Roald Baudoux

For a sound installation, I am looking for a soundcard with 8 analog 

balanced outputs. The card will be connected to a PC running Windows XP.

What I want is a card able to provide a reasonable output level 

without too much noise and a good driver. PCI, USB or FireWire are 

Forget about RME and MOTU, I need something cheaper.

So, please tell me about your experience with MaxMSP and these 

For a sound installation, I am looking for a soundcard with 8 analog  
balanced outputs. The card will be connected to a PC running Windows XP.

What I want is a card able to provide a reasonable output level  
without too much noise and a good driver. PCI, USB or FireWire are  
all OK.

Possible choices are:
- Presonus FireStudio Project
- Tascam FW 1804
- Echo AudioFire 8
- Echo Layla 3G
- Alesis iO/26
- Focusrite Saffire Pro 10
... other suggestion?

So, please tell me about your experience with MaxMSP and these  
soundcards.

ot-opinion-request-for-mid-range-soundcard-with-8-analog-balanced-outputs

> Forget about RME and MOTU, I need something cheaper.

I have to say that, IME, these are the only one that did not crash 

within extensive touring conditions. The hardware, but also very 

importantly their drivers, are almost flawless. All my friend who 

bought other things (Firebox, Roland, M-Box) regretted it and spent 

I know it is not always the case, but this is my experience. An old 

828 mk1 on the web is cheaper than all of these mid-range, is still 

supported by the stable MOTU drivers, and sounds ok.

I have to say that, IME, these are the only one that did not crash  
within extensive touring conditions.  The hardware, but also very  
importantly their drivers, are almost flawless.  All my friend who  
bought other things (Firebox, Roland, M-Box) regretted it and spent  
money later on a proper one.

I know it is not always the case, but this is my experience. An old  
828 mk1 on the web is cheaper than all of these mid-range, is still  
supported by the stable MOTU drivers, and sounds ok.

I have the Presonus FireStudio Project. I'm using it with Windows XP Home. I've used it live several times (running Max) and I use it for one of the classes (Max/MSP) I teach weekly. Its never caused any problems for me. I'd buy it again in a second.

I have the Presonus FireStudio Project.  I'm using it with Windows XP Home.  I've used it live several times (running Max) and I use it for one of the classes (Max/MSP) I teach weekly.  Its never caused any problems for me.  I'd buy it again in a second.

[OT] Opinion request for mid-range soundcard with 8 analog balanced outputs