Laptop soundcard that doesn't need AC?

percussion boy · Post by **percussion boy** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 7:57 pm

Anyone recommend a soundcard/converter solution for laptop that will just run off batteries, or the laptop's own power? So that the whole thing is, you know, PORTABLE? The Emu 1616m was looking fine 'til I saw it came with a WALL WART.

I know this topic must have come up here before, but my searches are coming up dry.

Thanks for any information . . .

percussion boy,

America's bitter little man.

kayagum · Post by **kayagum** » Tue Dec 13, 2005 8:15 pm

How many tracks do you need?

The Tascam 122 runs straight from the USB2

percussion boy · Post by **percussion boy** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 12:17 am

Thanks, Kaya.

Have you had any experience with the 122 crashing its laptop? A couple of the reviews at Musician's Friend, of all places, suggest that it doesn't like XP.

The Echo Indigo IO is looking intriguing, as well. I have a soft spot for that company ever since my old 20 bit Layla . . .

Cyan421 · Post by **Cyan421** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 1:12 am

MOTU's Traveler is bus powered firewire if you your PC has firewire. its a lot though for not many inputs. Its got phantom too which is pretty cool, but probly destroy's your battery.

;ivlunsdystf · Post by **;ivlunsdystf** » Thu Dec 15, 2005 5:12 am

I have never had a 122-related laptop crash and I usually just have my 122 idling when my laptop is up (because I also use it as a soundcard)

The phantom power would probably drain your laptop battery pretty quick - I haven't done much without the laptop AC engaged

My only gripe about the 122 is the lack of digital i/o

Terry Ferguson · Post by **Terry Ferguson** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 11:28 am

It depends on what software your running and you need for inputs???

I recommend the Motu Traveller as a all around great unit... Decent amount of inputs and everything else you might need. Also the routing is great--no latency on inputs. Good overall design in my opinion.

The MBOX is OK also although despite what Digidesign says you have latency. Digidesign seems to be behind the game by a bit, but software is easy to use and is stable once you work out the bugs.

Phiz · Post by **Phiz** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 11:47 am

I ran a Tascan US-122 off of my laptop with WinXP for a while. The only problem I ever had, was if I suspended the system with the US-122 still connected, it had problems starting back up. But as long as I disconnected it before suspending, everything was fine.

percussion boy · Post by **percussion boy** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 6:24 pm

Thanks again, folks.

earl parameter · Post by **earl parameter** » Sun Dec 18, 2005 6:30 pm

just thought i throw this out there..

the Echo Indigo IO is great, but obviously limited (never had a single problem though). i also have a motu 828mkii when needed.

the layla 20 was a great box. i still have it too but never use. i wish it would work with the motu. then id have 20 outs, etc. assholes need to work that out. i felt robbed.

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Laptop soundcard that doesn't need AC?

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