Re: Low Lantecy Soundcard for Laptop Gig

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

----- Original Message ----- >

> Echo Indigo IO is a good option, if you're comfortable with only 2-ins
> 2-outs and if you have a CardBus slot on your laptop. You also get a 
>lower
> latency than is possible with Firewire bus (I run at 64 sample latency, 
>32
> is possible). The downside with the Indigo IO is the poor 1/8" jacks that
> tend to become finnicky after some wear. I've already had 2 replacements
> shipped out from Echo.

The only thing  I don't like about the Indigo IO is that its input is only 
line level.
There is no mic vs. line level setting, so if you have a fairly low output 
device
going into it, then you have to boost the level in your software and thus 
create
more noise. But the IO is indeed a robust little card. I have taken it a 
step
further recently. I yanked the Indigo from my cardbus and tried the built 
in
sound card of my ThinkPad...which interfaces directly with the Intel 
integrated
High Definition audio (built into the mother board not a separate sound 
card).
I installed the ASIO for All driver, and it works like a charm...less 
latency than the
Indigo, can't tell any difference in quality, and I have a mic level 
setting. But eventually
those little mini plugs will take a beating.

> So I have shyed away from Macbook with its
> lack of CardBus support. Firewire just doesn't seem to be built for
> ultra-low latency performance (that's my opinion).

Really? Is this because of the speed of firewire? I thought the newer
firewire was a lot faster than cardbus.

> Another CardBus option that looks good is the Digigram VX Pocket series
> (V2 or V440, at around $400-500).

I'll have to check these out. Thanks. I like the fact that it comes with 
xlr 
connectors
that plug into the card, so no wear and tear on the card itself.

Kris