Ibm r50e laptop, firepod, no firewire port?

  • Thread starter Thread starter mkoijn9
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mkoijn9

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Hi,

I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with using a "PCMCIA to firewire" converter. The one I'm looking at is the "T.PC FIREWIRE CARDBUS CARD" as my IBM r50e laptop doesn't have a firewire port, but, I would like to purchase the Presonus Firepod.

My reason for going this route is that in around 1 year I may be able to upgrade my laptop to one with a firewire port. Also I have concerns about alternate audio interface systems such as those using usb2.0, which I have read reports being unreliable. Or are my fears unfounded and should buy a usb2.0 system such as the Tascam 1641?

Thanks

Albert
 
mkoijn9 said:
I'm wondering if anyone has any experience with using a "PCMCIA to firewire" converter. The one I'm looking at is the "T.PC FIREWIRE CARDBUS CARD" as my IBM r50e laptop doesn't have a firewire port, but, I would like to purchase the Presonus Firepod.
Click to expand...

I'm not certain, but I think that card has a VIA chipset. I'm not particularly a fan of their FireWire chipset. I'd personally steer you towards a card with a TI chipset. IMHO, the firewire cards out there fall into a few quality tiers

First tier:
TI, Lucent (*)

Second tier (check compatibility):
VIA

Third tier (avoid):
SIS, NEC

Wow, the new Presonus FAQ looks pretty, but performance sure sucks.


(*) Lucent is first tier, but with a compatibility note that some newer Lucent chips do not work with hardware from RME.

mkoijn9 said:
My reason for going this route is that in around 1 year I may be able to upgrade my laptop to one with a firewire port. Also I have concerns about alternate audio interface systems such as those using usb2.0, which I have read reports being unreliable. Or are my fears unfounded and should buy a usb2.0 system such as the Tascam 1641?
Click to expand...

Your fears are justified, sadly. USB doesn't work particularly well for audio, IMHO.
 
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that would the first adaptec with a via i have heard of, but that price is a little suspicious
 
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I've used the Tascam 1641 for about 2 months now and I really like it. I usually record 13 channels simultaneously w/ our band and it works fine. There have been a few times (5 or so) that the audio engine stopped when I pressed record, but it was only momentary and never in the middle of recording. It's rare enough that's it's never bugged me and the preamps sound fine. If you're on a budget and need the channels I wouldn't hesitate!
Rick
 
ah. I thought you were talking about the Adaptec.. carry on. :P
 
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