Help me with recording on my Laptop

[agentcooper2001]

Hi guys, I got a new Dell Inspiron 9200 laptop recently and I need to get a sound card and software to start recording. Obviously, I need a external sound card. What do you guys recommend? I will mostly be recording at home, with probably no more than two tracks at once. Although, I would like to bring it out and record one of my bands live shows sometime.

I just want something that's fairly easy to use. Also, how do I know if I have a Firewire connection on my laptop? Do they look just like USB ports? I've got 2 of those on the side of my comp and 2 on the back. Any help would be great!

Thanks

[agentcooper2001]

well, I figured out my computer has a IEEE 1394 integrated port, which I think is Firewire. What about the Presonus FireBox? That looks pretty cool. Has anyone tried it? What about ACID recording software?

[agentcooper2001]

ok. well I just ordered a Presonus Firepod. The unit looks really good, but I'm not so sure about the Cubase LE software. It looks pretty confusing! I'm used to Acid 4.0. I guess any recording software will work, right?

[Prymo]

which sound card did you choose?

[beachwail]

I'm curious as well (having just bought a Ins.9200 myself).

I've been considering the M-audio FastTrack (USB)
or the Firewire Solo.

But neither one has phantom power to my knowledge.

* * * ** * * * * *

You're not going to get much response around here for recording questions.
Does anyone know of any forums that are friendly and down-to-earth, yet still knowledgable on DIY recording / home studio type of stuff?

I think Cakewalk has a forum...

[bluestein]

Originally posted by beachwail

I think Cakewalk has a forum...

Cakewalk Forum (http://www.cakewalk.com/forum/default.asp)

Good luck...and let us know what you come up with.

The new generation of cheap USB interfaces look interesing:cool: