Meg Robinson

Beware Of Problems With Firewire 400 And Firewire 800 Incompatabilities

I just posted a question earlier today about Firewire digital to audio converters and indicated that I was having problems with my M-Audio Firewire 410 working on my Powermac G5, which also has 3 external firewire drives, two of which are using Firewire 800 connections.

I called PreSonus and spoke with a very knowledgeable person there who told me that when you combine Firwire 400 and 800 devices on the same computer, it causes conflicts and would be problematic regardless of the particular digital to audio converter you use. This was extremely helpful to me because after reconnecting my Firewire drives using 400 rather than 800 cables, I reconnected the M-Audio and it seems to be working fine now--al least so far. The Presonus person did point out that the audio quality of their firebox was superior to the M-Audio 410 (check the specs for ranges), which is fair enough, but at least I am now operational.

So if any of you are having problems with your computer systems that may be using 400 and 800 connectors, this may explain why you are having the problem. Just wanted to share what I learned. After all, that's what these forums are all about.

Meg Robinson

Seeking Advice On Best Firewire Digital To Audio Converter Compatible With Powermac G5

I have a PowerMac G5 running Tiger OS. I have three external firewire drives, some of them using Firewire 800 connections. I have Roland D90 Monitor powered speakers. For several years, I was using the M-Audio Firewire 410 as a way to connect my Roland speakers to my computer, and also to use this interface for analog input. I'm a composer and use Finale software running on my Mac.

I have had all kinds of problems with the FireWire 410--it will stop working unexpectedly, it will cause the computer to freeze up. It will work for a while, and then stop working (no sound coming from the speakers).

After extensive research, I learned that if Firewire 800 devices are connected to the same computer as the M-Audio Firewire 410, this can cause the 410 to stop working.

I have given up on the FireWire 410 and am looking for another Firewire interface. I need 1/4" jacks into which I can plug my Roland speakers. I really only need 2 xlr inputs, and maybe an additional 2 1/4" inputs. I have to be able to control volume levels from my computer, not from the device.

I am also confused about the sound quality issues. Are all digital to audio coverters relatively comparable in terms of sound quality? While I don't need a lot of inputs on the interface device, I gather that the larger devices have better sound quality, but again, this is another area of confusion for me.

The key issue, I am learning, is the degree to which companies are committed to supporting Apple and the OS upgrades by continually upgrading drivers and addressing problems as they occur. I feel that M-Audio has really let down many users in this regard, and so whatever interface I get, I want it to work well with the Apple Core Audio as I will be using a MAC.

I would great appreciate advice on which companies are the most committed to Apple, and then which products users would recommend. I need this information rather quickly, so I would appreciate your response as quickly as possible!

Thanks!

Meg