USB 2.0 or FireWire 400?

[mapexvenus]

I am considering a new audio interface that I can use both for recording and live performance. I am unsure about whether to buy an interface with USB 2.0 or FireWire 400.

As far as what should be on the device: I am looking for a device that has 4 - 6 inputs, MIDI, 2 main outs, and a headphones channel.

For recording I will be using Logic, and for live performance I will be using Mainstage. I will also be using my Roland SPD-S to trigger loops / samples from my Mac during live performance, which is why I need the MIDI capability.

 

[guitarplayr82]

For anything with more than two channels I think you should go with FireWire.

 

[mapexvenus]

For anything with more than two channels I think you should go with FireWire.

Just to clarify - what two channels are you referring to? Outputs?

 

[suprstar]

Firewire is probably better in every single case. If you have the choice, go fw. USB uses a lot more CPU, which will be a bottleneck when you start getting a lot of tracks and plugins going at once.

 

[johnnymegabyte]

Firewire is probably better in every single case. If you have the choice, go fw. USB uses a lot more CPU, which will be a bottleneck when you start getting a lot of tracks and plugins going at once.

not so in my situation. I have a Tascam M-164UF mixer / audio interface sending 16 channels of Audio to my laptop at 24/48 and Receiving 2 channels at 24/96 WITHOUT any issues over USB 2.0

I don't see any extra CPU load happening either

Computer is Sony Vaio laptop 1.5Ghz Core 2 Duo with 2.5G RAM using Vista Home Premium and REAPER.
My external HD is connected via FW. The only other USB device used is a mouse.

I also use a freeware program to free up RAM and resources called Game Booster http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html

 

[mapexvenus]

Perhaps FireWire is the better choice for a Mac and USB 2.0 for PC?

 

[johnnymegabyte]

I'm hearing some of the new Mac's don't even come with Firewire anymore

 

[mapexvenus]

I'm hearing some of the new Mac's don't even come with Firewire anymore

That is not true - I have a 2010 MacBook Pro with FW800. All the new 2010 iMacs / Mac Mini's, have FW800.

 

[TeyshaBlue]

not so in my situation. I have a Tascam M-164UF mixer / audio interface sending 16 channels of Audio to my laptop at 24/48 and Receiving 2 channels at 24/96 WITHOUT any issues over USB 2.0

I don't see any extra CPU load happening either

Computer is Sony Vaio laptop 1.5Ghz Core 2 Duo with 2.5G RAM using Vista Home Premium and REAPER.
My external HD is connected via FW. The only other USB device used is a mouse.

I also use a freeware program to free up RAM and resources called Game Booster http://www.iobit.com/gamebooster.html

lol...I use a crappy, cheapo Compaq with a friggin Celeron processor running Vista OS, 3 GB of ram and a 5400 rpm drive. I do have it optimized and running clean tho. I have 8 inputs, and I have never hit a wall tracking them all at once even with multiple plugs running. I'd say, USB 2.0 will, with ease, handle 4-6 channels...and they're generally cheaper than a comparable FW interface.

Peeps gotta get over this "USB sucks for more than 2 channels" mantra.

 

[BentRabbit]

peeps gotta get over this "usb sucks for more than 2 channels" mantra.

+100000000

:d

 

[guitarplayr82]

Just to clarify - what two channels are you referring to? Outputs?

I meant the input channels that will be going to the computer, but that was only what I have heard. It seems some other people here have different opinions...

 

[mapexvenus]

lol...I use a crappy, cheapo Compaq with a friggin Celeron processor running Vista OS, 3 GB of ram and a 5400 rpm drive. I do have it optimized and running clean tho. I have 8 inputs, and I have never hit a wall tracking them all at once even with multiple plugs running. I'd say, USB 2.0 will, with ease, handle 4-6 channels...and they're generally cheaper than a comparable FW interface.

Peeps gotta get over this "USB sucks for more than 2 channels" mantra.

How about latency during live performance? If I use the interface as mixer for live performance will USB 2.0 / FW make a difference?

 

[TetraFish]

How about latency during live performance? If I use the interface as mixer for live performance will USB 2.0 / FW make a difference?

Most interfaces have direct monitoring so latency shouldn't come into play at all for a live performance. Unless you need FX plugins, which if you ask me is a live disaster waiting to happen.