Subject:OT: Sound Card or Firewire?

Posted by: groovedude

Date:10/4/2004 9:12:40 PM

I'm new to the audio side of production, I'm looking to add some audio capabilities to my setup.

I intend to do some midi work with Garrington Personal Orchestra, and some vocal recording.

So, I was thinking about getting the EMU 1820m sound card, and some DAW software. However, I just read about Edirol's FA-101 Firewire interface. What seems nice about the FA-101 is that I can plug it onto my laptop to record anywhere if I want. Although, with the 1820m I'm getting great dynamics and onboard processing.

What I don't understand is how a firewire board works? Is it basically an external sound card? Do you disable an onboard card or take out one that is currently in it? If it records in 24bit doesn't your computer have to have some board in it to use a 24bit sound? From what I read on Edirol's site you don't need a soundcard to use the firewire board...

Is my 5400rpm laptop drive capable of really recording hi-res audio in real time?

...I'm really a newbie at this--I can make some kick-ass visuals though!

http://www.emu.com/products/product.asp?product=2211&category=754&maincategory=754

http://www.edirol.com/products/info/fa101.html

Subject:RE: OT: Sound Card or Firewire?

Reply by: JohnnyRoy

Date:10/5/2004 5:23:25 AM

Firewire is just another bus much like the PCI bus in your computer. So instead of plugging a card into the PCI bus, you plug the Edirol into the firewire bus. It becomes the soundcard for your PC. You don’t need any other and should probably disable any on-board sound to avoid conflicts. I’m thinking of getting an M-Audio Firewire 410 myself for the same reasons. It’s portable to both desktop and laptop.

[Edit] Didn't realize the laptop drives were only 5400rpm. Not sure if they would be a problem.

~jr

Subject:RE: OT: Sound Card or Firewire?

Reply by: David_Kuznicki

Date:10/5/2004 6:58:50 AM

For what it's worth-- I have a Firewire 410 & absolutely love it to death. I DON'T, however, use it on a laptop, so I can't really comment on the 5400 rpm drives.

It does function like an external soundcard-- I just turned the onboard sound off & route everything via the software that came with it. It's nice being able to drive a pair of Event 6" monitors & two pairs of headphones at the same time...

David.

Subject:RE: OT: Sound Card or Firewire?

Reply by: Chienworks

Date:10/5/2004 7:58:32 AM

Lessee ...

16 channels of 24 bit 96KHz audio would be 4.5MB/second. Most 5400 RPM drives were usually capable of 5MB/sec 10 years ago. They've got to be a lot faster now, probably 10 to 15MB/sec. I don't believe you'll have a problem.

Subject:RE: OT: Sound Card or Firewire?

Reply by: groovedude

Date:10/5/2004 9:45:43 PM

Thanks guys! I'm really leaning toward a Firewire setup now.