Is The FW410 Really That Bad

computo · Post by **computo** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 5:35 am

two words...

MOTU ULTRALITE

This thing is gonna beat the competition into the floor. for the price it pisses on anything Maudio. Motu is reliable, I still use the first gen 828, and the only thing Ive had to do is change the fuse.

But really, if you're gonna bother spending 500 dollars on a device, dont spend it on a 2 track device.

Oh, and my bandmate has serious issues with his 410. also, its really a 210, seeing as only 2 ins can be enabled at a time. LAME!

frisbeedisk · Post by **frisbeedisk** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 2:43 pm

Yeah, 410's are a pile of crap. Forever crashing,distorting and just not being to friendly..I agree go for the motu ultralite when it comes out. or something from the rme range like the multiface or fireface...

feyshay · Post by **feyshay** » Mon Mar 06, 2006 8:44 pm

Or go for the MOTU Traveler now over the Ultralite. You get more I/O options (especially digital). You should be able to bargain GC down to $650 or $700 range.

Marquis · Post by **Marquis** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:45 am

The inputs on the 410 (yes, 2 in 8 out does not equal 4/10) are restrictive. But to be honest, the processing power demands of this little unit, and the resulting latency, are bigger problems.

Running a 1.5Ghz G4 powerbook with 1.5 GB of Ram, I really doubt I could have monitored or recorded simultaneously from any more than 2 inputs!

It was the 15-odd ms latency and the mega gobble of CPU that got me. I got lower latency running my sets through the built in mac sound than I did on the 410! I could run more operator, simpler and impulse instruments when my 410 was unplugged!!!

I can't tell you what to buy. But I can tell you this:

my 410 got squashed by a runaway taxi cab and I shed no tears at its demise. I will definitely NOT be replacing it with another 410.

djadonis206 · Post by **djadonis206** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 12:55 am

Yeah second vote for the Mbox - it's cool

I have a Fast Track Pro which works better than the Mbox but there's just something so simple and cool about the mBox

No need for inputs here - I just need to to plug a synth or turntables up to

besides if I had to I'd get a mixer before I got a multiple input soundcard again (I had a digi 001)

mers · Post by **mers** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 10:48 am

Beware it's not a hot plug device, (despite it's advertised)

when came out this was the best product for the price, m-audio broken the market, today there are hundred like this,(better) and so today a reson more to buy it is if you want to work (practice) with protools software.

Bong Sau · Post by **Bong Sau** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 6:37 pm

Hmmm. Digital Village have got the Ultralite on their site now but its priced at £495. Now don't get me wrong, I realise that is a good price for what the unit will do but I thought it was gonna be cheaper than that. Sweetwater have it down at $595 (or $550 initially), around £350, which is closer to my budget.

Oh the joys of being a skint student

yourmom · Post by **yourmom** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 7:29 pm

why are you people comparing a $300 firewire interface with competition thats twice, thrice, and quadruple its price?

seems a bit unfair and silly to me.

how bout some recommendations for alternatives with similar features (midi, a couple of 1/4" i/o, preamps, gain controls) that are closer in price to the fw410?

edit::: ohkay. i just learned that the firebox has a break out cable for midi i/o

i am seriously thinking about ditching my 410 now

CWoodOne · Post by **CWoodOne** » Wed Mar 08, 2006 8:27 pm

I get better latency times (and sound!) with my Omega Lexicon, and it's only USB 1. The headphone amp and quality of the volume controls is so much better, it's not even funny.

The FW410 is one of all time worst products in the audio world, IMHO.