External FW 800 & 400 Hard drives and sound cards

[gjm]

Apart from getting the right cables to go from 800 to 400, can you hook them up in any order?

Thought I might go FW800 from iMac to FW800 HD > FW400 FireStudio audio interface > FW400 HD > FW400 HD.

Anybody ever have issues where they had to rearrange the order of their FW devices because it affected the performance of their soundcard? So far my research has me thinking this is ok. Anybody confirm or dispute this? Thanking you.

[Insanerk]

it depends on the audio interface, a motu audio interface (I have a Motu ultralite MK3) won't work if it's not the first device in the FW chain. But I have a mackie onyx 1620 that works just fine no matter what order in the FW chain it is hooked up. Advice: Read the manual of your sound interface.

[Khazul]

I guess imacs dont have anything useful like expresscard slots (for esata) or multiple fw ports?

[swishniak]

there are many variables i think.

right now i have a lacie 2.5" between my Macbook pro and my motu ultralite. works fine.

but it all depends on the ports / power / drivers / etc..

[gjm]

Thanks for the replies. Tested it out as stated above and all sounds and works good. I have the Presonus FireStudio 2nd in the chain using bus power and its fine. It even works when I turn off the hard drive before it in the chain (this HDD has a wall wart). I guess that means I can so I can selectively switch on and off the HDD's as needed which is great because the combined noise will be a nuisance in some circumstances.

I guess imacs dont have anything useful like expresscard slots (for esata) or multiple fw ports?

You right, however would not daisy chaining satisfy most HDD and soundcard needs?

[gjm]

I guess imacs dont have anything useful like expresscard slots (for esata) or multiple fw ports?

Just found this http://eshop.macsales.com/shop/turnkey/iMac_2010_27 ... looks like you can retro fit eSata to your 27" iMac.