Which Audio Interface?, FW or USB 2? Options

[timski]

I am in the process of starting up and wanted some advice on audio interfaces.
I have a 1Ghz G4 Powerbook (2x USB 2 ports, 1x Firewire 400) with Jaguar (may be getting Panther soon, however) and am planning to run Logic Express, recording mostly audio (vocals, guitars and old keyboards) with some MIDI. I do not require surround sound and do not plan to use any extra hardware (MIDI devices, mixers, etc) other than a MIDI controller keyboard.
Do I really need Firewire or is USB sufficient? The M-audio 410 looks nice but I have reservations about the fact that I'd have to keep it switched on all the time as this really isn't feasible - I require portability and use my PB for much more than just music. Furthermore, I may eventually want to record live drums and wasn't sure if the 410 would give me enough inputs.
There are a lot of cheap USB interfaces like the Tascam US-122 and the Audiophile Pre - would one of these be sufficient?
Finally - I will be getting an external HD, preferably Firewire. Can I run this at the same time as a 410, or could I get away with a USB 2 HD?

As I said I'm just starting out (although have some experience with recording using Cubasis and EMU APS on a PC a few years ago) so don't need anything too fancy, but at the same time want gear that will last a long time and won't limit me in the future.

MANY THANKS!

This post has been edited by timski: Thu 6 May 2004, 21:48

[Riverdog]

I'm using a 1Ghz PowerBook with Logic Audio 5 and a M-Audio USB Quattro...

In my opinion the USB Quattro is a great device for recording and even getting a little more in depth with sound work... It has great quality sound and can be purchased rather inexpensively and will help you get your feet wet...

Just this weekend I'm purchasing a M-Audio FW410 and am very excited...
This is the device that I wanted originally but "settled" for the Quattro...
Well I've been using the Quattro for almost 3 years without even a glitch...
After using this device for that long - It was apparent that using the Quattro was not "settling" at all... I was really pleased... The only reason I'm going to the 410 is that I want more outputs...

Sounds like you have a good start on a project studio...
The interface you purchase depends on what your intensions are...
If you are "dabbling" in audio and want something simple - Most interfaces will work fine.... Be sure the drivers are "mature" though (Such as the ones on MOTU devices or M-Audio)... It also depends on how many inputs you want to use... USB interfaces will only allow (on average) 2 channels of incoming audio reliably... I think the standard states 4 is possible but your mileage may vary... For more inputs and flexibility go with the FireWire... Generally more expensive, but better bandwidth and more "recognition" from standard programs such as Logic...

I hope this helps... Good luck in your endeavors...

[Riverdog]

Sorry wanted to pipe in on your other questions!

- Using FW410 for standard recording is good... If you're going to try to cram a drumset through it, you will only have 4 inputs to work with... This doesn't mean you can't get a mixer and mix multiple mics of "cymbals" into one channel and multiple mics of "toms" into the second and so forth... It just depends on your method of recording...

- If you're going to record more "professional" projects (And I use that term "loosly" here), You'll probably want to go with a better performance FireWire interface.... But just because USB is slower doesn't mean you get "less quality"... It just means you don't get as many options...

- Not sure about the Hard Drive - FireWire hard drives are great... And I'm sure the USB 2.0 hard drives will record fine with your PowerBook as well... It's your choice... But personally I always try to leave the audio interface on it's own bus just for "posterity"... If you get a 410 - Go with a 2.0 USB Hard drive... it should work great... If you go with USB - Shoot for a FW hard drive... Understand - I've only been using FW Hard Drives until now... But I'm sure the choice is yours... Remember - the more audio tracks and channels you run - the more load on your interface and port you're going to use - Keep it as clean as possible for the best possible sound...

[deronsard]

m-audio drivers don't work under panther and their tech support is terrible. search very, very carefully every forum available to you before you buy anything from them. note that riverdog wants to buy firewire 410. he hasn't used it yet.

take recommendations only from long term current owners. and look out for the negative reports as well.

be careful friend.

[terrywil]

Hi. For what it's worth - I use the Firewire 410 with a Mac G4 running Panther 10.3.3 with no problems. The drivers have been fine. Also run Logic 6 and Reason 2.5. I highly recommend the 410.

[Riverdog]

Just to let you know NOW -
I've been using the FW410 since the time of my last post with a G4 under Panther using Logic 6 Pro with no issues at all...

Seems that all the comments about the driver have been fixed...

On a closing note...

I've ALWAYS had great luck with M-Audio...
And I find that their products have always perfomred as expected...
Not sure why that is...
But, I've been really pleased with M-Audio's innovation and product design...

So now I'm TELLING YOU! Get an M-Audio FW410...
You won't regret it...