Which Firewire Interface?? Options

[dijerydack]

I have been recording on a tascam 788 digital 8-track for some time now but I have just bought a G3 imac 600mhz w/ 512mb ram and I want to sort it out to replace my 788 . I think I want a firewire audio / midi interface but I dont know which one. Budget is an issue so I was looking at an m-audio audiophile but it only has inputs for phono plugs. I need somthing with jack inputs and preamps. Any suggestions?

[StevieBoy]

If it has to be FW, then (as far as I know) it will have to be the FW 410, since that has preamps and will not therefore accept only line level input (as the FW AP does). I suppose you could add a modest mixer or mic preamp (there's a valve preamp for about £40 which seems neat, if that's your thing) or a cheap mixer.

Alternatively, there's that Behringer beast which should be available shortly:



It's USB 2.0, which I believe is as fast as FW, though (correct me if I'm wrong) FW sends its data in a stream whereas USB is packets. I don't know what diff that makes (but would be interested to know).

Anyway, HTHAB.

[Artist]

If it could be USB, the M audio Audiophile USB has phono inputs and two jack inputs.

[dijerydack]

I'm not sure if my imac has usb 1 or 2 how do I find out? Interesting what you say about streams and pockets , surely a stream for audio would be better.

[StevieBoy]

I'm not sure if my imac has usb 1 or 2 how do I find out? Interesting what you say about streams and pockets , surely a stream for audio would be better.

The manual? Or look it up?

I would have thought streaming would be better too.

[evolution]

Hi - if you'r rilly sirious, have a look at the motu 828 mkii vfm!

[dijerydack]

I had a look at that motu . It'll definatley do the trick , Are there any cheaper alternatives that do the same stuff?

I dont have a manual and where do you suggest I look it up?

[swilder]

I'm 99% sure that USB 2 is only on the newer Powerbooks and G5 Desktops

Scott

[vape]

I'm 100% sure.

[Artist]

You can get PCI Usb 2.0 cards though, (like my Lacie ).

[connstellation]

I have a Motu 828 MKII for sale. It's only 3 months old and I'm selling because I have not time enough to learn audiotechniques and not enough mony to buy all the accessories (micro's, etc...) that I will need. So if you're interested?

[dijerydack]

I've gone for an m-audio firewire 410, two preamps + phantom power I reckon should do the job.

[Quindo]

You can get PCI Usb 2.0 cards though, (like my Lacie  ).

Hands up anyone whos ever tried fitting a PCI card into an iMac without a hammer and chissel? The only options on an iMac are USB 1.1, Firewire 400, or the built in soundcard. I agree with evolution, the 828 is the best (affordable) Firewire interface by far.

[sethjacquay]

The iMac has USB 2.0 only on the later models, those
that were made after September 2003:

As noted here, here, and here:
http://www.apple.com/imac/
http://www.apple.com/imac/specs.html
http://www.apple-history.com/frames/body.p...odel=imac_usb_2

Also, I am actually using a Firewire 410 and an iMac Flat Panel (USB 1.1).
Works well!
Feel free to private message (PM) me if you have any questions
as to its functionality or setup. I have other posts on these boards
in which I chronicle some of my confusion and experience, but in the
end it is working quite well.

This post has been edited by sethjacquay: Tue 23 Mar 2004, 18:47

[td3k]

I might get yelled at here but... I feel a discussion of Firewire audio interfaces should not fail to mention Digi 002 and Digi 002 Rack. I know Digidesign gear is pricey, but isn't that the same thing PC users say to us about our Macs? The Digi gear IS killer.

Just a thought,

TD

[mcrein]

the 828 mk 2 by motu i think is probably the best value in a firewire device. it truky is plug and play. i use it extensively with DP 4.1, with sondtrack, opeak and also as my default audio out (though a pair of tannoy reveals) it's great vaue for the money.

M

[swilder]

I know Digidesign gear is pricey, but isn't that the same thing PC users say to us about our Macs? The Digi gear IS killer.

In the past, it might have been true to say that Macs are more expensive. But these days, Macs exist in all price categories from really cheap to expensive powerhouses.

My beef with Digi gear is that you gotta use Pro Tools LE to get the full functionality of the gear.

Just my 2 cents

Scott

[goober]

I am looking for a way to use a digi002 with DP4...can't find any support for it.

[StevieBoy]

As I understand it, Digidesign expects you to use ProTools.

[sethjacquay]

I am reading the 4.12 Update PDF as we speak and DP 4 has
DAE (Digidesign Audio Engine) support.

Note that DAE is the software “driver” for Pro Tools/TDM, serving as the link between Digital Performer’s recording and playback features and the actual hardware itself. ~ from the DP 4.12 update PDF

http://www.motu.com/english/software/dp/dp3/hd.html

I don't know if I can legally post more info directly from the document.
But I believe that it is basically saying you can use DP 4 to control
Pro Tools Hardware.

With the latest update to Protools LE they have updated their Core Audio driver for the 002. If you are a registered Pro Tools user you should be able to download this from digidesign's site. Once installed you don't have to worry about DAE the 002 just runs from Core Audio (god bless apple)

[Barb]

I spoke with Dave Dvorkin (ddvorkin@apple.com) of EMagic about using Logic with my 002. He said that the 002 controller surface was proprietary to ProTools so in other words, I can't use the control surface for Logic. I assume that's so with DP.

[mcrein]

as far as i know the only control surfaces that work with DP are the Mackie Huis and the Event EZ Bus.
M

[Hans Arvid]

Hi guys!

I wonder if it isn't possible, anyway...
Logically the surface is driven by a midi router and with other stuff taking care of knobs,
sliders and stuff. Would it be all crazy to imagine that you can "barrow" one of the other drivers
and manipulate it? It must be someone clever out there who knows who to do that.
Why do I care about this, in the first place? Because I love Logic Pro and my Digi 002.
ProTools is such a drag, especially the authorizing routine mess they force on you. I have plugs I will never l be able to use, as I have given up how to authorize them. I'm abandoning ProTools for good!

This post has been edited by Hans Arvid: Mon 29 Mar 2004, 19:45