USB v. Firewire
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Posted on Sep 28, 2008 07:14 pm
Runicen
Duke of Stewed Prunes
Member Since: Jun 01, 2007
Ok, it's been a while since I've last posted - but now I'm back (cue: chorus of groans).
My last recording rig died on me - between my old Socket A motherboard dying and the Firewire 410 I'd used effortlessly for years all of a sudden deciding it didn't want to work with Windows.
That said, I've had several people insist that USB 2.0 is vastly better than Firewire - not least of all because Firewire tends to fry equipment (No overvolt if I'm remembering the terminology correctly).
I've been looking at some USB 2.0 interfaces as a result and I was wondering if anyone here had any experience with these rigs or can add anything to the USB v. Firewire debate - with an eye to gear malfunctions and and compatibility.
I'm mostly leaning towards a Zoom H4 for it's field recording potential at this point. There was also a Tascam interface (the model number escapes me at the moment) that looked good before I found the Zoom, but I have no idea the quality of Tascam gear when you move past cassette 4-tracks.
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olddogMember
Since: Jul 02, 2003
Sep 28, 2008 10:27 pm I don't think USB is vastly superior to Firewire, I think they are fairly even, with Firewire probably getting the nod in heavier usage because it doesn't have to share it's bandwidth with other devices. I've also never heard of a problem with Firewire frying equipment, I think thats highly unlikely. As far as the Zoom, I can't help you there I don't use any USB/Firewire devices, I'm sure other's will chime in the recommendations.
Dan
Sep 28, 2008 11:23 pm I'll add one for Firewire. It's more stable and as OD said, has an independent bus from other things. (If I termed that right.) USB has the POTENTIAL to be faster than Firewire but rarely is due to some protocols or some sort. Now, Firewire 800 is VASTLY better than any of the others. But, most interfaces are 400, I think. Or that may depend on your bus in the PC. I don't remember.
Sep 29, 2008 02:04 am Personally, if I had to sit down and choose between USB or Firewire; I would go with USB. Mind you, I don't have much experience with firewire, but I know that I've never had an issue with any USB device that couldn't be resolved with a nice tasty batch of drivers.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Sep 29, 2008 12:21 pm I run a one of each and have problems with neither. Both are stable and both can handle plenty of channels. I don't think the standard is as important as the hardware and folks writing the drivers.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Sep 29, 2008 06:51 pm Actual fact of it all is that USB is a much more stable and trouble free set up. Not that USB does not have issues, because it certainly can. Do and install improperly and you could fight with that for awhile on certain systems with certain hardware.
But firewire 400 hardware is extremely picky on what chip it will play nice with, drivers though are fairly stable for the most part but can be finicky as with USB. 800 is far too new to even be considered to be stable. I have done 2 hardware installs with 800 and both were a huge pain in the arse.
But being that USB is a good deal older set up then firewire that would give reason to feel more secure going with USB.
RunicenDuke of Stewed PrunesMember
Since: Jun 01, 2007
Sep 30, 2008 03:14 pm Thanks to all for the feedback.
Are there any interfaces that come highly recommended in the high-quality/reasonably-low-cost arena?
I'd at least like to have 2 decent pre-amps, but the idea of finding a good interface with 8 in case I needed them is also appealing.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Sep 30, 2008 05:03 pm I have a UX8 from Line6, some people may not like it but I think it's fantastic 8 channel interface for the price. Field recording wouldn't be ideal but I love the modeling for bass, guitars and even some vocalists.
Plus, they give you the vst plugin so you can actually record a dry signal along with a processed one, which gives you the option to change your guitar\bass tone later.
Oct 09, 2008 06:04 am i don't have any experience with usb audio interface's but i heard that you can't do multi track recording in the sense of sending all the different channels on your interface to different channels on your DAW
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Oct 09, 2008 12:08 pm Who told you that?
With some interfaces (cheap behringer mixers) the usb only captures a stereo signal but for the most part that couldn't be further from the truth.
My UX8 captures 8 seperate channels of which 1-2 can be modeled. Again, it can also capture a direct signal for 1-2 (seperate from the modeled tone, yet at the same time) in case you need to change the tone later.
Oct 09, 2008 12:11 pm Yeah, I was troubled by that comment too, that simply is not true! It's not up to the USB cable, it depends on the breakout box on the end of it.
Oct 10, 2008 11:39 am Sadly, I heard that from someone too. That USB can't do more than 2 tracks or something like that. (Granted, I think it was from a n00b. :P)
Oct 10, 2008 11:39 am that's a total load o crap...
