Recommend an external audio soundcard now that FW400=dead

[msodrew]

I know well that Firewire400 is pretty much "the" standard for pro external audio equipment for computers. However, now that Apple has pretty much axed the firewire port completely on their entire iMac, Mac Pro, and Macbook * lines... all there is left is Firewire800.

Since the audio hardware business moves slow to switching standards (see how MIDI is still around?), I know that there is only a paltry amount of Firewire800 external sound cards / audio interfaces out there... and damn they're probably expensive.

My question for you guys is:
- Is USB 2.0 a viable competitor? Do the manufacturers make a lot of reputable gear for it?
- If not, are there any Firewire800 ones that are not too pricey? What are they?

Oh and if its any help, I aim to make electronic music.

Thanks much

[simpleton]

Do they still put express card slots in them Macs?

[mr.ergonomics]

get the fireface UC (aka fireface 400 usb)

ps: I don't have firewire that's why I'm not informed.. but are you sure that you can't use the fireface on a firewire 800 port?

[msodrew]

Fw400 devices work on fw800 connections. You just need to buy an adapter which are cheap.

Fw is going strong. It just looked dodgy for one revision. It's not the first time Apple have done this. They tried a few years back.

so you're saying buy a nice fw400 audio interface / sound card and just get a fw800 -> fw400 adaptor? If so can you recommend a particular model or two?

I wouldn't have and expresscard slot... so if necessary what are also some good USB 2.0 interfaces?

thx

[msodrew]

Here u go
http://www.sonnettech.com/product/fw_adapter.html

Many thanks.

Anyone else with suggestions?

[Machinesworking]

Here u go
http://www.sonnettech.com/product/fw_adapter.html

Many thanks.

Anyone else with suggestions?

Buy it, it costs 14 freaking dollars skinflint!

RME just release a USB2 soundcard that looks as good on paper as Firewire. We'll see in practice though. I know that it all ends up on the same bus, but I like to keep my MIDI with various USB drivers separate from my audio.

Firewire is still specced much better than USB, and USB3 seems like something for 2012, so you won't be able to use it anyway what with the world ending and what not.

[oblique strategies]

Fw400 devices work on fw800 connections. You just need to buy an adapter which are cheap.

Personally, I'd rather have a dedicated firewire 800 to 400 cable than use an adapter along with a firewire 400 cable, that way there is one less thing to go wrong. This is particularly relevant when performing.

Plus it takes up room alongside the computer.

[mr.ergonomics]

Here u go

Firewire is still specced much better than USB, and USB3 seems like something for 2012, so you won't be able to use it anyway what with the world ending and what not.

I would agree for the normal usb interface, but the RME UC is another thing.

http://www.rme-audio.de/en_products_fireface_uc.php

[sparklepuff]

Fw400 devices work on fw800 connections. You just need to buy an adapter which are cheap.

Personally, I'd rather have a dedicated firewire 800 to 400 cable than use an adapter along with a firewire 400 cable, that way there is one less thing to go wrong. This is particularly relevant when performing.

Plus it takes up room alongside the computer.

that's all I do with my FF400, there are plenty of 400 to 800 cables, don't fuss with a silly adapter.

Though as also pointed out, the USB version of the FF400 should be tits.

[zalo]

i have a ff400, i have talked to many people that say the FFUC is equal to (if not better) than the 400

there have been a lot of tests also showing that the FFUC is getting lower latency because of 1. a lower usb buffer 2. a new incredibly stable driver set

now if it were to come between buying a FF400 along with a FW400 to FW800 cable and buying a FFUC you need to decide what ports you are going to want to use at the same time

i personally would like to keep as many usb ports free for things like controllers, synths, mice, and keyboards, none of which come with a firewire version that im aware of

[oblique strategies]

The adapter is fine fir the back of my mac mini. I have the cable too which is better for laptops.

Eitherway I was just pointing out that fw was still in.

While I'd use a cable for gigs, I think having the adapter in the tool kit would be a smart idea, you never know when it will come in handy in a pinch.

[SubFunk]

Fw400 devices work on fw800 connections. You just need to buy an adapter which are cheap.

Fw is going strong. It just looked dodgy for one revision. It's not the first time Apple have done this. They tried a few years back.

+1,

except for the new RME usb... stick to firewire for audio cards.