5 of the best: Portable Soundcards for the Mobile Musician

Its not unusual now to say most musicians have considered having a fully mobile recording set up. ie Laptop,  software and or course the all importan soundcard. Some soundcards are suited to being fixed in postion to a table were others strenghts are their portability an compact size.

This is a look at 5 of the best souncards for the mobile musician. Taking into consideration portability, design, stability, durability and of course sound quality.

Behringer U-CONTROL UCA202

With this ultra-compact, bus-powered interface, you can link your Windows® and Mac® computer with any audio gear. There is no setup or special drivers needed—simply plug the interface in a free USB port on your computer and get into the groove. The UCA202 provides 2 analog inputs and outputs, as well as an additional S/PDIF optical output for direct monitoring. Very inexpensive solution.

M-Audio Fast Track

If you make music with GarageBand or other software recording programs, Fast Track USB is the easiest way to record your guitar with professional results. Just connect Fast Track USB to the USB port of your computer and you’re ready to rock. Fast Track USB has an input for instruments like guitar, bass and keyboards, plus a microphone input.

E-MU TrackerPre USB

24-bit/192kHz USB Interface delivers superior audio fidelity in a portable package E-MU® Systems has announced its new Tracker Pre USB 2.0 Audio Interface/Mobile Preamp – the ultimate portable USB audio interface for Mac and PC, offering pristine 24-bit/192kHz recording and playback, direct monitoring, and a host of professional features in a compact, USB bus-powered package. The Tracker Pre features Phantom Power allowing you to use Condenser microphones givingh you access to much better quality recordings.

Line 6 POD Studio UX2 Pro Tone Recording & Modelling Interface

Line 6 POD Studio UX2 combines the stunning sounds of POD Farm plug-in ( you have to hear these!) with a powerful USB interface. Line 6 POD Studio UX2 system consists of the Pod Farm Plugin and the UX2 interface, providing advanced home recording in an easy-to-use package. The balanced XLR input and high-quality mic preamp produce clean and clear vocal tracks. This could be your all in one solution for high quality portable recording.!

Digidesign Mbox 2 Factory (Now includes ProTools LE 8 – via download)

The Digidesign Mbox 2 Audio/MIDI Production System (Now includes ProTools LE 8 – via download) Mbox® 2 Factory is a next-generation USB-powered audio/MIDI production system that builds on the performance and simplicity of the original Mbox — Digidesign’s most popular personal studio system ever. Featuring a wide range of connection options, including analog, digital, and MIDI I/O, Mbox…