Firewire Hardrive through Firewire AUDIO Interface

supster · Post by **supster** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 6:52 am

I have someone that has a Focusrite Saffire as main audio interface for Live 5 under OSX 10 on a G4 with a Gig of RAM

They also have a Firewire Harddrive with audio samples and the DAT file for Atmosphere (which they will be running as part of the setup as well)

Since the G4 only has one Firewire port, he wants to chain the Firewire drive through the Saffire to get the audio samples and VST data

My instinct is he should not risk this, especially in a touring situation. Is there any chance that the hardrive will interfere with the audio performance, or in any other way.

And is is better / safter / faster to get a Firewire hub to expand the G4. Thanks

.

Tarekith · Post by **Tarekith** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 11:27 am

Yeah,it's definitely a possibility of issues. I know I could not get my external HD working reliably when using it on the Firewire port of the Ultralite. Sometimes it was just not detected, or the Ultralite would not be detected. Definitely somethign you'd want to try thoroughly before relying on, especially if going on tour.

dancing Ray · Post by **dancing Ray** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:16 pm

I´ve never ever had any problems either way round.

PB G4 1Ghz, Motu 828mk2, Maxtor HD

majais · Post by **majais** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 1:38 pm

I used the Saffire and a Lacie HD in the same way on an iBook G4 for a live show 5 days in a row and had absolutely no problem! . I think it should be fine.

supster · Post by **supster** » Wed Jun 21, 2006 8:35 pm

thanks guys, appreciate it

anybody reading this that HAS had anything stutter crash or burn chaining it this way feel free to let us know

.

SubFunk · Post by **SubFunk** » Thu Jun 22, 2006 12:26 pm

i used several different firewire interfaces (over time) with a HD chained to it, never any problems on a Mac.

Calhoun · Post by **Calhoun** » Fri Jun 23, 2006 5:27 am

+1 doing this with no problems using a Powerbook, Traveler, and Lacie drive. Made me nervous too at first, but it's been working fine for months now.