(Extern. sound cards) An alternative to the Maya 44 USB

Hi everyone,

I'm currently "investing" to get some new gears since I moved from Paris to Rotterdam and have nothing else than my Macbook ...

Besides the M-Audio Axiom 49, I need an external sound card to make something audible.

For the moment, the Maya 44 USB has seemed to be the most interesting offer. I can get one of those for 60e (90USD) at a second hand, but in mint state.

Nevertheless, I was thinking of may be investing into something with a higher quality of sound.

After reading this http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/dec0...otrackmaya.htm , it made me realise that the sound card will be good for on-the-go mixings, but probably not for the clubs (I do some student parties and warm ups, hoping to get some better time slot later on).

What I'd like to keep are the features :

Mac compatible
at least 3 RCA Outputs (3 left + 3 rights), the best would be 4
USB or FireWire
Headphone output

The budget is up to 200USD.

Now, it's your turn ...

Thanks in advance :)
S

do u prefer usb or firewire ??

im going to give u a couple option for the price

edirol ua-25 150
Novation Nio 2/4 $200
echo gina $150
M-audio Fast Track Pro $200
Echo audio fire
edirol fa66
m-audio audiophile

and go to th esi website they have good one too this is the link
www.esi-audio.com

I'm using the Native Instruments AUDIO KONTROL 1 usb2 soundcard. It sounds brilliant and I can bus power both the VCI-100 and the soundcard from my laptop. The dedicated volume control knobs, extra controller dial and 3 buttons on the top are excellent for assigning more stuff. Check it out here...

http://www.native-instruments.com/in...1074a7fcc7b82e

Ya I second the NI Audio Kontrol 1. I sold it to save more space on the usb ports. I now own a Presonus Firebox. Love it.

I've also used the Fast Track Pro. I kept on crashing when I used to have a Windows laptop. I don't know how well it'll work on mac though.

Focusrite Saffire LE is also another alternative...I personally haven't tried it out but its probably going to be the sound card that I order, www.Music123.com has it for $250 but there is a promotion for music appreciation so they have a discount of $30 so which comes out to be around $220.00...soundonsound.com has gave this card a good rating

Thanks for your answers !

I'll try to find more info about those you quoted :)