What is your favorite USB/Firewire Interface?

**SlartyBartfast** · 10-19-2005

I'm looking to buy a portable audio interface and was wondering what everyone would suggest.

**rockcamaro97** · 10-19-2005

ill go 1st. As far as the interface isself, i like the firepod more than the mbox as i have used both. The software bundled is a diff story, but i like my firepod. Pres are a lot higher quality than i expected, and having everything in your face helps.

Also, if u plan on recording drums, the 8 mic pres helps out!

Matt

**ssscientist** · 10-19-2005

I use the Firebox and for $299 it's a steal. First class mic pre's and two line inputs with 6 outs - not counting the (almost) useless SPDIF I/O - give me every thing I need. If I need to mic a drum kit I use an external mixer and patch it in thru the line inputs.

**reshp1** · 10-20-2005

Originally Posted by ssscientist

I use the Firebox and for $299 it's a steal. First class mic pre's and two line inputs with 6 outs - not counting the (almost) useless SPDIF I/O - give me every thing I need. If I need to mic a drum kit I use an external mixer and patch it in thru the line inputs.

Just curious, why is the SPDIF I/O useless? Is it one of those deals where it's either digital or analog i/o but not both?

**chessrock** · 10-20-2005

I think Mackie might be taking over that market now with the release of the 400f. I just don't see anything being able to compete with that in the lower price bracket.

**Dobs** · 10-20-2005

The Mackie 400F is a little more expensive than the firepod, I'm glad this purchase was relatively inexpensive (699). Even if they drop the price later to match the Presonus firepod I can rest assured The Onyx Pres and 24-bit/192kHz AKM 5385 and 4358 audio converters are worth the extra 100 Bucks. That is assuming I don't run into the same type of problems the Spike users have encountered.

I realize the 400F is hard to find. However, I just picked one up.

Dobs

**therage!** · 10-20-2005

Originally Posted by Dobs

The Mackie 400F is a little more expensive than the firepod, I'm glad this purchase was relatively inexpensive (699). Even if they drop the price later to match the Presonus firepod I can rest assured The Onyx Pres and 24-bit/192kHz AKM 5385 and 4358 audio converters are worth the extra 100 Bucks. That is assuming I don't run into the same type of problems the Spike users have encountered.

I realize the 400F is hard to find. However, I just picked one up.

Dobs

Whoa! You have a 400F in your posession right now? Where did you buy it from?
I had all but given up hope on Mackie releasing this thing.

**therage!** · 10-20-2005

Originally Posted by therage!

Whoa! You have a 400F in your posession right now? Where did you buy it from?
I had all but given up hope on Mackie releasing this thing.

Answering myself here..

People are finding them!

http://forums.mackie.com/scripts/for...;f=27;t=000408

**Dobs** · 10-20-2005

Yeah, I got it at a local Guitar Center store. I got the only one. Just get your feelers out there and be ready to jump when you find one.

Good luck,
Dobs

**amonte** · 10-23-2005

I'm trying to decide now between a M-Audio 410 and the Firebox. They seem fairly similar. I'm surprised that the 410 has gotten no votes, but maybe nobody's using them at the moment.