E-MU 1212M

Dog,

I don't know much about that product that can be compared to other products (since
I've only tested it once and not in compression to other devices), so all I can say
about it that all in all it sounded good enough for me, fine converters, but eventually I
didn't bought it because it's designed more for MIDI purposes (very friendly for
virtual tools and supposedly has samplers and syths built in) which isn't my main
concern, than purely for audio (that's why I'm now saving for the RME…).
But if you'll buy you won't regret, except for the reason below.

Far more important here is if your intention is to go ProTools eventually, then you
should know that it works only with specified sound cards (some of M-Audio cards
and obviously all Digidesign's cards). I haven't seen anywhere though anything being
mentioned about ProTools compatibility, so you better check that out (I work with
Cubase most of the times so I never have any reason of founding that info out).
Anyways, all compatible products I've seen to date included ProTools LE and some
other useful audio softwares.

Have a nice day!
-Elvis

I cannot help you either as I have a hardware mixer. Having a laptop you do not get many options.

Thanks Elvis :D . I don't Know if going to pro-tools is set in stone just yet, but lots of folks seem to use it. Whats your spin on soft ware, what do you like? I Plan to just do this as a hobby, don't want to spend a fortune but would like to have the capability to expand into some basic midi stuff, and get a decent sound. --the dog

BTW, If them dolphins are smarter than us you would think they could have figured out how to warn us :P

Dog
I have a GNX4 and on those forums most folks use either CakeWalk, Sonar, Live, Logic or the included Pro Tracks Plus. I use Live as I am on a MAC, but most use Sonar or CW to mix and are fond of the program. You can look for a "Lite" copy of Protracks or Live lite as they are jr programs to the big brothers. I got Live Lite 4 with my M-Audio Mobil pre and protracks comes with the GNX4/3000. Here is an articel on programs.

Article

john
I have both Live on my MAC and Pro Tracks on the Wife's PC

Dog,

I see one more 'hiker' around… great book, wonderful author.
What a waste, dieing so young… rest in peace Mr. Adams (he's probably watching
us from heaven right now and getting some new insights about mankind from his
new perspective).

Anyways, about the ProTools, there's no doubt that for many years it considered by
many professional engineers to be the best software in the market, though other rules
out that call and consider Steinberg's Cubase or Nuendo to be better. This battle is
marching on head to head for years. There are PT guys and Cubase guys and each
one of them will swear on his granny's grave that his software is the best.
I like both since each of them has its strong and weak sides, but I think the history
behind the development of both ProTools and Cubase will make it more clear.

ProTools designed originally by Digidesign as a Mac based editing tool for film
post-production, although many (including Sting for all I know) are using it for
music production.

Cubase however designed (back at the eighties) by Steinberg as a MIDI sequencer,
though far more users, especially at home studios, were using it, at least until SX2
version was released two years back (because they completely changed its interface
for a less user-friendly interface and far more 'professional').
I found the Cubase MIDI sequencer and MIDI tools engine to be far more comfortable
here therefore if you intend to use MIDI tracks you'll better do that with Cubase
rather then ProTools.
I can't count or remember the number of audio softwares that I've used, some very
professional and some for amateurs, but I haven't tried them all, just to show you how
many there's actually are in the market, but whatever your choice will be, an audio
software is always an audio software. The interface might look differently, but it's
not the software that counts, it's you.
Anyhow, going ProTools or going Cubase is a step forward for you in sound design,
but if you're now to this you might want to ask the other guys about cheap or free
softwares, shareware or freewares just to get you started.

Good luck and have a nice day!
-Elvis

Sorry to say, but the guy at Best Buy must be an idiot because Protools works best when it works and usually that means that you need protools hardware or at the very least Digi approved hardware. M-audio's Delta cards now support Protools. There is also a new M-box out. Other than that unless you are using Digi Hardware, you will be hard pressed to find another card that works well with protools. I don't believe the emu cards are play well with Digidesign.