It has been a few years since I looked at my sound-system on my PC. At present I am using a SoundBlaster Creative Audigy 2 ZS soundcard with a breakout box that has Min & Line inputs etc.

I have just upgraded my speakers from a 5.1 computer speaker set, also from Creative, to a M-Audio set of monitor speakers I am now looking to upgrade the SoundBlaster card.

I still want to hear the audio, obviously, but would like a better way to record sound, mainly for VO work that will be used on DVDs.

I am thinking along the lines of a USB box with Mike input controls, XLR,phono jack 1/4 etc. I presume I will still need an internal soundcard to drive the speakers, or can I finnaly get rid of the SoundBlaster card?

Can anyone recommend a decent USB box and any tips for things I should look out for.

Many thanks in anticipation.

Vincent you are headed the right direction by ditching the soundblaster card in favor of an external USB device. The external device will hook up to your monitors so I don't think you will need the internal card. In addition you should be able to use the USB interface on your next computer.

Thanks Kevin,

I am looking at the M-Audio Fast Trax Pro, I am reading some mixed views from Amazon customers - not sure of the user base that gives these rants & raves. It does seem like I can finally say good bye to my SoundBlaster card,

Any other USB devices that I should be considering?

Thanks Kevin,

I am looking at the M-Audio Fast Trax Pro, I am reading some mixed views from Amazon customers - not sure of the user base that gives these rants & raves. It does seem like I can finally say good bye to my SoundBlaster card,

Any other USB devices that I should be considering?

Sound Devices has a very attractive looking stereo USB interface called the "USBPre 2" that is 100% pro if your budget goes that far. It'll drive a pair of powered monitors but is only stereo so won't help with 5.1 if that's where you've gone with your new monitors. USBPre 2 Microphone Interface for Computer Audio | Sound Devices, LLC (http://sounddevices.com/products/usbpre2.htm)

Thank you Steve, this device does look the business I will take a look at one. The other device I had in mind was a Focusrite Saphire 6, but this is only USB 1.1 - not sure if that will be a problem.

I am not into 5.1 sounds - have enough to contend with, with 2 speakers :-)