Sound card

Sound card on a budget to run some Alesis M1 mk2's

Hi all, I have just won some Alesis M1 mk2 monitors from ebay

What (preferably) external sound card would you guys recommend? I don't mind spending up too around £100-150 max.

I guess I need xlr leads too do i?

cheers

those speakers can take a normal TRS or TS plug as well as an XLR plug.

Dunno about the audio interfaces, i've only ever used one, still am.

Hmm I remember EMU sells an external USB box quite cheap. Friends have recommended Focusrite Saffire, but I never tried one. In this price range there's not that many differences.

think its xlr only bud? only looks like the one socket on the back? I'm thinking about just buying or making some xlr to phono adapters for now till I get a card hmmm

It depends on a couple factors like how many live inputs do you need? For example, if you want to record a guitar and vocals at the same time (or two turntables), you'll need two inputs (either XLR and/or 1/4" balanced). Next thing to consider is your OS. If you are on a Mac, avoid Emu like the plague as they're quick to discontinue product updates with OS changes including 64bit compatibility...I found this out the hard way with my former audio interface - the Emu0404 USB. On a PC, however, Emu has a nice selection as does TC Electronics. Roland actually just came out with the Quad Capture which is a nice affordable piece of gear as well.

Ultimately, the cost of an audio interface is determined by the number of inputs/outputs, preamps and A/D D/A handling. Personally, I just upgraded to the Apogee Duet 2, which was a bit expensive but well worth the cost in terms of the clarity of the sound output when it comes to referencing, as well as the handling of audio input.

I hope this isn't prohibited, but I buy a lot of my gear from zzounds.com because they offer everyone a 4 installment payment plan with NO strings attached. I've used them for several pieces of gear just for that reason - I can get higher end stuff without the immediate buyers' remorse

Apologies upfront if shilling retail websites is a "no no."

Cheers.

I don't really need any inputs to be honest. Maybe just one might be useful if I want to record anything into the pc but I don't do it too often.

I'm on windows and I'm in the UK, but thanks for the link

My pleasure. Best of luck with your purchase.

Cheers.