Topic: External firewire/USB audiophile vs. PCMCIA sound card

[yanx]

I'm debating on what to get for my laptop.  I managed to dig up some loot and get a laptop, but now want to expand on the sound a little for some recording.  Is it better to get the PCMCIA sound card such as an Echo Indigo IO or is it better to get an external device like an audiophile?  I'm considering the power supply options in addition to the cost.  Anyone out there have a preference or any tips on choosing such a device? 

Thanks,

yanX

p.s. if my choice of specific product for my dilemma is crap, please suggest better. 

[hzgone]

a popular item seems to be the vx pocket v2 or 440 for pcmcia.  Not sure about the external sound cards to me it would seem like another thing to lug a battery around for unless it's powered off the firewire port like one device don't remember the name right now.

[nic]

if your laptop has a 6pin firewire port, then it will power the firewire cards

[TenoRichards]

if your laptop has a 6pin firewire port, then it will power the firewire cards

If only 4-pin, will a computer power a firewire thru a 4>6 pin adapter?

[caymanreview]

negative, it needs to be a stock 6 pin to power anything

[yanx]

I just checked, I've got a 4 port firewire, so scratch that.  Man that would be nice to have it powered by the card.  I'm thinking about going with the PCMCIA card to avoid further external power hauling, even despite the extras on the external audiophile.  I am going to scour this site for recommended cards, but if anyone comes across this post, do you have any recommendations for cards with good features, inputs and outputs for the cash?  I've looked at the vx pocket v2 and the vx pocket 440, what do you guys think. 

[kindms]

I am a UA-5 - USB - Laptop taper. I never had any issues with it until recently. (See other post) I have only been doing 24/48 so in hopes of figuring out whats wrong with my rig. I picked up a VX Pocket 440 on ebay for 115.00 (retail for like 500) It should get here on Monday and I will post my experience if you like. Either way your gonna need a Pre-Amp which will require you have a battery anyway.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=41787&item=3739323092&rd=1

Looks like the guy has a bunch. I will let you know if mine shows up as described

[creekfreak]

the pcmcia cards are fine if you want to do 24/48...if you want 24/96 you will have to go external...I love the m-audio firewire audiophile.....easy to power also