What usb audio card to buy?

Question

Iron

I would like to buy an audio card for macbook, which will be able to do the following:

• OS X Compatibility
  
• Playing music in good quality in headphones (Audio-Technica ATH-M50). I'm not sure I'll notice a difference from stock, but still
  
• The ability to plug a guitar into a line through a jack
  
• Possibility to plug in a phantom-powered condenser microphone
  
• Ability to connect a couple of monitors (PIONEER S-DJ50X)
  
• Preferably midi in/out
  
• And the ability to monitor everything connected to headphones / monitors
  

Actually I wanted to know in which direction to dig and what to pay attention to.
So far, I'll like this Behringer UMC204HD card ($80 when available) or even this Behringer UMC404HD (because there is approximately no difference in price).
It is interesting to know the opinion on these two devices or hear other suggestions.

Answer 1

What is the main question here?
The truth of life is that good opamps, their wiring and converters cost money and all this is multiplied by the number of channels ...
In terms of price / quality ratio, the best cards of all time were the EMU0202USB and EMU0404USB, as well as their descendants, which are still can be found on the secondary market...

Answer 2

I still do not understand what kind of Behringer Digital-Analogue Converter (DAC) is worth. I listen to Creative sound blaster e5 (much more expensive than Behringer) in conjunction with Sennheiser Momentum. In general, of course, there is a difference in comparison with the sound system built into the laptop, more pleasure from music, but the difference is far from fantastic. Just a little better, more detailed. I'm afraid to get the wow effect, you need to look at a slightly different class of iron, with different prices.

Answer 3

EMUs are good, but support has ended, so how will they work, especially on a poppy - xs.
RME, although not so cheap, will please with all its might. eg Babyface

Answer 4

The new version of Mac OSX severely limits the choice, as many interfaces are not supported. I would recommend Focusrite Scarlett 2i4 (if midi is not needed, you can take 2i2) - they work on Mac OS without drivers.
If the budget is very limited, you can take something like M-Audio M-track (tested 100% works on Mac OS El Capitan)