Least reliable firewire interface? - Page 6

analoguio · 16th December 2008

I am using a 24 channel Soundcraft Spirit Studio for the preamps at the moment. I have not actually done any direct comparison with the AF8 preamps and the soundcraft ones yet but will have to use them soon as I will be without the desk for for a few months. I might be wrong, but I assumed the Soundcraft preamps would fair better than the AF8 preamps.

Mics so far used are an AT4047, SE1a and SM58. Also direct line ins from Guitar, Bass and a Farfisa. I have found it really handy for running 8 channels out to desk for some hands on mixing though, so refreshing.

danbronson · 22nd December 2008

I'll give a 2 to the Presonus Firepod. I've got a couple. They worked fine with XP, but with Vista they are terrible. Tons of audio drop-out and a weird 'low bitrate' sound occasionally when playing back music in any program other than Cubase (so recording is not a problem, but as the system's main soundcard it's a bitch!).

LewisWu · 22nd December 2008

motu 828mk3 and 8pre both get a solid 1

both are rock solid, and expanding the 828 with the 8pre via lightpipe is very nice..

BillPayer · 22nd December 2008

I have just installed my new Profire 2626 and I must say I am impressed. The drivers are more stable than my old EMU 1820m, the converters might not have quite as much "oomph" as the emu but the stereo field is much much better.
Overall for the money I reckon its gonna be very hard to beat especially as the RME stuff is so d*mn expensive now here in the UK!

laserheart · 8th January 2009

Has anyone had any experience with the ESI - ESU1808?

This looks like an interesting contender.

monomedia · 8th January 2009

I've been using a Mackie Satellite interface with a Macbook Pro for the past couple years with no problems. It's very stable and works well with Logic and Garageband as well as Traktion. I especially like having the trs inserts for adding external compressors etc.

Lemontree · 8th January 2009

no mention of the YAMAHA N12 yet? give it +1 totaly solid, never lost connection, great latency and sounds fantastic compared to my old M-audio crap.

M-audio 410 =3 1010 =2

macek · 14th April 2009

I recently had an M-Audio NRV10 and I had nothing but trouble with the inputs.

Adjusting the gain pot (on both XLR and TRS inputs), I could barely get any output until the knob was turned about 95% clockwise. At that point, the output would "pop" in and it would be clipping like crazy.

I talked to an M-Audio support tech on their forums and he thought it was a hardware issue. I had that unit replaced with a brand new on and I'm having the exact same problem.

Either M-Audio had a bad run at the factory with these or this unit just plain sucks.

Put me down for a 3 for M-Audio. or give me two 3s because I've had two separate bad units.

I'm still looking for a FW interface. The RME FF800 is sounding very attractive albeit somewhat pricey. I haven't heard many people talk about the FF400 here; is it just as reliable?

spons · 14th April 2009

How about giving the ART Tubefire as an option, there are lots of people on here got them. Mine I'd give a 1 as I have had no problems and its built like a tank

Tomic · 14th April 2009

Used a m-audio audiophile when i started out and it never failed..
1. It has always worked pretty much flawlessly

Now i have a Focusrite saffire pro 10 i/o that like some mentioned before sometimes has a hard time connecting to the pc...on mac it has seemed to be a little more stabile..
a few weeks ago the phantom power got ****ed up..always when i have 230v (as we have here in finland) and turn the phantom on a hum appears....so now its of for service..
2. It works OK, but you've had issues with drivers, dropouts, glitches, instability etc.

Chris Lago · 14th April 2009

I'm currently using a M-Audio Firewire Solo on Vista and it never fails... The latency is 64 samples and the computer only goes to 30% when pushed really hard.

macek · 22nd April 2009

Recently purchased an RME FireFace 800; this thing is absolutely incredible.

I don't know if I could've found a more suitable device packed with so many features for a lower price.

If you're still counting, put down another 1 for RME. They've earned their flawless reputation.

assretard · 24th May 2009

Focusrite Saffire LE:
2.

At first I got terrible disconnection and pops, but after sacrificing everything (incl wifi) it works, but will still occationally pop now and then and will disconnect if I play a flash-video (like youtube).
Also those times that it does appear to work perfectly, I will return from my computer after a good nite sleep just to notice no audio and will have to turn on and off.
That's on my m1330 dell laptop.

Groberts · 24th May 2009

I have an Apogee Duet connected to an iMac Core2 Duo 2.66Ghz, 4GB RAM and it is solid, utterly stable and sounds wonderful. I also have an M-Audio Fast track Ultra (USB 2.0) w/Octane pre technology and it works great with the MAC as well.

But the M-Audio Fast track Ultra was having popping issues with a new HP Laptop that had a Core 2 Duo/Centrino CPU and 4GB RAM.

Big FAN of the Apogee Duet. I have yet to experience Hiccup on the Mac and it integrates seamlessly with Garageband and Logic Pro.

O.F.F. · 25th May 2009

Echo AF12 with 2.66 GHz quad-core MacPro.

It works, nothing more to report. +1!

hipaquarius · 15th June 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by rackdude

You forgot the phonic firewire stuff. It's pretty good for what it does...

but its cheap because your buying a product without drivers of steel.

my helix 18 is my baby!

Please · 1st July 2009

Been using a M-audio profire 610. It was a bit screwy at first. But once I learned how to work with it I haven't had much problems.

There are known issues with certain Mac Os's though. 10.4.11 Is one of them (sadly that's what I'm running).

Diktatoren · 3rd July 2009

Over the course of about a year, I went through three MOTU Travelers; the first one would every now and then ruin a take by inserting a big, speaker-destroying spike in the recording. The second one had a defect S/PDIF input (the input would start to generate loud noise after the unit had been left on for a while). The third one was workable, but would sometimes lose communication with the computer (maybe this could be attributed to my firewire chipset, I don't know).

I eventually got rid of it, and replaced it with a B-stock Mackie Onyx 400F, and although I miss the flexibility of the MOTU drivers, the 400F has been perfectly stable for over a year now, running on the exact same hardware under WinXP, and is noticeably better sounding (IMHO) than the MOTU.

So:
MOTU: 3 3 2
Mackie: 1

jcatena · 3rd July 2009

Presonus FireStudio 26x26 (2)
The unit hangs often, and needs to be switched off and on to recover.
Cue mixer very buggy.
Unresponsive support.
The performance is very good, but if it can not be used...

Bflat · 4th July 2009

A year back, I purchsed two Focusrite Saffires and I had extreme problems with both units! Specifically, random screeching noises
(independent of volume control) would just takeover! I'd be listening to a song at a low level, then SCREEECH!!! I swear I lost a week off my life every time that happened.

I never found a solution for this.

KonstantinMiller · 6th July 2009

I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I'll be grateful if you will.

Bflat · 6th July 2009

Quote:

Originally Posted by KonstantinMiller

I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I'll be grateful if you will.

I've also been using a Presonus FP10( was called a firepod when I bought it) and have never had a problem with it. It was $100 more than the Saffire, but boy was it worth it.

I've just bought an Apogee Ensemble and while there are some issues - like when I shut down logic or it loses connection with the computer, it sends a nice POP noise into the speakers - but I like the controls so I'm gonna stick with it for a bit and adapt. I was gonna put the FP10(Firepod) on ebay, but if you're interested in it, send me a PM and we'll talk.

KeithCore · 15th October 2009

Echo Layla 3G here, running on Windows XP using Cubase SX3

Brilliant interface, i used this site to read info on users experiences with it and the reccomendations i read were bang on

Not had a single problem with it and i would reccomend to anyone. Drivers are rock solid and the sound quality is immense, not forgetting the price!!!

Echo - 1

14th April 2009	#161
Chris Lago Dream Catcher Join Date: Dec 2008 Posts: 10,800 3 Reviews written	I'm currently using a M-Audio Firewire Solo on Vista and it never fails... The latency is 64 samples and the computer only goes to 30% when pushed really hard. __________________ http://www.chrislago.com http://www.youtube.com/chrislago

3rd July 2009	#168
Diktatoren Gear Head Join Date: Sep 2007 Location: Norway Posts: 74	Over the course of about a year, I went through three MOTU Travelers; the first one would every now and then ruin a take by inserting a big, speaker-destroying spike in the recording. The second one had a defect S/PDIF input (the input would start to generate loud noise after the unit had been left on for a while). The third one was workable, but would sometimes lose communication with the computer (maybe this could be attributed to my firewire chipset, I don't know). I eventually got rid of it, and replaced it with a B-stock Mackie Onyx 400F, and although I miss the flexibility of the MOTU drivers, the 400F has been perfectly stable for over a year now, running on the exact same hardware under WinXP, and is noticeably better sounding (IMHO) than the MOTU. So: MOTU: 3 3 2 Mackie: 1 __________________ http://www.artifact.no

6th July 2009	#171
KonstantinMiller Gear interested Join Date: Jul 2009 Posts: 1	Thanks for interesting post I have been looking looking around for this kind of information. Will you post some more in future? I'll be grateful if you will.

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16th December 2008	#151
analoguio Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2008 Posts: 5	I am using a 24 channel Soundcraft Spirit Studio for the preamps at the moment. I have not actually done any direct comparison with the AF8 preamps and the soundcraft ones yet but will have to use them soon as I will be without the desk for for a few months. I might be wrong, but I assumed the Soundcraft preamps would fair better than the AF8 preamps. Mics so far used are an AT4047, SE1a and SM58. Also direct line ins from Guitar, Bass and a Farfisa. I have found it really handy for running 8 channels out to desk for some hands on mixing though, so refreshing.

22nd December 2008	#152
danbronson Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Calgary, Alberta Posts: 871	I'll give a 2 to the Presonus Firepod. I've got a couple. They worked fine with XP, but with Vista they are terrible. Tons of audio drop-out and a weird 'low bitrate' sound occasionally when playing back music in any program other than Cubase (so recording is not a problem, but as the system's main soundcard it's a bitch!).

22nd December 2008	#153
LewisWu Gear addict Join Date: Jul 2005 Location: Indiana Posts: 495	motu 828mk3 and 8pre both get a solid 1 both are rock solid, and expanding the 828 with the 8pre via lightpipe is very nice..

22nd December 2008	#154
BillPayer Gear Head Join Date: Aug 2008 Posts: 52	I have just installed my new Profire 2626 and I must say I am impressed. The drivers are more stable than my old EMU 1820m, the converters might not have quite as much "oomph" as the emu but the stereo field is much much better. Overall for the money I reckon its gonna be very hard to beat especially as the RME stuff is so d*mn expensive now here in the UK!

8th January 2009	#155
laserheart Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 14	Has anyone had any experience with the ESI - ESU1808? This looks like an interesting contender.

8th January 2009	#156
monomedia Gear interested Join Date: Jan 2009 Posts: 3	I've been using a Mackie Satellite interface with a Macbook Pro for the past couple years with no problems. It's very stable and works well with Logic and Garageband as well as Traktion. I especially like having the trs inserts for adding external compressors etc.

8th January 2009	#157
Lemontree Gear maniac Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Glasgow, Scotland Posts: 276	no mention of the YAMAHA N12 yet? give it +1 totaly solid, never lost connection, great latency and sounds fantastic compared to my old M-audio crap. M-audio 410 =3 1010 =2

14th April 2009	#158
macek Gear Head Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 41	I recently had an M-Audio NRV10 and I had nothing but trouble with the inputs. Adjusting the gain pot (on both XLR and TRS inputs), I could barely get any output until the knob was turned about 95% clockwise. At that point, the output would "pop" in and it would be clipping like crazy. I talked to an M-Audio support tech on their forums and he thought it was a hardware issue. I had that unit replaced with a brand new on and I'm having the exact same problem. Either M-Audio had a bad run at the factory with these or this unit just plain sucks. Put me down for a 3 for M-Audio. or give me two 3s because I've had two separate bad units. I'm still looking for a FW interface. The RME FF800 is sounding very attractive albeit somewhat pricey. I haven't heard many people talk about the FF400 here; is it just as reliable?

14th April 2009	#159
spons Gear nut Join Date: Jul 2007 Posts: 103	How about giving the ART Tubefire as an option, there are lots of people on here got them. Mine I'd give a 1 as I have had no problems and its built like a tank

14th April 2009	#160
Tomic Gear Head Join Date: Jan 2009 Location: Finland Posts: 58	Used a m-audio audiophile when i started out and it never failed.. 1. It has always worked pretty much flawlessly Now i have a Focusrite saffire pro 10 i/o that like some mentioned before sometimes has a hard time connecting to the pc...on mac it has seemed to be a little more stabile.. a few weeks ago the phantom power got ****ed up..always when i have 230v (as we have here in finland) and turn the phantom on a hum appears....so now its of for service.. 2. It works OK, but you've had issues with drivers, dropouts, glitches, instability etc.

22nd April 2009	#162
macek Gear Head Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 41	Recently purchased an RME FireFace 800; this thing is absolutely incredible. I don't know if I could've found a more suitable device packed with so many features for a lower price. If you're still counting, put down another 1 for RME. They've earned their flawless reputation.

24th May 2009	#163
assretard Gear Head Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 40	Focusrite Saffire LE: 2. At first I got terrible disconnection and pops, but after sacrificing everything (incl wifi) it works, but will still occationally pop now and then and will disconnect if I play a flash-video (like youtube). Also those times that it does appear to work perfectly, I will return from my computer after a good nite sleep just to notice no audio and will have to turn on and off. That's on my m1330 dell laptop.

24th May 2009	#164
Groberts Gear addict Join Date: Mar 2009 Location: Tucson, Az Posts: 427	I have an Apogee Duet connected to an iMac Core2 Duo 2.66Ghz, 4GB RAM and it is solid, utterly stable and sounds wonderful. I also have an M-Audio Fast track Ultra (USB 2.0) w/Octane pre technology and it works great with the MAC as well. But the M-Audio Fast track Ultra was having popping issues with a new HP Laptop that had a Core 2 Duo/Centrino CPU and 4GB RAM. Big FAN of the Apogee Duet. I have yet to experience Hiccup on the Mac and it integrates seamlessly with Garageband and Logic Pro.

25th May 2009	#165
O.F.F. Lives for gear Join Date: Apr 2006 Posts: 2,198	Echo AF12 with 2.66 GHz quad-core MacPro. It works, nothing more to report. +1!

1st July 2009	#167
Please Gear nut Join Date: Nov 2007 Posts: 100	Been using a M-audio profire 610. It was a bit screwy at first. But once I learned how to work with it I haven't had much problems. There are known issues with certain Mac Os's though. 10.4.11 Is one of them (sadly that's what I'm running).

3rd July 2009	#169
jcatena Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 134	Presonus FireStudio 26x26 (2) The unit hangs often, and needs to be switched off and on to recover. Cue mixer very buggy. Unresponsive support. The performance is very good, but if it can not be used...

4th July 2009	#170
Bflat Gear nut Join Date: Jun 2009 Posts: 98	A year back, I purchsed two Focusrite Saffires and I had extreme problems with both units! Specifically, random screeching noises (independent of volume control) would just takeover! I'd be listening to a song at a low level, then SCREEECH!!! I swear I lost a week off my life every time that happened. I never found a solution for this.

15th October 2009	#173
KeithCore Gear Head Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 30	Echo Layla 3G here, running on Windows XP using Cubase SX3 Brilliant interface, i used this site to read info on users experiences with it and the reccomendations i read were bang on Not had a single problem with it and i would reccomend to anyone. Drivers are rock solid and the sound quality is immense, not forgetting the price!!! Echo - 1