Getting individual tracks like w/ firewire, but w/o firewire?

[SMX_Dizzy]

Yep, another one. I think that this is kind of a pointless question, I think I know the answer, but I'll give it a shot.

OK so right now I'm deciding between a Phonic Helix Board 18 FireWire and an Alesis Multimix 16 FireWire as my mixer. I was wondering though, is there a way to take a mixer like this and have it deliver individual tracks to your computer like firewire does? Along with the mixer, is there any hardware out there that'd make it possible to turn it into a firewire mixer basically? Along w/ that mixer, try to keep the price under $600 if possible.

I don't think it's possible, but I thought it was worth a shot asking. People don't seem to have many problems with the Behringer mixers, and they're really cheap...so I just thought I'd ask.

Thanks. I posted this in the noob section b/c I figured people are sick of my threads anywhere else.

EDIT: On that specific mixer (Behringer UB2222FX) there are two XLR main outs...could I plug those into something like a Firebox or something cheaper and turn it into a firewire mixer?

 

[2lim]

Ummmmm why woul;d you buya firebox if you didnt wanna use a firewire mixer? Just a question, cause the firewire mixer will work out better for you. There are thousands of different interfaces that allow multiple inputs, you can try M-audio for a number of interfaces for different needs and budgets. Also behringer has some, Tascam has some, Echo has some, Edirol has some, MOTU has some, you see a pattern? Everyone has an interface. Just look on any site that sells recording gear under interfaces, and you will see.

Also, these connect via PCI, Firewire, and USB depending on the item.


Simon

 

[dgatwood]

I would also caution that so-called multitrack "USB 2.0" interfaces are not spec-compliant devices. The USB 2.0 audio class spec hasn't been finalized at last check (a week or two ago), so those are USB 1.1 devices running at 2.0 speed, a gross hack that I'm told is explicitly disallowed by the 2.0 audio spec (at least in the drafts that have come out). Don't count on those devices continuing to be usable if the manufacturer tanks or decides to stop supporting those old crufty kludges.

For 8+ tracks, your options are PCI or FireWire. I don't recommend PCI (unless you get something really, really cheap) because it is being phased out.

 

[SMX_Dizzy]

Alright, well how about this.

Take a Phonic Helix Board 18 Firewire for example...it's only $460. A Behringer UB2222FX for $230 + an M-Audio Firewire 410 for $245, that's $475...a $15 difference. In that case, it'd be better to just get the Phonic.

Ok, but what about this example? I'm really craving two more XLR inputs for my mixer. I could get a brand new Behringer UB2442FX for $260 (or a barely used one for $230) + the 410 for $245...that's only $505 for a brand new rig or $475 for the barely used mixer.

Would it be better to get a brand new Phonic with only 8 XLR ins, or would it work to get the barely used UB2442FX + Firewire 410? Would the Behringer rig still be worse than the Phonic?

Sorry if I'm totally making you guys crazy. I guess there's just a lot of extra stuff on the Phonic and the Alesis that I won't use, and not a lot extra on the Behringers, which is why I was tempted to get the Behringer. I wouldn't have a lot of unused stuff on the Behringer mixer like I would on the other two.

I guess now the question is:

Phonic for $460 VS. Behringer + M-Audio (2 extra XLR) for $475 VS. Alesis for $600 ???

I smell a poll coming up...

 

[SMX_Dizzy]

I would also caution that so-called multitrack "USB 2.0" interfaces are not spec-compliant devices. The USB 2.0 audio class spec hasn't been finalized at last check (a week or two ago), so those are USB 1.1 devices running at 2.0 speed, a gross hack that I'm told is explicitly disallowed by the 2.0 audio spec (at least in the drafts that have come out). Don't count on those devices continuing to be usable if the manufacturer tanks or decides to stop supporting those old crufty kludges.

For 8+ tracks, your options are PCI or FireWire. I don't recommend PCI (unless you get something really, really cheap) because it is being phased out.

I just wanted to know if it was possible to create a firewire mixer out of a mixer w/ XLR outs and a firewire interface w/ 2 XLR ins.

 

[crankz1]

I just wanted to know if it was possible to create a firewire mixer out of a mixer w/ XLR outs and a firewire interface w/ 2 XLR ins.

Nope!
All you will have is a mixer and a two channel interface, giving you the ability to multitrack TWO tracks simultaneously (or one stereo track).

 

[SMX_Dizzy]

Then it looks like I'm back to the Phonic VS. Alesis!

Kinda leaning towards Phonic. I've been reading reviews and for what it costs, it sounds awesome.

 

[petah]

Use Hossa insert cables from behringer mixer to firebox .
It gives you 4 in & 6 out .
Also check out direct boxes for inputs 1 & 2 on firebox .
Petah