Ableton Forum

I am a new Ableton user and I am wondering what people think is the best firewire interface for Ableton?

The computer that will be running ableton is macbook pro dual 2.33

I have an M-Audio Firewire Solo which has worked beautifully on both Mac and PC. I am running 64 samples with 7.71 ms latency (3.85 in, 3.85 out). The sound quality is, in my opinion, superb. The guitar and Mic inputs I can't fault.

The only issue is the lack of headphone cueing capability, which is not an issue as yet for me; but if it is for you I would suggest going for a FW 410 or 1010; or whatever latest M-Audio Firewire interfaces are out now. Just make sure it has all the ins and outs you need.

Enjoy Live, I am!

I'm not much of an M-audio fan personally. My MOTU 828 (the original one, not the Mark 2) has been abused to no end and still works perf. Build quality is top notch, and sounds great.

I used to gig weekly, taking this thing strapped on the OUTSIDE of my backpack, going outdoors in the dead of winter for like 20 minutes... in minus 25 degree celsius weather. It would take about a half hour to warm up inside (always let electronics warm up and "dry off" when you bring them in from the cold), then I would plug it in and gig with no problems. Repeat process on the way home.

I can't say how rock solid MOTU gear is. It's more expensive, but in the case of MOTU you're paying for quality, not hype.

A lot of people like RME's fireface 400/800.

MOTU make some great products but they are more of a mac orientated company so PC users might want to look at something else (motu driver are often uncertified in win xp, plus they make Digital Perfomer for mac only) - I know people who use th 828 mkii who are delighted and some frustrated on PC. Their ultralite looks like an interesting interface for mobile use.

Presonus firepod is liked by some people.

The M-Audio stuff seems to draw a clear divide, either you love it or hate it, the firewire 410 seems well specified for it's price but have never tried it. Ditto e-mu stuff.

RME is the best by far.

JakeRuben wrote:I am a new Ableton user and I am wondering what people think is the best firewire interface for Ableton?

The computer that will be running ableton is macbook pro dual 2.33

It will be incredibly difficult for anyone to recommend an audio interface for you without some background data. What do you need in an interface? What will you be using it for? How many inputs do you need? Etc etc.

JakeRuben wrote:I am a new Ableton user and I am wondering what people think is the best firewire interface for Ableton?

The computer that will be running ableton is macbook pro dual 2.33

Presonus FireBox all the way...
I am very happy with this card.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. For now I will be using live primarily for DJing so there is no need to go crazy with the I/O. I am really looking for an interface that is small enough to carry around and reliable enough to go out with night after night.