Firewire Audio interface with 4 inputs?

Hi, as a band we've decided we want to be able to record our drums and bass tracks on one take, then add the other instruments as tracks afterwards.
Our drum has 4 mics (bass drum, snare, hi-hat, ride) and the bass we'd plug directly into the interface.
I imagine getting an interface with 5 inputs is unlikely, so we could sacrifice the ride and put that on afterwards, which would free up one input for the bass guitar.
We were looking at this interface:
http://www.presonus.com/fp10.html
which I think would work well, but it's 499$ (Canadian) and if we could find a Firewire interface with 4 inputs which are XLR and 1/4", we'd probably go for that instead. Also, two of the microphones are condenser mikes, so they'd need phantom power.
I've done searches online and I seem to only be able to find interfaces that are minimum 8, or max 2 XLRs.

Its there on the link
Inputs 3 and 4 are stunningly flexible balanced universal inputs. Firstly, they operate exactly as inputs 5 to 8 on the rear and can be adjusted to accept standard studio input levels (+4 dBu, LoGain). Furthermore, the input impedance can be switched from Line (10 kOhm) to Instrument (470 kOhm). An additional analog input amplification of up to 18 dB (in steps of 0.5 dB) is also available. In short: There's no signal that these inputs can't deal with perfectly!
Just get two Balance to XLR plug/Cables.
Fr.BlayZay

Similar Messages

Using an audio interface with multiple inputs

Hi,
I'm currently facing an issue where I need to be able to use the audio from a microphone and a keyboard through Skype calling. I have them both plugged in to a Focusrite Saffire Pro 24 audio interface. The problem is that only the microphone plugged into input 1 seems to be coming through, as if Skype will only address one channel of the interface. Is there any way around this or a different method you have used in a similar situation?
Thanks,

I stumbled upon this thread in searching for some deeply hidden feature in Skype, but alas, there may not be a fix within Skype. I realize the parent topic is very old, but I hope this can hope anyone in need of a solution (or get skype to incorporate some sort of summing feature).
That being said, there is an alternative for those of us with interfaces that have fully customizable routing. Fully customizable routing, and more than your standard two (stereo) outputs, and at least one more input than you need in total for microphones.
What we're going to have to do for our podcast (one member is on vacation, states away), is hook all microphones into inputs that are not input 1. As far as I can tell, Skype will only recognize input 1. In your interface's output routing software, you will need to create a submix/monitor mix (whatever they will call it) that sums (combines) all of the microphones together. While you have the ability to add the software/daw return to this mix, you typically will not want to, as it could create feedback for the person joining the conversation via skype.
After you have created this submix/monitor mix (and be sure to double/triple check that input 1 is not involved with this mix at all) you will assign this to an auxiliary output... so say, your interface has 4 outputs, assign it to output 3. Then lead a cable from the physical output 3 into the physical input 1 on your interface.
What this accomplishes is we're effectively sending all microphones into input 1, so your Skype recipient will be able to hear a mixdown of all microphones. Certain interfaces will also allow you to do this routing without cabling.
There are more things to keep in mind, like if you're recording the call, you'll want to run a parallel output from your Main DAW/Software return into another physical input, but again, quadruple-check that you are not monitoring that track into your main buss as it would create a horrible feedback loop. Generally I'd have the caller record their audio through Audacity or something free, but getting their recording on my end makes for syncing the call to the room recording so much easier... SO MUCH.
TL;DR
1) Make sure you have more than 2 outputs, and 1 more input than you would normally need for mic's.
2) Plug microphones into inputs 2 and on, saving input 1.
3) Use interface's software/routing mixer to sum all microphone inputs (EXCEPT 1) to an unused physical output.
4) Route or connect that output into Input 1.
0-5) For the love of all audio gods, make sure you are double checking to avoid feedback.
I also recognize that with the appearance of things like WavTap and Soundflower that there are other solutions -- but this is one option for those of us that do not wish to explore those options.

Multi channel firewire audio interface

Hello, Is anyone using a multi channel firewire audio interface with a mac mini? eg alesis miltimix?

No issues. You'll probably want to invest in an external 7,200 RPM Firewire drive though since the Mini only has a 5,400 RPM SATA internal drive.
I used it with both TIger and Leopard as well as Logic Express 7.2 and Logic Express 8.
OS X supports it right out of the box so I didn't even need to install additional drivers.

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?

IChat AV doesn't work with M-Audio Firewire audio interface

I saw similar topics to this but none dealing with a Firewire audio interface and none with exactly the same problem.
Every other piece of software I use works with the M-Audio Firewire Solo, except for iChat AV. When it is the selected output device and I start a video chat with someone, I get just horrible, loud static when the person on the other end speaks.
Running 10.4.10 on a Macbook Pro (2.16 GHz Intel Core 2 Duo).
Does anyone know of incompatibility issues with iChat and Firewire interfaces?

In Audio MIDI Setup (In applications/Utilities) the setting for my Mic is 44100khz 1Ch 16bit.
The Internal Audio connection also shows up at 44100Khz 2Ch 16bit
Are you looking in the same place or in the device itself ?
I would set it in the Audio MIDI Setup and then make sure it responds in System Preferences > Sound > Input tab.
Once the Blue bar moves to at least halfway there I would then check iChat > Preferences > Video Section to see if the green bar under the Vido pics is moving.
4:25 PM Friday; September 7, 2007

Playing DVDs in 5.1 With Firewire Audio Interface Connected for Logic Pro

This is exactly the same q as asked by plantwebguy in July 06, link
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2696970#2696970...
I'm struggling to get an answer on this anywhere... I have Logic Pro running 5.1 Surround Mixes on a g5, using a Metric Halo Mobile IO Firewire audio interface - its 6 analog outs are connected to a M Audio LX4 powered surround system. It all works great - until... the problem is when I need to listen to DVDs with 5.1 soundtracks (for reference), or even HD trailers (with 5.1 soundtracks). With the Mobile IO selected as audio interface, DVDs only play in stereo. I think this is because the 5.1 soundtrack is only output thru the optical out - but connecting the optical out to the Mobile IO and selecting 'Digital out' on the g5 brings silence.. Im told this is because the MIO's optical in wont decode 5.1. I'm interested to hear from anyone with a Pro Audio interface - like a MOTU etc - who needs to switch between mixing their own music in 5.1 and then listening to DVDs in 5.1.. I cant be the first, surely?
Plantwebguy said he solved his issue with VLC. Do we know if VLC willl decode 5.1 and then output it to the Interface via Firewire? I've searched the net for a Pro Audio interface with (1) 6 analog outs & mic inputs etc (2) firewire connection and (3) optical in that reads AC3/5.1 etc (rather than just ADAT).... nada. Sorry to be long-winded but I cant get a solution anywhere..
Thanks in advance
g5 dual 2.5 Mac OS X (10.3.9) Logic Pro/Mobile IO 2882 FW Interface/M Audio LX4

This is exactly the same q as asked by plantwebguy in July 06, link
http://discussions.apple.com/message.jspa?messageID=2696970#2696970...
I'm struggling to get an answer on this anywhere... I have Logic Pro running 5.1 Surround Mixes on a g5, using a Metric Halo Mobile IO Firewire audio interface - its 6 analog outs are connected to a M Audio LX4 powered surround system. It all works great - until... the problem is when I need to listen to DVDs with 5.1 soundtracks (for reference), or even HD trailers (with 5.1 soundtracks). With the Mobile IO selected as audio interface, DVDs only play in stereo. I think this is because the 5.1 soundtrack is only output thru the optical out - but connecting the optical out to the Mobile IO and selecting 'Digital out' on the g5 brings silence.. Im told this is because the MIO's optical in wont decode 5.1. I'm interested to hear from anyone with a Pro Audio interface - like a MOTU etc - who needs to switch between mixing their own music in 5.1 and then listening to DVDs in 5.1.. I cant be the first, surely?
Plantwebguy said he solved his issue with VLC. Do we know if VLC willl decode 5.1 and then output it to the Interface via Firewire? I've searched the net for a Pro Audio interface with (1) 6 analog outs & mic inputs etc (2) firewire connection and (3) optical in that reads AC3/5.1 etc (rather than just ADAT).... nada. Sorry to be long-winded but I cant get a solution anywhere..
Thanks in advance
g5 dual 2.5 Mac OS X (10.3.9) Logic Pro/Mobile IO 2882 FW Interface/M Audio LX4

IMac20" with firewire audio-interface konnekt24D by tcelectronic

Hi folks,
I've got some cryptic problems with my iMac and the connected firewire audio-interface (konnekt24D by tcelectronic). I'm running MacOSX 10.4.10. The problem is that after four days working with no occuring problems I got no sound output. When I restarted the Mac the blue firewire light of the audio-interface disappeared and the tcnear control panel says 'no device'. I decided to update the firmware and then everything runs properly for one day. The next day I got the same 'no output' problem. I decided to update the firmware again but now the blue firewire light disappears and I got 'no device' message from the tcnear control panel. I started the Mac again but the interface was still gone. Now I switched off the Mac and turned it on again. The interface was there and I had output. Next day I got the same problems.
The tcelectronic support said that I should disconnect any other network cables, enable every network setting on the network control panel and connect the power supply of the audio interface. I did everything but got no improvements. The people from tcelectronic concluded that my audio-interface could be defective. So I went to my mönger and he gave me a new one.
From now on everything worked fine for three days. During this time I changed nothing on my setup. No new software was installed, the only thing I did was to start LogicExpress 7.2.1 and begin with my work. After three days I got the same 'no output' problem again. Now I think that there must be something wrong with the iMac. It is the 'old' version (bought in May this year) and I don't know exactly what to do now.
What I don't understand is that both devices worked a few days and then the problems occured. As I said before I didn't changed anything, installed no new software, etc. Maybe the harddisk of the iMac is defective? I've plugged the audio-interface into the other firewire port of the Mac but got no improvement.
I don't know exactly what I should do know because I worked ten years with a PowerMac/Audiomedia III/SCSI system and never had such strange problems.
Greetings to all of you,
Dorsch.

Check out this thread here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1656583
It appears that sp3 has issues with firewire. I'm seeking a solution too, short of reinstalling as this person suggests. See also his link re: the famous little patch. I tried that already to no avail. I'm using SP3 too. My firewire behaves like USB... which would/could cause issues like you're describing.
Mike

Problem with FireWire audio interface (Edirol FA-66)

I am experiencing the following problem with my FireWire Audio interface via Edirol FA-66. At unpredictible moments the 'Digital In' LED starts blinking, and after that the audio signal stops working. I do not know if Logic is the culprit, since it also happens now and then with iTunes
Note: there are digital in/outs connected.
Only shutting down the Edirol and restarting the iMac G5 resolves the problem, be it only temporary: after a while the phenomenon shows up again.
Extremely ennoying.
What could be the culprit?
Bonkie
Belgium
Earth

Hi Patrick, I don't know that specific interface but could it possibly be that the flashing LED also act as an alert for when the firewire connection has gone down?
Reason I suggest this is I have the same thing from with my iMac & focusrite saffire Le, where i lose audio now & then, & when it happens if i check in the interfaces software control panel it always has a 'firewire connection error' - I then just have to unplug & replug-in the interface to re-establish the firewire conection. Just a thought but maybe it's worth consulting the edirol manual/tech support to see if this is the case ref the LED function?
Adam

? on Using which format of Audio Interface with a Imac i3

Hi,
I have been reading and reading about this topic. My (R.I.P.) eMac has been replaced by a very nice and fast Intel i3 Imac with FW800 and plenty of USB 2.0 and SP/Dif (even)
Fortunately most all of any music gear that needed driver or firmware updates for Snow Leopard had them available, but my Tascam US-120 (USB 1.1) does not so have been looking at USB 2.0 (though its amazing how many USB 1.1 USB Audio Interfaces are still be produced and at $$$ prices. Firewire Audio Interfaces are at FW 400 and with a Firewire 800 port on the back of the iMac appears ? that a interface cable is the required or ? only way to use a Firewire interface 1) I want to make sure I am understanding this correctly, and 2) is this safe ? to do 3) I am getting a FW 800 Extrenal Hard Drive so that is a match, 7200RPM,
I do plug in to the Interface (or did) at times 2 microphones XLR type (to put mic's on a amplifier) , a Electric Guitar , or a Acoutsic Electric Guitar in to the interface or record it with a mic's, I have a MIDI Keyoard that has MIDI in-out as well as USB in, and also plugged two power monotors(Linear Flat Speakers) in to the out puts of the previous Audio Interface.
Last Question I reviewed the bit/kHz of the USB 1.1 interfaces and they range from 16 bit//48 kHz,24bit 44.1kHz, to 24bit 48kHz to 24bit 96kHz (on a USB 1.1 connection from the particular USB audio Interfaces when you find a USB 2.0 modem the max bit rate is 24 and the kHz (ranges from 96 kHz to 192 kHz) I am not a electronics genius
but have recorded music in to computers for over 6+ years and the Resolution rates of the USB 1.1 do not make sense to me (I realize that MP3 (being compressed) and CD quality recordings are only so high but..
I am going to (later) update to Ilife 11 with Garageband 11' which can record up to the 24 bit range so that is a consideration as well
The FW 400 resolution rates in the chart I have are a minimum of 24 bit and kHZ range of 96 kHz to 192 kHz . and in theory USB 2.0 is a bit faster at 480 mbs versus FW 400
at 400 mbs and from what I have learned USB 1.1 is slowest, I guess I am missing something, over thinking this or. Just want to do it safely, and get all of the inputs and out puts I need (I can even use the SP/Dif that comes on alot of Audio Interfaces, The AES Audio Engineers Society just wrapped up a convention and have been looking at their site and new product releases.
Any Input would be greatly appreciated and I wish I could write less and explain more!
David
ambienttales

If you can stretch your budget (quite a bit actually, but you can find deals on the net) I can't recommend the RME Fireface 800 models enough. Lots of I/O, never EVER had a crash, and the drivers and tools are rock solid. RME also makes a FF400 which has less I/O, but also costs less. The sound is steller, and it has no discernable noise. These are Firewire interfaces, but they just camme out with one that also talks USB.
Pete

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.

Disabling lower frequencies/bitrates of Firewire audio interface possible?

I have a Phonic Firefly 302 Firewire audio interface. With Audio/Midi setup I set all channels to 24kbit/96khz or 192khz. Problem: after every replugging of the Firewire cable, the unit defaults to 16bit/44khz again.
Is there a way to lock this setting?
Is there a way to fool OSX that other bitrates are not available? Like deleting the 44khz, 48khz, 88khz and 16 bit options from some .kext or plist?

For my Firewire interface, I just opened up Audio/MIDI Setup like you, set my interface as the default in System Settings, then set the Input and Output format for my chosen settings, 44.1/24.
Every time I fire up the interface it remembers my settings. Strange that yours doesn't.

Problem Using Zoom H4 as an Audio Interface with Garageband

I'm new to GB and I am having problems getting started using my Zoom H4 as an Audio Interface with Garageband on my iMAC.
I'm fairly certain that I have the connection and all of the setting configurations correct, and yet I cannot get any sound from the H4 into GB.
I do see the sound volume registering in the Input Level window of the H4, but not in GB.
Here is what I see in my Garageband:
Preferences >
Audio/MIDI >
- System Setting
- Built-in Microphone
- Built-in Input
- H4 Audio IN (when H4 is connected to the iMAC via USB)
Of course I have selected the H4.
Any help or insight would be greatly appreciated. Operators standing by!

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?

IMac FireWire Audio Interface keeps disconnecting

I'm having an intermitten issue with my iMac, which worked (and still works) fine with my IBM based notebook. My firewire audio interface keeps disconnecting, it works fine for a while (could be anywhere between 5 mins to 2 hours) before completing not giving any output, it doesn't switch back to Core Audio during this time. However, if I turn in off and on again, it's fine again.
Any ideas?
More Info:
Audio Interface: Profire 2626
iMac 2011
OSX 10.6.8

PreSonus FIREBOX 24-bit/96kHz FireWire

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

Firewire audio interface hangs XP SP3

Hi,
I have searched and found similar issues reported on here but none with a working solution.
I have successfully installed my firewire audio interface (ESI DuaFire) under XP SP3 on Boot Camp - the device is recognized by the system - but when I try to actually use it (play an MP3 or start making music) the whole systems hangs and I must hold the machine's power button down to kill it. Not even the mouse is responsive to trackpad movement when the hang is in effect.
Can anyone out there assist?
Thanks!

Check out this thread here:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1656583
It appears that sp3 has issues with firewire. I'm seeking a solution too, short of reinstalling as this person suggests. See also his link re: the famous little patch. I tried that already to no avail. I'm using SP3 too. My firewire behaves like USB... which would/could cause issues like you're describing.
Mike

Firewire Audio interface with 4 inputs?

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