Interfaces

[Drummer Jim]

Ok my next purchase will be an interface. Is FireWire the way to go. What's best to grow with? I have been looking into the presonus firestudio I have also read a lil about focusrite. Is the preamps in these units something I can use for a while or do I need to looking into other preamps right away. I am new at this. So far I just purchased 2 audix d6 for my kicks. Still looking into what other mic's I will go with. Please help me

 

[wheelema]

Ok my next purchase will be an interface. Is FireWire the way to go. What's best to grow with? I have been looking into the presonus firestudio I have also read a lil about focusrite. Is the preamps in these units something I can use for a while or do I need to looking into other preamps right away. I am new at this. So far I just purchased 2 audix d6 for my kicks. Still looking into what other mic's I will go with. Please help me

USB2 works, USB3 is faster then Firewire. I'd expect USB3 interfaces this year. Firewire is extremely problematic on the PC side. I'd recommend USB2 interfaces unless you really need some kickass throughput, in which case I'd get a PC with a Thunderbolt interface (Thunderbolt to Firewire conversion) or wait for USB3 interfaces to show up in new audio gear.

 

[Drummer Jim]

I have a Mac mini that has thunderbolt ans USB 3 ports. It also has a FireWire port. R you saying I would be better off running the FireWire thru the thunderbolt with an adaptor ?

 

[wheelema]

I have a Mac mini that has thunderbolt ans USB 3 ports. It also has a FireWire port. R you saying I would be better off running the FireWire thru the thunderbolt with an adaptor ?

I personally haven't done it but you can connect Firewire devices to Thunderbolt ports using an adapter which may be a less problematic approach then connecting to your PC's Firewire port. Certainly it gives you a great option should the Firewire to Firewire connectivity cause you grief.

 

[Drummer Jim]

Ok one more question till my next one. Am I better off with a mixing board with USB or FireWire into my computer or an interface ? Sorry to be such a pain

 

[Ethan Winer]

Is FireWire the way to go. What's best to grow with?

Firewire is on the way out, so definitely get a USB interface. Then you know it will work with the next several computers you get.

--Ethan

 

[Steverino1984]

Ok one more question till my next one. Am I better off with a mixing board with USB or FireWire into my computer or an interface ? Sorry to be such a pain

I recently bought a Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 - great little unit. 2-XLR and line inputs, phantom power, 2-1/4" balanced outputs, USB2 and pre-converter headphone monitoring. Cool input metering, too - an led ring that goes from green to red to indicate clipping. It also came with a nice suite of software. I got it on ebay for about $100 shipped. Plug it in to your mac usb in, load up some software and you're off to the races.
Steve

 

[jaynm26]

Focusrite Scarlett 2i2

 

[Mo Facta]

I have used various Firewire devices on both PC and Mac for years and they all ran fine. I have done 48 track live recordings with Firewire interfaces to PC and had no issues. Sure, there have been hiccups here and there (on both systems) but for the most part, they were minor.

Yes, Firewire is on its way out but I don't think it'll be gone in a year. I'm sure there are still warehouses full of Firewire kit to sell that I'm sure the manufacturers aren't going to give up lightly.

Only time will tell but for now, I would say go for a USB interface. Even USB 2.0 can handle a good amount of tracks as in the RME Fireface UFX.

Cheers