M-Audio FW410 connect with s/pdif rather than firewire

Question

Forgive me if this is really naive, but I've recently begun having lots of problems with my audio set-up (no sound sporadically, slow volume adjustment response, distortion, etc), and upgrading the 410 driver hasn't helped. This isn't just in Logic, but system-wide.
There was a thread a year or two ago about hooking up your interface through s/pdif rather than firewire, and my understanding was that doing this (with whatever interface you have) would not require the use of the manufacturer's driver, as it would be controlled through Apple's Core Audio...thus minimizing any driver issues. That could be great as I've never had the need to record more than one track at a time, which is the limitation of doing it this way.
I wanted to give this a try, but I'm not having any luck. I've unhooked my firewire connection and plugged the optical connections to the back of my G5. I set my Sound In & Out preferences to Digital, but I'm not getting any response. Haven't opened Logic yet, as I was initially wanting to see if I could at least hear Quicktime or iTunes files. No luck. This should work, shouldn't it?
I've searched these forums, the web in general, and M-Audio's support, but haven't found any clues. I'm guessing that I've either missed an important step, or that I'll still have to use the M-Audio driver even when trying to use s/pdif.
Thanks for any advice!

Answer 1

Hi,
Here's how to do it:
1. Unplug the M-Audio FW 410 from the computer. Unplug it from the power outlet, if it is plugged in there.
2. Uninstall the M-Audio drivers, completely. Leave none in the computer, or this will not work correctly.
3. Box up the FW 410 in it's original box. If this is no longer available, any good cardboard box will do. you don't need fancy packing material at this stage.
4. Place the unit into a plastic or metal container outside, usually reserved for Trash. Do NOT place the unit in the recycle bin, as this will cause the garbage truck to crash. Then the City will go after you. You can opt for a slam dunk, a three pointer from your front door, as long as it gets in the container.
5. Immediately afterwards, go to your local Dealer, and purchase either:
a. A RME product.
b. A Digidesign product (if you need access to ProTools).
c. A Motu product.
6. Return home with new product, open the box, and read the instructions on how to install this new product.
7. Install new product.
8. Sit down and meditate for 5 minutes.
9. After realizing how much or your precious time was wasted by M-Audio, either cry, get drunk (only if over 21), or better yet, REJOICE at the fact that you now have a new product that WORKS.
WARNING: If you do not follow each step outlined above, you will not be able to continue in the quest for audio recording. Or playback for that matter. And you will continue to be miserable. Unless you're a masochist, in which case continue using the M-Audio product, as it will provide endless hours of pain.
Cheers