[Sune TB]

wrote:
Sune TB wrote:
Hi

Im looking for advice on what to buy.

Im looking for a laptop pc and a USB/Firewire interface with at least 8
analogue 24/96 in and out. And one digital input and at least two mic
preamps.

I want to use it as a small and simple recording studio based on line
signals plus 2-4 mics (with a DBX preamp and DA-converter I have) AND I
want to record concerts in the same manner or borrow/rent some preamps
and mics according to what I record.

So Im looking for flexibility. But I want it to be reliable and sound
fair too.

So I have been looking at the MOTU UltraLite
http://www.motu.com/products/motuaudio/ultralite

And Marian UCON CX http://www.marian.de/en/products/ucon_cx

The MOTU cost a little bit more than the Marian, but it has some
advantages like 10 inputs, and is in one box.

On the other hand the Marian has four mic preamps.

With regard to speed and reliability, does it make a difference that USB
is a bit slower than Firewire?
I know I can get a pcmcia firewire card, but I think it is simpler (and
nicer) not to be dependent on PCs having Firewire, but on the other hand
if it is more reliable and fast I think that would be preferrable.

With regard to sound quality: Has anyone opinions on which is better of
the interfaces? (of course I am far more interested in the AD-converters
and the electronics overall, than the DAs).

Im also interested in opinions and facts of any kind like if anyone
heard of driver issues, stability issues, good or bad support whatever..


And the tough one: How should I choose which computer to buy? (not
necesarily=which laptop should I buy)

My budget is around $ 1600 / € 1300 for interface AND laptop.

I heard that centrino processors are good and that one should have 1 GB
of ram and a fast internal harddisk. Then I would buy an external disk
for the recorded sound. Is it a problem to record directly to USB/FW
disk with 8-10 channels of 24/96 sound when using USB/FW interface?

I saw in an earlier thread here that bigger brands are often a good idea
because they have support and tend more to use the same hardware than
smaller brands.
But that is a rather vague guideline - any help here would be a great
help, since i never ever bought a laptop before.

Thanks in advance

Sune

I'm using a Motu Traveler and a Behringer 8000 converter witha Dell
5110 Inspiron. The Motu gives you 4 mic pres and 4 line ins, and the
Behringer gives you 8 more inputs (xlr or 1/4").
I'm running Nuendo and it's working well, as long as you power up in a
certain way.
Bruce S. yarock
www.yarock.com

Thanks Bruce!

What lead you to buy that laptop?