sound card for laptop

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

i am using a 'COMPAQ HDMI [high definition multimedia interface] lap top, and i have BAND IN A BOX 2009.5 loaded onto it, when recording, i connect my lap top into my BOSS BR1120 digital recording studio, and record my BAND IN A BOX backing onto it, am i right in thinking if i connect a sound card [such as the one pictured] to my lap top via USB, that i would enhance the sound for recording purposes, i would appreciate help and advice in buying the right bit of kit,

[Ruby Darnell]

I've never seen a soundcard like that. I thought they had to go inside the computer, not attached by USB. It's good news if they dont,saves tinkering. How much does it cost?

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

well behringer make a few different ones ranging from around 20 to 50 quid, but i see quite a few unbranded ones on ebay from a couple of quid upwards,

[Alan Mills]

Hi Eddie, an external sound card will generally give you a better sound quality than the ones that come in laptops. However, as with everything else, you get what you pay for. The more you pay the better the sound quality. I use a Tascam US 122 Mk2 USB Audio Interface. I use it to play backing tracks from my laptop. I can also plug in a mic and a guitar at the same time. It sounds fantastic and it's dead easy to use. Only around £110.

Product Description

USB AUDIO INTERFACE Tacam's us 122 mkii is a compact, and portable, usb 2.0 audio and midi interface. The us 122 mkii has 2 x 6.3mm jack inputs and 2 x xlr mic inputs with built-in phantom power. It facilitates two independent tracks at 96khz/24-bit recording with zero latency. Simple line outputs allows for streaming of audio direct from computer, while the front panel user interface allows for input and output level control, with a monitor mix for dj or studio style cueing. A midi input and output allows for external hardware synchronisation and the included Cubase le 4 software means this is a complete, out-of-the-box studio solution.

Here's a link to one on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/TASCAM-US-122-M ... 125&sr=8-1

You would need to buy a phono to jack lead to connect it to your recorder. Here's another link:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Hosa-CPR410G-pl ... 68&sr=1-17

Happy recording.

Alan

[STEDDIE EDDIE]

Alan, Thank you so much, that was just the information i was looking for, the Tascam us 122 mk2 looks a fantastic bit of kit, and it is great to hear your views and recomendation on it, as i have heard some of your recording, and you know what you are talking about, and tascam is a name well known in recording circles, and i fully agree that you get what you pay for in general, i always try and get the best i can afford, and my tracks are now being used by a few people, great to know i can improve the sound quality up another notch, thanks again, ps has the Carter gone?

[Alan Mills]

Hi Eddie, always happy to help. There is a sale pending for the whole package as advertised. Just waiting for the deposit cheque to arrive and clear and then I'll take it off sale.