Mobile laptop audio interface solution?

[DFRNT]

OK I know the audio interface thing has come up before, but I have a slightly different query and wanted to know if anyone was in the same boat.

I've switched from a desktop machine to a laptop recently.

I used to use an M-Audio Firewire Solo - firewire, and it ran off the power of my PC.

Now that I'm on a laptop - there's no firewire port.

After buying a PC Express card with a firewire slot on it - I realised that the laptop firewire port is not powered.

So in order to use my FIrewire solo with my laptop - I'll have to buy a power supply, and connect it via a rather unsightly firewire express-card to my laptop.

Not something very portable I'm sure you'll agree.

- Now for my question -

I'd like to have an audio interface that will be able to power a condenser mic connected via XLR - as well as allow me to hook up to my monitors/sub when they're available.

I'd like it to be USB if possible - and I'd like it to be as portable as possible, in case I use it on a train or whatever.

Is there any viable solution for this? I don't imagine there's an interface that can run off my laptop's USB and provide phantom power for a condenser mic too - or is there?

If anybody produces on a laptop - or knows of a solution - I'd be greatful for a bit of guidance or advice.

Ta.

[mondays child]

The Apogee Duet might be the answer you're looking for.
I use it for my stuff but on a Mac, so I'm not sure about PC.
They're great bits of kit though, the converters are top notch and have the XLR
connections you're after.

[therapist]

Beatz by Dre, laptop/phones combo. Who cares if its got the right plugs on it, its Dre approved.

[DFRNT]

The Apogee Duet might be the answer you're looking for.
I use it for my stuff but on a Mac, so I'm not sure about PC.
They're great bits of kit though, the converters are top notch and have the XLR
connections you're after.

Looks like Mac only unfortunately.

[gnome]

Novation Nio should suit your needs.

http://www.novationmusic.com/products/a ... +with+Nio/

[hifi]

apogee one? apogee duet? apogee ensemble?(jokes)

i didn't read anyone elses posts so this may have been answered already

[RandoRando]

there is plenty out there my digidesign mbox mini has 2 xlr inputs, two audio outs and headphone jack and is all usb phantom power to bad i cabt get the damn thing to work with windows 7

[DFRNT]

there is plenty out there my digidesign mbox mini has 2 xlr inputs, two audio outs and headphone jack and is all usb phantom power to bad i cabt get the damn thing to work with windows 7

Ah, shit yeah - Windows 7 64 bit is an unfortunate necessity - needs to work with that...

[Hurtdeer]

I use an Native Instrument's AK1 for exactly the same reasons you described. Has some pretty ugly looking vestigial midi buttons on the top it's pretty much ideal, and decently cheap too. And about the size of a novel.