USB vs. Firewire Audio Interfaces
Choosing an audio interface device may not be easy. Budget constraints balanced by must-have features are huge concerns. Not only are there more brands to choose from, we must decide on what class of interface: USB or FireWire. You have to choose which standard to connect to your computer too.
Audio interfaces connect to the computer via USB 1.0, 2.0 and 3.0. FireWire interfaces connect to your computer via the FireWire IEEE 1394 and 1394b standard. If you decide either FireWire or USB, a dilemma still exists due to several options.
FireWire Connectors
Chose the appropriate connector. You have a choice of up to 800 Mbit/sec transfer rate, depending on the connector. There is a 4-pin FireWire connector. It transfers data only, but no power.
The 6-pin FireWire connector is shaped differently from the small 4-pin. It provides DC power to the device in addition to data.
Then there is the 9-pin connector. It is the newest kid on the FireWire block and has the fastest rate, a throughput of 800 Mbit/sec. Pay attention to the description on the box. The newest, the 9-pin FireWire standard is IEEE 1394b.
USB Connectors
There is a need for caution, because it is possible to damage your devices with a USB connector. So double check for compatibility.
USB connectors come in A, B, micro-A (5-pin), micro-B (5-pin), micro-AB (5-pin), and there are "mini" varieties also.
FireWire Interfaces
When it comes to FireWire audio, all computers do not have FireWire. Only some of the newer models have FireWire. Macs usually have FireWire ports. However, add-on adapters are easy obtain and install and are relatively inexpensive.
In the budget section there is Behringer FCA202: price approximately $100 and, at this price, it is a good deal. In the $200 to $300 range, you can get enough features to have a respectable rig.
In the $700 range, there is M-Audio ProFire 2626. It has 8 preamps, Word Clock, and total analog i/o is 8/8. This combination enables you to do professional work.
On the high end, there are units heavy with features and heavy pay out.
USB Interfaces
A pound-for-pound comparison would make USB fat. USB audio interface devices are growing much faster than FireWire. However, you don't see any cool combination of features for less than $200.
M-Audio USB Interface MobilePre USB is a great solution for laptop recording. It is priced in the low $100 range. However, it is USB 1.1 but still a great deal.
In the mid $700 range you can get a feature-rich USB audio interface, with options such as 10/10 analog i/o, s/pdif i/o, ADAT i/o, MIDI i/o and Word Clock.
As obsolescence sets in, great deals can be had in older devices. USB 1.1 and 2.0 are being upstaged by USB 3.0.
Common Features
Features like s/pdif I/O, midi I/O, Word Clock I/O, analog i/o, preamps, ADAT, headphones, Word Clock, 24-bit, 96 kHz resolution, DSP are sought in combo.
A unit with all of these features would be great. But you'll pay for it. Basically, the more features, the more money. You can "get by" according to your specific needs with workarounds. Minimally, you would need 24/96 resolution and 2/2 analog i/o.
A common pitfall is latency, defined as the time between pressing a note and hearing the result. You have to tweak the software to balance latency. So make sure your purchase includes the hardware driver. The ASIO protocol is part of the hardware driver. So you'd want the latest driver for that piece of hardware.
Summary
You can set up a small audio recording solution in the $100 range using either USB or FireWire.
It appears that FireWire offers better options for features at a lower price.
In the mid $700 range, you can get a feature-rich USB or FireWire audio interface.
It wouldn't hurt to get an adapter so you'll be ready for a good audio interface at a good price. You could get a combo adapter that has FireWire/USB/1394b FireWire. The combo adapters can fit PCI, PCIe and Express slots.
Tags: audio interface, Word Clock, have FireWire, computer FireWire, connect your
