Incompatibility w/ Firestudio/ Saffire Firewire Interfaces

Hi,
I’ve just bought a MacBook Pro 15” 2.2, 2GB RAM loaded with Leopard/ Logic Studio 8. I’m very happy with it so far, but have yet to record audio into it.
I’m looking into buying a firewire interface with 8 inputs, namely the Presonus Firestudio/ Firestudio Project and Focusrite Saffire models. I’ve heard, however, that there are a couple of compatibility issues with these devices, namely: a) problems running them in Leopard and b) problems running firewire on the Agere chipsets that the newer MacBooks are using.
Just wanted to know if anybody out there is running either a Firestudio/Project or a Saffire successfully under Leopard on a newer Macbook/ Macbook Pro. By successfully, I mean being able to record audio via firewire without freezing/ glitches/ core overloads or any other issue that might make the recording experience unpleasant.
Thanks for any help or input.
AKA

I have a saffire LE on my MacPro 2.66 with Leopard..
It will crash the system! It worked OK under Tiger though it needed regular hot plugging because it would stop.
If I hot plug it now, it crashes the Kernel. If you start cold with it it works but won't wake from sleep without crashing.
MAJOR PAIN!!!!! I have a report into their tech suport - but UGHH!!!!

Similar Messages

Intel iMac 20' users - any problems with noise on your firewire interfaces?

Someone please tell me that they have a quiet intel iMac 20'/Firewire interface set up, I'm having problems with a lot of digital noise from my Saffire LE & badly am hoping it's 'fixable' or just a faulty unit but more so, praying it's not noise from the iMacs Power supply that will interfere with any firewire interface I get???
I've read many posts about G5's suffering from noisy psu's which was one factor in my choosing an intel iMac & I chose the Saffire on it's great reviews for sound quality, there's no way I can work with the noise I'm getting & I'm pretty much panicking that if it IS the iMac & firewire thats the problem I'll be screwed as i only have 6 pin firewire as a useable option (really don't want to use usb2)
Incidentally, the 'budget' set up I had previously (PC & soundblaster audigy) didnt suffer from any noise like this (at least not that was even audible with the mixer levels at conversational level!) which i guess rules out any blame of this on 'mains hum/interference'?
The noise is there with the saffire's monitor output knob at any setting & with no inputs connected, it;s even worse if i power the saffire with it's external psu instead of off buss power. I'm not using a firewire hub & I've tried switching firewire leads & removing the firewire hard drive i have in the other port in case this was affecting it.
Would really appreciate hearing from anyone with similar troubles or even better anyone thats NOT having this problem with a 20' intel iMac & firewire interface so at least i know there's light (& quiet!) at the end of the tunnel
Adam
Intel iMac 20' Mac OS X (10.4.7)

funnily enough I'm going the other way, I have a rack of external modules/>sampler/fx etc & a crate of looms I've just unplugged as they've not been >turned on in so long!!!
I hear you there!
The noise is there without any inputs at all to the interface, its defiantely >digital though, its like a toned version of the sound of an old telephone >modem.
What I mean, is try disconnecting everything, drives and all. You might even disconnect the interface and crank up the iMacs volume to see if it is there. If it is, you can try the UPS and see if that takes care of it. Then add them in one at a time. All it takes is one cheap power brick in the mix to cause all kinds of trouble (if your using powered monitors, that brick too). Noisy components can actually send noise back into the source power.
I know it can be really frustrating, especially if you have noise coming from more that one source. The key is to strip everything until it is quiet and then add them back in to see where the worst is. Then come up with a plan to try to get rid of the noise.

I'm just not sure what Firewire interface to buy

I've been lightly researching FW interfaces for the past 4-5 months and had my heart set on the Firebox until the Edirol FA-66 came out. Then I decided to wait until reviews of the Edirol surfaced before making my decision between the two interfaces. However, I cannot find a review for the Edirol! It's been out since April, has it not?
And now the Saffire comes along and throws a wrench into my research.
I'm going to be purchasing a unit in the next month or two.
My needs are:
Record Vocals (mic to come)
Record Acoustic Guitar (SM-57 for now, better mic(s) later)
Record a djembe (African Drum)
Use Midi from a keyboard
Use some drum loops until I can record a real set
I want to eventually use 2 mic's to record my acoustic guitar and may also want to use a vocal mic at the same time (3 inputs).
Price isn't much of a factor but less than $500 would be ideal. I don't NEED a Firepod ($600) so I am not considering it. So I guess price is a factor then .
I'm frustrated! Computer specs are in my siggy. In addition to my iMac, I have the newest generation 12" iBook.

I have an Edirol FA-101 (the big brother to the FA-66), and I'm a big fan of the Edirol Firewire interfaces for several reasons. The below comments apply to the FA-66 as well.
1.) It's hot-pluggable, as opposed to M-Audio interfaces. The chip that Edirol uses apparently senses when it's connected so as not to blow your Firewire port.
2.) No driver is necessary. The Mac OS has support for the Edirol FW interfaces built in, so there's no driver conflicts or updates necessary.
3.) It's one sharp looking interface; the red is awesome! (Okay, this shouldn't be a factor, but it still looks cool).
4.) Edirol has a lifetime warranty on non-moving parts. MOTU, for example, has a paltry 90 day warranty. I love MOTU interfaces as well (I had an 828 for a long time), but the Edirol warranty is great.
5.) Edirol's tech support is great. I always get an e-mail response from them within the hour, no matter how trivial the question.
So, I strongly recommend Edirol as you can see, but there are some great interfaces out there, so it'll be hard to go wrong. I would probably stay away from M-Audio simply because of their hot-plugging issues, but if you play by their rules, even their interfaces get good reviews. Still, I'd go for Edirol if I were you.
Good luck!

External usb/firewire interface

Hi,
I'm thinking of using getting an external USB Audio Interface, and would like some suggestions about products that work well with logic express and my Macbook Pro.
I need something that will allow all my band to hook at once (at least 5 inputs) and hear, with headphones, at the same time (at least 5 outputs).
I was considering the M-Audio Fast Track Ultra.
Has anyone tried it?

I would second using a Firewire interface, I've had both USB and Firewire and found the latter to be far more steady. I think you would find a lot of people would warn you away from the M-audio interfaces, their drivers are famously poor. Presonus makes some really solid interfaces with great pre's. The Firestudio or FP-10 go for $300-$500 depending on where you shop and how good you are at talking salespeople down. From personal experience I would spend the extra money on the new Firestudio, I've been very happy with the one I've been working with.

Firewire Interface and Microphone Choices?

Was looking to drop no more than 500 dollars on a firewire interface and less than 175 in a microphone to do some decent quality recording onto my MB (primarily trumpet, ukulele and acoustic guitar). For the interface I've been looking at the:
Apogee Duet
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Apogee-Duet-Firewire-Interface?sku=234444
And for the mic, the:
MXL 992
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-MXL-992-LargeDiaphragm-Condenser-Micr ophone?sku=273162
Any feedback on these two products or have any other recommendations? Thanks for the help.

MBaltrusitis wrote:
Was looking to drop no more than 500 dollars on a firewire interface and less than 175 in a microphone to do some decent quality recording onto my MB (primarily trumpet, ukulele and acoustic guitar). For the interface I've been looking at the:
Apogee Duet
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Apogee-Duet-Firewire-Interface?sku=234444
And for the mic, the:
MXL 992
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/MXL-MXL-992-LargeDiaphragm-Condenser-Micr ophone?sku=273162
Any feedback on these two products or have any other recommendations? Thanks for the help.
If you don't need a lot of inputs and outputs, but are looking for decent sound quality, the Apogee Duet seems like a good deal.
I'm not familiar with the mic.

Which firewire interface for Final Cut Pro on MacPro?

I currently own a Presonus Firepod, and it seems to work pretty well, but may sell this when I upgrade from a MacMini to a MacPro. I use my Mac for Logic Pro currently.
I anticipate running Final Cut Pro in the near future, so I'm wondering about the ability to read/generate SMPTE time code that the MOTU traveller supplies?
There will be no external mixer, so this interface will connect directly to speakers & headphones. (would be nice to be able to mute speakers and control headphone mix using just the firewire interface).
I don't anticipate needing more than 2 Mic inputs - and my current mike is a Rode NT1. (As the NT1 is not a top-of-the-line mic, unsure if I should place a lot of emphasis on worrying about the pre-ams?)
I would like decent mic preamps, and ability to graphically monitor input and output levels (is this graphic monitoring necessary, or is just the single overload indicator sufficient?).
Which interfaces in $600-$1500 range would work best with Final Cut Pro - and Logic Pro?

I saw the Traveller ads in Videography mentioning
time code, so I presumed it had an advantage over
other interfaces.
I found this in some ad copy:
"""The Travler provides on-board SMPTE time code synchronization features that allow you to slave your Traveler system to SMPTE time code without a synchronizer. The Traveler provides a DSP-driven phase-lock engine with sophisticated filtering that provides fast lockup times and sub-frame accuracy. The included MOTU SMPTE Console software provides a complete set of tools to generate SMPTE for striping, regenerating or slaving other devices to the computer."""
So it likely uses an audio port for timecode I/O. However, unless you have external equipment that you want to slave to Logic Pro, (or have Logic slave to) e.g. a timecode DAT, then this really is not necessary. FCP would not see the Travaller as a "controllable" device.
For Final Cut Pro use, I'd probably shoot in HDV.
When shooting a green screen near my computer (or
maybe even on-site), I wondered if there would be an
advantage to recording the audio thru an interface
like the traveller.
The advantage is that you could capture additional mics and audio tracks with your mac while the cameras shoot. Just slate your takes and sync up later.
Do I actually need an interface that provides time
code, or is that only needed for movie work?
I have SMPTE I/O on my Unitor8, directly accessable in Logic Pro. In 8 years I've probably used it twice to capture audio from some modular digital multitracks. So, unless you have some specific need.....
Maybe it is simpler just to connect to the mic
directly to the camera's input?
Indeed. You should always have camera audio available. Anything else is supplemental. Alternatively, you could use the Travaller or RME, etc. as a "live to camera" mixer in a studio situation. Plug your mics into the interface, create a submix and send it to the camera while simultaneously capturing each mic to an individual track in Logic Pro. There are many possibilities.
G5 QuadPPC2.5, Ram:12.5g, Magma PCIe-PCI expansion Mac OS X (10.4.8) 2X Hammerfall DSP Digiface+Multiface, Digi 002r, 4X UAD-1

Are there ANY firewire interfaces that work with 24" imac 2.16 Core 2 duo?

This is really getting frustrating. I have now tried and failed at getting both an m-audio profire lightbridge and a TC electronic studio konnekt 48 to work on this computer. Both interfaces were tested with Leopard and Tiger, no success.
My computer is NOT the aluminum imac, it's the earlier whiteface version, so it's supposed to have the TI chipset(I've been told that the aluminum imacs don't work because they have a agrere chipset....) The firewire port works fine with an external hard drive, but no one seems to be able to write software drivers that work.
If anyone is successfully running a firewire interface with this model computer please let me know what OS you are running, the interface, and what software you are using.
I'm starting to think that the problem is on apple's end, it shouldn't be this hard for third party manufacturers to write reliable drivers. both m-audio and tc electronic's forums are littered with complaints about bad drivers for the last year or so.
Message was edited by: MNMinstrel

Yildox - I've been doing a little more research... Your imac has a known problem, it's the particular firewire chipset it uses, made by Agere. The older white versions have a Texas instruments chipset, which is supposed to be better, though I haven't had any success with mine so far in the audio interface department.
I really think that the problem is bigger than that though. Everyone having a problem with a firewire audio interface seems to have one similarity, a mac made in the last 2 years running OS 10.4.9 or later.

USB/Firewire Interface for MIDI and audio (Garage Band)

I want to connect a Roland Handsonic (electronic drum) and Shure microphone to a Mac Pro for recording in Garage Band. What is the best USB/firewire interface for MIDI and audio?
Mac Pro desktop Mac OS X (10.4.8)

If you click one of the links you can read all about it in depth.
three guitarists
That's not what you asked for B-)>
Once you want more than 2 audio inputs, the prices start jumping up dramatically.
would this be the best interface to use?
If you really want "Best" then it's a simple answer:
http://www.bulletsandbones.com/GB/FirePod.html

Very Happy With New FireWire Interface

I went to Guitar Center tonight to buy my son something for his punk band (he's the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter). I ended up buying him an amp modeling stomp box with lots of different kinds of sounds and settings (three pedals plus an expression pedal).
While I was there, I was looking at FireWire interfaces for my new MBP, which will replace my G5. They had an M-Audio Firewire Solo, which normally retails for $199. They had a return, and were asking $110. I got it for $100. Brought it home, set it up, and it works really well. And no more chirps from the G5. I went ahead and routed the audio cables through a ground loop isolator (I used two for the G5), which also converts unbalanced audio cables to balanced, so I could save the $40 they wanted for a pair of those (yes, $40).
I am very happy right now. I was working on an ambient-ocean themed song before pulling the G5. Tonight, I have already added a voiceover track using the phantom-powered mic input, and added a mix of sounds from my old Roland and Korg synth rack modules. Very cool. Very happy.

I have to agree with you. We got the G4 last week and to date (touch wood) there were no problems with our packages, switching over or any other problems. It was really smooth and the G4 box is fast quick and works really well. A good bit of kit that the family really like.
GF

Audio Controls Disabled with Firewire Interface?

I've found a few references to this in other posts from the past, but rarely and never with any answer or solution.
I just replaced my cheapo USB audio interface with a *Tapco Link.Firewire* interface. It works and sounds fantastic except for one issue that is a huge problem for my set up, and one I never anticipated.
With the firewire interface selected, Mac OS X disables all volume and mute controls. This means the only way to adjust volume control is with the knob on the interface.
The USB interface I was previously using worked like a charm with the native OS X volume controls, and it just doesn't seem right that I am locked out. I rely very much on the Apple remote and keyboard volume controls, especially the muting button.
If there is a solution for this, a different driver I could install, I would love to know about it. There are no drivers from Tapco, they say it just works with Core Audio.
Is this normal for these firewire interfaces or did I just maybe get a dud?

When I use my FW interface (Ultralite) my laptop volume controls don't work, I have to use the volume control on the interface, my monitors' volume control or volume controls within any software I'm using.
It's normal.

IMac and USB or Firewire interface?

I'm close to purchasing a new quad core iMac. My only hesitation is that the iMac has only a single Firewire input. At the moment I use a MacBook 2 GHz with an Edirol UA-25 USB interface and two external Firewire drives, one for recording audio and the other for samples.
But what if I need to replace my interface? There are far more Firewire audio interfaces than there are USB offerings. I assume that daisy-chaining the two external drives plus a Firewire interface might over-tax the iMac's single Firewire input. On the other hand, the most I ever record at one time are two tracks. I guess what I'm really asking is this: Given my need for only two inputs, what's the difference between a USB and a Firewire interface?
Jim

It's a Firewire 800 port.
Daisy-chain or use a hub. For maximum performance in daisy-chaining, hook up your FW800 devices first, and hang the FW 400 device(s) off that. If you have more than on FW 400 device, use a hub.
Also, I don't think there's ever been a Mac that had more than one Firewire controller, i.e. even on machines with more than one port, all Firewire ports hook up to a single chipset, meaning it's just an integrated hub, with no speed benefit at all from the multiple sockets.

Firewire Interface not working because of missing voltage

Hi,
I am using a Qutafire Firewire Interface for music production on my MacPro. I just got a new 17" MacBook Pro and wanted to connect it to the laptop. Unfortunatelly the Firewire 400 port doesn´t suooly enough power for the interface. - I tested it with the old macbook of my girlfriend and it is working as allways. I also tryed to connect it with several new Macbooks and Macbook Pros of my friends and it isn´t working there either. Can it be, that the new motherboards etc. don´t give support enough power to the firewire ports?
What can I do?
Thanks
Michael
PS: Well I can connect the interface with the laptop using my taurus raid system (connect via FW 800) but, as soon as my Logic projects become bigger (more software instruments) the lantency arises, too.

How do you know the issue is insufficient power? Are you getting an error message to that effect?
Firewire is a standard and I have a hard time believing Apple would have violated the standard and provided sub-par power output from the MBP's ports. On the other hand, it could be that the Qutafire requires slightly more power than the FW spec allows for, and that older Apple notebooks were tolerant of the out-of-spec condition whereas the MBP is not. I have seen cases like that with USB.
Perhaps a small, portable, FW hub with its own power supply will be your best solution if you can't get it working any other way.

Saffire firewire bug

I've been using a Saffire FW audio interface successfully for a couple of weeks. All of a sudden my tower won't start up if the Saffire is connected. The Saffire works fine with my PowerBook (G4 12"), and other FW sound cards work fine with the tower. I have tried different cables as well as software and firmware updates.
I suspect this problem may be related to the fact that the Saffire is bus powered. I have tried to start up with the Saffire plugged to its own transformer and the tower still shuts down seconds after the grey screen appears.
Anyone have any ideas about this?
Thanks.
G4 MDD DP 1.25 2GRAM Mac OS X (10.3.9)

I'll tell you another negative thing about the new iMacs: you can't raise or lower the display. Only tilt it.
That means if on a desk you need to put it on top of books to be at the right eye level.
I already had a custom desk with a monitor shelf, an Omnirax Prostation Jr. MC. With the iMac on the monitor shelf, the display is way too high. It strains the eyes to be looking up constantly.
So not only do you have to buy a new soundcard to make music, but a new computer desk as well!
Imo, this Firewire issue is deliberate. Apple has partenered with Apogee to make the Ensemble audio interface and they don't want RME stealing the limelight. By ensuring that RME products don't work with the iMac, they automatically increase sales of the Apogee Ensemble. After all big studios have money to splurge, when somethings is not working right, they just replace it.
I've finally got it though my thick head that Apple cares not for the lil guy.
Lucky for me, I'm not a die-had Mac fan. I do have Wintel laptops to use with the Fireface 400. So I'm not completely stuck. I'll just use the iMac for what its name suggests it to be used for. An internet Machine. NOT a music production machine.
You can buy a Quadcore Windows PC system for the same price of a 20 iMac these days. As long as you stick to XP and not VIsta, you will have much better luck going that route. Ableton Live runs better on Windows XP than OS X.

"Best" firewire interface

Is there a better option than the M-Audio FireWire 410 for outputting six or more discreet channels of audio for surround mixing? Of course price is an issue to take into consideration. The PreSonus FireStudio is pretty cool, but for $500, I don't really need eight simultaneous inputs (even though down the road it would be nice).
It seems like the best options, when taking into account price and number of i/o, are the FireWire 410 and the Focusrite Saffire. Is there anything new out there that I should check out?

M-Audio would be the lower middle of the line...
But if you are looking for something sub $500 something M-Audio would be the way to go...
Top of the line will be an Apogee Rosetta 800 8-Channel, 24bit/192kHz AD/DA Converter. The fire wire card is an option... But that is in the Thousands...
I used to use an Apogee AD800 which they no longer make, I had a Firewire card for it... It was amazing...
www.apogeedigital.com
My portable setup uses an Apogee Duet which is 2 channels i/o and is $500

Can you run Edirol / Focusrite firewire interfaces at the same time?

Hey Guys,
I have an Edirol FA-101 but i'm just about to get a Focusrite Saffire (or maybe a Motu 8pre...haven't decided yet) and was wondering if I can run the 2 interfaces at the same time for more inputs...i know i can chain 2 of the edirol ones but i'm not sure if it works with different makes.
Thanks

so I actually did get myself a focusrite saffire pro 26 and it's pretty cool (apart from the focusrite computer side interface that seems to have a few bugs when you control by hardware...)
I'm probably gonna get myself an octopre or a twintrack pro to make use of at least some of the extra digital inputs but for now I have the semi redundant Edirol FA-101 in my rack, if I can get the two working together then that's great!
I have tried what you said and it did pair them together however it made a really awful noise when trying to record, just intense digital distortion and i'm not really sure why. I'm running it all from a macbook pro with only one FW port (that has the Saffire / Edirol / FW Hard drive / Liquid Mix running from it in that order) do you think this order is more the problem?
Dave

Incompatibility w/ Firestudio/ Saffire Firewire Interfaces

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