Which Firewire audio interfaces are available? Any with XLR?

  • Thread starter Thread starter babahi
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babahi

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Hi Y'all!

I just got a new computer setup and want to upgrade from my Aardvark 24/96 to something with more inputs.

I thought about getting the Q10, but was wondering about Firewire interfaces, since I want to be able to do stuff on my new laptop as well. Problem is, I can't seem to find any with XLR inputs, only ones with TRS connections.

What would be a decent audio interface with a larger number of XLR inputs? And which of these has Firewire?

Thanks!
 
Unless you're going to be using it with a notebook, I don't see the point in going with a firewire unit.

You'd be getting a better value with the Q10.
 
Thanks for the info. Is this really all there is? Having looked myself before, I guess my impression was right: there seem to be many interfaces for TRS plugs, but not many for multiple XLR. I'm only thinking about when I get into drum tracks and such, I want to be able to separate everything and not just have one track of L and R!

I looked at the 2882 and it is certainly formidable. But too expensive to get a couple, to be able to record drums!

The Digi002 is also not my thing, I had seen that one before. I'm happy with my Logic Control setup! Also, there are not enough inputs for my taste.

It looks like I will be getting into the Q10... but more suggestions are gladly welcome, I need all the advice I can get!

Thanks!
 
Good call, I checked that one out a while back. But, once again, it only has 2 XLR inputs, which is my major beef. Need those XLRs!

That Q10 is looking mighty good... A pity it's not portable!
 
how many exactly do you need?! i think the idea behing all the trs 1/4" ins is that you use external preamps.
 
Might want to check out the MOTU 896 (which I just recently bought to use with my laptop and home PC). 8 built-in mic preamps (XLR), 2-channels of AES/EBU, and 8 channels of ADAT lightpipe (which can be used to add an 8 channel mic preamp like the Presonus Digimax (96 or LT) or the Focusrite Octopre...or any other device that supports ADAT Lightpipe). A total of 18 channels as is, and you can add additional 896's for up to 72 tracks.

I've only had the unit for about a month, but I'm initially happy with it's performance, and it fit the niche application I was needing it for.
 
When you say portable, do you mean using batteries as well, or just to take from place to place?

I am all for portable and use an RME Multiface - 1/2 rack, TRS only though. However, I use it currently with a DMP3, which is roughly 1/2 rack size. It all fits in my backpack.

Now, RME is coming out with a 1/2 rack 4 preamp unit, and a full size 8 pre unit to use in conjunction with the multiface. Like the multiface, these are not laptop bus powered, but come with a switching power supply for making it easy to use with batteries.

The Metric halo 2882 is still a very early product -- some have fantastic results, some have problems, and currently it is mac only, and PC drivers have been pushed back over a year now, though at some point they were to come out this month, but I think they are pushed back again. It seems that many of the glicthes may be worked out soon, but it is still early.

The 410 from m-audio looks very interesting to me and is lower in cost than most of the others mentioned, by a fairly wide margin.
 
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