USB 2.0 harddrives?

[Strave]

Is there a reason people only talk about firewire harddrives for recording? Firewire is 400 mbps and usb 2.0 is 480 correct? Or am I mistaken. Would I be safe using a 7200 rpm usb 2.0 harddrive for recording?

Thanks.

 

[Sloan]

I would guess just because firewire has become sort of a standard over the years. USB 2 would probably work just as fine, I would think.

Maybe someone here could do a comparison or something?
USB 2 vs Firewire...

 

[mmistudent]

I would guess just because firewire has become sort of a standard over the years. USB 2 would probably work just as fine, I would think.
USB 2 vs Firewire...

To some extent you could use USB 2.0 to record. See, USB is asyncronous technology. If you have more than one USB device on a channel, the data stream going to the hard drive can be interrupted. Something as simple as a mouse movement can cause audio to skip. Basically, when using USB, you need a buffer. Firewire is synchronous. A data stream cannot be interrupted. Its more stable. Thats why you see audio interfaces with multiple I/0s are usually firewire. USB can be used for more modest applications. So, basically, when choosing an external hard drive, go firewire. Many hard drives have both firewire and USB2.0 ports on the back now if you want compatibility with more or less all computers.

 

[crankz1]

Many people are using USB 2.0 drives with no problems.
I opted for a FireWire drive due to it's higher sustained transfer rate. The 480 Mbps boasted by USB 2.0 is it's maximum burst rate.
On small file sizes USB 2.0 actually outperforms FireWire yet with larger file sizes (i.e. wave files of a minute or more of audio), FireWire maintains a higher sustained transfer rate.
Whether this really matters or not, I can't say as many get perfect results with their USB drive.
A head to head track count comparison would be kinda neat to see, but chances are the CPU may choke before the drive creates a bottle-neck.

 

[lpdeluxe]

I use USB2.0 HDs for backup. I don't know how they perform as "real" drives but I haven't had any problems.

 

[Strave]

Thanks for you input. Yeah I found a usb 2.0 only 160 mb harddrive for 90 so I'll be testing it out in the next couple of week with recording audio and I'll let you know how it goes.

 

[mixmkr]

Is there a reason people only talk about firewire harddrives for recording? Firewire is 400 mbps and usb 2.0 is 480 correct? Or am I mistaken. Would I be safe using a 7200 rpm usb 2.0 harddrive for recording?

Thanks.

I believe you have the numbers backwards... at least to my knowledge...480Mbps for firewire VS 400 for USB 2.0. That said, I have been using my Maxtor "one touch" via USB and able to get up to a 20 track count or more using Adobe Audion without a hitch. Acts as if it were an internal. From my experience, I don't think it matters...firewire or USB.
Don't know why I didn't get external drives right when USB 2.0 came out. Besides for the discussed reasons, they're perfect for backups, etc.

 

[Warhead]

I use USB2.0 HDs for backup. I don't know how they perform as "real" drives but I haven't had any problems.

+1, stick with internal and back up with externals.

War

 

[mixmkr]

+1, stick with internal and back up with externals.

War

considering my Maxtor seems to negate your opinion, I was wondering why I ought to consider to go with your recommendations.

 

[Warhead]

considering my Maxtor seems to negate your opinion, I was wondering why I ought to consider to go with your recommendations.

Well I said this for one simple reason, it works. And when you're in the studio tracking a paying band and internal hard drives have not given you a problem, what works is what wins.

Doing home recording and not getting paid is different. Seriously, if it's working for you and you're not charging anyone who might get pissed if it didn't work, I'd stay the course with your Maxtor. Hell for all I know it's not a problem at all...this really is a good question but my feelings are I don't trust it.

I was speaking from my experience and don't trust USB to do the job. I do however LOVE my external drive...I was burning DVDR backups!! Now it's done in like 5-10 minutes with one copy / paste.

War

 

[mixmkr]

Well I said this for one simple reason, it works. And when you're in the studio tracking a paying band and internal hard drives have not given you a problem, what works is what wins.

Doing home recording and not getting paid is different. Seriously, if it's working for you and you're not charging anyone who might get pissed if it didn't work, I'd stay the course with your Maxtor. Hell for all I know it's not a problem at all...this really is a good question but my feelings are I don't trust it.

I was speaking from my experience and don't trust USB to do the job. I do however LOVE my external drive...I was burning DVDR backups!! Now it's done in like 5-10 minutes with one copy / paste.

War

oh.... I have used it in my home studio for paying bands....so I am not sure where that puts me!!!

thanks for the potential "heads up" ....

 

[Warhead]

Maybe it's not an issue, just my personal thoughts. Good for you bro...!

War

 

[gManiaxe]

I believe you have the numbers backwards... at least to my knowledge...480Mbps for firewire VS 400 for USB 2.0.

No, consumer level Firewire is 400Mbps, you can get 800Mbps interfaces,
but most of the time it is 400Mbps.

USB 2.0 is 480Mbps (but as someone has already pointed out, this is peak
burst time, and not what you will actually get constantly).

If you are using a laptop for recording (which is what I do), you should be
aware that most laptops chain all sorts devices off the USB bus internally.
My laptop has its built-in modem and wireless network card connected to
it. I turn these off in the BIOS to improve the performance of my USB 2.0
external drives. I also use a standard ps/2 mouse, rather than a USB one.

In most instances USB 2.0 is fine for recording, however you should keep
in mind that Firewire was designed specifically for working with large
multimedia files and will allow you to push the envelope further.