RE: Audio Interface for Notebook Users

["jeff larson" <jeff.larson@sailpoint.com>]

This doesn't answer your question, but one that wasn't on your list in
the same price range is the PreSonus Firebox 6x10 at $299.  It got
good press when it came out about a year ago, it looks like the Fast
Track is trying to compete in that space.

 

These should all have comparable sound quality, which for live use
isn't that important anyway.  I've heard people whine about the mic
pre's on one unit over another but if you're that serious about it you
probably have your own standalone preamps anyway.

 

Latency should be no problem if you're only using a few channels.  In
theory USB/Firewire devices are more suspectable to bus contention
than a PCMCIA card, but if you only have one high-speed device on the
bus it isn't an issue.  Just avoid having the audio interface,
scanner, video digitizer, and external backup hard drive all going at
the same time :-)

 

Historically firewire has had a better reputation than USB, but
they're about the same now.  USB is a bit twitchier with hubs, you
have to be careful never to mix USB1 and USB2 devices on the same hub.
If you're plugging directly into the computer you're fine.

 

Really the only thing to be greatly concerned about is the quality of
the device drivers, especially if this is a relatively new device.
 I like to sift through the manufacturer's support forums to see
if people are complaining.

 

Jeff