> - M-Audio MobilePre USB
> - Terratec Phase 26 USB (not tested on 2.6 kernel by Linux-USB, but 
> should work fine). Advertise says this sound card has very low latency.
> But I have read there is some problem with direct monitoring on Windows
> (I don't know what they are really talking about).
> - Yamaha UW500: I have seen no test or review about this hardware.
> 
> There is the M-Audio Audiophile USB but it does not work on Gentoo (and
> of course, I use Gentoo!!).
> 
> With one of these cards, I would be able to plug my mixer (Technics 
> SH-DJ 1200) on it and make phrase and live sample. I don't know yet if 
> these cards work on MacOs without additional drivers. I should look for
> this info now.
> 
> I have 2 others questions:
> 1 - Is it right to consider ALSA as an ASIO-like driver for Linux?
> 2 - Is there a noticeable difference between 16bit/44kHz and 24/96KHz? 
> Especially when recording from sources like records or CD?

I use my griffin imic usb for recording my dj sets, plugged into my Ecler HAK320. It's a very nice sounding card that does 24bit 48khz, however full duplex is currently a problem with jack. Alsa and oss work fine in full duplex but jack doesn't yet. This is a problem with the alsa drivers for a few usb card that hasn't been addressed yet, though I have put a bugreport in about it and hopefully it will soon. question 1, yes, except a bit more flexible. 2. I record at 16bit 44. and am very happy with the quality of the recordings. For recording from vinyl it is much more important to have a good mixer and good needles. I use the Ortofon Elektro's (the white ones) and recommend them. Using any of the ortofon needles is a good idea especially the nightclub or elektro's. The shure whitelabels are also good. I'm guessing by your mixer you do scratching so the elektros or shures are the best bet. Scratchers should keep away from eliptical needles, ie any of the ortofon e series. I only ever use Ortofons. I'd keep away from anything made by anyone but ortofon or shure. Don't try recording with Stanton needles...  also the mixer might make a bit of difference. 

Hope it's all good,
Loki


