No firewire input in my new computer...

[3nigma]

So, I was on this forum a while ago asking whether or not I should buy a new laptop or desktop. I went with people's suggestions that a desktop would suit music production and video editing better than a laptop, so I bought a desktop.

So I got it, and when I looked at the back and front, there appear to be no firewire inputs. Now this is a bummer because this was the audio recording interface I planned on buying -> http://www.zzounds.com/a--2676837/item--PRSFIREBOX

My lower end old laptop has firewire input, but I don't want to use it in anyway with my music production because it's far too slow. So, what should I do now? A few questions.

1. Is firewire all that much better than USB? Because now I'll probably be leaning towards an M-Audio interface, but would it be as good? I know it comes with a pro tools package... Hmm.

2. Are there firewire to USB converters? If so, are they reliable?

Any suggestions or comments would be great.

 

[TimOBrien]

There is no firewire to usb converter. Firewire is a huge firehose, usb is a garden hose.

If you want to add firewire to your desktop, thats what those expansion slots are for.

Get a firewire card, but BE SURE to only get one with TexasInstruments firewire chips.
TI chips are REQUIRED by nearly all interface manufacturers for proper operation.
Belkin and SIIG make 'em for reasonable prices (try newegg.com)
Be sure to stay away from combo usb/firewire cards, they have been know to cause problems.

 

[The Cancers]

It also depends on what you want to do. If you were gonna be using all 8 channels on the firebox, then you'll end up wanting firewire. But if you were just gonna be using the two xlr inputs, or otherwise only recording one or two inputs at once, you'd probably be fine going with a USB option. Otherwise, you'll be watering your garden with a firehose (to continue the metaphor from above). USB, especially USB 2.0, is capable of doing small scale recording. You probably won't need firewire unless you want to record more than four inputs at once.

 

[3nigma]

Oh. Because, I simply plan on recording one input at a time. Just laying down a guitar track, then doing a vocal track. Do the USB interfaces do a good job though? Because I've heard of latency issues, but if I'm just doing one thing at a time would that affect me?

 

[meatbeater]

look quit beating around the bush if you need a firewire and dont know what to do take it to a computer center tell them to install the firewire slot on your pc and your good to go. still confused well use both usb and firewire see which you like best. done finished problem over on to the next issue.

 

[guitar zero]

Oh. Because, I simply plan on recording one input at a time. Just laying down a guitar track, then doing a vocal track. Do the USB interfaces do a good job though? Because I've heard of latency issues, but if I'm just doing one thing at a time would that affect me?

If you are only recording one channel at a time, don't waste your time with a firewire expansion card. Just use a USB interface. It will work just fine.

 

[3nigma]

If you are only recording one channel at a time, don't waste your time with a firewire expansion card. Just use a USB interface. It will work just fine.

Okay thanks. This way it'll cost less than I originally thought anyway.

 

[bjbradley]

Firewire problem

There is no firewire to usb converter. Firewire is a huge firehose, usb is a garden hose.

If you want to add firewire to your desktop, thats what those expansion slots are for.

Get a firewire card, but BE SURE to only get one with TexasInstruments firewire chips.
TI chips are REQUIRED by nearly all interface manufacturers for proper operation.

I have not been able to get my Dell Studio 1535 laptop to communicate w/ my steinberg MR816 CSX OR Presonus Firebox. I've been advised that the PCI express card might be the problem. I currently have a combo USB/w/ 2 firewire ports
I have just purchased a STar Tech EC 13942 w/ 2 firewire ports only. Anyone had success with Star Tech and Dell. I have heard that Dell has problems with the firewire scene. Thanks.