A new soundcard
 

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?

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.

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.

what about the new EMU soundcards ?

Heaps and heaps of compatibility problems.

ah ... okay - good to know 8)

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

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:

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.

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