I'm currently running directly into my sound card and working in Ableton Live. I would like to make the switch over to an interface that has phantom power and is portable so I can use it with my laptop (doesn't have firewire). So, these usb interface things are getting pretty good reviews on other sites:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=705371
Something like that looks simple and functional...

but for cheaper price and a shitload more inputs... and buttons and levers...
http://www.zzounds.com/item--YAMMW10

Is the Edirol thing better sound quality? Are USB mixers shitty for some other reason?

I think I'm missing something. I'd appreciate any recommendations.

I'd have more fun with the Yamaha.

If the mic preamps are the same as in their EMX series of powered mixers, you could do a whole lot worse. IMHO, the preamps in the EMX don't 100% suck.

I don't know how good that Edirol sounds but it seems awfully expensive to me for being just a two channel interface. You might want to research some other manufacturers before you commit to something like that.

I have one of the Alesis firewire mixers which is very much like that Yamaha. I've had it for quite some time and never had any problems with it and it sounds pretty good for what it is. I'm not sure how much of an effect the usb vs. firewire aspect will have on the sound.

Prior to the Alesis I was using an m-audio mobile pre. I only glanced at the two you posted links to but it appeared to be very similar to the Edirol. It was a usb interface. Sounded okay but after a while I started to have problems with it adding intermitent static to my tracks. Of course this happened after a lightning storm which knocked out power while I was working on a recording, so I don't know if it went bad due to that or if it was defective. At the time I bought it it was the cheapest one I could find at $150 or so.

The Edirol has been around quite a while and has become a standard with a pretty good reputation, I don't know much about the yamaha.

One thing you may want to consider is the sampling rate you prefer to record at. The Edirol is capable of handling up to 96khz i/o (optional) whereas the Yamaha will provide 48khz; the 96khz in theory giving you a more accurate recording at the cost of using more hard drive space.

Also bear in mind that although the yamaha will provide phantom 48v to 4 xlr inputs and give you extra input channels into the mixer, it will still only give you two seperate channels into your laptop at one time, as is often the case with USB interfaces.

If you plan on using any plug-in synth/sequencing software, the
Edirol has the midi i/o. That alone makes it the better value.

96khz is also a good incentive.

you might also want to check out the e-mu 0404 usb.

it's usb 2.0 if your computer has it and has a pretty good software bundle.

apparently usb 2.0 is just as good as firewire for audio streaming.

the_rekoner wrote:apparently usb 2.0 is just as good as firewire for audio streaming.

USB 2.0 is comparable to Firewire 400. Can't touch FW 800.

Coshhlocker wrote:Also bear in mind that although the yamaha will provide phantom 48v to 4 xlr inputs and give you extra input channels into the mixer, it will still only give you two seperate channels into your laptop at one time, as is often the case with USB interfaces.

I think this reason will move me to the Edirol. If I'm going to be carrying something like this around, I want all of it's size/space to be fully utilized and the other inputs on the yamaha would probably rarely get used and those knobs would be begging to be breaked. Plus, the 96khz. Hell yea.

Thanks for the advice. In regards to the e-mu recommendation, I despise creative and will not give them any (more) of my money.

skatingbasser wrote:

the_rekoner wrote:apparently usb 2.0 is just as good as firewire for audio streaming.

USB 2.0 is comparable to Firewire 400. Can't touch FW 800.

yea sorry i forgot to write that....can you get a firewire 800 interface in that price range though? i'm not sure.