Firewire soundcard under $500?

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ReDVsion

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Hello all,

I'm currently using an M-Audio Audiophile 192 soundcard for music listening and the occasional vinyl-to-CD transfers. I love it to death, and it's probably the best sound-related purchase I've made in years. Unfortunately, I'm looking to change my computer setup to a Mac Mini, which means I'll be needing an external soundcard. All I need is a minimum of 1 set of inputs and outputs, but I'd really like to find something that has a similar analog output quality to my current card. I'd like to spend around $250, but $500 is my absolute upper limit. Some units I've been looking at are:

ESI Quatafire 610
Focusrite Saffire
M-Audio Firewire 410
M-Audio Firewire 1814

Thanks!
 
What would be the advantage of the Presonus Inspire over, say, the M-Audio Firewire Audiophile? Are the D/A converters better?
 
how about the MAckie Onyx 1220 + Firewire card, now you can get both for $530 at basically any reatailer - online included. I just got it, and I have to say I do like it quite a bit.
 
shackrock said:
how about the MAckie Onyx 1220 + Firewire card, now you can get both for $530 at basically any reatailer - online included. I just got it, and I have to say I do like it quite a bit.
Click to expand...

He's not recording.

But, hey, where did you find Onyx 1220 + Firewire for that price?
 
Heh... nope, not recording. :D

To give you a better idea of what I'm looking for, I'd ideally get the Terratec Phase 24 FW: A pair of ins, outs, MIDI (a plus, and why I'm a little hesitant about the Presonus Inspire) and digital I/O. Unfortunately I can't really find it in the states.
 
You can add midi to any midi-less card with one of these and a spare USB port. Midi is a low-flow 31.2 kBaud serial language that doesn't need anywhere near the bandwidth offered by USB 2.0 at full throttle --- it's perfectly happy with USB 1.1 which is the minimum most current computers have. Don't worry about conflicts - they're not an issue.

I recommend the Presonus Inspire too - the Saffire would be the choice but it has DSP that you probably won't use and is twice the money.
 
I'm a little confused looking at that Mackie... Does it have 8 analog ins? For example, if I want to make a track by track transfer from an 8 track tape deck, which means recording all 8 tracks simulataneously, can I do that with the Mackie?

I have a Yamaha i88X right now, and I think its going back to zzounds because it kinda sucks. That Mackie looks awesome. Not only is it a Firewire interface, but its a mixer too...
 
Hi_Flyer said:
I'm a little confused looking at that Mackie... Does it have 8 analog ins? For example, if I want to make a track by track transfer from an 8 track tape deck, which means recording all 8 tracks simulataneously, can I do that with the Mackie?

I have a Yamaha i88X right now, and I think its going back to zzounds because it kinda sucks. That Mackie looks awesome. Not only is it a Firewire interface, but its a mixer too...
Click to expand...

Yeah, it's got 8 analog ins. Here's a huge pic.
 
Sounds kinda fishy,why would someone get a 12 channel mixer with 8 faders?Its like buying a car with 2 wheels :eek:
 
Pinachi said:
Sounds kinda fishy,why would someone get a 12 channel mixer with 8 faders?Its like buying a car with 2 wheels :eek:
Click to expand...

Four faders are controlling four stereo channels.
 
apl, do you have one of these? If so, how exactly are you using it? Are you using the Firewire interface?
 
Hi_Flyer said:
apl, do you have one of these? If so, how exactly are you using it? Are you using the Firewire interface?
Click to expand...

No, I don't have one. I only record with me, so I use a Tascam US122.
 
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