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Hi, I'm a beginner at this, I'm wanting to produce some tracks using vocals, acoustic guitar and samples from Hypersonic 2 using Cubase (which I am familiar with using(. Will this set up work? And will there be a zero/low latency when recording?

Interface/Sound Card
Either M-Audio Mobile Pre USB soundcard or M-Audio Fast Track USB Audio Interface (which one would be best?)

Software
Cubase SX3 with Hypersonic 2

PC
I have a Dell Laptop (Inspiron 9400) with an Intel Core 2 Duo 2Ghz processor, 1gig of RAM, 100GB hard drive.

Keyboard
I have a 88 key Roland RD300SX keyboard which I will run into the interface. I also have a SM58 mike with XLR lead. And guitar with lead.

I can't really afford any more than this equipment. Hope this is enough info to get some feedback. Thanks a lot.

Comments

anonymous Sun, 12/24/2006 - 07:21

cheap and mucg more channels: presonus firepod

If you're just starting out
I wouldn't advice to buy software,
you'll get a limited version of some recording software with the soundcard, try it out and learn a bit
before you decide which piece of software suites you best and then buy the full version.

Cheers

RemyRAD Sun, 12/24/2006 - 19:11

Also realize that some laptops such as my Hewlett-Packard DV 8000, which has a four pin FireWire port, does not have the ability to bus power a FireWire audio interface that is not already externally powered.

Not knowing that particular laptop intimately and being too lazy to go to the Del web site, you might both be right and wrong?

The problem of latency is one of design. If you cannot monitor your input source directly, chances are it will have latency of some sort. So the included software applet for the audio interface, that dictates the monitoring characteristics in conjunction with physical design, will dictate any latency issues, whether it's USB or FireWire.

I could be wrong?

But I'm not.
Ms. Remy Ann David

VonRocK Mon, 12/25/2006 - 08:48

edblunt wrote: Well, my 'little' laptop does have a firewire. I'm not stupid enough post that without knowing!

Sorry. I must have been looking at a different Inspiron model.

You should go with Firewire over USB for your interface. Firewire will give you less latency while monitoring tracks and recording at the same time.

There are a number of brands and models to choose from. Find one that suits your budget and requirements, then research that particular unit.