Is The FW410 Really That Bad

Bong Sau · Post by **Bong Sau** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 8:34 pm

Apologies for starting another thread regarding this interface as I have already read a fair bit on it in older posts.

However, I need to upgrade from my existing FW Audiophile (mainly for mobile mics pres and 5.1 monitoring) and the specs for the FW 410 look ideal for my needs. I have seen the new Ultralite from MOTU and would probably go for that except I need the upgrade fairly sharpish to help with uni projects. I also have Pro Tools M-Powered which I am keen to continue using, meaning that I need to stick to an M Audio interface.

It looks as though the Audiophile and 410 use the same drivers (correct me if i'm wrong) and I haven't had any problems with my AP on both an Athlon 64 desktop and iBook G4...

Any more opinons from 410 users would be appreciated as my limited funds have to spent wisely.

Willyum · Post by **Willyum** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 9:54 pm

The input (recording) sound quality is good, my mic sounds warm. But unless you also have a Fiber Optic mixer then you only have 2 inputs (1 stereo set) you also can't just record whatever you hear on the PC like streaming audio, or DVD sound, My hardware control over the volume looses connection all the time then I have to bring up the software mixer...and tech support still havn't fixed it after 4 months of complaining.

ultrasource · Post by **ultrasource** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 10:02 pm

the left mic input on mine distorts severely enough that I can't use it. I use a mixer hooked to the line ins.

donnydonny · Post by **donnydonny** » Fri Mar 03, 2006 10:11 pm

for a mobile interface, i'd recommend the presonus firebox over just about anything. it has 4 inputs, 2 awesome mic pre's, and 6 outputs for 5.1 monitoring (like you mentioned).

another option would be the focusrite saffire. it's only got 2 line/mic inputs but it has 8 analog outs for 5.1 or 7.1 monitoring (again, like mentioned). hope this helps even the slightest bit.

mezzmerized · Post by **mezzmerized** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:43 am

I use the Presonus firebox.
It is great.

2 excellent class A pre's, phantom power, great sound. I'm upgrading to the Firepod. More inputs needed to record a whole band.

If you are interested in a good deal on a one month old firebox in excellent condition, hit me up.

mezzmerized · Post by **mezzmerized** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 5:46 am

I use the Presonus firebox.
It is great.

2 excellent class A pre's, phantom power, great sound, ultra-low latency(4ms total sys!. I'm upgrading to the Firepod. More inputs needed to record a whole band.

If you are interested in a good deal on a one month old firebox in excellent condition, hit me up.

Bong Sau · Post by **Bong Sau** » Sat Mar 04, 2006 8:10 am

Thanks for the feedback folks. I think that is a definate no then...

It looks as though i'll have to drop Pro Tools M Powered and go for a non M Audio interface. Could really do with that video window in Live 6 now!!

Gonna have a look at the Firebox now, thanx again

alan* · Post by alan* » Sat Mar 04, 2006 11:10 am

I had a firebox and thought it was good to start with, easy to use, no problems there but I couldn't gurantee the mic pre's are that good, I don't know heaps but when doing the setting up latency lesson in live inspecting the waveforms closely showed some wierd stuff like it wasn't being recorded properly, i was never 100% happy with the sound of the recordings, the output quality was fine though. Also, I was getting different latency readings on different occasions and no reason why i should ?

The Motu in comparison, i am a LOT happier with, hang out for the ultralite if you can.

donnydonny · Post by **donnydonny** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:01 am

if your main concern is to use Pro Tools, just get an M-Box. it can double up as an interface for Live, as well, if you really need it.

tekkers · Post by **tekkers** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:54 am

i've had a firewire 410 for 2 years - no real problems with it..

the main thing IS the lack of inputs

and i am sure there are alot better options out there now. - but at the time i brought it - i'm sure it was by far the cheapest firewire audio interface out there...

seeems like m audio do have some quality control issues to say the least tho..

Bong Sau · Post by **Bong Sau** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 10:05 am

Thinking I might just keep hold of the FW Audiophile so I can still use Pro Tools and then look to get the Ultralite as soon as it comes out. The amount of money i'm gonna get back on the AP isn't gonna make a lot of difference to the outlay for a new interface. The point about the lack of inputs on the 410 is also a factor too.

This is perhaps a bit of a luxury option (especially for someone as skint as I am) but i'm starting to get a few more gigs now so it should be worth it....

ultrasource · Post by **ultrasource** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 3:52 pm

bong, i'm gonna be ditching my fw410 for the MOTU ultralight, also. The consensus here is that the MOTUs are pretty decent. I've also seen a couple of motu installs that have withstood the test of time. this is my second m-audio firewire solution and i don't want to be bamboozled on my third.
best of luck. i think there is a "you get what you pay for" lesson with all low-mid priced firewire solutions.

sans soleil · Post by **sans soleil** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 5:19 pm

the 410 isn't that bad. it's immensely popular, which means that a larger number of people will also be having problems with theirs.

having said that...i'd like to upgrade to the motu traveller in a bit...

sonsofthehounds · Post by **sonsofthehounds** » Sun Mar 05, 2006 6:05 pm

you'll get a second hand motu828 for less than a 410 new....I went down this road after changing over to live, the 410 was just killing the processing power. After much deliberation i now have a second hand 828 mk 1...it is class.

if you're using a mac don't even bother with the 410.

Do agree tho, you will hear more people having problems with it just because so many people use it.

feyshay · Post by **feyshay** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 4:43 am

If you're ditching your 410, go for a significant step up. Compare the Firebox to the MOTU Traveler, and you'll find that the extra money will be worth it. I returned my Firebox after using it for about 25 days. How 'bout a Mackie?