Which Audio Interface?, FW or USB 2? Options

[timski]

I am in the process of starting up and wanted some advice on audio interfaces.
I have a 1Ghz G4 Powerbook (2x USB 2 ports, 1x Firewire 400) with Jaguar (may be getting Panther soon, however) and am planning to run Logic Express, recording mostly audio (vocals, guitars and old keyboards) with some MIDI. I do not require surround sound and do not plan to use any extra hardware (MIDI devices, mixers, etc) other than a MIDI controller keyboard.
Do I really need Firewire or is USB sufficient? The M-audio 410 looks nice but I have reservations about the fact that I'd have to keep it switched on all the time as this really isn't feasible - I require portability and use my PB for much more than just music. Furthermore, I may eventually want to record live drums and wasn't sure if the 410 would give me enough inputs.
There are a lot of cheap USB interfaces like the Tascam US-122 and the Audiophile Pre - would one of these be sufficient?
Finally - I will be getting an external HD, preferably Firewire. Can I run this at the same time as a 410, or could I get away with a USB 2 HD?

As I said I'm just starting out (although have some experience with recording using Cubasis and EMU APS on a PC a few years ago) so don't need anything too fancy, but at the same time want gear that will last a long time and won't limit me in the future.

MANY THANKS!

Ce message a été modifié par timski - jeu. 6 mai 2004, 21:48.

[Riverdog]

I'm using a 1Ghz PowerBook with Logic Audio 5 and a M-Audio USB Quattro...

In my opinion the USB Quattro is a great device for recording and even getting a little more in depth with sound work... It has great quality sound and can be purchased rather inexpensively and will help you get your feet wet...

Just this weekend I'm purchasing a M-Audio FW410 and am very excited...
This is the device that I wanted originally but "settled" for the Quattro...
Well I've been using the Quattro for almost 3 years without even a glitch...
After using this device for that long - It was apparent that using the Quattro was not "settling" at all... I was really pleased... The only reason I'm going to the 410 is that I want more outputs...

Sounds like you have a good start on a project studio...
The interface you purchase depends on what your intensions are...
If you are "dabbling" in audio and want something simple - Most interfaces will work fine.... Be sure the drivers are "mature" though (Such as the ones on MOTU devices or M-Audio)... It also depends on how many inputs you want to use... USB interfaces will only allow (on average) 2 channels of incoming audio reliably... I think the standard states 4 is possible but your mileage may vary... For more inputs and flexibility go with the FireWire... Generally more expensive, but better bandwidth and more "recognition" from standard programs such as Logic...

I hope this helps... Good luck in your endeavors...