo. Is there anything similar that has optical as well as coaxial digital ins/outs?

Also any reason to go for firewire instead of USB? Is it more reliable?

 

[Hamster]

Thanks hughy. I don't need optical desperately but it would be a nice bonus. especially an input. Do you know how the E-Mu devices perform? Some of those have both optical and coaxial inputs. I was looking at the 1616M which is PCI-E with a breakout box but I don't want to take the risk of having the interference sounds that I'm currently experiencing.