(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/dec03/articles/audiotrackmaya.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
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…
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