So what’s the best, U say?

[baraban]

I plan to spend 200-250$ for an external audio/midi interface (2in/2out or more). I got a coupla questions bout that and appreciate it if U gimme some advice.

I mainly use FL-5 and I was told that firewire portables are much faster (lower latency) than USB2 stuff. Are they? I obviously need a strong ASIO support as I plan to use my FL-5 for live performances routing the analog inputs into the mixer tracks and add FL effects to them (e.g. guitar+mic vocoding etc.).
What kind of interface do I need?

My system’s config below:
CPU IntelPentiumD3.4GHz/MB Intel945P/RAM DDRII512Mb (plan to add 1 or 2Gb more)/VGA ATi-X1600-bla-bla-bla… and USB2/but no firewire port.’

I got time to think it over till December and currently look at ‘M-AUDIO Firewire Audiofile (2in/2out)’. Will that thingy satisfy my needs? Water U sink bout that? And what sort of PCI-firewire adapter/converter/perverter (whatever that thing called) do I need for my purpose? Will it cost me a lot?

Post your thoughts below and U’ll probably contribute to the creation of multiple masterpieces:rolleyes:
ThanXalot!!!

[David Muniz]

Listed in order of better overall performance from least to best.

USB - not bad, but most subject to latency. Low bandwidth means more work for the computer. This is for a cost effective pro solution.

FireWire - Best mobile option - High bandwidth means low latency and less work for the computer. More expensive than USB options.

PCI - Best overall option - Highest Bandwidth means lowest latency and least work for your computer. Best overall value - low cost and great performance - but obviously, can't use with a laptop.

Since you want to use it for performance, I would go with a FW device. This will give you the mobility you need and the low latency to perform with.

If you are planning live performances, you should really look at Ableton Live. It's, hands down, the best tool for playing Live available.

The FireWire Audiophile will let your record and playback to and from Line level sources. So if you have a mixer, that will do the trick. However, for what it sounds like you are doing, I would keep my eyes on the M-Audio website.