Event EZBus? Q10? Tell me what to buy!

[sourdapple]

Hi everybody!

I'm new to home recording, though not particularly new to recording itself. Most of my experience deals with ATAD studios, so I'm seeking some advice on what AD/DA hardware to buy for my new PC...

I haven't heard much discussion regarding the Event EZ-Bus... whaddya think of it?

I'm looking for something with at least 2 XLR inputs, and a fair amount of line/instrument inputs.

Not having to use a pci sound card would be nice (only one free slot). So USB or Firewire is, I think, the way I wanna go.

My other considerations include the Aardvark Q10, Presonus Firestation, and ST Audio (can't remember the model name right now... )

Also -- If money were no object: Cubase? Pro Tools?

Thanks!

[Cranky]

If your PCI bus is pretty cluttered like you said I wouldn't suggest the Q10. It's quite demanding of the PCI bus and doesn't like to share it very much. I'm in love with mine right now, but I only have a modem in another one of my PCI slots and I disable it in my recording profile.

MOTU has some bad ass firewire stuff with 8 XLR's with P.P. and their converters are great from what I've heard. There are a lot of choices out there right now. Tascam has a cute new little USB unit with 2 xlr's and insert points. Someone else mentioned it in another thread. I think the model is 122 or something like that, but if you need more inputs you might need something else. Good luck and be prepared to do some troubleshooting. Computer recording can be a pain because of all the variables involved, but once you get it working it's like making "sweet love" like Chef would say.

[mozart101]

As an EZBus owner I would recommend it if you plan on using XP and Cubase as your setup. I have no problems with it that way - however using the unit with sonar I run into issues with the transport controls not always working but everything else is fine. If you do hobby/semi-pro work and don't have a I/O and control surface and you do run XP then go with this - otherwise spend the money on a motu fireware I/O and a mackie surface(of course that costs 4-5x what you'll pay for the ezbus) Good luck

[sourdapple]

Thanks Guys! (esp. Mozart!)

Sounds like the EZBus is a good way to go.. How 'bout it everybody? Any beefs there? Somethin' better out there?

Thanks again!