Firewire interfaces that continue to output digital signal despite system crash

[desotoslo]

Hi all

I'm hoping we could compile a discussion and list of audio interfaces that, when connected via firewire, will continue to output signal out of the digital output in the back of the unit (SPDIF, Optical, etc.), in the event that the DAW or computer crashes.

I am interested in finding more interfaces that can do this for the purpose of digital backup from the unit; to continue that backup without interruption.

Basically I'm looking for interfaces that have standalone capability, that do not necessarily have to be put in a standalone mode, and will continue their operable integrity over computer failures/glitches.

I know my MOTU Ultralite does just this, and I believe the MIO stuff does. How about TC Electronics stuff? Or Apogee Ensemble? etc...

[NorseHorse]

Focusrite Saffire 26 i/o maybe. I know it can act as a standalone mixer (including SPDIF output) without being connected to a computer, but I've never tried what you're refering to.

In my experience though, the Saffire is more likely to crash/reset/hiccup than your computer is.

[mixedupsteve]

Presonus Firestudio does. I/O control is stored onboard.
In fact I was considering using the ADAT outs to add a HD24 backup to my rig but I really want an analog split to the HD recorder.

[summer_room]

The RME FF400 and FF800 has standalone capabilities too...but my PC has never chrashed, so I cant comment on that part

[d_fu]

Standalone capabilities may or may not help. Often these require that the unit be switched off and on to load. Also, when the computer crashes and subsequently reloads, there may be an interruption of some kind.

I would not recommend a Firewire or USB interface for a really redundant backup.

[desotoslo]

Really?

Upon testing my Ultralite, when it is connected via firewire bus, as well as DC power, it still functions without interruption when I disconnect the Firewire cable.

This is the type of thing I am looking for, and I see no reason why this would not be acceptable for remote work.

If the computer crashed, if logic crashed, the Ultralite still puts out perfectly good signal with no interruption.

I am just looking to upgrade the ultralite at this time, because obviously quality-wise it leaves a lot to be desired.

On the other hand, I am very very impressed with the stability of MOTU hardware and software. Better than Apogee, IMO.

[divingduck]

The other day I was running a Rosetta and Fireface 800 as hybrid device into Logic, also feeding 24 adat channels to an HD24 (16 channels adat from Aurora into FF800, mirrored out of FF to HD24). Logic froze for two songs (probably due to slow HD on firewire bus - esata had failed me, don't ask!), but HD24 caught all the adat channels no problem.

Heart-attack avoided this time

[Adebar]

The Sonic Studio Model 302 continues stand alone when you disconnect the Firewire. I guess the same with Model 304/305.

On the Model 302 you can even prepare 8 different setups regarding input/output and internal summing and recall them via push buttons. No computer needed to change one of the prepared modes.

So it is possible to output a different signal on AES/EBU out on Line Out and on monitor out. These signals can be direct outs or sums on anything. It is really a total versatile and powerful interface with lots of stand alone capabilities.

[desotoslo]

Got this response from TC Electronic Tech Support:


Dear David,
Thank you for getting in touch with us.
Yes. If the computer craches the standalone functionality will not be affected. It you will only loose the signal that is coming from the computer itself. All other inputs, functions, and settings will still be active.

Customer (David)03/09/2009 08:13 PM Hello, if the Studiokonnekt 48 is connected to a Mac via firewire, and the computer crashes, will the 48 still output audio signal as a standalone mixer, assuming it is plugged into a wall outlet as well as the firewire bus?

In other words, if there was a digital advice accepting a signal from the back of the 48 (As a backup device) would the signal continue to be transmitted even if the computer freezes, crashes, etc.?

Thanks.

[pkautzsch]

All MOTU firewire stuff is fine with internal routing/mixing when hot-unplugged.

[d_fu]

The more interesting question IMHO would be whether all routings etc. will continue without interruption when the computer reboots.

[-momo-]

Originally Posted by NorseHorse

In my experience though, the Saffire is more likely to crash/reset/hiccup than your computer is.

Have you downloaded the last firmware update? It addresses a lot of sync issues, particularly fail over back to internal sync if an external one stops. Not sure if that addresses the issue mentioned in the OP, but I recently synced 16 channels of ADAT (2 Mackie 800Rs) to my Pro 26 with no issues just this week. It's been very stable so far...

[sonare]

I know for a fact that the Prism Orpheus will keep on keeping on whether the FW is removed or the computer is *off*.

This means that if you are feeding ADAT to HD24 the bacon is saved.

And as a poster said above, I have NEVER had a computer or DAW software crash in a live situation.

Rich

[Banjo]

You could put the metric halo gear on the list too............