MOTM

> Just curious if anyone out there is using their laptop for recording and
> what accessories or software you are using?

When I'm travelling, I use Digital Performer and an 828ii. It's been a solid
setup for me, but I think if I was starting over from scratch I would get a
MIO 2882 (probably the one with DSP):

http://www.mhlabs.com/metric_halo/products/mio/2882/
http://www.mhlabs.com/metric_halo/products/mio/dsp/

The convertors are more detailed than on the 828ii, and the Metric Halo
plugins I've used are very musical, leaning on the neutral side.

Regarding the 828mkii though, it is rather neutral sounding, has an amazing
featureset, is very rugged and dependable, is firewire (USB is not too great
for audio), has MIDI, but possibly on the downside it does require power.
There are some USB options which are bus-powered, so you can do remote
recording without electricity. I would use a portable DAT for something like
that though, so <shrug> But for some people, that's a deal-maker.

I've heard and briefly used an mBox, but wasn't impressed. Has a definite
character which isn't right for the kind of sound I shoot for. (Probably
fine for rock, indie, folk, country... not recommended for metal, classical
or electronic musics >> all imho, ymmv!)

The first rev MOTU 828 sounds pretty drab, in most people's opinion. It was
a breakthrough at the time, but that was a while ago. Don't take my praise
for the 828mkii as being applicable to the 828mk1.

The M Audio stuff is getting high marks considering the price, but I haven't
heard any of it, and haven't heard anyone compare it to MOTU, Metric Halo,
that illk...

I won't talk about software because that's really a personal thing. I'll
just say that DP is right for me, and I've tried all the other top
contenders except Nuendo... which I've heard is really, really, really good
but hasn't been remarkably stable or mature until late.

best,
- Scott
____________
http://www.red-noise.com
http://www.strawberryplanet.org