Audio Interface: Firewire 400 vs USB 2.0

[stratosteve]

Hello All!

I am setting up a home studio and in my process of researching an appropriate 8 channel audio interface (48k sampling rate, 24 bit), I have come across a question which I can't seem to get a clear answer on. USB 2.0 or Firewire 400?

In doing some research and I found that USB 2.0 data rates are slightly higher than Firewire 400 data rates and USB 3.0 data rates are higher than firewire 800 data rates. This brought up the question "Why does Firewire seem to be the standard in high end recording studios?" I took this question to my local Guitar Center and didn't get a good explanation of why Firewire is preferred.

My initial plan was to purchase the Sapphire Pro 40 Audio Interface because I have heard great things about the preamps on this unit. The problem is that this interface uses a Firewire 400 connection which my laptop does not support (No built in firewire or PCI slot). This means I would have to shell out anywhere between 500-700$ to buy a new PC with firewire complatibility.

I could also purchase the Presonus AudioBox 1818VSL. This is an 8 channel audio interface which uses a USB 2.0 connection

Should I buy a new computer which supports Firewire? Does anyone use USB 2.0 for 8 channel audio? Have they had any problems with it? Also, what if I used a Firewire 400 - USB 2.0 converter?

Thanks!

 

[Bobbsy]

For an 8 channel interface, USB 2.0 works absolutely fine and is probably a lot less hassle than Firewire.

There's a theoretical advantage to Firewire because of the way it works--the throughput is guaranteed rather than shared--but this really only comes into play at track counts above 16 or so. In the real world, USB 2.0 is commonly used without any problems at all up to the 16 track figure.

I have a Firewire interface I can use for up to 32 in and out--and desperately need a new laptop for sound work. I'm finding my choices severely limited when looking for a computer with either firewire or an Express slot to put an adaptor in. Firewire seems to be on the way out, to be replaced by either Thunderbolt or USB 3.0. I wouldn't be investing in Firewire today if I could help it.