A new soundcard

[Juho L]

Finally bought the new computer, but it still lacks a soundcard. As I do really few actual recordings in my studio the card doesn't have to be a top notch RME card, so I've focused on the <250? cards. As I've decided to add PowerCore PCI on it later I'm trying to avoid M-Audio cards. After searching I've ended up to two choices: ESI ESP1010 and Marian Marc 4 MIDI.

By buying one of those cards I would get rid of my Midisport 4x4. That Marian Marc 4 seems to be an old (although still sold) card, but good quality one. On the other hand the features of that ESI card tempts me more. I noticed that the ESI card is a sequel for Hoonetech DSP2000 series cards and that got me a bit sceptical because I really haven't heard good things about Hoonetech cards. Only review I found of that ESI card is Sound-on-Sound review which is only for subscribers so it doesn't help me at all.

Anyone around here have any experience on Marian and/or that ESI card? Heard of any compatibility issues with PoCo? Could any of you SOS subscribers PM me highlights of the ESP1010 review?

[Tomer=Trance]

Try the Echo cards,they are rather good.
I belive you can get an echo layla 2nd hand for a decent price.
good convertors and lots of ins and outs.

[Juho L]

Seems like I'm getting that ESI card. Just read the review and it seems ok. When I get rid of my crappy preamps and Midisport 4x4 I'll need to pay less than 200 euros.

[Analog Warriors]

what about the new EMU soundcards ?

[Juho L]

what about the new EMU soundcards ?

Heaps and heaps of compatibility problems.

[Analog Warriors]

ah ... okay - good to know 8)

[MADSTATION]

Stay away from EMU!
Worst purchase I've ever done(emu1820m).

[Analog Warriors]

they've built some relly good samplers, so i thought the AD- and DA-converters should be okay, especially in the m version. But okay - it's better to ask before buy ... some others opinions ? :wink:

[techno_7]

Hey, i have an E-MU card! 1212... i dont really know how much good it is cause its about my first and only pro sound card. Works great for me though.

[Tomer=Trance]

if you can afford it muto,RME and creamware make great cards.