Help needed with major headache...

Posted on

Member Since: Oct 24, 2006

Hello,

I'm trying to setup a solid demoing studio with my laptop, (strictly for mobility reasons.) and I'm having a major problem with decisions on an audio interface. I had originally bought a Presonus firebox, but realized my machine is not equipped with a 6-pin firewire insert. So, i bought a 6 to 4 pin adopter hoping for a quick fix, and had no luck with that. So i sent it back ad began looking into USB interfaces'. I'm starting to come to a realization that USB may not be the way to go due to latency problems. I've considered buying a Firewire card (PCMCIA Cardbus) hoping it will convert just fine, but I'm not quite sure. I'm also torn between the simple 2-in audio interfaces and possible 6+-in interfaces. So any gear anyone may particularly like I will certainly look into. If anyone has any help they can offer I would greatly appreciate it.

Also, Machine specs--
Averatec 711
AMD Turion64x2 1.6G duocore
gig o' RAM
7200RPM HD
Sonar 4 Producer

-Kevin

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Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Oct 25, 2006 09:51 pm

Welcome to HRC first off. Nice to see another Sonar user.

Now onto the problem. With firewire the 4 pin thing is going to be the major limitation for you. That and the firewire chipset compatability will arise as well. Most work best with the Texas Instruments chip for the firewire. The buss card will help with the converting to 6 pin, but again, make sure it is compatable with the interface you choose. And the Presonus stuff is a good choice for the most part on that front.

Onto the USB thing though. The USB devices will have no more latency then the firewire. I use one and dont have any issues. Although I do still run PCI audio interfaces for their speed and no hassle usability, but you dont have that option with the laptop.

If you are only needing to have to record 2 tracks at once have a look into the Line 6 Toneport models. I use the UX-2 along with my other interfaces. I have latency down around 2 ms with it running ASIO drivers and that is a USB interface.

If you are needing to record more then the 2 tracks at once then the firewire is really your only choice. But as I stated, make sure to look into the compatability issue before purchasing the unit.

Member
Since: Oct 24, 2006


Oct 25, 2006 11:52 pm

I'm really starting to lean towards the presonus Firepod, for multitracking purposes. I'm not totally sure on checking the compatibility. If you would mind giving me a heads up on that. Even calling presonus I'm not sure exactly where I would begin. Thanks,
-Kevin

Czar of Midi
Administrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002


Oct 26, 2006 07:53 pm

Thats one I cant answer for you. You will have to get the spec of the firewire chip from your laptop's manufacturer. Then you can either go to the Presonus tech page or just give them a call.

You may actually be able to look the chips set model up in your system information. Not sure on that though.

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