Well, I've decided on
the Echo Layla after doing some research. Here were my Pros & Cons for each card - for those of you that own the cards I'm not getting, no offense is intended! Different cards for different needs
And hearsay/reputation only goes so far - check out the cards yourself to find the best one:
DIGI 001
I got their free DVD product demo in the mail and watched it. Not bad, but not incredibly impressive either. Basically they were comparing the features of Pro Tools LE &
the Digi 001 to analog tape mixing/editing/recording so yeah, it's going to look much better. By the way, really nice job with the free DVD. It was pretty entertaining and informative. I know eventually I'd like to move to Pro Tools TDM as I move away from MIDI and more towards audio. But that's way in the future.
Pros: I really like the Pro Tools software for its audio recording and editing capabilities. The breakout box has all the inputs and outputs I need. Really diverse range, from optical to XLR to SP/DIF. Phantom pre-amps and gain controls are a nice bonus. No power adapter needed for the breakout box, just connect it with your PCI card and you're set!
Cons: MIDI sequencing in Pro Tools is not as powerful and feature-full as Cubase. Pro Tools LE cannot work with Re-Wire for my Reason software (and that's a big problem!) On a small and fickle note, the breakout box design isn't as elegant looking as some other rackmount units.
Luna II
Couldn't find anything on this card anywhere other than
www.creamware.com.
Pros: Looks like a decent DSP-laden card at a great value
Cons: Can't find it anywhere in the US. not at Guitar Center, not at zzsounds.com, or any other online retailer. I'd prefer an audio solution that has strong US support and MAC driver solutions. If I can't even find a place to buy the darn product, then forget it!
RME Hammerfall Project 96/52
These guys seem to have the best reputation for low latency. They do suffer a bit from small US support, but at least I can find their products for sale!
Pros: Low Latency for softsynths, great digital recording abilities. Crazy Optical ports. Good price.
Cons: Not that much support for analog recordings without purchasing additional hardware (AES card). No analogue outputs, so I can't hook up headphones or speakers.
Midiman Delta 10/10
I've heard only great things about this card. From ease of use to installation to reliability, it's got a good reputation. This is my second choice if the echo layla fails me!
Pros: Low latency, great compatability with programs. user-friednly interface.
Cons: no optical ins/outs.
MOTU 828 Firewire
Promises to do it all - through firewire!
Pros: Firewire seems like a nice protocol.
Cons: Report after report of unrealiable pops/cracks in sound, problems recording, problems with Cubase, etc. Sound quality reportedly not as good as these other cards.
Echo Layla24
Corny, I know, but what attracted me first to the Layla24 was the design of the breakout box and its elegance. I've only heard good things about
the Layla24 from several message boards and forums, and the mean clerk at my local guitar center gave it his approval.
Pros: Has everything I need, works well with Cubase. Analog & digital & optical ins/outs. Has great reputation for sound quality.
Cons: No pre-amp. No XLR inputs like the Digi 001.
Bottom line, as someone else has said earlier,....you can't lose with any of these cards. It just comes down to what features you need.
Hope this helps!