usb or firewire for audio interface?
-
- KVRist
- Topic Starter
- 38 posts since 24 Nov, 2006
hi all, I've been out of the game for a while and the last DAW I built was circa 2010 with a firewire Presonus audio interface. Started playing around with it again lately, updated all software, drivers, etc, and no surprise at this point that the thing is sucking wind. So besides a new daw PC I also want to get a new audio interface and was wondering if it still holds true that firewire is the way to go for these things, or has USB 3.0 taken over as best route? TIA for any info. P.S. If the applications matter towards the correct answer - I use Cubase, NI Komplete and a bunch of other VST's for the most part. Not too much audio recording at all but I do use some wav's in the form of acidized drum loops.
Thanks again.
Thanks again.
-
- Skunk Mod
- 21249 posts since 10 Jun, 2004 from Pony Pasture
Years ago I switched to a new PC and wanted to keep my ancient M-Audio audio interface. After several tries I was unable to get a Firewire card that worked in Windows, possibly because drivers are nearly impossible to find. So I abandoned it and went with USB 2.0 (at the time almost no USB3 audio interfaces were available).
You might have better luck, but in your place I'd definitely avoid the antiquated Firewire standard.
I don't think the software you use will have any bearing on the choice. If Windows recognizes the device driver, it should work with whatever application software you choose.
Disclaimer: I'm not an expert at these matters. Someone more knowledgeable might have information better than mine.
You might have better luck, but in your place I'd definitely avoid the antiquated Firewire standard.
I don't think the software you use will have any bearing on the choice. If Windows recognizes the device driver, it should work with whatever application software you choose.
Disclaimer: I'm not an expert at these matters. Someone more knowledgeable might have information better than mine.
- KVRian
- 935 posts since 21 Aug, 2017 from Brasil
Check the chart for latency performance
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showpos ... count=3210
https://www.gearslutz.com/board/showpos ... count=3210
-
- KVRian
- 1270 posts since 9 Jan, 2013 from morf
Ive still got a maudio sc on a wn7 machine, I think it was a Texas instruments FireWire that was needed. Drivers were available.
Man is least himself when he talks in the first person. Give him a mask, and he'll show you his true face
-
- KVRAF
- 6409 posts since 22 Jan, 2005 from Sweden
I tested 2010 as I bought a new computer, my current i7 on windows 7.
One from Focusrite Pro 40 and TC Electronic Impact twin.
After 3 months I abandoned the idea, switching drivers, cables and cards
- I could not get as low latency as my former rme hammerfall based daw
- cpu was redicuolus - and using up 8% of cpu just keeping audio up
- cable connectors were very sensitive for slight bend and cables stiff
As I started it was 60% on one core, and after switching to legacy drivers it became 20% one core, meaning 8 core average 8% on machine - just keeping audio up.
Ancient technology kind of, at least on windows.
From what I understand Mac is better as they often had fw interface as standard.
One from Focusrite Pro 40 and TC Electronic Impact twin.
After 3 months I abandoned the idea, switching drivers, cables and cards
- I could not get as low latency as my former rme hammerfall based daw
- cpu was redicuolus - and using up 8% of cpu just keeping audio up
- cable connectors were very sensitive for slight bend and cables stiff
As I started it was 60% on one core, and after switching to legacy drivers it became 20% one core, meaning 8 core average 8% on machine - just keeping audio up.
Ancient technology kind of, at least on windows.
From what I understand Mac is better as they often had fw interface as standard.
- KVRian
- 643 posts since 17 Aug, 2015 from Finland
I'm with the people suggesting USB. FireWire is sort of dead.
My solo projects:
Hekkräiser (experimental) | MFG38 (electronic/soundtrack) | The Santtu Pesonen Project (metal/prog)
Hekkräiser (experimental) | MFG38 (electronic/soundtrack) | The Santtu Pesonen Project (metal/prog)
-
- KVRAF
- 4584 posts since 21 Sep, 2005
-
- KVRAF
- 4584 posts since 21 Sep, 2005
- KVRAF
- 8814 posts since 6 Jan, 2017 from Outer Space
If you are going to get a new interface go USB, firewire is out of the game, though I still use happily my old interfaces. Another option is AVB which is supported by the MotU family for example... Macs have built-in AVB support. Its a network technology which allows networks of audio connections via ethernet... Most likely not a hobbyist solution though...
- KVRAF
- 1770 posts since 23 Sep, 2004 from Kocmoc
PCIe. Usb only with RME.
but that maybe only me...
but that maybe only me...
Soft Knees - Live 12, Diva, Omnisphere, Slate Digital VSX, TDR, Kush Audio, U-He, PA, Valhalla, Fuse, Pulsar, NI, OekSound etc. on Win11Pro R7950X & RME AiO Pro
https://www.youtube.com/@softknees/videos Music & Demoscene
https://www.youtube.com/@softknees/videos Music & Demoscene
- KVRAF
- 8814 posts since 6 Jan, 2017 from Outer Space
I would never get a sound card sitting inside a computer (for obvious reasons...). External USB is fast enough, reliable, doesn‘t need drivers and is compatible with the whole world. Why longing for trouble?