Im looking for a usb audio interface for my notebook that will give me better sound on my headphones than the built-in soundcard. basically I need it to play my music to potential clients when on the move.

I have seen a couple of usb interfaces in my price range - 
- Cakewalk UA-1G 
- M-Audio fast track

Which would be a better choice? Or is there another option in the price range?

UA1G 

try also the focusrite VRM box .....

There are "regular" PC USB "sound cards" available.  e.g. SoundBlaster has one.  Some audio interface units will not work with standard PC audio or won't work with all PC audio.  e.g. my Roland Octa-Capture or my MAudio Fastrack Ultra 8R (both USB) will not work with Goldwave (an audio editor) or Windows Media Player.  If I try to play audio from these applications (and may be others) I do not get audio through my recording interface units, I have to use the PC's sound card and speakers.

The Focusrite VRM box needs an S/PDIF connection, unless you have that it wouldn't work for you.  It emulates various speaker systems. 

http://www.amazon.com/Creative-Sound-Blaster-System-SB1240/dp/B004275EO4

I recommend Focusrite - several good options at different price points.

At the lower end of the interface scale quality is all about the same.  Any music interface should work fine for your purposes.  Just be sure to get it from a retailer who will let you return a model for another one in case you do have a conflict w/ your computer.  You shouldn't, but it is good if you do.

@

Low latency rock solid drivers high quality preamps and overall sound - Cream of the crop = http://www.musiciansfrien...abyface-silver-edition

Thanks for all the inputs they were a big help indeed! Babyface looks supercool but too expensive for my needs!

I have a vs 20,by cakewalk,check it out its worth just looking at it.
it has 8 faders that control cakewalks faders,it also has play/stop/rew/ff/pause buttons.
this almost makes your project to show clients hands free operations.
I also use 2 foot pedals with it that have play/stop and play/rec. thus leaving me without having to do much mousing around.
bottom line, its 250/300 bucks.
but well worth it,makes life nice and easy.

if you have expresscard : echo DJ 

Neole


Im looking for a usb audio interface for my notebook that will give me better sound on my headphones than the built-in soundcard. basically I need it to play my music to potential clients when on the move.

I have seen a couple of usb interfaces in my price range - 
- Cakewalk UA-1G 
- M-Audio fast track

Which would be a better choice? Or is there another option in the price range?

The Focusrite VRM Box is invaluable if you find yourself working / mixing on headphones regularly.


It's limited to 44 or 48khz & has no input for recording, but if you can work at those rates and don't need an input then I would definitely recommend it.


It only has a 1/4" headphone jack or s/pdif outputs though.