Audio latency: USB vs. Firewire audio interfaces

I would like to find out when latency can be an issue with audio interfaces and how much of a difference USB 1.1 vs. USB 2 vs. Firewire can make. Any feedback is appreciated. Thanks!

Symon wrote:
My current Lacie Rugged drive has reached capacity as a backup unit.
whether firewire really makes that much difference when just using it as a back up drive.
For an initial backup, yes. I have the triple-interface Rugged, and timed an initial full backup of a small (about 30 GB) system. Overall, USB came in at about 55 GB/hr, F/W 800 at 84 GB/hr.
Both were done with little else in use on the system; the difference would probably have been greater had there been high CPU usage, as the CPU has to do more of the work via USB that the F/W chipset does with FireWire.
Of course, the difference won't amount to much on anything but a full or large backup or restore.

Similar Messages

Hard-drive and audio interface set-up - Advice please

Hello,
Please offer me some advice if you can. I have the new 13" macbook pro 2.26Ghz with Logic Studio. I am going to get a hard-drive that has both usb and firewire 800 interfaces and need to decide whether to get a usb or firewire audio interface. The crux of my problem is in what configuration to use the devices, which will determine which audio interface I choose. E.g.
1. Firewire 800 hard-drive to record tracks onto and back-up + usb audio interface; or
2. Firewire 800 hard-drive as above + firewire 400 audio interface daisy-chained; or
3. Record onto the internal hard-drive and use a usb audio interface; or
4. Record onto the internal hard-drive and use a firewire 400 interface.
FYI, the audio interfaces I'm looking at are the E-Mu 0404 USB or Focusrite Saffire LE, both of which have had excellent reviews.
Questions to consider, please, are: Which configuration will offer the best performance and least latency? Is it worth recording onto external hard-drive (7,200) or will the internal drive (5,200) be faster/as fast? Will daisy-chaining cause a significant drop in performance? Do you have any alternative configuration suggestions? Plus any other comments you can think of.
Thank you in advance
Jamie

The good thing about #2, if the drive enclosure also has a USB 2.0 interface you have the option of using/trying that configuration as well. I know a few that get away with using USB drives for recording.
Make sure the audio drive is formatted Mac OS Extended, with Journaling OFF.
Don't trust the drive formatting as it's delivered.
pancenter-

Low latency audio interface, firewire or usb? and wich one would u recommend?

Low latency audio interface, firewire or usb? and wich one would u recommend?

Around 600, only need 2 xlr inputs.

USB Audio Interface with bad latency problems under bootcamp

Hi everyone,
I am currently running an Edirol UA-25 USB audio interface under Mac OS X for my normal music-listening needs. Everything works fine, and there is next to no latency when messing around in Garageband .
However, when I switch into bootcamp to use Cubase SX 3 for audio production and sequencing (has all my windows-only VST instruments), the interface pops and crackles extremely. It's almost as if the USB interface is losing sync..?
When I turn the buffer up on the drivers, this stops, but it is annoying as I like to have low latency when recording for direct monitoring.
Can anyone give me any insight into why this might be happening?
I know this is an audiophile-type question, but I thought I might as well give it a go. Or heck, if you wanna direct me somewhere where they might be able to help me!
Cheers!
Chris
P.S. Using a MBP 2.5GHZ 2GB RAM

when you select , lets say the USB device in your audio preferences, it will be used as the input and output device. You can use the USB interface's audio outs plugged into your mixer, and use speakers or the headphone jack. When you create an aggregate device, using the USB device and your built in audio, and choose it in your audio preferences, this allows you to use the inputs and outputs of both the USB interface and your built in audio from your mac. So now you can record from one device while listening back on another. meaning you can record the audio from the USB device and listen back using your Mac speakers or from headphones plugged into your mac.
if you get a better audio interface, one with mic inputs, you will still need to connect it to speakers or plug in headphones to it to hear audio. If you have the budget, a dedicated firewire audio interface will usually give better results, in audio quality, than a behringer mixer and a usb interface.

USB or FIREWIRE for audio interface?

Hi,
what will you prefer to , USB or FireWire of your audio interface?
and why?

mactreouser wrote:
Hi,
what will you prefer to , USB or FireWire of your audio interface?
and why?
Here's the "pecking order" for performance and stability :
1.- Internal PCI or PCIe card to audio interface. These units are the best overall, both in audio quality, low latency, and reliability. Some have built in processing cards, with which you can use instead of the computer's CPU, for audio processing tasks.
2.- FireWire audio interface. These are reliable, but can have issues if not set up properly, due to the FireWire drivers which need to be used to run these units. Some have onboard "low latency" mixing facilities, and some have CPU processors for processing audio.
3.- USB 2.0 audio interface. These are also reliable, however are more limited in bandwidth than the FireWire counterparts. This is due to the different nature of the USB audio protocol VS the FIreWire one. Still, it is not that bad for home recording.
4.- USB 1.0 and 1.1 audio interfaces. These are reliable, but not recommended if a lot of realtime audio recording is going to take place. In other words they are great inexpensive units for doing programming, sequencing, editing and mixing, BUT not so much for live audio use, or live audio recording. this is due to the limitations on the USB audio protocol architecture. It simply cannot handle low latency audio very well.
Cheers

USB Vs FIREWIRE AUDIO INTERFACES?

what is the advantage of having a firewire audio interface over a usb audio interface?
I have a Edirol UA-25 USB Audio interface and am going to be using it with my new macbook pro that i have just ordered!
I just want to know if this interface would work fine with logic on a macbook pro? or would it reduce performance coz its USB and not Firewire? and buy how much? whats the difference?
Thanks for your help
John

Basically, USB won't allow you to go with buffer settings as low as Firewire. That means you will have more latency with USB than with FW. Some drivers are more CPU intensive than others but I can't say this is a USB thing only. The first Yamaha MLAN drivers were terrible even if MLAN uses FW. I don't think USB or FW have an impact on tracks count.
Sorry for the double post.
Message was edited by: mlehmann

Live Capture with a camera via firewire and usb audio interface

I am trying to do a live capture through Final Cut 7.
I want the video feed through the firewire from my HVX200 and the audio feed from a 4 channel usb audio interface (Alesis iO4).
When I have both audio and video input coming in from the HVX200, the live capture works fine.
However, when I change the audio input so that it is coming from the usb audio interface, final cut has an error message saying "Video is not available."
During the preview, I see the video clearly and am getting levels from the iO4.
But when I try to capture, I get the error message.
Is it a processor issue (I've attached my specs below) with problems handling 2 separate inputs?
I'm not quite sure what the problem is.
Any input is greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Model Name:          MacBook Pro
Model Identifier:          MacBookPro5,3
Processor Name:          Intel Core 2 Duo
Processor Speed:          2.66 GHz
Number Of Processors:          1
Total Number Of Cores:          2
L2 Cache:          3 MB
Memory:          4 GB
Bus Speed:          1.07 GHz

Hi MtD,
Yes I am changing the Capture preset to iO4. Once that happens, it lets me run both the camera and the iO4 into the laptop but then an error message pops up the moment I try to capture it.
I was only trying to use 3 out of the 4 channels of the iO4.
Thanks!

I am buying an audio interface with Firewire output, would I feed this into Firewire,USB or Thunderbolt for Garageband?

I am buying an audio interface with Firewire output, would I feed this into Firewire,USB or Thunderbolt for Garageband?

I don't have a H4 but do have a H2. Did you set the H4 as a audio interface, after you plug it in choose interface in the H4 screen?
Did you choose the H4 input channel in the track info?

Lowest latency Firewire audio interface for Logic... which should I choose?

Hi Guys,
I'm about to replace my trusty Yamaha n12 with a dedicated firewire audio interface.
My main requirement is super-low latency for running BFD and other virtual instruments, along with monitoring through Logic directly sometimes (to add effects to vocals in real-time, etc).
I've narrowed down my choice (I think!!) to:
- RME Fireface 800
- Apogee Ensemble
- MOTU 896 Mk3
I have been told that the RME drivers are incredible, and hence it has the lowest latency.
I'd love to hear from other Logic users who own any of the above! What kind of latency do you get (round trip in ms)? What is the lowest buffer setting you can use?
Any downfalls or problems you've had with any of these interfaces?
Thanks heaps guys, can't wait to hear some opinions!
Cheers and thanks,
Mike

Thomjinx wrote:
If yeloop is using BFD, then direct monitoring isn't going to help him. That is for audio in.
Exactly.
FWIW, on MOTU Ultralites, I get a little (less than 1 ms) less latency with the Mk 1 rather than the Mk 3.
Perhaps the built-in DSP slows the Mk 3 down?
Interesting--thanks for the info (one more reason not to upgrade MOTU, frankly...)!
It is still 4.3 ms at 32 samples with the Mk 3. For MIDI controlled VIs, it would be less than that.
I think I measured 3.9ms with my Traveler mk2 at 44.1k with a 32 sample buffer. So, it's a bit faster than the mk3. At 96k I can use a 32 sample buffer to get 2.5ms latency, but I can't run BFD2 with a 32 sample buffer. Best I can do with BFD2 is a 64 sample buffer at 96k... 3.16ms.
But, you're exactly right, Thomjinx: with a VI, you won't hear that full amount of latency. Assuming the MIDI latency is negligible, the VI response time will be roughly 1/2 the full analog audio latency. (Logic reports both of the these figures--output latency and full roundtrip latency--if you click on the latency info in the Audio preferences. Be aware, though, that some devices report this information correctly, while others do not. For instance, with the Apogee and Metric Halo products I've used, the numbers reported by Logic are exactly correct, while with MOTU, the numbers shown in Logic are lower than reality: with a 64 buffer at 44.1k the Traveler mk2 indicates 4.3ms roundtrip latency with Logic, but I measured it as 5.6ms... so you may be misled if you try to use the latency values reported by Logic to compare products... in that regard, MOTU seems to cheat, while Apogee and Metric Halo follow the rules
-James

(MacOSX Lion 10.7.4) The problem of connecting the audio interface (USB and FireWire), grained acoustic distortion!?

When you connect the audio interface to usb or firewire grained acoustic distortion, there is no loud noise in the acoustics! In the old "iMac24 Snow Leopard" was not like this!
Just bought the iMac21 lion, installed the new drivers and the two interfaces of different firms is presented, this acoustic problem.
I understand it comes from a usb and firewire!?
Help Me_____
Sorry for my english

Well, it's been a few days and with no response I thought I'd look for another solution. I've been trying this software called iVPN, apparently it's like a front-end to OS X's built-in VPN server. Anyway, I disabled the VPN Server from the Server app, turned on iVPN and was VPN-ing from my iPhone over 3G in notime. It's a great app, though it kinda ***** that the server can't do what it's built to do. Since VPN was the big reason I got Server in the first place, I'll probably uninstall it and stick with OS X's built-in file sharing and iVPN.

Firewire or usb audio interface/hardrive?

Hello everyone sorry if this has been answered elsewhere.
I'm thinking of running Logic 9 on a macbook pro with 1 firewire 800 and 2 USB ports. I wish to use an audio interface and an external hard drive (probably a G DRIVE).
The hard drive can use Firewire 800, Firewire 400 or USB. Should I a) Plug the Hard drive into the firewire 800 port and buy a USB audio interface?
or b) Plug the Hard drive into the USB port and buy a Firewire 400 interface?
Thanks.

Hi rewinder,
I use a USB Apogee One, and I'm very happy with it: very good and clean sound, not too expensive.
Depending on your budget, you can also consider the Apogee Duet, which supports 2 inputs at the same time.
Sometimes I use a firewire 800 hardisk, works very well.
Hope this help,
Vignus

Firewire or USB for Audio interface on powerbook

For a Powerbook G4 667 mhz, 768 MB RAM , 2 USB, 1 FW
What's better, FW audio interface and USB external hard drive, or the opposite? Thanks

I find that I have no problems on my PB using my hard drive and my interface daisychained. Obviously it depends on how fast the FW port is too - I imagine on yours it will be FW400. FWIW, I can get 8 streams of audio on to my LaCie with no probs at all, and can run a good number of tracks off it. My processor gives in before my drive...
But it's right, the best combo to go for it 2 FW ports, and USB ain't great for audio streaming with multiple channels.

Audio interface for 24" iMac - conflict between firewire 400 and 800?

So, what I have now:
2.8ghz iMac, latest model, newest firmware, running OS 10.4.11, connected to an M-Audio Ozonic Firewire 400 interface, and I was hoping to run said interface while ALSO connecting a firewire 800 hard drive for samples, or for recording to.
Alas, as soon as I turn on the firewire 800 drive, a model sold by Other World Computing and containing an Oxford chipset, all audio stops on the Ozonic keyboard and is replaced by clicks and pops. The only way I've found to get the audio back is with a complete restart of the system, with the firewire 800 drive OFF.
For those of you who aren't familiar with the M-Audio device, it's a small keyboard and firewire audio interface in one unit. Perhaps not the highest quality, but my Powerbook G4 1.67 with firewire 800 CAN run both the Ozonic and the firewire 800 drive at the same time. With no interruption in sound playback.
I did some research and discovered that in the iMac I bought, the two firewire channels, 400 and 800, appear to be on the same PCI E bus, and perhaps will NEVER work together.
Is that right? I thought the whole point of firewire was how it's able to negotiate such communications and work seamlessly with other firewire devices. I know, I know, I'm living in dreamland, it's just sad that a much older Apple product (my PPC notebook), can do something a brand new model cannot. Sigh.
Any advice? Any chance 10.5 fixes this?
If not, should my next audio interface be USB 2.0? Any thoughts from the Audio pros out there (besides 'you bought the wrong machine) would be great.

Sorry I can't help with your specific query as I have never used that Audio hardware.
I am a video man myself and went for the 24" 2.8Ghz iMac as i believe the Firewire 400 and 800 Buses are seperate. I know on older iMacs and even the MacPro the FW800 and 400 buses were on the same bus and when connecting a firewire video camera to the FW400 bus, the 800 would lower it's speed to 400 to accomodate or in some cases would lose the connection all together.
I currently have a FW800 Hard drive connected to the FW800 port and a video deck in the FW400 port and they both run at full speed 800/400 respectively.
This leads me to believe Apple have fixed the Firewire sharing problem.
I know it's no help but just though I would share my experience with the Firewire on the new iMac.

Is there a way to connect the new MacBook Air to an audio interface that only has FireWire 400 input?

I recently acquired the new MacBook Air for my performance rig and have discovered that there is no way to connect it to either of my audio interfaces [both have FireWire 400 ports only. Is there an adaptor for this? I can't seem to find one.

Later on this month, both Belkin and Sonnet have indicated that they will have means to adapt the Thunderbolt port to the Firewire 800 interface.
Sonnet's solution will be an simple adapter, while Belkins will be a more full featured dock, with a few ports, including USB 3.0
There is no indication what the price of either will be, but both of them should provide a relatively easy means to then adapt to Firewire 400, as such cable adapters are already readily available at a nominal price.
Apple has the Sonnet adapter mentioned on their website, so it may be likely that the Apple online store will be carrying them when they become available.
As far as an adapter from USB 2.0 to Firewire, there have been only a scant few adapters available in the past, and all that I have seen were propretary in nature, only usable for the particular device they were fashioned for. I have not seen any that were usable in a general sense. Look at the reviews of any such products you might find in this regard. You will find no satisfied users.

After using my new firewire audio interface, my devices get electrostatic

I recently bought a Focusrite Saffire 24DSP which is connected by a firewire cable to my macbook pro (late 2010). I connect it as stated with my macbook of. Now there are moments (and unfortunately they are moment of surprise) that my macbook's case get all electrostatic. Not just a little bit but one that makes your hair rises. Also at that same moment the case of the Focusrite audio interface is also all static, also the back of my audio monitors/speakers (which is connected by xlr-cable to this audio interface), these last two devices are the worse, and even in some cases the metal case of my Novation Remote SL keyboard which is connected by usb to my macbook. You can understand that I sometimes getting nervous to touch anything once the audio interface is powered on... or at the end of my session to power my stuff off.
I first thought that connecting the audio interface to its own wall socket/adapter, instead of using it by powered from the firewire, would solve it, but not.
Even this morning, after powering off everything last night (though the firewire cable still connected), i got a shock when opening my macbook and 5min. later touching the audio interface. How can I resolve this? Is it a problem of my new interface, is it a firewire problem? or is it the macbook? ......
Would it help to put the audio interface on rubber feets.. or should I take care in what order I put devices on and off? Please any help or suggestions, since waking up this way is a terrible one

Is the MBP plugged in using a three pronged properly grounded outlet?

Audio latency: USB vs. Firewire audio interfaces

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