VO-BB - 20 YEARS OLD!

TheVoiceOfBob · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 8:32 am Post subject: Firewire/USB interface choices

I've been able to upgrade my environment enough now to be looking at the noise in the electronics. Using the Mac Mini, I "feel" that the only options are firewire or USB for an interface to my preamp. (if there are other options, tell me) So I'm looking to upgrade that part of my equipment chain. I'd prefer to keep to firewire. Looking at the available equipment it sure seems like the better stuff is overkill for voice over work, long row of mic inputs when at most I need 2, etc... What are some of the better choices for improving that part of my equipment chain?
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Rob Ellis · M&M Joined: 01 Aug 2006 Posts: 2385 Location: Detroit

I just upgraded not long ago from a Mackie Spike (USB) to a Motu Ultralite(Firewire)....don't know what your budget is, but the Ultralite is around $500...works great but make sure you have, or can get, the right Firewire card or it won't work properly....

louzucaro · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 12:10 pm Post subject:

At home, I have a Focusrite Saffire...so far so good. I'm still working on the room treatment (bay windows + glass desks + coffered ceiling do not a good recording environment make) but the unit itself has worked fine.

I even have my backup firewire drive daisy-chained through the Saffire and no problems with the backup schedule.
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Lou Zucaro
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Craig · Posted: Wed Jun 04, 2008 1:46 pm Post subject:

Bob,

See my latest post under 'firewire noise' thread.

There are a lot of good suggestions, but I think the best suggestion is to have an agreement with whichever vendor you choose that the item you buy is returnable if it doesn't work for you.

In my case, I really can't blame any particular piece of equipment and through extensive googling, I found that some things just don't get along well with other things and trying to sort that out is virtually impossible.

Good luck,

I look forward to reading responses to your question to see what other options I may have as well.

Craig
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Craig Park
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SomeAudioGuy · Contributor III Joined: 08 Apr 2008 Posts: 75 Location: LA

Using both an M-Audio firewire 410 and NRV10. Both great, but M-Audio screwed the pooch on firewire. These are NOT hotswappable. I've seen laptops fried by people yanking the cable out.

I really want to get my hands on an echo next...that wont be for a while though...
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