Best USB interface in 150-250€ range?

[Beyersound]

Originally Posted by Finnish

Ugh!

My new laptop can't handle my M-Audio FW1814, I get clicks and pops. Believe me, I've tried everything to tune it up, also tried a TI-chipset based expresscard. So, enough of that.

I need a USB-interface that'll work with Vista. I need 2 mic pres, that's all about I need. I need good suggestions to make up my mind with purchasing options.

Thanks.

The Emu 0404 USB kicks ass! I used to have an M-audio UsbPre, it was crap. I also use the EMU 1820m for my studio rig, the 0404 sounds extremely close to as good, has two excellent mic pres and a good, switchable soft limiter for tracking. The PC driver(includes Vista) is very stable, haven't tried the Mac one. About $200us. Read the review in Sound on Sound Emu 0404 .

[Oxytoxine]

i second that. furthermore,you can get unbelievable low latencies (for usb) with this emu thingy. i checked it once with the CEntrance latency checker tool, when i remember right i got about 5 ms TOTAL roundtrip latency. my m-audio fast track pro has 11.x ms at 128 samples buffer..

even cheaper solution when all you need is two ins/outs: emu usb0202. converters and mic pres not quite as decent as on the 0404, but i suppose still good.

[Finnish]

EMU 0404 USB ordered today, should be here in a week. Thanks for tips!