M Audio soundcards - which one for home/demo?

Want to start out with some basic recording clips then move up to 8 possible 16 tracks. I don't need pro studio quality just home/demo.

Which M audio card do I want?

M audio USB Fastrack is a common entry level interface.

M-Audio PCI Delta Audiophile 2496 (about the same price as Fast Track USB) supplies 2 mono (or 1 stereo) analog ins, 2 analog (or 1 stereo) analog outs, and a breakout cable with 1 Digital in, 1 digital out, 1 MIDI in and 1 MIDI out. It seems like a lot of bang for the buck, with the only catch being you'd run the mics/instruments through a mixer or preamp with RCA outs first. I suppose (just a guess) that you could adapt a 1/4" instrument cable to a mono RCA plug, but I haven't done it.

USB Fast Track doesn't need external power, so they're really laptop friendly. USB gets pretty crowder on a lapptop for software that requires a USB key/dongle to operate. The least expensive ($99) has 1 analog in (switchable between 1/4" instrument and balanced XLR)

This stuff gets crazy expensive from there. I'm scared.

I've used both the M-Audio Audiophile 2496 and the Delta 1010lt, and have gotten good results from both (the only significant difference is that the 2496 is two-channel, and the 1010 is eight). Around a hundred bucks for two channels, or around two hundred bucks for eight...

Cheers, Tim

Thanks everyone,

Going to put this on a desktop, not a laptop

Looking at the products I can see the 2496 and the Delta 1010lt are soundcards inside the PC.

Is the USB Fast Track a soundcard or just an interface?

With the USB Fast Track would I also need to buy a soundcard for my PC?

The Fast Track package (with monitor, mic, cables etc) seem like a quick/easy way to track guitar and vox, but it does not mention that it can also track drums/keys etc.

If I get the 2496 or Delta 1010lt would I need to purchase an interface?

I have Johnson-J Station (like a POD) which has moddling amps and effects - would that serve as an interface?

Thanks

Is the USB Fast Track a soundcard or just an interface?

It's an interface.

With the USB Fast Track would I also need to buy a soundcard for my PC?

It bypasses your soundcard (or, if your computer doesn't have a soundcard, the integrated sound on your motherboard), puts the signal right into whatever recording software you're using.

The Fast Track package (with monitor, mic, cables etc) seem like a quick/easy way to track guitar and vox, but it does not mention that it can also track drums/keys etc.

Looks like the Fast Track has 1/4", RCA, XLR, and MIDI inputs, so you ought to be able to record any kind of device you want.

If I get the 2496 or Delta 1010lt would I need to purchase an interface?

Yep. I've used various mic preamps and mixers (Behringer, Mackie and Yamaha). You'll need something to plug your mics and/or devices into (except as noted below!).

I have Johnson-J Station (like a POD) which has moddling amps and effects - would that serve as an interface?

For your guitars, sure, but not your microphones.

I'd note that the 1010lt has two built-in mic preamps (on channels 1 & 2), so you could theoretically be okay without any other kind of interface, unless you need phantom power for a condenser mic...

Cheers, Tim

Looks like the Fast Track has 1/4", RCA, XLR, and MIDI inputs, so you ought to be able to record any kind of device you want.

Careful, reverberocket. M-Audio sells 4 Fast Tracks. The Fast Track USB only has Mic (XLR) Instrument (1/4") and Line in (Same 1/4")

If you want/need a Midi interface, You'll want to start with the Fast Track Pro. It will also supply phantom power to the two XLR ins.

Thanks everyone. I think I'll be going with Audiophile 2496, the majority of reviews for it were positive compared to very mixed reviews on the Fast Track

Pat

I picked up a MobilePre USB recently, and it has everything I need on it....and its now my soundcard, as well...no need for a soundcard if you're using one of these...