Hi. Which of these interfaces has the best audio quality + A/D D/A converters? I may be having a complete clearout of my studio and scaling down due to getting married and moving house. I've been using the Echo Layla 3G with my main studio PC and have the EMU 0404 USB for my laptop. Because I may be getting rid of all my gear my laptop will become my main computer and I might need to upgrade the interface. My laptop only has USB 2.0 ports so my choice is limited.

Is there any better USB 2.0 interface than the EMU 0404 USB? I've heard good things about the Line 6 KB37, MOTU 828mk2 USB and Edirol UA101.
Would I be downgrading my audio quality from my Echo Layla 3G and if yes, by how much?

My budget is £450 $700 tops

Thanks

This may sound schizophrenic, but I think the consumer-grade type of gear is the biggest trouble to select without being worried that you have bought inferior grade, the stuff is mismatched with any mikes you've collected. If you're keeping your EMU box, why not get a two channel mic preamp, say a DAV BG1, and wait until you have a thick wad of dosh to pay for the AD converter/interface you really want. All of this can be deferred unless there's a money paying project to drive the gear acquisition -- and probably you don't need a mike preamp, but if you get something you want you just might keep it. Cheers.


In Canadian dollars, the MOTO 828 MKII is $870 -- I'm sure it cost big pounds so you've already blown your budget.

How does the EMU compare to the Echo?

And, does your laptop not have PCMCIA?